Economy Watch: Japan’s Q2 growth was revised higher, with annualized real GDP up to 1.4% (from 1.1%) as the decline in business investment looked less severe, keeping the Bank of Japan’s rate-hike path in focus. Wages & Trade: Real wages rose 2.4% in July for the 7th straight month, while Japan logged a 2.99 trillion yen current account surplus in July as services and primary income improved. Yen Rally: The yen surged into the ¥153 range, with traders pointing to expectations of faster BOJ tightening and the unwinding of yen carry trades. Policy & Politics: Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is arranging a Cabinet and ruling party reshuffle as early as Sept. 16, with an eye on an extraordinary parliamentary session. Tokyo Living Rules: Shinjuku plans to ban most vacation rentals in residential areas and near schools, potentially shutting down about 2,000 listings. Security & Diplomacy: The US, Japan and South Korea kicked off Freedom Edge drills as North Korea warned of “response measures,” while China announced anti-dumping deposits on Japanese semiconductor chemical imports. Tech & Industry: NEC ended its push for a working quantum computer, shifting toward quantum-related services, and Preferred Networks is seeking an IPO to scale AI chips. Disaster Preparedness: A new survey finds fewer than 30% of Japan’s dog and cat owners stockpile pet supplies for disasters.