Japan-Ukraine Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi met Ukraine’s Andrii Sybiha in Tokyo, pledging continued sanctions on Russia and support for Ukraine’s path toward lasting peace. India-Japan Summit: PM Sanae Takaichi and PM Narendra Modi wrapped talks in New Delhi, agreeing on a wide roadmap spanning AI, defence co-development, economic security, semiconductors, critical minerals, energy and clean tech, plus about 120 cooperation documents and a target of ¥10 trillion in Japanese investment over the next decade. Defence Tech Leap: India and Japan announced their first-ever defence co-development project, signaling deeper joint research and future industrial cooperation in the Indo-Pacific. Yen Intervention Watch: Japan’s top currency diplomat Atsushi Mimura declined comment as the yen rallied sharply, while reports say Tokyo is shifting toward surprise intervention tactics aimed at disrupting speculators. Currency Strategy Shift: Sources say the finance ministry plans to avoid advance warnings and any clear “trigger” rate, targeting speculative short positions instead. Ainu Salmon Rights: A Sapporo high court rejected an Ainu appeal seeking recognition of an inherent right to catch salmon in a Hokkaido river, while acknowledging cultural practice and historical fishing. Domestic Transport Deregulation: Japan’s first gas-powered mini taxis began operating after restrictions were lifted, aiming to ease driver shortages and expand service in areas with limited transport. Humanitarian Relief in Venezuela: Peace Winds Japan’s NGO official warned that quake-hit communities in Venezuela face shortages of tents, water and toilets, calling for more assistance. Public Health Aid Abroad: Japan pledged up to ¥980 million for advanced diagnostic equipment for Mongolia’s National Cancer Center, boosting cancer screening and treatment capacity. Tech-Industry Push: Japan unveiled plans for a domestically developed AI model and up to 10 million AI-equipped robots by 2040, backed by up to ¥1 trillion in government funding over five years.