Japan's exports have dropped for a second straight month, primarily due to a sharp decline in shipments to the United States amid tariff threats from former President Donald Trump. In June, exports to the U.S. fell 11%, with car exports plunging 26.7%. Overall exports declined by 0.5%, resulting in a trade deficit of 2.2 trillion yen in the first half of the year. Although tariff implementation was delayed until August 1 for further talks, no deal has been reached, raising fears of another economic slowdown.

Japan has lodged a strong diplomatic protest after Chinese fighter jets came dangerously close—twice within a week—to its reconnaissance aircraft over the East China Sea.
According to Japan’s Defense Ministry, Chinese JH-7 jets flew as close as 30 meters and 60 meters in two separate incidents lasting about 15 and 10 minutes, respectively.
Tokyo has demanded assurances that such incidents will not be repeated. In response to increasing Chinese aggression, Japan is deploying 17 V-22 Osprey aircraft to a new military base in the southwest region.

Japan’s $1 trillion investment promise to the U.S. failed to prevent a trade fallout, as President Trump imposed a 25% tariff on Japanese imports, calling Japan “spoiled.” Despite efforts to protect agricultural markets and reduce auto tariffs, negotiations stalled. The breakdown came after a fruitless G7 meeting and ahead of Japan’s elections. Experts warn this could hurt Japan’s economy and force companies to reduce U.S. dependency. Talks for a new deal are ongoing but face steep hurdles.

Following nearly 1,600 earthquakes since June 21, residents of remote southern Japanese islands have been evacuated due to safety and psychological concerns. Akuseki Island, the most affected, saw over half its population relocated. Experts suspect underwater volcanic activity is triggering the ongoing tremors, which have created widespread anxiety. Local authorities remain uncertain about when the seismic activity will stop. Japan, one of the most earthquake-prone nations, typically experiences about 1,500 earthquakes annually, but the current swarm is unusually intense and prolonged.

In a significant move to counter China's expanding influence in the South and East China Seas, Japan is preparing to transfer six Abukuma-class warships to the Philippines. The transfer is part of a broader strategy to strengthen defense cooperation among U.S. allies. A Filipino military delegation is set to inspect the vessels this summer. Despite Japan’s constitutional restrictions on arms exports, the deal is being framed as a joint development initiative. Both countries have expressed growing alarm over China’s assertive military posture and have recently signed a reciprocal access agreement and held joint military exercises.

Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba has stated that Japan will not make easy concessions in trade talks with the U.S. despite President Donald Trump’s threat to impose tariffs of up to 35% on Japanese goods. Tokyo is intensifying negotiations before the July 9 deadline, after which additional tariffs may take effect. Ishiba emphasized the importance of detailed discussions and maintaining Japan’s strong investment and employment ties in the U.S., preparing for all possible outcomes.

Japan’s Mount Shinmoedake, part of the Kirishima mountain range, erupted on Wednesday afternoon, spewing ash clouds into the sky. Authorities have warned of falling rocks and pyroclastic flows within a two-mile radius, advising residents to remain indoors. The eruption has heightened concerns over a potential "mega-disaster" — a term popularized by manga artist Ryo Tatsuki, who reportedly predicted a major catastrophe in June 2025. While the region had been on alert prior to the eruption, the risk level has now intensified. With nearly 900,000 people potentially affected, the Japanese authorities are on high alert.

For the first time on its own soil, Japan has conducted a land-to-ship missile test as part of efforts to bolster its military capability in response to China’s growing threats. The missile, identified as Type-88, was launched by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force from a training site on Hokkaido Island, targeting waters off the Pacific coast. Typically, such tests are held on U.S. bases, but due to high costs, this one was carried out domestically. Japan described the test as an essential training exercise.

Japan has expressed serious concern over Chinese military drills involving two aircraft carriers—Shandong and Liaoning—operating near Japanese waters in the Pacific Ocean over the past few weeks.

Tokyo alleges that aircraft from the Chinese carriers flew dangerously close to Japanese surveillance planes. Satellite images show the carriers navigating close to Japan’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), where Japan has sole rights to exploit marine resources. China, however, maintains the drills are being conducted in compliance with international law.

Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency reported on Thursday that the country recorded up to 427 cm (14 feet) of snowfall as of February 10. The Ministry of Internal Affairs confirmed that the victims, aged between 60 and 90, lost their lives while attempting to clear the snow. The deceased were residents of Fukushima, Niigata, Toyama, Nagano, and Fukui prefectures. Authorities have issued special advisories to ensure the safe recovery of victims during this extreme weather event.