China's rare earth export curbs halted Suzuki Swift production in Japan by morning, marking the first direct manufacturing impact of Beijing's strategic mineral restrictions. Japan's Economic Minister departed for Washington with a "China countermeasure package" focused on building alternative supply chains for seven restricted rare earth types and liquified natural gas procurement.
The diplomatic response accelerated when Trump and Xi Jinping held a phone call by afternoon, reportedly discussing both rare earth restrictions and student visa issues. The leaders agreed to early tariff negotiations, with Japan positioning its counter-China proposal as leverage for US trade concessions.
Domestic stories continued evolving from previous days' coverage. Government stockpiled rice appeared in convenience stores as the ongoing shortage persisted. Tohoku University announced plans to recruit 500 top researchers without salary caps, targeting American academics affected by Trump administration policies. The imperial family's Okinawa commemoration of war dead remained in focus ahead of World War II's 80th anniversary.