Space Policy & Industry: JAXA successfully tested its experimental reusable rocket RV-X, lifting off and landing in under a minute at Noshiro—another step toward lower-cost launches and competition with SpaceX. National Security & Espionage: A New York Times investigation alleges Russian GRU-linked officers in Tokyo used front companies and shipping routes to obtain Japanese dual-use technology despite export curbs after Ukraine. Diet & Agriculture: Japan’s farm ministry is pushing rice flour use to boost demand as rice consumption declines, aiming to double demand to 130,000 tonnes by raising rice-flour sweets and health messaging. Imperial Succession: Japan’s lower house approved changes to imperial succession rules, including allowing women to keep status after marrying commoners and enabling adoption of male heirs from former branches. Parliament & Governance: After a concerted opposition boycott, PM Sanae Takaichi shelved an initial plan to cut lower-house seats, seeking a path forward without fully breaking coalition understandings. Foreign Policy & Maritime Law: China hit back at Japan’s South China Sea stance around the 10th anniversary of the 2016 arbitration, while 14 countries including Japan reaffirmed the ruling as final and binding. Economy & Travel: Japan’s summer outbound travel is projected to fall 8.8% on the weak yen and higher costs, with China visits expected to drop sharply. Environment & Local Response: Municipalities stepped up efforts against the red-necked longhorn beetle, including reward programs to eradicate the invasive pest damaging cherry trees.