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Opposition leader Yuichiro Tamaki ignited a firestorm of controversy with his remarks suggesting measures to prevent foreigners from exploiting medical fee caps under the national health insurance program. His comments, made on a TV program and social media, drew both praise and criticism, raising concerns about xenophobia and the potential impact on healthcare access for foreign residents.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba called for unity within the LDP to win the upcoming Upper House and Tokyo metropolitan assembly elections, despite the party's recent loss of its Lower House majority. He emphasized the need to regain public trust by listening to the people's concerns and engaging in open and honest dialogue.

Tokyo officials plan to subsidize smartphones for elderly residents who don't own one, aiming to bridge the digital divide and ensure everyone has access to planned digital services. The initiative also includes expanding support for community tech assistance workshops and promoting the use of the Tokyo metropolitan government's smartphone app, which will offer a variety of public services and administrative registration options.

Japan's space agency JAXA plans to increase the launch frequency of its H3 rockets to seven or more per year from the Tanegashima Space Center. This ambitious goal will be achieved through upgrades to the center, including increasing the number of liquid oxygen storage tanks and assembly buildings for satellites.

NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams returned to Earth on Friday after a nine-month stay on the International Space Station, their replacements having launched earlier in the day. The duo's extended mission was due to technical problems with Boeing's Starliner capsule, forcing them to transfer to a SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule for their return.