Japan Economy & Prices: Japan’s core consumer inflation rose to 1.8% in July, with electricity and gas costs climbing and food (excluding fresh) up 3%, while rice prices fell sharply—another data point as the BOJ weighs next steps. Semiconductors & AI Infrastructure: Micron unveiled a U.S. memory research lab backed by a planned $10bn investment, aiming to push AI-era memory and compute breakthroughs; separately, Japan’s semiconductor push keeps expanding as firms ramp output for AI demand. Energy & Renewables: Japan installed a 1.1MW tidal turbine beneath the Naru Strait near the Goto Islands, using predictable currents to generate clean power. Disaster & Supply Chains: After the Kumamoto quake, fish market trading volume is down about 30% as damage and disrupted fishing still bite. Aviation & Trade Links: ANA signed an MoU with Riyadh Air to cooperate on network development between Riyadh and Tokyo. Industrial Safety: A fire on a ship under construction in Shizuoka left one dead and nine hospitalized. Business & Consumer Tech: Nissin’s cold-water cup noodles sold out within a week, showing how fast product innovation can travel in Japan. Defense Spending: Japan is preparing a record 8.9 trillion yen defense budget request for FY2027, with drones, AI command systems, and long-range missiles among priorities.