Earthquake Aftermath: Japan’s Kumamoto disaster response has ended rescue operations at the Aeon mall after an explosion tied to the 7.1 quake, with 12 pulled from the site (seven confirmed dead) and officials saying no one remained missing; the wider toll is now 36, with thousands still in shelters and many households still short on water. New Quake Watch: A separate 5.8-magnitude earthquake struck off Aomori (no tsunami advisory), coming days after the Kumamoto shock. Yen Turbulence: The yen jumped back toward the 157 level as Japan intervened again, while reports say the U.S. Treasury also bought yen—fueling fresh market speculation. Security Overhaul: China criticized Japan’s new National Intelligence Bureau as a step toward remilitarization, as Tokyo begins centralized intelligence work. Food Tax Cut: Japan plans to cut the consumption tax on food from 8% to 1% starting next April, with debate over revenue losses. Nuclear Plan: The government set a target to rebuild 2–5 reactors by the 2040s. Pets in Disasters: A Kumamoto animal hospital is again housing evacuees with cats and dogs, reflecting growing pressure to make shelters more pet-friendly.