Cabinet Power Shift: Japan’s PM Sanae Takaichi’s ministers submitted resignation letters en masse ahead of a cabinet reshuffle, while the ruling LDP also reshuffled its executive lineup—signaling a push for continuity and control going into a busy parliamentary stretch. Nuclear Governance Shock: Chubu Electric’s president and chairperson quit after an investigation found earthquake-safety data manipulation for two reactors; the utility is withdrawing restart applications, adding fresh pressure on Japan’s nuclear restart push. Defense Planning: Japan is reportedly considering a five-year target of acquiring about 52,000 unmanned systems as part of a defense buildup draft, with costs and funding questions looming. Taiwan Anxiety in Washington: Reuters reports US allies in Asia fear Trump could soften Taiwan support after Xi’s upcoming summit, raising regional stability concerns. Energy Diplomacy: Japan’s PM Takaichi is set to meet IEA chief Fatih Birol to discuss energy security and resilience amid global crises. Local Governance Reform: A central advisory panel is debating “special cities” that could let major cities operate more independently from prefectures—sparking financial and administrative pushback. Society & Rights: A Tokyo-area history symposium marked the Sept. 18 Incident anniversary, with activists urging Japan to confront wartime aggression.