Yen & Markets: Tokyo stocks slid as fresh US-Iran strikes pushed oil higher, reviving inflation jitters; the yen stayed near a four-decade low around the 162 per dollar area, while JGB yields briefly jumped to the highest since 1997. Corporate Finance: Japan’s bankruptcies hit 5,000+ in Jan.-June for the first time in 12 years, with weaker yen-driven inflation and labor shortages squeezing small firms. Banking & Risk: Regional banks face loan-loss risks after Zentoshin’s collapse, with some lenders already flagging large unsecured exposures. AI & Business Tech: NEC launched its first service under an Anthropic collaboration, using Claude to automate product planning and promotion for a 1 million yen monthly fee. IP & Strategy: Anaqua renewed its IP management partnership with Sony, adding AI-powered analytics and renewal services to support global brand and patent governance. Energy & Trade: Itochu and Daikin plan to recover aluminum from used commercial air conditioners as Japan tries to cut reliance on imported critical resources amid Middle East supply shocks. Crypto & Treasury Diversification: SBI VC Trade says corporate demand for bitcoin and XRP is rising as firms diversify reserves away from yen cash. Policy & Industry: Ho Chi Minh City is drafting support for domestic semiconductor design projects, including cost-sharing and IP rights. Nuclear Cooperation: The US, Japan and South Korea signed an SMR cooperation framework to accelerate deployments in the Indo-Pacific. Space: ispace will start a lower-cost lunar cargo business using SpaceX’s Starship, targeting moon landings from around 2030. Trade & Investment: Tokyo Gas signed a 25-year wind power deal for 54.6 MW, expanding renewables procurement.