Japan-China Diplomacy: U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned in Manila of “real restrictions and export controls” amid worsening Sino-Japanese ties, after talks with China’s Wang Yi. Foreign Ministers Contact: Japan’s FM Motegi said he spoke with Wang Yi for the first time since last November’s Taiwan row, while China’s FM spokesperson said no meeting was scheduled. Regional Security: South Korea, China and Japan urged stronger supply-chain and food/energy security cooperation at ASEAN+3 talks in Manila. Heatwave Crisis: Tokyo reported 453 people treated for heat-related problems in one day, the highest since records began, as Japan swelters after at least 14 heat deaths. Space Update: JAXA ran a successful ground test of the Epsilon S rocket engine after prior failures, using a substitute motor and lowering payload expectations. UNESCO Pressure: UNESCO adopted a decision urging Japan to better present the “whole history” of the Sado mines, including wartime Korean forced labor. Politics at Home: Polls show falling approval for PM Sanae Takaichi’s cabinet, while she denies smear-video allegations. Sports: PV Sindhu won her maiden Japan Open title, beating Akane Yamaguchi in straight games. Business/Pop Culture: Japan is considering subsidies to boost overseas anime and manga sales, aiming to triple exports by 2033.