Good morning. This is 1% Better. Unbiased news and practical life advice that makes you a little better every day.

Today we're covering the most recent tariff deal with Japan, the latest in Zuck’s Hawaiian real estate, and Casey Neistat’s visualization strategy.

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Top Headlines

Trump Japan Deal

President Trump struck a trade agreement with Japan reducing auto tariffs to 15% from 27.5% in exchange for a $550 billion Japanese investment package, the White House announced Tuesday. The deal includes 100 Boeing plane purchases and increased defense spending commitments (Detroit upset over deal).

Japanese stocks surged nearly 4%, led by Toyota (up 14%) and Honda (up 11%) following the announcement. The agreement spares Japan from punishing August 1 tariffs while requiring $8 billion in agricultural purchases and 75% increased rice imports from America. Japan exports to US, here.

U.S. automakers criticized the deal, arguing it favors Japanese imports over North American-built vehicles. The agreement represents Trump's most significant trade victory as he races to finalize deals before the August 1 global tariff deadline.

Current list of Trump tariff tracker here.

Joe Biden Memoir

Former President Joe Biden sold his presidential memoir to Hachette Book Group for approximately $10 million (WSJ). The 82-year-old Biden indicated the book will focus on his four-year presidency. No publication date has been announced.

Presidential memoirs typically provide major income sources and help shape legacies. Biden's advance falls below Barack and Michelle Obama's reported $60 million deal and Bill Clinton's $15 million for "My Life." Creative Artists Agency represented Biden in the worldwide rights sale.

Biden's recent prostate cancer diagnosis may affect the manuscript timeline and promotional plans. The former president dropped out of the 2024 race amid age concerns, potentially contributing to Trump's victory over Kamala Harris.

List of all Presidential autobiographies here.

Zuck’s Secret Lair

Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg purchased an additional 962 acres of Kauai ranchland for over $65 million, expanding his Hawaii holdings to more than 2,300 acres. The secretive compound now sits atop confirmed burial grounds of local Native Hawaiian ancestors.

Zuckerberg's $300+ million development includes underground bunkers, multiple mansions, and new guest buildings with 16 bedrooms each. Local burial council member Julian Ako expressed concerns about extensive NDAs preventing workers from reporting archaeological discoveries during construction.

The expansion makes Zuckerberg one of Hawaii's largest private landowners. Planning documents show the compound could eventually house over 100 people across dozens of buildings, though the Meta CEO's ultimate plans remain unclear.

Other recent billionaire doomsday bunkers here.

Get 1% Better

Visualize the Success Story

YouTube filmmaker Casey Neistat spent 17 years failing to break 3 hours in a marathon. Most creators focus on achieving the goal rather than envisioning the story afterward.

During failed attempts, Neistat wasn't thinking about finish times—he was "fantasizing that I get to make the movie." The visualization of creating victory story became more important than victory itself.

Why this matters: Neistat realized "I was more upset about not getting to make this movie than missing my time." The creative story became his true north.

Result: After 25 attempts across 17 years, he succeeded—making creators more likely to persist when story-obsessed over goal-obsessed. Watch this interview here.

Superman’s Chest and Shoulder Workout

David Corenswet packed on 40 pounds to play Superman, following Hollywood's superhero physique trend set by Chris Hemsworth and Hugh Jackman. Using a push/pull/legs split with progressive overload and consuming 6,000 calories daily, he trained intensively for five months before filming. The transformation made wearing the suit feel "claustrophobic" but successfully prepared him for the role (More).

Market Pulse

> Gabbard accuses Obama of treason over 2016 Russia intelligence, refers findings to DOJ for criminal investigation (More).

> American Eagle surges 16% after unveiling Sydney Sweeney denim campaign targeting Gen Z shoppers (More).

> Home prices hit all-time high at $435,300 median despite regional cooling trends across U.S. markets (More).

> Toy company sues TikToker for using Sylvanian Family dolls in adult content, claiming trademark infringement (More).

> Toy makers remove batteries from products to cut costs amid 30% China tariffs hurting profits (More).

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