November
Japanese media outlets primarily focused on the conclusion of the APEC summit and Prime Minister Takaichi's diplomatic activities. Early morning reports indicated the APEC summit was closing, with the adoption of a leaders' declaration being a key focus. By mid-morning, it was confirmed that APEC had concluded with a declaration that saw a retreat in language concerning free trade. Concurrently, Nikkei Shimbun highlighted Takaichi's early diplomatic efforts, emphasizing image projection over concrete policy, a continuation of the previous day's focus on her international engagements. Later in the afternoon, Yahoo News Japan reported on Takaichi's meeting with a Taiwanese representative, which drew protest from China.
Japanese media outlets on 2025-11-02 largely focused on diplomatic and economic shifts. Early reports from The Japan Times highlighted President Trump's positive engagement with Asian allies, a notable shift from previous threats. Concurrently, Nikkei Shimbun detailed the Ministry of Finance's move to abolish tax breaks for personal imports, specifically targeting low-priced goods from China. This reflects an ongoing effort to manage economic relations with China, following previous days' discussions on tariffs and rare earth export regulations. Later in the day, Japanese police measures against 'Tokuryu' crime groups using 'decoy accounts' also gained traction, suggesting a focus on domestic security and financial crime.
Japanese media on 2025-11-03 focused significantly on international trade and diplomacy. In the morning, Nikkei Shimbun and Nikkei Asia reported that the Philippines and UAE applied to join the TPP, a move framed as a response to anticipated Trump tariffs and an effort to promote free trade. This followed previous days' reports on President Trump's engagements with Asian allies and Japan's measures against cheap imports. Concurrently, Yahoo News Japan highlighted diplomatic activities, including Prime Minister Kishida's intention to hold a summit with North Korea and a meeting between a Taiwanese representative and a Japanese official. Earlier, President Trump's claims regarding secret nuclear tests by China and Russia also received media attention.
Japanese media on 2025-11-04 tracked Prime Minister Takaichi's actions and major economic shifts. Early reports from Yahoo News Japan indicated Takaichi's first meeting on foreign policy. Concurrently, Nikkei Asia reported Starbucks selling a majority stake in its China operations to Boyu Capital. By mid-morning, The Japan Times reported Takaichi defending her cabinet choices, and Yahoo News Japan stated the government identified AI and 16 other fields for priority investment. Later in the day, Foreign Minister Motegi refuted China's protests regarding Taiwan. In the afternoon, Nippon Steel announced plans to mass-produce high-grade steel for US data centers, continuing a focus on economic strategy that included corporate pension fund solvency.
Japanese media on November 5, 2025, primarily focused on the Nikkei average's sharp decline, dropping over 2,000 yen and falling below the 50,000 yen mark in early trading. This economic shift was linked to a sell-off in US tech stocks and concerns about AI market overheating, as noted by Nikkei Shimbun and Yahoo News Japan. Concurrently, US political developments, including the Democrats' sweep in major elections and the ongoing US government shutdown, remained a significant focus. International trade adjustments, such as China's suspension of US tariffs and Toyota's revised profit forecast amid Trump tariffs, also received attention. Domestically, discussions continued on office rent increases in Tokyo and the prime minister's stance on the Moritomo issue.
Japanese media on 2025-11-06 extensively covered domestic politics and corporate shifts. Early reports from Nikkei Shimbun indicated Nissan selling its headquarters for a special profit to aid restructuring, a story that continued throughout the morning. Concurrently, the government planned hospital wage increases through a supplementary budget, according to Yahoo News Japan. International attention included a typhoon in the Philippines and ongoing questions about Trump's tariffs by the US Supreme Court. By early afternoon, Prime Minister Takaichi's administration became a central focus, with discussions on fiscal stimulus and "wise spending" by Nikkei Shimbun. The afternoon further emphasized Takaichi's activities, as Yahoo News Japan reported her first National Security Council meeting.
