Nuclear Debate: Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi says Japan “cannot avoid” opening debate on nuclear weapons as Europe pushes stronger deterrence, arguing Japan’s security environment has grown harsher. Imperial Succession: Japan’s parliament revised the Imperial House Law to help a shrinking royal family, allowing adoption from former male-line branches and letting princesses keep status after marrying commoners—while keeping male-only succession and sparking criticism over the lack of deeper debate. Sports Spotlight: PV Sindhu ended a 19-month title drought by beating Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi 21-17, 21-17 to win her maiden Japan Open Super 750 title, becoming the first Indian to lift the trophy. Education Pressure: Demographic decline is squeezing Japan’s private universities, with closures, mergers, and recruitment pauses rising as the 18-year-old pool keeps shrinking. Science & Space: JAXA’s Hayabusa2 returned unexpectedly detailed images after a super-close asteroid flyby, but the daring attempt required intense internal debate before sign-off. Society & Law: Japan enacted a law banning desecration of the national flag, drawing backlash over possible limits on expression. Tech & Business: Apple raised iCloud+ prices in Japan and other countries, while “Bitcoin Japan” raised about $60M but plans to spend only a small share on buying Bitcoin.