The media's primary focus throughout February 22 was the escalation of the trade conflict between the Trump administration and the judiciary. Following the previous day's unconstitutionality ruling, editors prioritized President Trump's sudden decision to raise the proposed global tariff rate from 10% to 15%. Outlets like Yomiuri and Nikkei tracked this policy shift, while Sankei highlighted domestic reactions from the ruling party, including tax chief Onodera's condemnation of the move as "absurd." Concurrently, the political narrative centered on Prime Minister Takaichi’s post-election consolidation. Media reported her cabinet's approval rating surging to 61% while highlighting Nikkei’s investigation into AI-driven disinformation campaigns by Chinese accounts targeting her. Despite high support, editors noted Takaichi’s diplomatic caution in avoiding cabinet-level attendance at "Takeshima Day" ceremonies to maintain relations with Seoul. By early afternoon, attention shifted to a domestic emergency at Tokyo Skytree, where an elevator failure left approximately 20 people trapped 30 meters above ground, dominating breaking news cycles alongside the conclusion of the Milan-Cortina Olympics.