World Cup Shock: Japan’s captain Wataru Endo has withdrawn from the 2026 World Cup with a foot injury and announced retirement from international duty, forcing a midfield rethink ahead of the Netherlands opener. Diplomacy & Security: Japan, South Korea and the U.S. held working-level talks in Tokyo on North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs, including concerns over Russia-North Korea military cooperation and cyber thefts. Historical Memory Row: North Korea condemned Japan after a Nagasaki museum changed its reference to the Nanjing Massacre to “Nanjing Incident,” calling it revisionism. Semiconductors Supply Crunch: China’s export curbs on tungsten are squeezing Japan’s AI chip supply chain, with tungsten hexafluoride prices surging and major gas makers reportedly planning production pauses. Aerospace: Japan’s H3 rocket returned to flight successfully with a low-cost “30 configuration,” placing six small satellites into orbit. Tourism & Daily Life: Japan’s anti-foreigner sentiment is rising amid record visitor numbers, while Matsumoto is considering a fee for Kamikochi to fund conservation and disaster measures. Sports & Culture: Japan beat Malaysia 4-1 in the FIH Nations Cup, and Rurouni Kenshin director Keishi Otomo and actor Tetsuya Bessho were named visiting professors in Tohoku.