J.League Overhaul: Japan’s top-flight football kicks off a new era Friday with an August start, as clubs reshape squads ahead of the transition—Sanfrecce Hiroshima push to chase Kashima and Vissel Kobe, while Machida Zelvia aims to keep its high-intensity momentum after reaching the Asian Champions League Elite final. NHK Scandal: Japan’s public broadcaster NHK says an employee was sexually assaulted by a cast member, with the worker later diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder; NHK says it only learned of the serious violation after a union report and reprimanded officials involved in the initial response. China Embassy Case: A Self-Defense Forces officer accused of a knife-carrying intrusion into the Chinese Embassy told a Tokyo court he “reflects” and regrets his actions, as prosecutors argue he could destroy evidence or flee. Defense Tensions: China complains to Japan over Tokyo’s new defense white paper, while North Korea’s Kim Yo Jong warns Japan against expanding military capabilities, calling it a “war state.” Yen Watch: A rare US-Japan currency intervention helped lift the yen, but analysts warn the rebound may be short-lived amid Japan’s deeper economic pressures. Science & Tech: JAXA reports a first successful laser ranging during an asteroid flyby, and Coca-Cola Japan begins selling label-free bottled water in Tokyo vending machines to cut plastic waste. Sports Abroad: Rangers complete the signing of Japanese winger Daisuke Yokota on a three-year deal.