Japanese Language Boom in Greece: Japanese classes are surging in Athens and Thessaloniki, with 500–550 people taking the JLPT each year, driven largely by anime and manga and now spanning kids to people in their 60s and 70s. Uber Black Expands in Japan: Uber Japan will add Nissan’s redesigned Elgrand van to its premium Uber Black service, aiming at foreign visitors and corporate clients who want space for luggage on longer trips. Data Centers Get a Japan Push: Japanese electronics firms are buying overseas companies to grow data-center businesses as AI demand accelerates, with focus on power efficiency and cooling. Defense Budget Signals New Tech Priorities: Japan’s record ¥8.9 trillion FY2027 defense request leans into drones, AI, and missile upgrades, reflecting how a weaker yen raises real costs. Markets Watch Yen and Rates: U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Japan and the BOJ are likely to act for a stronger yen, boosting expectations for a September rate hike. Sports & Culture: Japan routed Qatar 123–70 in FIBA qualifiers, while a cat stationmaster in Chiba continues to draw fans and tourists.