Earthquake Aftermath in Kyushu: Japan’s Kumamoto quake death toll rose to 38, with more than 9,200 people still in shelters and tap water cut for over 69,000 households; rescue work at the blast-hit Aeon Mall in Kashima has ended after seven workers were killed. Heat Crisis Response: Authorities are warning evacuees—especially those sheltering in cars—about heatstroke risks, while companies roll out cooling toilets and shorter work hours to prevent heat illness. Currency Shock: Tokyo and Washington are set to announce coordinated yen support after the yen hit 40-year lows, with reports of yen-buying and a first joint intervention since 2011. Tax and Cost-of-Living: Japan’s government plans to cut the food consumption tax from 8% to 1% from April 2027, the first reduction since 1989, as budget concerns loom. Security Overhaul: Japan launched a national intelligence bureau and council, drawing criticism that it could accelerate a more assertive security posture. Invasive Species Watch: France stepped up monitoring after new detections of the Japanese scarab beetle, a EU-listed quarantine pest. Culture & Lifestyle: A “Laid-Back Camp” exhibition highlights Yamanashi, while Punjabi star Diljit Dosanjh shared his Tokyo food-and-shopping stop before a Europe tour.