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Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba hosted a private dinner with 15 first-time ruling party lawmakers, where he shared insights from his early days in politics and provided advice on campaign strategies and policy engagement. The event, which also featured a gift of 100,000 yen gift certificates and a modest meal paid for by Ishiba himself, raised questions about its political nature under campaign finance regulations.

Researchers at Chiba University are developing space farming techniques to grow fresh produce on the moon, aiming to establish a self-sufficient lunar farm by the 2040s. Their work also holds potential for revolutionizing agriculture on Earth through innovative cultivation methods and sustainable food production systems.

Starbucks Coffee Japan Ltd. is reaching out to older customers through hands-on barista and exercise experiences, aiming to expand its customer base and create meaningful connections with people of all ages. These initiatives include barista experience events for seniors and early morning radio exercise sessions in store parking lots, fostering a welcoming atmosphere for older generations in Japan.

The Aoya Kamijichi Historical Park in Tottori, Japan, unveiled a reconstructed bust of a woman who lived there around 1,800 years ago. The bust, based on DNA analysis of her skull, depicts a woman with light skin, straight hair, and double eyelids, offering a glimpse into the face of an ancient inhabitant of the region.

Hyundai and General Motors are finalizing a deal where Hyundai will share its electric commercial van models with GM, while GM may offer pickup trucks for Hyundai’s North American lineup. The potential partnership could expand to other areas including joint efforts on battery technology, chip procurement, and even SUVs, as both automakers respond to growing Chinese EV competition and changing market dynamics.