1. Japan’s top tariff negotiator is in Washington for another round of trade talks. Economic Revitalization Minister Akazawa Ryosei and his US counterpart confirmed they will continue their utmost efforts to reach an agreement that benefits both nations.
2. US President Donald Trump has expressed his dissatisfaction with business tycoon Elon Musk, who is criticizing what Trump calls his “One Big Beautiful” spending bill. Trump has been pressuring Congress to pass the bill to implement his core policies, including tax cuts. Trump’s relationship with Musk has been rapidly deteriorating.
3. Japan’s Princess Kako, who is visiting Brazil, has prayed for the souls of Japanese immigrants who laid the foundations for the world’s largest overseas Japanese community. The second daughter of Crown Prince and Princess Akishino arrived in the city of Sao Paulo on Thursday morning.