Japan-Australia Investment Pitch: Treasurer Jim Chalmers is in Tokyo to court Japanese investors, selling Australia as a “safe harbour” for middle-power capital via renewables and AI themes, plus a housing roundtable. Russia Sanctions Update: President Zelenskyy says Japan plans additional sanctions targeting Russia’s “shadow fleet” and wider export restrictions. North Korea Missile Tensions: Pyongyang test-fired an intermediate-range ballistic missile with claims of evasive, manoeuvrable flight; Japan says it landed outside its EEZ as border mine tensions rise. Permanent Residency Rules Tighten: Japan will raise the bar for foreign residents from 2027, focusing on household income, pension scrutiny, and stronger Japanese-language and legal/social knowledge requirements. Disaster-Ready “Backup Capital”: Japan’s government drafted criteria to designate a backup capital that can take over Tokyo functions after major disasters, with strict geography and capacity thresholds. Energy & Industry Watch: G7 countries agreed to release diesel from strategic reserves to cool record fuel prices, while Japan’s grid capacity curbs and battery queue pressures continue to shape power-sector planning. Tech, Finance & Payments: Japan’s crypto rails keep expanding, including Bitbank takeover progress and new stablecoin/DeFi gateway moves, alongside growing bank investment in AI. Business Culture & Consumer Links: AEON opens a new mall in Vietnam, and Japan’s upcycled-rice craft beer push shows how food waste themes are finding mainstream buyers.