AI & Markets Watch: South Korea’s Kospi is turning into a global risk barometer as AI-led semiconductors drive sentiment, with Japanese traders adding the index to daily watchlists. Higher Education Shake-up: Japan’s private universities face a fast squeeze as falling birth rates cut entrants from about 630,000 (2024) to around 460,000 by 2040, pushing closures and mergers. Cost of Living Pressure: A Deutsche Bank survey highlights how everyday items are getting pricier worldwide, with Tokyo among the cities feeling the squeeze. Apple Pricing Signal: Apple raised iPhone prices in Japan by up to 11% amid yen weakness, a rare mid-cycle move that could ripple across consumer electronics. Crypto Corporate Move: Bitcoin Japan raised about $60M but plans to spend roughly $4M on its first Bitcoin purchase, with most funds going elsewhere. Fusion Supply Chain: NGK and Kyoto Fusioneering are partnering to develop FLiBe molten-salt materials for future fusion plants, aiming to build a commercial supply chain. Infrastructure Milestone: Shizuoka and JR Central signed off on the Chuo Shinkansen maglev section, clearing the way for construction after environmental measures. Cyber Risk Hits Food Supply: Nichirei resumed operations after a cyberattack disrupted frozen-food logistics. China Consumer Headwind: A Japanese cosmetics firm is liquidating its Shanghai unit due to weak demand, shifting to cross-border e-commerce.