U.S.-Japan defense relations dominated morning coverage as defense chiefs met to urgently bolster deterrence amid China's rising influence. This follows Pentagon head Hegseth's first Japan visit and Prime Minister Ishiba's calls for strengthening the alliance reported yesterday. By afternoon, reassurances emerged that no U.S. demands for increased defense spending materialized, likely bringing relief to Japanese officials.

The Myanmar earthquake aftermath continued to develop, with reports of a collapsed airport control tower and a Japanese national unaccounted for. The humanitarian situation appeared complex as opposition forces declared partial ceasefires in affected areas while Myanmar's military reportedly continued airstrikes despite the disaster.

Financial news revealed plans by Japan's FSA to introduce insider trading regulations for cryptocurrency as active accounts have increased 3.6-fold over five years. Reports also highlighted a technical lag in Tokyo's foreign exchange systems compared to New York, potentially damaging national interests.