National Security Overhaul: Japan launched its first centralized National Intelligence Bureau since WWII, with PM Sanae Takaichi at the center via a new National Intelligence Council, setting up tighter cross-ministry information sharing and paving the way for counterespionage legislation. China-Japan Tensions: Beijing’s foreign ministry condemned the move as another step toward remilitarization, warning Tokyo to heed history. Defense Hardware Push: Japan also marked a major milestone for long-range strike capability, firing U.S.-made Tomahawk cruise missiles from the Aegis destroyer JS Chokai in a live test, while reports say the F-2B is carrying a newly spotted long-range cruise missile. Disaster Response: In Kumamoto, rescuers conducted final sweeps at the quake-damaged Aeon mall after a suspected gas-blast explosion; the death toll rose to 35 and survivors faced shortages, heat, and power/water gaps. Fiscal Politics: Takaichi announced a plan to cut the consumption tax on food to 1% for two years, drawing internal LDP debate over whether targeted aid would be better. FX and Monetary Policy: The yen surged past 158 per dollar amid intervention speculation, while the Bank of Japan held rates at 1% and signaled possible faster hikes. Regional Diplomacy/Energy: Japan reiterated support for ASEAN centrality and said coal should remain in the ASEAN energy mix with gradual transition planning.