Overview
- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has settled on dissolving the House of Representatives, a decision that raises questions about how it aligns with her earlier pledge to prioritize swift passage of the fiscal 2026 budget.
- CDP and Komeito are in final talks on election cooperation that could include launching a new party, with Komeito granting leader Tetsuo Saito full authority and a possible leaders’ meeting to formalize an agreement reported.
- Yokohama’s human resources chief publicly accused Mayor Takeharu Yamanaka of harassment and threatening gestures, calling for an apology and independent probe, while the mayor denies the claims.
- U.S. President Donald Trump urged Iranians to continue anti-government protests, said talks with Tehran officials are on hold, and promised “support” soon, which Senator Lindsey Graham suggested could entail military, cyber, and psychological operations.
- Public safety cases drew scrutiny nationwide, including an Osaka house fire that left two people unconscious, a Chiba detainee’s suspected beriberi linked to nutritionally poor bento meals, and the arrest of a Yokohama mother over her 7‑month‑old son’s fatal injuries.