Trump's declaration against Nippon Steel's majority ownership of US Steel dominated morning coverage, followed by announcement of 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports. China responded with retaliatory tariffs up to 15% on US coal and LNG. By afternoon, Japanese media shifted focus to diplomatic efforts, revealing behind-the-scenes negotiations where Ishiba's "logical explanations" reportedly impressed Trump.
The Yashio sinkhole search concluded after two weeks, while avalanche concerns grew following isolation of 160 people at Tsuchiyu Onsen. Aichi Prefecture announced plans for its first cybercrime bureau, responding to rising digital threats. A Japanese anthropologist's 30-year study of Nazca Lines reached breakthrough conclusions using AI analysis.
Evening coverage centered on rising opposition to medical cost reforms, with Constitutional Democratic Party demanding freeze of proposed changes to high-cost medical care system.
