Wildlife & Farming: Raccoon damage is surging across Japan, with agricultural losses hitting about 693 million yen in FY2024—more than double a decade earlier—as the animals spread into cities and even homes, prompting local warnings not to approach or feed them. Asian Games Logistics: The Nagoya-hosted Asian Games faced fresh backlash after a Pakistan men’s volleyball team bus went to the wrong venue, delaying a match by 45 minutes and adding to complaints about transport and accommodation. Sports—Squash & Track: India’s women’s squash team beat Japan 2-1 to reach quarterfinals, while Indian distance runner Gulveer Singh won men’s 1500m silver with a personal best 3:36.72; Vithya Ramraj also took women’s 400m hurdles bronze, breaking a long-standing national record. Tourism & Business: IHG is bringing its Noted Collection brand to Japan via two Tokyo deals (Shinjuku and Ginza), and FamilyMart is turning to Lady Gaga to recruit staff amid widespread convenience-store shortages. Security & Defense: Japan plans to strengthen foreign intelligence as China and North Korea build up forces, and it will demonstrate new Type-25 mobile missiles during the Keen Sword drills with the U.S. Energy & Land Use: Solar developers are increasingly using disused golf courses for large projects, reflecting Japan’s land constraints and the push to expand renewables.