Earthquake Response: Japan’s Kumamoto disaster toll climbed to 34, with nine deaths still under investigation as rescuers race through rubble at the Aeon mall and a Nippon Paper factory; sweltering heat and widespread outages are complicating care for thousands in shelters. Fiscal & Cost-of-Living Policy: PM Sanae Takaichi moved to cut Japan’s food and beverage consumption tax from 8% to 1% for two years starting next April, aiming to blunt inflation while navigating concerns over ballooning debt. Macroeconomic Outlook: The Cabinet Office cut Japan’s current fiscal-year growth forecast to 0.9% (from 1.3%) as higher oil prices and yen weakness squeeze households and firms. FX & Intervention Watch: The yen surged sharply against the dollar, prompting traders to speculate about possible Japanese official intervention ahead of the BOJ meeting. Energy & Security: Japan began the 22nd round of Fukushima contaminated-water discharge (about 7,800 tonnes, tritium included) as Tokyo continues to face international criticism. Regional Diplomacy: Japan and ASEAN reported over 90% of cooperation action lines are already implemented or underway, with “trust” highlighted as the core of the partnership. International Supply Chains: JOGMEC-backed investment aims to develop Namibia’s Lofdal heavy rare earth project, underscoring Tokyo’s push to diversify critical minerals away from China.