Japan Tourism: Foreign visitors to Japan fell for a second straight month in May, down 3.6% year-on-year, with arrivals from China plunging 60.4% amid lingering bilateral tensions. Japan Economy & Trade: Japan posted a May trade deficit of 378.6 billion yen as imports rose 12.5%—especially electrical machinery—while exports climbed 17%, with the weak yen and AI-driven chip demand in the mix. South Korea Security: Seoul will ease civilian restrictions near the DPRK border by adjusting the Civilian Control Line and lifting curbs over hundreds of square kilometres from 2027. ASEAN-Russia Diplomacy: Putin is hosting ASEAN leaders in Kazan, aiming to expand business and strategic ties as the bloc marks 35 years of relations with Russia. Philippines-China Space: China launched a Long March 12 rocket from Hainan; the Philippine Space Agency warned of possible debris drop zones near the country. China Digital Yuan Push: 26 institutions signed up for cross-border e-CNY Transfer Services, extending the digital yuan’s international reach. China Markets & AI IPOs: China’s securities regulator pledged more domestic listings for AI developers and Hong Kong firms, while tightening rules against market manipulation. Japan Housing Rules: Japan’s tourism agency plans to let local governments effectively ban “minpaku” private lodgings via ordinances by setting the annual cap at zero days. Culture & Soft Power: Dragon Boat Festival celebrations and zongzi-making events spread across China and abroad, including Cambodia, as cultural exchange ramps up.