BoJ Tightens Again: The Bank of Japan lifted rates 25 basis points to 1.25%, a 31-year high, and signaled more hikes as inflation risks build amid a weak yen and energy-price pressure. Markets Watch Yen Moves: Global stocks were mixed as the yen slid despite the decision, with investors focused on how fast the BoJ will keep tightening. Cabinet Shuffle: Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reshuffled her Cabinet, keeping key ministers while pushing “transparent and consistent” fiscal communication and stronger market dialogue. Defense Tensions: Russia renewed demands that Japan remove U.S. Typhon missile systems deployed on Kyushu, calling them a threat to regional stability. Asian Games in Focus: The Nagoya-hosted 2026 Asian Games open Saturday, with 11,000 athletes from 45 nations chasing 469 gold medals across 43 sports. Sports—Cricket Result: India beat Japan by eight wickets in women’s T20 quarter-final action, setting up a semi-final vs Bangladesh. Tech & Business: Prodrone plans to mass-produce 58,000 drones a year in Aichi, while Sojitz and Screen are pushing semiconductor supply and equipment expansion tied to India’s chip buildout. Pop Culture: Nexon confirmed Mabinogi Mobile launches in Japan on Oct. 7, with pre-registration topping 200,000.