War Anniversary & Diplomacy: Japan marked the 81st anniversary of WWII surrender with PM Sanae Takaichi vowing the tragedy “must never” be repeated, but her offering to Yasukuni Shrine—linked to convicted war criminals—kept tensions high as China and South Korea criticized the message and Japan’s “remorse” omission. Security & Regional Tensions: North Korea escalated rhetoric against Japan’s military buildup and US-South Korea-Japan cooperation, calling drills a step toward a “nuclear alliance,” while analysts say Pyongyang is also trying to rally support from Russia and China. Extreme Weather: Record rainfall in Chiba Prefecture left at least 10 dead and one missing, with about 1,500 homes flooded and more than 1,200 vehicles abandoned on streets. Economy & Daily Life: A Japan Productivity Center survey found leisure time and spending fell for the first time since 2018/2022, signaling tighter budgets. Business & Industry: BYD launched a Japan-specific kei EV, the Racco, aiming to crack a market where kei cars dominate sales. Culture & Community: A Snoopy towel exhibition returns to Shikoku’s Imabari, while a British 12-year-old missing in Tokyo was found safe in Yokohama after visiting an anime spot.