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Seven political parties in Japan have submitted legislation to prevent a repeat of the chaotic 2024 Tokyo gubernatorial election, where a record number of candidates led to campaign posters being used for commercial advertising. The bill aims to uphold the dignity of elections and regulate the use of social media in campaigns, with discussions on the latter issue to continue in the future.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's approval rating saw a boost following his summit with President Trump, though concerns linger regarding his ability to navigate Trump's unpredictable nature. The survey also revealed a public divided on the issue of political donations from corporations and organizations, with some favoring increased transparency and others advocating for a complete ban.

Japan's space agency, JAXA, plans to increase the launch frequency of its H3 rocket to at least seven times a year, aiming for one-month intervals between launches. This ambitious goal requires upgrades at the Tanegashima Space Center, including additional liquid oxygen storage tanks and assembly buildings, to enable more frequent launches and strengthen Japan's international competitiveness in the space industry.

The rollout of an AI system designed to help child welfare centers identify abusive situations has been postponed due to concerns over its accuracy and reliability. During trials, the AI frequently missed significant signs of severe abuse, prompting the Children and Families Agency to delay its implementation.

The Japanese government has approved a bill introducing stricter regulations on artificial intelligence, aiming to prevent harmful applications and promote responsible development. This move signifies a shift from previous reliance on self-regulation and aligns with a global trend towards regulating AI to mitigate potential negative societal impacts.