Tokyo

Japan is partially turning off the tap of decades of cheap money, moving to support the yen after prolonged currency weakness. The shift in monetary policy is being framed as an effort to defend the currency, with coverage suggesting Washington's position — described as an 'American friend' — played a supporting role in Tokyo's decision to rein in ultra-loose policy.

Markets are gearing up for a packed economic calendar in the coming week. The U.S. jobs report heads the agenda, alongside inflation data from the United States, the Eurozone, Australia, South Korea and Tokyo. The Reserve Bank of Australia meets to set policy, and investors will also watch speeches from Federal Reserve, European Central Bank and Bank of England officials for clues on the direction of interest rates.

Analysts at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute argue that a Chinese seizure of Taiwan would be so destabilising for Japan that it could drive Tokyo to abandon its non-nuclear posture and develop nuclear weapons. The piece, published on ASPI's Strategist commentary site, frames the scenario as 'revolting for the CCP', suggesting Beijing's ambitions could trigger the very regional nuclear proliferation it seeks to avoid.

Japan's Defense Ministry is drawing up a new program to back startups developing unmanned aerial vehicles and related defense products. The initiative would help young companies enter the defense market, where barriers have traditionally been high. It reflects Tokyo's broader push to grow its defense industry base and expand domestic drone capabilities amid regional security concerns.

Japanese leader Sanae Takaichi said Japan and the United States have agreed to work together on a range of issues relating to China. The announcement points to continued coordination between the two allies on security, economic and diplomatic concerns in the region. The remarks drew attention as tensions between Tokyo, Washington and Beijing remain a central topic in Asia-Pacific diplomacy.

Trading began at the Tokyo Stock Exchange following the Liberal Democratic Party's election of a new leader. Investors were watching the leadership result closely, since the winner is set to become Japan's next prime minister and their policies could shape fiscal spending, monetary policy and market direction. The vote had prompted attention across Japanese financial circles.

Zurich and Tokyo now carry the highest housing bubble risk in UBS's latest index, as global home price growth slows. The bank's assessment highlights elevated valuations in both cities even as broader market momentum cools. The findings are drawing attention from investors in real estate markets and funds tracking property stocks.

Rail operators in Tokyo have reported online security breaches, according to Japan's public broadcaster NHK. The incidents raise concerns about the cybersecurity of critical transport infrastructure in the Japanese capital, though details on which companies were affected, the nature of the breaches, and whether operations were disrupted have not yet been disclosed.

Japan's Defense Ministry has announced it will support startups working on unmanned aerial vehicle development, according to the Japan Times. The move aligns with Tokyo's broader push to strengthen its defense industrial base and tap private-sector innovation for military technology. Details on funding amounts and selected companies have not yet been reported.

Japan is reportedly considering replacing some of its military personnel with humanoid robots. The plan would see machines take over certain duties within the Self-Defense Forces, reflecting Tokyo's push to address recruitment shortfalls and a shrinking population. The proposal has drawn attention from defense and robotics watchers, who note Japan's advanced robotics industry and growing interest in automation for defense roles. Details on timelines and which positions could be affected remain limited.

Carlos Alcaraz will begin his Japan Open campaign in Tokyo with a first-round match against American Alex Michelsen. The draw also sets up an emotional occasion for Japanese tennis, as Kei Nishikori is set to face Frances Tiafoe in what is being presented as a farewell appearance. Fans are following the tournament for Alcaraz's title push and Nishikori's send-off.

Japan's Defense Ministry announced it will support startups involved in the development of unmanned aerial vehicles, better known as drones. The initiative aims to bring private-sector innovation into the country's defense technology base, as Tokyo moves to strengthen its domestic defense industry and catch up in areas where established contractors have lagged behind global peers.

A Tokyo-based startup plans to begin brokering trades of Japanese unlisted shares to investors in the United States and Britain, according to Nikkei Asia. The move would give overseas investors access to Japan's private company market, a segment previously difficult to reach from abroad.