Japanese media on 2025-11-07 focused heavily on economic concerns and political developments. Early reports highlighted a potential Trump Supreme Court tariff defeat, adding to trade uncertainty, and a significant drop in the Nikkei average, which fell over 1000 yen. Later, the Nikkei continued its decline, falling over 1100 yen, with large growth stocks under scrutiny. China's exports unexpectedly declined for the first time since February, further contributing to economic anxieties. Concurrently, North Korea's missile launch received attention, with reports of it falling outside the EEZ. By mid-morning, Prime Minister Takaichi apologized regarding welfare benefit reductions and initiated discussions to update Japan's economic security law. The day concluded with reports on stablecoins potentially challenging the dollar's dominance.
Japanese media on November 8, 2025, heavily emphasized domestic political developments, particularly around Prime Minister Takaichi's administration. Early reports indicated an 82% approval rating for the Takaichi Cabinet. By mid-morning, the focus shifted to Takaichi's proposed fiscal austerity measures, including plans for pay cuts for herself and her ministers, alongside promoting growth investment through bold tax cuts in strategic areas like AI. Concerns regarding her stamina during committee sessions were also noted. This reflects a shift towards more direct economic intervention and government austerity, following previous days' discussions on economic security and fiscal stimulus. Foreign policy elements, such as the US Supreme Court's tariff brief, also continued to be reported.
Japanese media on November 9, 2025, initially highlighted concerns about Japan's economic standing, with the Nikkei Shimbun noting challenges for Japanese wine production despite international acclaim. The Huffington Post Japan reported a zoo closure due to suspected bear tracks. By mid-morning, the focus shifted to technological impact, with the Nikkei Shimbun reporting on AI agents directly affecting employment and the potential emergence of "super companies" in 2026. The Japan Times reported a tsunami advisory and later a passing threat for Iwate following a magnitude 6.7, then 6.9, earthquake. Nikkei Asia covered Philippine economic struggles. This blend of economic, technological, and natural disaster reporting marks a shift from the previous days' concentrated focus on Prime Minister Takaichi's fiscal policies and economic security discussions.
Japanese media on November 10, 2025, focused on domestic corporate struggles, with Shiseido reporting a record 52 billion yen loss and plans for further job cuts, as highlighted by Nikkei Shimbun in the morning. This follows a period of economic instability and yen discussions. By mid-morning, attention shifted to political developments, including Takaichi's firm stance on Taiwan contingency remarks and the Prime Minister's clarification regarding N-Party coalition, as reported by The Japan Times and Yahoo News Japan. Economic news also included JR East's expansion of Suica payment functions to compete with PayPay. Later in the afternoon, discussions emerged about reducing salaries for the Prime Minister and cabinet members.
Japanese media on November 11, 2025, focused heavily on SoftBank's strategic financial moves, with early reports noting their nearly tripled profits due to AI investments. By mid-morning, Nikkei Asia specified SoftBank's sale of its entire Nvidia stake for $5.8 billion, a decision driven by its pursuit of new AI opportunities. Domestically, there was continued discussion on the Prime Minister's stance on political slush funds and new economic measures. International attention included Takaichi's firm position on Taiwan, aligning with previous days' discussions, and reports of a suicide attack in Pakistan, while China's memory chip maker YMTC announced plans for a third plant by 2027.
November 12, 2025, in Japan was marked by a series of significant events, both domestic and international. The day began with a tsunami advisory issued for Iwate following a magnitude 6.7 earthquake, a recurring natural concern from previous days.

