Strategic Appointments: BOS Semiconductors named former Tenstorrent and AMD executive David Bennett as Strategic Advisor, betting on AI and global go-to-market muscle. Diplomatic Honors: Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. received Japan’s top Chrysanthemum honor in a rare imperial state call with Emperor Naruhito, underscoring deepening security and trade ties. Finance & State-Backed Lending: Japan plans leadership swaps at three government-linked lenders—DBJ, JFC and JBIC—aiming to refresh direction across development, finance and international cooperation. Supply Chains & Security: Quad foreign ministers unveiled a $20bn Critical Minerals Initiative Framework to diversify mining, processing and recycling and reduce reliance on China-linked supply. Energy Tech: Japan is moving toward space-based solar power, planning to beam microwaved electricity from orbit to Earth. Cyber & AI: OpenAI is expanding its cybersecurity program in Asia, with Japan and South Korea among early participants. Markets Watch: The yen hovered near intervention levels as traders tracked Middle East risk and shifting rate expectations. Corporate Moves: Olympus agreed to buy BioProtect for $270m to expand prostate cancer care. Data Privacy: BeReal “unfiltered” posts are blamed for corporate information leaks, prompting apologies from affected firms.