China’s Foreign Ministry said on March 26 via social media that public safety conditions in Japan are unstable, claiming that crimes targeting Chinese nationals have been occurring frequently, as tensions rise following an incident involving a member of Japan’s Ground Self-Defense Force. (News On Japan)

U.S. President Donald Trump called on Japan to "step up" its role in addressing tensions in the Middle East during a Japan-U.S. summit held on March 19th, as Iran’s ambassador to Japan also expressed expectations for Tokyo to play a constructive diplomatic role, placing renewed focus on Japan’s unique position between the two sides. (News On Japan)

The Japanese government on March 24th approved a bill to revise the drone regulation law, expanding no-fly zones to roughly a 1-kilometer radius around key facilities and strengthening penalties in response to growing security risks. (News On Japan)

One of two Japanese nationals detained in Iran has been released and returned to Japan on March 22nd, while diplomatic efforts continue to secure the release of the remaining individual. (News On Japan)

President Trump defended his decision not to give advance information about the timing of his attack on Iran to Japan — citing Tokyo’s 1941 surprise raid that killed 2,403 Americans at Pearl Harbor. (New York Post)

Equipment including Japan’s first domestically deployed long-range missile launchers was unveiled ahead of its placement at the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s Camp Kengun in Kumamoto City, where it was shown to local officials including the governor and mayor. (News On Japan)

Two weeks after attacks on Iran triggered the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, turmoil has spread through the global economy, with rising gasoline prices already hitting consumers while a looming shortage of petrochemical materials threatens to drive up the cost of everyday goods. (News On Japan)

A container ship owned by Mitsui O.S.K. Lines that had remained in the Persian Gulf following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz was found to have sustained damage, although no injuries were reported among the crew. (News On Japan)

The Japanese government has approved a bill to revise the Immigration Control Act that would raise the maximum fee for foreigners applying for permanent residency from 10,000 yen to 300,000 yen, while under the current law the maximum fee charged for residence-related procedures is capped at 10,000 yen. (News On Japan)

Japan’s Foreign Minister Motegi held a telephone conversation with Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi and condemned attacks on civilian facilities in Gulf countries as well as actions threatening navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, urging Iran to halt such activities. (News On Japan)

Prime Minister Takaichi met with UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber and conveyed Japan’s condemnation of Iran over attacks targeting civilian facilities in neighboring countries. (News On Japan)

The Japanese government is considering the use of chartered aircraft to evacuate its citizens from the Middle East as tensions in the region escalate, with around 8,000 Japanese nationals currently staying across several countries. (News On Japan)

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi called on Iran to exercise restraint during a Lower House Budget Committee session on March 2nd, as tensions escalated following attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel, underscoring Japan’s commitment to diplomatic efforts aimed at calming the situation in the Middle East. (News On Japan)

The name of a Japanese figure involved in a national government project has appeared more than 8,000 times in investigative records related to the late American financier Jeffrey Epstein, who was charged with sex trafficking and other crimes, sparking controversy and raising concerns over the future of the state-backed initiative. (News On Japan)

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has submitted to the metropolitan assembly Japan’s first ordinance proposal that would in principle ban the installation of new utility poles, but how far has the effort to remove poles from above ground across the capital actually progressed? (News On Japan)

China has placed 20 Japanese companies and institutions under export controls, in what appears to be a further escalation of countermeasures following remarks by Prime Minister Takaichi concerning a potential Taiwan contingency. (News On Japan)

February 22 marked “Takeshima Day,” designated by ordinance in Shimane Prefecture, and although the prefecture has continued to call for cabinet-level attendance at the annual ceremony, this year as well the only representative from the central government was a parliamentary vice-minister in charge of territorial issues. (News On Japan)

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who launched the second Takaichi Cabinet on February 18th, signaled strong determination to secure passage of next fiscal year’s budget within the current fiscal year, even as a proposal to drastically shorten parliamentary deliberations has triggered backlash from opposition parties accusing the government of disregarding the Diet. (News On Japan)

The second Takaichi Cabinet was inaugurated on the evening of February 18th following the prime minister’s appointment ceremony and the attestation of ministers at the Imperial Palace, with all cabinet members reappointed. (News On Japan)

One week after the Lower House election that saw a sweeping victory for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, 66 newly elected lawmakers are preparing to make their debut in the Diet, with some already being labeled the so-called “Takaichi Children” in a nod to the party’s strong performance. (News On Japan)