Japan-Singapore Space Deal: Japan and Singapore signed a cooperation memorandum via JAXA and Singapore’s new National Space Agency to expand peaceful space work, including quantum satellite communications. Markets & Yen Pressure: Tokyo stocks slid as chip shares fell and the yen stayed near 40-year lows, with officials reiterating readiness to intervene while investors doubt it can fix the bigger drivers. BOJ Rate-Hike Row: Japan’s economic minister denied the government is pushing the BOJ to keep rates low, after bond yields jumped and investors read policy drafts as a signal. Energy Security: Japan is considering stockpiling naphtha as Middle East tensions disrupt supplies, though long-term storage is expected to be difficult. Korea-Japan Economic Talk: A survey found nearly 70% of Koreans back an EU-style economic community with Japan, with support higher among Koreans who have visited Japan. Territorial Tensions: New conflicting coast-guard accounts emerged over a Senkaku/Diaoyu-area incident involving fishing vessels. Disaster Preparedness: Japan began a study to protect foreign tourists if Mt. Fuji erupts, aiming to improve evacuation support for non-Japanese speakers. Local Recovery & Culture: A Saitama cafe reopened after a 2025 sinkhole, while Noto’s quake recovery got a Pokemon-themed airport reopening. Sports: Shohei Ohtani hit his 19th homer as the Dodgers won in 11 innings.