Japan-UK Tech & Defense Deal: Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi met Keir Starmer in London to seal a tech and security partnership worth over £18bn, including offshore wind investment (up to £9bn), closer Rolls-Royce work with Japan’s Atomic Energy Agency, and a push to accelerate the next-gen fighter jet program GCAP. Critical Minerals Security: Japan is urging G7 backing for a coordinated rare-earth stockpile plan, aiming for reserves equivalent to at least 90 days and emergency release coordination via the IEA as China’s export curbs raise supply risks for EV, semiconductors and defense. AI Writing Authentication: Osaka startup Valar Intelligence’s “Puddin AI” is being tested by Kyushu University and others to flag AI-generated text by tracking writing behavior and revision patterns, with results split into AI, AI-supported and Human. Energy Shock Watch: A new analysis warns the US-Iran conflict’s impact is spreading beyond oil into logistics, fertilizer and food, with disruptions likely to linger through 2027. Tourism Demand Signal: Qatar-Japan ties are deepening as Gulf arrivals to Japan hit a new high, while Japan’s World Cup opener against the Netherlands adds another layer of trade-and-services buzz. Space & Launches: Japan’s H3 rocket returned to flight with a successful launch after earlier setbacks, underscoring momentum in domestic space capability.