Yen Watch: Japan’s finance minister says the country is still ready for “decisive” action to curb yen depreciation as the currency stays in the lower 160s after record intervention spending of 11.73 trillion yen. BOJ Policy: Reuters reports the Bank of Japan may pause its bond taper beyond next fiscal year, a potential shift in quantitative tightening that markets are watching closely. Markets Mood: Asian stocks attempt a recovery after a tech-led selloff, with Japan’s Nikkei rebounding and investors still focused on rate-hike expectations and bond yields. Defense & Security: Japan plans to beef up its southwestern defense posture in response to China’s alleged attempts to change the status quo by force, including closer monitoring in the Pacific. Immigration & Business: Japan’s stricter business manager visa rules are squeezing foreign-run restaurants and import shops, with applications reportedly down sharply since capital requirements were raised. Energy Projects: Technip Energies wins a €1bn+ Coral Norte FLNG contract in Mozambique in partnership with JGC and Samsung, underscoring Japan’s role in LNG infrastructure. Clean Tech Growth: A market report projects the electrolyzer sector could reach $34.4bn by 2032 as green hydrogen investment accelerates. Tech & Finance: OpenAI files for an IPO, while Japan’s Woodstock launches an AI-to-brokerage “MCP” service aimed at lowering barriers for retail investors.