Aviation Safety: Japan Airlines cut pay and disciplined staff after a cabin attendant’s alcohol violation delayed JL252 from Hiroshima to Haneda on May 23; the transport ministry opened an inspection and JAL banned alcohol during layovers. Education Reform: Japan’s education ministry is drafting a “special curriculum” for students refusing to attend school, letting them review earlier material and learn at their own pace starting around the 2030 school year. Local AI Incentives: Tokushima Prefecture is raising summer bonuses for employees using generative AI to improve efficiency, including a new “generative AI bonus” category. Tourism Pressure Relief: Japan tripled the departure tax to 3,000 yen and hiked visa fees to curb overtourism, funding congestion controls and regional tourism projects. Japan-India Economic Security: PM Sanae Takaichi heads to New Delhi for the annual summit, with plans for closer economic security cooperation, including critical minerals and semiconductors. Currency & Markets: The yen slid to a 40-year low near 162 per dollar as U.S. rate-hike expectations firmed, while Japan’s Nikkei climbed on AI-chip optimism. World Cup Culture: Japan’s World Cup run ended with a 2-1 loss to Brazil, prompting commentary from “Captain Tsubasa” creator Yoichi Takahashi. Health & Community: Japanese and Lao teams will offer free cleft lip and palate surgeries for Lao children in Vientiane in August. Mt. Fuji Crowds: Fuji climbing season opened with two main trails operating and new fee kiosks to ease congestion.