North Korea on Tuesday denounced Japan's recent joint naval exercise with the United States and France as an attempt to revive their militaristic invasion ambitions.

Former Japanese Ambassador to the United States Ichiro Fujisaki has shown concern that China may expand its influence over developing countries.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said Wednesday Japan has formally asked the United States for an exemption of Trump administration 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum.

Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru (center) walks with U.S. President Donald Trump (right) during a visit to the White House, Feb. 7, 2025. Credit: Prime Minister’s Office of Japan Subscribe for ads-free reading Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru’s first meeting with U.

Japan has already initiated communication with the United States following President Donald Trump's order on formulating plans for tariff proposal, a government spokesperson said on Friday.

The American base on Okinawa has relocated 105 Marines. But an agreement to move 9,000 in total is colliding with the perceived threat from a rising China.

Japan's exports rose for a fourth consecutive month in January led by auto shipments to the United States, but if U.S. President Donald Trump goes through with a plan to impose hefty car tariffs, a sharp drop-off is likely.