Hydrogen & Shipping Automation: Yokogawa won orders from Kawasaki Heavy Industries for integrated automation systems for a 40,000 m³ liquefied hydrogen carrier and two hydrogen-fuelled vessels, targeting safer monitoring and control across the hydrogen supply chain. Energy Transition & Markets: The IEA said coal demand is set to rise in 2026, with disruptions in oil and LNG flows (including Hormuz) pushing more power generation toward coal—hitting markets including Japan and Korea. BOJ/Household Costs: Japan’s ruling bloc approved an outline for food-tax relief and payouts without locking in funding, leaving a major fiscal gap just ahead of the BOJ’s next rate decision. Pharma IP in Japan: Allarity Therapeutics received a JPO patent covering its stenoparib DRP companion diagnostic, extending protection in Japan to 2039. Semiconductors: Global chip sales hit $146.8B in July, a record pace driven by AI demand and memory pricing. Food Industry: DyDo Drinco and Mizkan will launch hot-pot-inspired canned soups for vending and retail, starting Oct. 26. Agriculture & Logistics: Japan’s autumn watermelon shipments in Chiba are set to nearly double to about 70,000 as growers shift to a second crop. Regional Industry/Politics: Okinawa’s governor election delivered an LDP-backed win, with the new administration expected to prioritize industrial promotion alongside the long-running base debate.