Pre-dawn markets responded to international developments as long-term interest rates reached 1.5%, a 16-year peak. Morning operations across eastern Japan halted when Shinkansen cars decoupled near Tokyo, affecting 150,000 passengers and forcing JR East to suspend all coupled train operations.
Seven & i Holdings announced structural transformation through a ¥2 trillion share buyback and plans to list its North American Seven-Eleven subsidiary, while maintaining majority control. President Isaka's resignation completed the leadership transition initiated earlier this week.
The Supreme Court finalized the Fukushima case by rejecting appeals to charge former TEPCO executives, while France initiated discussions on extending its nuclear deterrence umbrella across Europe. The administration maintained its rejection of U.S. defense spending demands, continuing the pattern of Western realignment observed since recent U.S.-Ukraine developments.