Space & Defense Tech: JAXA cleared a big milestone for cheaper launches, successfully testing prototype reusable rockets (Noshiro, Akita) with lift-off and a landing after ~40 seconds, aiming to cut costs and boost Japan’s competitiveness. Space & Defense Tech: JAXA also ran an RV-X experimental reusable rocket test, with the vehicle rising, hovering, shifting sideways, and landing safely in under a minute—part of the push toward a reusable successor to the H3. Aerospace & Defense: Japan is also sharing demining know-how with Cambodia and training Ukraine officials via the Japan-Cambodia Landmine Initiative, as landmines remain a global threat. Infrastructure & Logistics: Narita Airport and local governments agreed to start compulsory land acquisition procedures for a third runway, with negotiations still needed for remaining land and a likely schedule slip. Energy & Markets: The IEA warned global gas demand may fall in 2026 as LNG supply tightens amid Strait of Hormuz disruption, pushing some users back toward coal and other fuels. Industrial Innovation: Tokyo Metropolitan University showed inkjet printing can control drying patterns using ultra-fine bubbles in nanoparticle inks, potentially improving microelectronics and MEMS manufacturing. Finance & Investment: Japan’s government is considering a framework to help megabanks secure U.S. dollar funding for Tokyo’s $550bn U.S. investment deal, given banks’ concerns about dollar costs. Consumer Tech Policy: The EU said it can’t stop Sony from ending physical PlayStation discs, citing commercial freedom while requiring consumer rights protections. Rare Earths Supply Chain: U.S. officials say ReElement has stopped pursuing a $80m Pentagon loan for rare-earths processing, as the U.S. searches for alternative critical-minerals support. Tourism & Services: Switrus Holidays launched Switrus Asia to expand beyond Europe, with group tour packages including Japan and other parts of Asia starting August 2026.