Japan-Philippines Ties: The Philippines’ House adopted a resolution marking the 70th anniversary of normalized relations with Japan, calling 2026 the “Philippines-Japan Friendship Year” and highlighting Japanese support for infrastructure like the Metro Manila Subway. NHK Workplace Safety: NHK said an employee was sexually assaulted by a cast member, with the broadcaster later reprimanding officials after the case surfaced via a union report. Nuclear Industry Push: Mitsubishi Heavy won government backing for next-gen reactor projects, including advanced light water and small modular reactor supply-chain and safety work. Defense & Tech Shift: Japan’s new Defense White Paper stresses “new ways of warfare,” with drones and AI and a stronger defense industrial base as China, Russia, and North Korea threats intensify. FX & Markets: Commentary and reporting focused on the yen’s 40-year low and rare US-Japan currency intervention to stabilize it. Auto Turnaround: Honda reported a sharp profit rebound in its first quarter as it leans on strong US/India sales while scaling back EV ambitions. Crypto Oversight: Japan’s FSA created a standalone Cryptocurrency and Stablecoin Division effective Aug. 7 to tighten supervision as rules evolve. Biopharma Manufacturing: Fujifilm and Taiho partnered to develop manufacturing tech for next-generation antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). Energy & Compliance: Australia’s regulator charged Japan’s Inpex over alleged Ichthys LNG emissions under-reporting. Accessibility at Airports: Changi rolled out autonomous wheelchairs made by Japan’s WHILL to improve mobility support.