Currency & Markets: A U.S. expert warned Pacific bases, including Japan, are “highly vulnerable” to North Korean and Chinese missiles and drones, urging faster air-and-missile defense upgrades. FX Politics: Commentary argues the U.S. Treasury’s yen intervention was less about fixing fundamentals and more about managing disorderly moves—while the yen still struggles under Japan’s debt, aging, and import-cost pressure. Defense Policy: North Korea condemned Japan’s 2026 defense white paper as a “re-invasion” document, after Tomahawk and missile tests drew fresh escalation. Diplomacy: Japan’s PM Sanae Takaichi called for free, safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz in talks with Oman’s Sultan, as regional shipping concerns linger. Tech & Industry: Sony and TSMC plan a major next-gen image sensor push in Japan, with reports pointing to future iPhone supply. Space: Japan launched a navigation satellite on its H3 rocket. Culture & Entertainment: “Chiikawa the Movie” is a box-office hit, and GKIDS released a 4K remaster trailer for “Your Name”’s 10th anniversary. Sports/Pop: Nintendo Switch 2 topped Japan sales in early August, while Japanese basketball’s Yuki Kawamura signed with the Clippers.