Cybersecurity & AI: Japan will draft guidelines for using Anthropic’s Claude Mythos in cyberdefense, including pushing software makers to use the tool to check for vulnerabilities. Markets: Japanese investors sold a record $29.6B of U.S. government-linked debt in Q1 2026, the first net sale in about a year, as yields and oil-driven inflation worries shift sentiment. Defense Diplomacy: Japan and New Zealand are deepening defense ties, while Japan’s envoy meetings and Southeast Asia security cooperation plans keep the alliance-and-partners theme front and center. Tech & Semiconductors: Japan’s rare-earth push looks to Southeast Asia as Sumitomo Metal Mining and Sojitz target Philippines and Vietnam/Malaysia supply chains. Public Safety: Police widened a Tochigi robbery-murder probe, arresting a couple accused of remotely directing four teens. Culture & Film: Hirokazu Kore-eda’s Cannes contender “Sheep in a Box” screens as it tackles grief and AI’s ethical limits. Sports: Japan’s bear-attack “Monster Wolf” robots face demand they can’t meet, while Tokyo’s Shibuya drew thousands for a Nakba Day march.