North Korea Missile Alert: Japan and South Korea reported North Korea fired suspected ballistic missiles toward the Sea of Japan/East Sea, with Japan estimating a flight of about 440 km and a peak altitude near 60 km; Japan tightened monitoring and told ships and aircraft to take precautions as the launches landed outside Japan’s EEZ. Asian Games 2026: Japan kicked off the Aichi-Nagoya Games with Emperor Naruhito declaring the event open, and on day one hosts won their first gold as triathlete Takumi Hojo took men’s individual gold; China’s 13-year-old Yu Zidi also set the pace in swimming. India-Japan Sports & Cricket: Japan’s historic first T20I vs India is set for Tuesday at Sano, with the Japan Cricket Association upgrading the venue to grow cricket’s profile in Japan. Defense Cooperation: In Veer Guardian-2026, Japanese fighters operated from Indian soil for the first time, with air chiefs flying Tejas together and calling it a milestone of trust. Japan Economy Watch: The Bank of Japan lifted rates to a 31-year high, but the yen stayed volatile, prompting a rate check that markets read as a possible step toward intervention. Local Life: A bear climbed onto a moored tuna boat in Miyagi, then fell into the sea; no crew were hurt.