Australia has selected Japan’s proposal for the joint development of next-generation naval vessels, marking a significant milestone in bilateral defense cooperation. (News On Japan)

On August 1st, a special session of the Diet convened, marking the first appearance of Ishin lawmaker Tai Okazaki, who was elected for the first time in July's House of Councillors election. Okazaki spoke with reporters about his determination for his new role. (News On Japan)

"I think this is the biggest deal ever," said U.S. President Donald Trump excitedly in front of reporters. (News On Japan)

The mayor of Joetsu City, Kanta Nakagawa, who sparked controversy by saying "Sanda's rice is bad," traveled to Hyogo Prefecture to personally apologize to the people of Sanda, including its mayor and local farmers. (News On Japan)

A small island in the Seto Inland Sea, home to just seven registered residents, is seeing rapid changes due to land acquisitions linked to Chinese investors—raising alarm among the local community. (News On Japan)