Philippines–Japan State Visit: President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. met former PM Fumio Kishida on Japan’s $10bn Powerr Asia energy program, aiming to boost renewable and low-carbon cooperation and energy resilience as Middle East risks linger. Diet Address & Deals: Marcos told Japan’s National Diet that security and energy cooperation are central, as Manila and Tokyo signed a double taxation convention and agreed to start GSOMIA talks plus maritime boundary discussions. Defense Cooperation: Japan plans to send SDF personnel to a NATO Ukraine assistance mission in Germany, while Japan and the Philippines move to deepen intelligence-sharing amid China concerns. Demographics Shock: Japan’s population fell to 123.05 million in 2025, down 2.5% (a record drop), with Tokyo and Okinawa the only prefectures to grow. Economy & Markets: April industrial output rose and unemployment eased to 2.5%, while the Nikkei and Topix hit fresh highs on AI optimism and hopes for a US–Iran ceasefire extension. Everyday Life Costs: Japan passed healthcare reforms making childbirth free in principle but raising co-pays for some prescription drugs; major food firms plan price hikes for 1,078 items in June. Travel & Safety: A Japan Airlines Boeing 767 made an emergency landing at Narita after a suspected tire blowout; no casualties reported. Sports & Culture: Naomi Osaka reached the French Open third round; Japan’s beach volleyball tour banned spectators from taking photos/videos after “malicious” shots.