Attention in Japan is turning to the 60th Sprinters Stakes, a Grade 1 horse race, after the announcement of the barrier draw. Fans and racing media are examining the draw to assess each runner's chances, with coverage from sports outlets including TV Tokyo's sports desk discussing the field and the gate positions for the sprint feature.

Tokyo Metro says roughly 59,000 email addresses belonging to members of its Metpo commuter points program may have been viewed or stolen after unauthorized access to a server, apparently from overseas. The company says train operations are unaffected. The breach drew attention because the server held addresses Tokyo Metro had already stopped mailing to, raising questions about why the outdated data was retained.

Surging property prices in central Tokyo are reshaping where residents want to live, with suburban areas increasingly ranking as the most desirable residential destinations. As affordability pressures mount, homebuyers are trading proximity to the city centre for more space and lower costs on the outskirts, a shift that could reshape demand and development patterns across the metropolitan area.

Tourism EXPO Japan 2026, the country's major travel trade show, is in the news as exhibitors announce their participation. Hawaii's tourism office is bringing local food specialties like loco moco, Spam musubi and acai bowls to Tokyo Big Sight, while the Morocco National Tourist Office has confirmed it will exhibit. Domestic players such as Shizu prefecture are also promoting regional tourism through the character franchise Tetsudo Musume.

French tennis player Arthur Fils is set to face American Martin Damm in the first round of qualifying at the ATP 500 tournament in Tokyo. The matchup is drawing attention among tennis fans in France and beyond as Fils continues his season on the Asian swing, with the draw now confirmed for the Japanese hard-court event.

The Yomiuri Giants are taking on the Tokyo Yakult Swallows in a professional baseball matchup, and fans across Japan are following the game closely. Sports outlets are providing live coverage and updates, with supporters from both clubs weighing in on the action as it unfolds on the field.

Keio Electric Railway, a major private railway operator in Tokyo, has been hit by a ransomware attack that disrupted its payment and settlement systems. The company says train operations themselves were not affected, and services continue to run normally while it deals with the cyberattack. The incident adds to a string of ransomware attacks on Japanese organisations, drawing attention to the vulnerability of critical transport infrastructure.

A new snack bar in Tokyo is letting people work through robot avatars, serving customers remotely instead of being physically present. The unusual setup highlights how avatar technology is being tested in everyday hospitality jobs, opening work opportunities for people who cannot easily commute or leave home.

The Yomiuri Giants are playing the Tokyo Yakult Swallows in a Nippon Professional Baseball game, drawing attention from Japanese baseball fans. Reports highlight pitcher Ogasawara throwing hard on the mound for the Giants. The matchup between the two Central League Tokyo clubs is attracting interest as the season progresses.

NTK, a subsidiary of Malaysian healthcare group IHH Healthcare, has filed an appeal against a Tokyo court ruling in its ongoing legal dispute with Daiichi. The case is part of a broader conflict between the two parties over their business arrangements in Japan. Further details of the court's original decision and the grounds for appeal have not been disclosed.

Seiya Inomata, a member of the dance vocal group timelesz, has been released after being arrested on suspicion of assault. According to reports from Jiji Press, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police released him after he reached a settlement with the woman involved in the incident. Japanese social media users are reacting to the news of his arrest and release, with discussion around the singer's return and what this means for the group.

せいや refers to Seiya Inagaki, a member of the Japanese idol group timelesz. Japanese news outlets report that he was arrested on suspicion of assault but has now been released, apparently after reaching a settlement with the woman involved. Tokyo Metropolitan Police handled the case, and commentary from lawyers suggests he may not be prosecuted or fined. The release and legal outlook are dominating searches and discussion around the idol.

The ATP Tour has published details of prize money for the 2026 Tokyo tennis tournament. The figures are drawing attention from players and fans tracking how purses are rising across the tour, and from those comparing Tokyo's payout with other events on the 2026 calendar.