AI Policy & Open Models: Nvidia and Microsoft urged the US to avoid broad restrictions on open-weight AI models, arguing they’re vital for innovation, cybersecurity, and keeping US leadership. Japan Governance Resilience: Japan’s parliament approved a bill to create a second capital (likely Osaka) to keep government functions running during disasters, with tax incentives aimed at relocating some offices. Japan Tech for Finance: Osaka fintech Sargia expanded its Finger Grid platform and introduced “Finger Bridge” to connect regulated institutions with tokenized-asset ecosystems. Space Economy in Japan: DigitalBlast signed a reservation agreement to use the commercial space station “Starlab,” following Mitsubishi’s earlier booking and signaling Japan’s push into post-ISS LEO services. Cybersecurity Showcase: Japan’s BunkyoWesterns won top honors at Codegate 2026, highlighting Japan’s strength in ethical hacking as AI reshapes digital warfare. Trade Tensions (US-EU): Trump threatened a Section 301 investigation into EU trade practices after EU antitrust fines against major US tech firms, raising the prospect of new tariffs. Japan Rare Earths: Japan reported high-value rare earths in deep-sea mining work near remote islands, reinforcing the supply-chain push for critical minerals. Heat & Public Safety: Reports flagged a severe Japan heatwave with hundreds hospitalized, underscoring urgent cooling and emergency response needs.