BOJ Rate Hike: Japan’s central bank lifted its policy rate to 1.0%, the highest since 1995, citing fast oil-price pass-through and renewed inflation risk from the Middle East—while Governor Kazuo Ueda was absent due to hospitalization and the vote split 7-1. Markets & Yen: The move steadied the yen and pushed the Nikkei briefly above 70,000, as investors weighed how far the BOJ will go next. G7 Security Agenda: At the Evian G7, Japan’s PM Sanae Takaichi pressed for critical-minerals stockpiling and emphasized keeping the Strait of Hormuz open amid Ukraine and West Asia talks, with attention on how quickly energy flows can normalize. Competition Law: Japan’s Fair Trade Commission raided six ice cream makers over alleged price-cartel coordination, including timing and size of suggested retail price hikes. Public Health: Japan reported a sharp rise in tick-borne SFTS cases, warning numbers are tracking above last year’s pace. Defense Drills: Japan-linked forces are set to join a parachute training in the Philippines’ Batanes, underscoring deepening regional security cooperation. Local Governance & Rights: Japan approved a basic plan to raise awareness of issues facing sexual minorities, while separate coverage flagged ongoing constitutional and legal disputes in Tokyo-area courts.