Nuclear Debate: Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi says Japan “cannot avoid” a national discussion on nuclear weapons, pointing to Europe’s moves on deterrence and arguing Tokyo must revisit what’s considered off-limits as security conditions worsen. Royal Succession: Japan’s parliament revised the Imperial House Law to help stabilize the shrinking imperial family, allowing adoption from former imperial branches and letting princesses keep status after marrying commoners—while keeping the male-only succession that critics say still drives uncertainty for staff and fuels public debate. Japan-Philippines/ICC: Filipino legal groups warn the Philippines risks losing protections for Duterte-era drug war victims if it rejects cooperation with the International Criminal Court amid a fresh U.S. push to isolate the Hague institution. Defense Cooperation Abroad: Japan pledged about $3 million in Official Security Assistance to Cambodia, including communications gear and patrol boats, as both sides deepen security ties. Regional Security: Japan’s Foreign Ministry updated Middle East travel risk levels, urging citizens to stay vigilant amid escalating tensions and reported attacks. Sports (Not Politics, but big headlines): PV Sindhu won the Japan Open women’s singles, becoming the first Indian to lift the title and ending a near-two-year drought ahead of the World Championships in Delhi.