Daily brief
Japan will begin releasing oil from its national reserves starting next week. Prime Minister Takaichi announced the move, citing tensions in the Middle East and the Strait of Hormuz. The action is intended to help stabilize domestic gasoline prices.
Nissan is reportedly close to selling its operations in Argentina, while Toyota is recalling 550,000 vehicles in the US over a seat defect.
Japan marks the 15th anniversary of the Fukushima nuclear disaster as the country embraces a revival of nuclear power.
The yen has weakened to 159 per US dollar, and the Nikkei stock average fell sharply.
A Japanese container ship has reportedly been damaged in the Persian Gulf.