ICC Sanctions Clash: The International Criminal Court hit back after the U.S. sanctioned ICC President Tomoko Akane and senior trial lawyer Abdoulaye Seye, calling it a “flagrant attack” on judicial independence; Japan’s PM Takaichi said the move is “very unfortunate,” while the EU and Germany backed the ICC. Kurils Flashpoint: Russia summoned Japan’s ambassador after Putin’s visit to Iturup, escalating the long-running Kuril Islands dispute; Tokyo called the visit “completely unacceptable.” Yen, Bonds, Stocks: Japan’s July trade deficit widened to 634.5 billion yen as imports surged with energy costs and a weak yen; markets also reeled as bond yields jumped and the Nikkei slid sharply. Work Rules Shift: Japan plans to ease the monthly overtime cap from 45 hours to effectively just under 100 for firms with labor-management deals, starting next month. Defense Diplomacy: India and Japan pushed deeper maritime and defense cooperation as Rajnath Singh met Japan’s Shinjiro Koizumi, with “Make in India” and equipment/tech collaboration on the agenda. Japan-India Investment Push: Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath urged Japanese firms to treat UP as a “second industrial home,” pitching hydrogen, R&D, skills, and supply chains. Haiti ID Deal: Japan and the OAS signed a $3M agreement to expand Haiti’s biometric ID system ahead of elections. Disaster Update: Chiba’s record rains left 13 dead and widespread flooding, with authorities coordinating vehicle removal and damage assessments.