The Diet passed major political reform legislation abolishing the "policy activity funds" system, marking a significant shift in political financing transparency, while deferring decisions on corporate donations to March 2025. Prime Minister Ishiba emphasized this as evidence of successful minority government negotiations.
The Asahi Shimbun projected 2024 births falling below 700,000 for the first time since records began in 1899, intensifying demographic concerns. The Environment Ministry announced plans to strengthen PFAS chemical regulations after finding contamination in 44 specialized water systems.
Evening coverage focused on the Nuclear Regulation Authority's effective conclusion of its 11-year safety review of Tomari Nuclear Power Plant's No. 3 reactor. The Labor Ministry proposed limiting consecutive workdays to 14, down from the current 48-day maximum, while reports emerged of AEON Bank facing regulatory action over anti-money laundering deficiencies.