Japan-US Base Tensions: 15 Japanese prefectures hosting U.S. bases have petitioned Tokyo to revise the Status of Forces Agreement, citing safety risks from flights, hazardous leaks, and firearms incidents. Japan Justice: Japan hanged Sunao Takami for the 2009 Osaka pachinko parlour arson that killed five, the first execution under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Japan Rail Tragedy: An express train hit four track workers doing weed control near Tokyo, killing them; officials say it’s unclear why they didn’t evacuate. Korea Industrial Push: South Korea passed a landmark law to supercharge its cosmetics industry, while also moving to impose antidumping tariffs on Thai seamless copper pipes. Korea Finance: Seoul will monitor bond-market stress as long-term yields rise globally, and plans a “Future Fund” financed by AI-driven “windfall” tax revenue. China Policy & Property: China revised housing provident fund rules to expand withdrawals and coverage, aiming to support demand as the property market enters a new phase. China-Italy EV Surge: Chinese automakers, led by BYD, are rapidly expanding in Italy’s new energy vehicle market. China-Desertification Playbook: At UNCCD COP17 in Mongolia, China is pushing its large-scale land restoration model as a blueprint for global scaling. North Korea: Pyongyang fired more than 10 missiles as U.S.-South Korea drills wind down, while Seoul, Washington and Tokyo shared information by phone.