Concurrently, international tensions rose with reports of blasts rocking the capitals of India and Pakistan. This was further complicated by China's accusations of a US bitcoin hack.

Domestically, discussions continued on the ethical governance of AI, specifically regarding founder power at OpenAI and Tesla. The government also expanded drone flight restricted zones due to increased terror threats.

Later in the day, the Financial Services Agency indicated a move to allow credit unions to conduct trust operations, while Foxconn expressed optimism about AI-driven demand.
Japanese media on November 13, 2025, primarily focused on domestic political shifts. Early reports noted discussions on the 2026 NISA investment scheme and the ongoing debate regarding the July Upper House election's constitutionality. By mid-morning, G7 foreign ministers expressed alarm over China's military buildup, and internally, a joint national and local cybersecurity initiative was highlighted. A significant development later in the morning was Nissan's reported collaboration with Honda for vehicle development in the US. The afternoon saw ruling parties beginning talks to draft changes to Japan's postwar Constitution, a key editorial priority.
Japanese media on November 14, 2025, heavily covered China's escalating reaction to Prime Minister Takaichi's remarks on Taiwan. Early reports indicated China summoned Japan's envoy, demanding a retraction (Kyodo News English). This built on previous discussions concerning Taiwan's defense.

The narrative intensified throughout the day, with Nikkei Shimbun reporting China's hardened stance, leveraging the 80th anniversary of the Anti-Japanese War to fuel anti-Japanese sentiment. By early afternoon, Japan's Foreign Ministry summoned the Chinese Ambassador to protest, confirming a direct exchange of diplomatic rebukes (Yahoo News Japan, Kyodo News English).

Domestically, the government began considering reviewing the non-nuclear weapons principles, a significant policy shift (Kyodo News English).
Japanese media on November 15, 2025, consistently focused on the escalating diplomatic confrontation between Japan and China stemming from Prime Minister Takaichi's Taiwan remarks. Early reports questioned the wisdom of her 'resolute declaration' over strategic ambiguity and highlighted new pressure on Japan to increase defense spending following a US-South Korea agreement. By mid-morning, China explicitly urged its citizens to avoid visiting Japan, prompting Japan to protest the travel alert and press for stable ties. This situation was described as a litmus test for Takaichi's diplomacy, with China responding by implementing free cancellation policies for Japan-bound flights.
Japanese media on November 16, 2025, continued to focus on the political implications of Prime Minister Takaichi's rising popularity, noting concerns that it may stall necessary reforms, particularly as the LDP marked its 70th anniversary (Kyodo News English). This builds on previous reporting regarding her administration's handling of diplomatic issues with China. By early afternoon, Kyodo News confirmed a significant increase in public support for Takaichi's Cabinet, reaching 69.9%.

Concurrently, the government's economic stimulus package, estimated to exceed 17 trillion yen, began to take shape (Yahoo News Japan). This coincided with a continued advisory from China for its citizens to carefully consider studying in Japan (Yahoo News Japan), a development following earlier diplomatic tensions.
On November 17, 2025, Japanese media continued to highlight the diplomatic fallout with China, stemming from Prime Minister Takaichi's Taiwan remarks. Early reports confirmed a senior foreign ministry official's visit to Beijing to address tensions. This diplomatic effort unfolded as reports noted Japan's real GDP contraction in Q3, marking the first decline in six quarters.

Later in the morning, Beijing announced Premier Li would not meet PM Takaichi at the G20, intensifying the diplomatic strain. Concurrently, new economic reports focused on PM Takaichi's tax reform plans, which prioritize tax cuts to stimulate growth, with discussions commencing within the Liberal Democratic Party.

The day concluded with further indications of escalating tensions, as several major Chinese travel agencies halted sales of Japan trips, and the Japanese embassy in China issued safety warnings.
Japanese media on November 18, 2025, primarily focused on the deepening diplomatic rift with China over Prime Minister Takaichi's Taiwan comments. Early reports noted Japan's finance chief expressed concern over rapid forex movements as the yen weakened, and the Nikkei index began a significant decline, eventually falling over 3% due to weak tech shares and U.S. market concerns.

