Kumamoto Quake Aftermath: Japan ended the five-day search at the Aeon Mall in Kashima after the 7.1 quake killed 34, with officials saying no one remained unaccounted for at the site; rescuers had pulled five survivors and recovered seven bodies, while the wider prefecture still faces unknown missing numbers, water and fuel shortages, and extreme heat. Disaster Response & Living Conditions: With thousands displaced, many are still sleeping in cars or shelters as electricity and water restoration lags and temperatures climb toward 40C, prompting PM Sanae Takaichi to demand “whatever it takes” to restore utilities. Currency & Markets: The U.S. Treasury joined Japan in yen support via coordinated intervention, underscoring renewed Tokyo-Washington coordination as the yen strengthens and policymakers try to curb volatility. Security Reform: China criticized Japan’s new centralized intelligence setup, warning it could fuel remilitarization, as Tokyo moves to integrate intelligence under the PM’s office. Food Tax Cut: Japan’s government is set to cut the consumption tax on food from 8% to 1% next year, with debate growing over revenue losses and how the policy will be funded. Sports Diplomacy/Trade: Taiwan pledged donations and support for Kumamoto, while Japan-Taiwan and business links highlight how disaster solidarity and economic ties move together.