Weather Watch: Typhoon Dolphin is expected to batter Japan’s southern islands, with Okinawa and Amami facing damaging winds and heavy rain over the next few days, while Toyota plans factory shutdowns as seas and transport are hit. Earthquake Update: A magnitude-5.1 quake struck Kumamoto at shallow depth, with no damage reported so far, as the region remains on aftershock alert after last month’s deadly 7.1 temblor. Security & Diplomacy: Japan protested South Korea over a military drill near Takeshima/Dokdo, and North Korea fired a suspected ballistic missile that Japan says posed no threat to its area. Nuclear Debate in Hiroshima: On the 81st anniversary of the Hiroshima bombing, PM Sanae Takaichi reaffirmed Japan’s non-nuclear principles while acknowledging a worsening security environment, as survivors and leaders renewed calls to abolish nuclear weapons. Defense White Paper: Japan’s new “Defense of Japan 2026” keeps spotlighting China as the top challenge, drawing sharp criticism abroad and fueling domestic debate over rearmament. Markets & Policy: Japan’s bond yields eased as oil dipped, while the yen story continues to dominate after US-Japan currency moves—investors are watching whether broader support and BOJ action follow. Health Tech: Natera filed for PMDA approval of its Signatera test for muscle-invasive bladder cancer, building on earlier approvals in Japan. Business & Culture: SoftBank reported profit down year-on-year despite gains from its Intel stake, and Japan’s food tax cut to 1% for two years was approved, with funding questions still swirling.