Japan Demographics: Japan’s population fell to 123.05m in 2025 (down 3.1m from 2020), with ageing and natural decline driving the record drop—Tokyo and Okinawa were the only bright spots. Japan Security & Media: Japan passed a law to create a national intelligence council chaired by the prime minister, raising fresh concerns about oversight and the country’s postwar pacifist guardrails. India-QUAD Diplomacy: India pushed back on China’s bloc criticism, saying QUAD is not aimed at any country and focuses on practical projects like climate, health and disaster response. Asia Defence Stage: Australia warned China’s Shangri-La Dialogue move—sending mostly academics—misses a chance for “strategic reassurance” amid rising military modernization worries. China Soft Power & Culture: Chinese genre fiction is finding growing overseas traction, with writers and publishers pitching mystery, thriller and web literature to global readers. Marcom/Ad Tech: India’s Delhi High Court ordered Google to pay Rs 30 lakh over trademark keyword ads in the Hindware case, a potential ripple for online advertising rules. Business/Auto: SAIC is set to sell another 10% stake in JSW MG Motor, boosting JSW’s control as China’s automaker navigates India investment curbs. Food & Lifestyle: A Tampa Japanese concept, “Nagi” from Soho Sushi, is set to replace Gen X Tavern after July 4, adding an izakaya-style dining and whiskey lounge. Public Safety: Pune and Pimpri-Chinchwad saw suspected illicit liquor deaths, with police arresting alleged suppliers and probing methanol-linked cases.