ASEAN Regional Forum Diplomacy: Japan’s FM Motegi pushed a rules-based order, maritime security, and stronger preventive diplomacy at the ARF in Manila, stressing UNCLOS-consistent South China Sea conduct and calling for North Korea’s full denuclearization and no sanctions evasion. Korean Peninsula Pressure: South Korea’s FM Cho urged North Korea to respond to Seoul’s dialogue offers, warning that peace can’t be achieved by one side alone as Pyongyang stayed away again. Energy + Scams Cooperation: Japan pledged closer ASEAN-plus-three coordination on energy security and online scams, aligning with ASEAN centrality and the AOIP. Japan-China-Russia Friction: China’s FM Wang Yi reportedly had no meeting scheduled with Japan in Manila, while Motegi said he did have brief contact with Wang and emphasized continued communication. Tariffs + Markets: Japan marked the one-year anniversary of the Japan-U.S. tariff deal, with Tokyo reiterating efforts to mitigate impacts; meanwhile the yen slid near multi-decade lows as the dollar hit a fresh 40-year high ahead of the ECB. Tech + Law: Nintendo’s Palworld patent fight took another hit as Japan’s Patent Office rejected related filings over lack of inventive step, adding to pressure on Pocketpair. Domestic Heat Risk: Tokyo reported 453 heat-related hospitalizations in a day as the heatwave breaks records, underscoring mounting public health strain.