Japan

The economy is under significant pressure from external shocks and a crisis in its flagship auto sector. Surging oil prices triggered a stock market plunge and forced the release of strategic oil reserves, while major automakers Honda and Sony canceled their joint EV project and Nissan cut production due to Middle East shipping delays. The yen weakened and stocks fell further after central banks held rates steady.

• 28Honda cancels three electric vehicles and expects its first annual loss in decades
• 15Sony and Honda end their joint electric car project
• 15Japan marks 15 years since Fukushima disaster with nuclear revival
• 14Toyota raises buyout offer to win activist fund's support for $38 billion deal
• 13Japanese car companies expand partnerships and production in Vietnam

Japanese foreign policy is dominated by a high-stakes summit with Trump, who made a provocative Pearl Harbor joke and requested help securing the Strait of Hormuz. Prime Minister Takaichi avoided an open rift but faced a complex diplomatic landscape as Iran later offered safe passage to Japanese ships and European allies joined Japan in condemning Iran's actions.

• 11European countries and Japan condemn Iran's actions in Strait of Hormuz
• 8Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi visits Washington for summit with Trump
• 4Japan denies U.S. official’s claim Takaichi pledged to send MSDF to Mideast
• 4Japan rejects US assessment of its shift on Taiwan ahead of leaders' meeting
• 4Takaichi Says Trump Visit to Be ‘Extremely Difficult’ After Warship Spat

Security policy is focused on the Strait of Hormuz dilemma and regional provocations. Following Trump's request and a subsequent Iranian ceasefire offer, Japan is considering sending troops for mine clearance, having initially declined a military escort. The period also saw North Korea fire ballistic missiles into the Sea of Japan and Russian fighters with hypersonic missiles conduct overflights.

• 8Japan considers sending troops for mine clearance in Hormuz Strait after ceasefire
• 6Japanese-flagged container ship sustains damage in the Persian Gulf
• 5Japan says bar high for sending warships to protect Gulf oil lane
• 3Serbian Defense Ministry targeted by Russian state hackers
• 3Japan tests target tracking capabilities of Lockheed Martin AN/SPY-7(V)1 radar

Society is marked by a dominant tension between solemn national remembrance and anxiety over external crises. The primary focus was the 15th anniversary of the 2011 earthquake, tsunami, and Fukushima disaster, with ceremonies and personal recollections. This backdrop of collective memory contrasted with emerging public concerns, including panic-buying of toilet paper linked to fears over the Iran conflict and PFAS contamination near U.S. bases in Okinawa.

• 8Japan marks 15 years since the earthquake and tsunami disaster
• 4Unidentified foam near U.S. military bases in Okinawa raises PFAS concerns
• 3Families recall personal losses on Japan tsunami anniversary
• 2Japan's cherry blossom picnics feel the pinch of global inflation
• 2Japan to double residency period for naturalization to 10 yrs starting Wed. - Japan Wire by Kyodo News