Japanese politician, Chief Cabinet Secretary since 2025
China has test‑launched a long‑range ballistic missile from a nuclear submarine into the South Pacific carrying a dummy warhead. Beijing has said the launch was routine and that relevant countries were notified; Australia, New Zealand, Japan and Pacific states have condemned the test as destabilising and said notice was insufficient.
Taiwan has asked Japan and the Philippines to respect its rights as talks on delimiting the EEZ and continental shelf proceed, while China denounces the move. Tokyo and Manila say talks will follow international law, with Taiwan warning against any encroachment on its sovereign rights.
Typhoon Jangmi has intensified on its approach to Japan, forcing evacuations, power outages and widespread disruptions across the region as authorities warn of life-threatening rain and floods.
The Guardian, The Japan Times, AP News, and others report Beijing’s export controls on dual-use items target Japanese firms as Tokyo expands its defense posture. Detentions of Japanese nationals in China over alleged rare-earths-related export violations are intensifying the diplomatic row. The moves come after Japanese comments on Taiwan and potential military action raised Beijing’s alarm.
Global investors remain focused on Japan as the yen weakens to multi-decade lows amid widening rate gaps with the U.S. and potential BOJ action. Interventions and energy costs shape trader expectations, with carries trades under scrutiny as markets weigh policy signals and risk events.
The New York Times has reported that Russia has turned Japan into a base for intelligence gathering and procuring dual-use technology for its war in Ukraine. Ukraine cites Ukrainian estimates that 90% of Russian missiles and drones contain Japanese components. Tokyo is expanding counter-espionage efforts as lawmakers authorize a new coordination body for intelligence.
Finance officials signal ongoing reviews that could steer Japan’s GPIF toward greater yen-denominated assets, amid government talk of encouraging domestic investment. The GPIF’s next review is due in 2030, with current allocations unchanged for now.