Currency & Markets: Japan and the BOJ carried out a record ¥6.2787 trillion yen-buying, dollar-selling intervention on April 30, with extra ¥5 trillion-plus operations on May 4 and May 6, as traders question whether the latest support can reverse the yen’s slide. Economy Watch: Japan’s leading index held near a five-year high (116.4 in June), while revised CPI data shaved 0.1 point off inflation growth, keeping the streak of undershooting the BOJ’s 2% target alive. Defense & Regional Tensions: Tokyo is planning an underground missile shelter near Tokyo Station as North Korea launch threats intensify, while China again protests Japan’s 2026 defense white paper and accuses Tokyo of remilitarization. Disaster Response: Typhoon Dolphin triggered mass evacuations of nearly 260,000 people, canceled 500+ flights, and forced factory suspensions as southern Japan braces for heavy rain and dangerous winds. International Incidents: Japan protested South Korea’s research activity near the Takeshima Islands after a wire-like drop was spotted in the waters west of the islets. Business & Tech: Japanese firms reported strong earnings as AI, energy prices, and consumer demand lifted results, while JPYC raised $38M to expand Japan’s regulated yen stablecoin payment network. Culture & Media: Shueisha launched “Manga Million,” bringing popular series to 100+ languages, including Tagalog for the first time.