Defense & Diplomacy: Japan’s defense chief Shinjiro Koizumi says China and Russia held live-fire drills inside Japan’s EEZ, including a machine-gun exercise near Okinotorishima, prompting Tokyo to raise concerns through diplomatic channels. Public Safety & Tech: Engineers are testing AI systems (often with drones) to spot trees at risk of falling or shedding branches as heat and aging roadside/park trees drive accidents. Heat & Health: Tokyo and much of Japan are still under extreme heat pressure, with heatstroke alerts and new cooling measures for workers. Royalty & Politics: Japan’s parliament keeps the imperial throne male-only even as it expands succession options via adoption of distant male relatives, leaving Princess Aiko ineligible. Economy & Markets: Ahead of the Marine Day holiday, the Nikkei slid sharply on global rate and Middle East worries. Business & Energy: Sumitomo Chemical plans mass production of a halide-based solid-state battery electrolyte material for EVs. Sports & Culture: PV Sindhu’s Japan Open win continues to dominate headlines, while ONE PIECE Vol. 115 and Snow Man’s “Good Time” top Japan’s book and music charts. Travel & Services: Japan Medical Finder launches as a free, searchable directory for hospitals that accept foreign patients across all prefectures.