Visa & Residency Costs: Japan will raise visa and residency-related fees starting July 1, with a fivefold jump for entry visas and other higher charges after nearly 48 years unchanged—Tokyo says it’s to cover rising administrative costs. Markets & AI/Chips Boom: The Nikkei surged above 72,000 for a sixth straight session as investors bet on massive public-private investment in AI and semiconductors, even while yen weakness keeps traders on edge. Energy & Global Risk: Currency and oil markets stayed sensitive to US-Iran talks and Strait of Hormuz concerns, with the yen edging toward multi-decade lows and oil moves feeding inflation worries. Semiconductors Cooperation: Rapidus signed an MoU with Italy’s Fondazione Chips-IT to develop circuits, building on Japan-Italy tech plans and adding to Rapidus’s European partnerships. World Cup & Japan Fans: Japan’s 4-0 win over Tunisia kept momentum in the tournament narrative, with reports highlighting Japanese fans cleaning stadiums after matches. Public Finance Policy: PM Sanae Takaichi pledged to restore the consumption tax rate to 8% after a planned two-year food cut, aiming to manage inflation and fiscal strain. Tokyo School Fire: A major fire at a Tokyo elementary school led to large-scale evacuations and injuries, keeping safety questions in focus.