Japan Security & Strategy: A commentary argues Japan must pursue deterrence and renewal together, warning that dual-use tech like semiconductors, robotics, AI, and precision manufacturing needs faster corporate-government coordination. Korean Peninsula Diplomacy: South Korea’s President Lee Jae-myung proposes direct talks with North Korea to formally end the Korean War and curb Pyongyang’s nuclear drive, as Pyongyang also reacts to Japan’s defense posture and deepens ties with Russia. Earthquake Watch: A 5.7-magnitude quake struck Japan’s Volcano Islands region, underscoring ongoing seismic risk. Nature & Research: Kobe University researchers report hermit crabs can act as both external and internal seed dispersers for a parasitic plant in Japanese tropical forests—an unexpected ecological link. Tokyo Housing: Secondhand apartment asking prices in central Tokyo fell for the first time in 26 months, reflecting a glut of unsold units. Food & Agriculture: Japanese researchers are growing familiar rice varieties (Koshihikari, Hitomebore) in Hawaii as part of upland cultivation trials. Public Safety Tech: Singapore’s NTU retrofitted a building with anti-bird-collision decals after years of fatal bird strikes on reflective glass. Disaster & Environment: Researchers warn Ghana’s coastline erosion could accelerate as sediment discharge from the Volta River declines.