Okinawa Politics: Genta Koja, backed by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s camp, won Okinawa’s gubernatorial election, potentially easing Tokyo’s path on U.S. base relocation and military access. Middle East Protest: Hundreds of pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered outside Tokyo’s Israeli Embassy, demanding expulsion of the new ambassador-designate and criticizing Japan-Israel weapons ties. Markets & Rates: Asian shares slipped as oil jumped on Middle East supply fears, while investors braced for possible rate hikes from the BOJ and the Fed. BOJ Watch: The BOJ faces a key test as inflation pressure and bond-market moves raise questions about how far rates will go—and whether the yen will react. Energy & Nuclear: Hitachi is rolling out CO2 heat-pump water heaters tuned for daytime solar-friendly electricity tariffs, while Japan’s nuclear operator leadership faces fallout after a seismic data scandal. Tech & Chips: Fujitsu plans to export an AI processor based on Fugaku technology, with sales starting in 2027. Health & Food: At least 28 people were hospitalized after suspected food poisoning at a Kyoto sports stadium event. Culture & Pop: Hololive unveiled its 10th-anniversary anime project, “OdeHolo,” and Universal Studios Japan announced Halloween R-rated attractions. Sports (Asian Games): Philippines’ Alas Pilipinas Women arrived in Japan for the Aichi-Nagoya Games, while para badminton saw India’s Pramod Bhagat win gold and silver and Sukant Kadam reach his 100th medal.