Throughout the day, tensions with China escalated. Japan and China senior officials held talks, but China reiterated demands for PM Takaichi to retract her Taiwan comments. By afternoon, both sides failed to bridge the gap, with Chinese officials expressing "dissatisfaction" and suggesting a prolonged chill in relations. Concurrently, discussions continued on PM Takaichi's administration and potential scenarios for a Taiwan contingency near Japan.
Japanese media on November 19, 2025, focused on the Niigata governor's impending approval of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant restart, a significant step following the Fukushima accident (Nikkei Shimbun, Kyodo News English, Nikkei Asia). This development was reported to involve the governor communicating the decision to prefectural officials and undertaking procedures to understand public opinion. Concurrently, China's escalating pressure on Japan continued, marked by the official re-imposition of a halt on seafood imports and renewed threats related to the detention of Japanese nationals (Yahoo News Japan, Nikkei Shimbun, Kyodo News English). These diplomatic tensions were framed within ongoing discussions of China's hardening stance towards Japan. Separately, a fatal fire in Oita, impacting over 170 buildings, remained a prominent story (Kyodo News English).
Japanese media on November 20, 2025, continued to focus on the diplomatic fallout from Prime Minister Takaichi's remarks on Taiwan. Early reports noted the Nikkei's recovery above 50,000 yen, and NVIDIA's record earnings, alongside potential power shortage risks for AI semiconductors. By mid-morning, the Liberal Democratic Party began discussions on revising Japan's security documents, including the three non-nuclear principles, amidst growing tensions with China. The US ambassador to Japan later denounced China's response to Takaichi's remarks, further intensifying diplomatic discussions. Other topics included financial oversight, foreign resident processing fees, and welfare benefit reductions.
Japanese media on November 21, 2025, primarily focused on the restart of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant. The Niigata governor formally approved the restart of two TEPCO reactors, the first since Fukushima, with local consent expected by year-end. This development built on previous days' discussions, signaling a significant step forward for energy policy. Concurrently, the government's 21 trillion yen economic package continued to be a prominent story, with Prime Minister Takaichi reportedly rejecting the Finance Ministry's initial proposal as insufficient and increasing the package herself. Discussions also continued regarding stalled NISA investments due to inflation and the possibility of currency intervention.
Japanese media on November 22, 2025, opened with reports on President Trump's demand for Ukraine to accept a peace plan and the first landfilling in Oura Bay for the Henoko base relocation. Focus then shifted to Prime Minister Takaichi's economic policies, with discussions comparing her 21.3 trillion yen stimulus to Abenomics amidst inflation and yen depreciation. Later in the morning, a significant development emerged with China's refusal to hold a trilateral summit with Japan and South Korea, marking a diplomatic setback. Concurrently, Tokyo Electric Power Company's plans to accept external investment for its retail and transmission businesses gained traction. The day concluded with the unexpected news of a G20 joint declaration adopted without the US.
Japanese media on November 23, 2025, consistently reported the failure of a G20 meeting between Japan and China to materialize. This diplomatic challenge was a prominent theme throughout the day, following previous reports of China's reluctance to engage in trilateral summits. Concurrently, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's plan to condition semiconductor factory subsidies on robust cyber countermeasures continued to be a significant story. Earlier in the day, demographic shifts, including a rise in foreign populations in 10 prefectures and severe population decline on remote islands, were highlighted. The emerging role of AI in healthcare, with patients increasingly trusting AI advice, also garnered attention.
Japanese media on November 24, 2025, focused on the continued diplomatic friction between Japan and China. The G20 meeting concluded without direct contact between Prime Minister Takaichi and Chinese leadership, a consistent theme from previous days. China reiterated its demand for Takaichi to retract her statements, with Hong Kong's top official also criticizing her remarks.

