Imperial Visit: Empress Masako met Peace, Japan’s oldest bottle-fed polar bear, at Tobe Zoological Park in Ehime, sharing her childhood “dream job” as a zoo attendant and learning how the animal is cared for. World Cup Shock: Japan captain Wataru Endo withdrew from the 2026 World Cup with a foot injury and then announced his retirement from international duty; the Japan Football Association named Ko Itakura as captain and called up Shuto Machino, forcing Hajime Moriyasu to reshuffle midfield plans ahead of the Netherlands match. Crypto Law: Japan’s Lower House passed a sweeping bill to regulate crypto like financial instruments, cut the top tax rate on digital asset gains to 20%, tighten rules for unregistered exchanges, and open the door to crypto ETFs. Aviation Oversight: Japan’s transport ministry warned JAL again after cabin attendants were found to have been drinking within 12 hours of a flight, leading to delays; the company says one attendant was dismissed and the other suspended. G7 Values Push: Catholic bishops’ conference leaders from G7 countries, including Japan, urged summit governments to keep “human dignity” at the center of governance amid conflict, inequality, climate disruption, and fast-moving AI. Regional Diplomacy: ASEAN and partners sent Independence Day greetings to the Philippines, with Japan’s ambassador also posting support.