Airline Crime: An ANA pilot was sentenced to 20 months in prison for groping a flight attendant, with the court citing “mean and persistent” abuse of authority. Food & Trade: Japan’s Fisheries Agency says a Nagasaki conference failed to expand Pacific bluefin tuna quotas after Mexico opposed the plan; talks continue. Tech & Privacy: Facial-recognition ticket gates began at Tokyo’s Ikebukuro and Kami-Itabashi stations for commuter-pass users, raising fresh privacy questions. Crypto Regulation: Japan passed a bill reclassifying cryptocurrencies as “financial instruments,” paving the way for ETFs and tighter rules on disclosures and insider trading. Business & Markets: Tokyo stocks rose as chip shares rallied on ASML’s strong outlook; separately, METI will subsidize Tower Semiconductor with up to 159 billion yen to expand production in Niigata and Toyama. Public Safety: Police were called after a bear entered a home in Iwate, as bear sightings and attacks keep worrying residents. Culture & Tourism: Kyoto’s Katsura Imperial Villa highlights meticulous garden care by Imperial Household Agency specialists. Sports: Badminton veterans Kar Lung Chun and Karen Feng made a brief Japan Open main-draw appearance, losing in 16 minutes.