Concurrently, domestic discussions continued regarding a proposed increase in parliamentary salaries, debated for its potential impact on political quality. The government also moved to establish "National Strategic Technologies" in areas like AI and nuclear fusion, offering focused tax and budget support, signaling a strategic investment in future industries. Concerns over smartphone and AI privacy risks were also reported.
Japanese media on November 25, 2025, continued to prioritize diplomatic relations between the US and China. Early reports noted Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated Beijing's Taiwan stance during a call with President Trump, with Prime Minister Takaichi affirming close cooperation with Trump following these talks. Concurrently, a significant domestic story emerged with Honda's global sales projected to drop due to semiconductor shortages. Later in the morning, Japan's push into advanced semiconductor manufacturing gained prominence, with Rapidus aiming to build a 1.4nm chip plant by 2029 in a race with TSMC. The day also saw an M5.8 earthquake in southwestern Japan, and discussions around tightening naturalization requirements for foreigners.
Japanese media on November 26, 2025, focused heavily on Prime Minister Takaichi's first party debate. In the morning, Takaichi addressed her remarks on Taiwan, stating she was not in a position to recognize Taiwan's legal status, and emphasized the need for dialogue with China to build comprehensive relations. This continued a consistent theme of diplomatic tensions with China. Concurrently, three major shipping companies partnered with shipbuilding giants to develop next-generation ships, aiming to revitalize the domestic industry against Chinese and Korean competition. Other news included a surge in the Nikkei stock average and a former pop group member's apology for a compliance breach.
Japanese media on November 27, 2025, heavily reported on the fallout from a cyberattack on Asahi Group Holdings. Early morning reports confirmed a potential leak of 1.91 million pieces of personal information, with the company president later stating the intrusion was "more sophisticated than anticipated" via a group company. Full system recovery is not expected until "February or later." Concurrently, the ongoing Hong Kong high-rise fire remained a prominent story, with the death toll rising throughout the day, eventually reaching 75, as police alleged negligence. Separately, an international treaty panel rejected trade curbs on eels, a proposal opposed by Japan, and China issued renewed travel warnings to Japan.
Japanese media on November 28, 2025, heavily reported on the Tokyo High Court's ruling upholding the ban on same-sex marriage as constitutional, with plaintiffs expressing anger at what they called an "unjust ruling" (Huffington Post Japan, Kyodo News English, Yahoo News Japan). This legal development drew sustained attention throughout the day, becoming a central focus. Concurrently, the government approved an 18.3 trillion yen supplementary budget aimed at addressing prices and fostering economic growth (Nikkei Shimbun, Yahoo News Japan). Separately, news emerged of London's Natural History Museum returning Ainu remains to Japan (Kyodo News English). The severe Hong Kong high-rise fire also remained a prominent story, with reports of alarm system failures and continuing arrests of construction personnel (Yahoo News Japan).
On November 29, 2025, Japanese media continued to highlight the Tokyo High Court's ruling upholding the ban on same-sex marriage, drawing strong reactions from plaintiffs (Huffington Post Japan). Early reports also noted up to 70% of toilets were out of order at Haneda airport's Terminal 2 (Kyodo News English). As the day progressed, news focused on a record net influx of foreign residents to Tokyo in 2024 (Kyodo News English), alongside the Foreign Ministry's efforts to counter Chinese propaganda on social media (Yahoo News Japan). Diplomatic tensions with China also appeared in reports of a Japanese "One Piece" singer's performance being stopped in Shanghai (Kyodo News English). Separately, ANA canceled numerous domestic flights due to an Airbus software problem (Kyodo News English).
Japanese media prominently featured the strong public support for the Takaichi cabinet, with approval ratings holding steady at 75% throughout the day, as reported by Nikkei Shimbun and Yahoo News Japan. This followed earlier discussions regarding critical comments from the Constitutional Democratic Party about the Prime Minister's parliamentary answers.

The day also saw continued reporting on the potential for Japan to "depend" on war and discussions around "Japanese first" policies. Separately, grounded ANA Airbus planes were back in service after a software upgrade. News also emerged about issues with VTubers' social media contracts regarding ambiguous compensation, and concerns were raised about dry air conditions leading to infections.
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