BoJ Normalisation Watch: Japan’s central bank lifted its policy rate to 1% on June 16, the highest since 1995, as inflation dynamics shift and policymakers weigh how far tightening can go. Personal Finance Policy: Japan’s Finance Ministry is considering expanding government bonds for individual investors, including ideas like inflation-linked products, as BOJ bond buying tapers. Energy Security: Japan and India are set to form a joint task force to cooperate on LNG stockpiling, aiming to reduce supply disruption risks as Middle East tensions linger. Regional Security Reset: South Korea and Japan reaffirm denuclearisation goals and plan to revive joint search-and-rescue drills, signaling deeper defence coordination amid North Korea threats. Crypto & Cyber Risk: Japan, the US and South Korea met in Washington to coordinate responses to North Korea-linked cryptocurrency theft and laundering, including new private-sector participation. Japan-India Business Push: Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s July 1-3 India visit is expected to draw a large Japanese business delegation, with economic security and supply-chain resilience high on the agenda. Travel Costs: Japan is raising tourist visa fees by 400% from July, while higher rates could also affect foreign real-estate investors. Tech & Industry: Ripple’s RLUSD stablecoin launch in Japan via SBI VC Trade follows JFSA approval, while Japan’s banks and firms continue rolling out AI tools for finance and retail.