Japan

Japan says it needs better counterintelligence after a NYT report called the country a Russian "den of spies" and key source of weapons components.

China's PLA Navy strategic nuclear submarine fired a missile carrying a training simulation warhead into the Pacific on Monday at 12:01 pm, landing in a designated sea area. Japan, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand condemned the launch.

Beijing says it was routine annual training and relevant countries were informed in advance.

The Islamic regime is flooding headlines with oil export comeback talk, but tankers tell a different story. Reports of early talks with three Japanese refiners (first since 2019) look like a breakthrough on paper.

In reality, for now, it’s a long shot: tight U.S. waiver timeline, Hormuz risks, insurance hurdles, and reluctant buyers.

H/T @miadmaleki

Iran has begun talks with Japanese companies to resume oil sales under a U.S. sanctions waiver, three Iranian and Western sources tell Reuters. The waiver was issued June 22 and expires August 21. Buyers are seeking a longer waiver and reassurances on ship safety before committing.

India's PM Modi, speaking with Japan's PM Takaichi:

In the field of defense, today we have agreed on India and Japan's first co-development project.

This naval radio antenna UNICORN project will open a new chapter in our defense technology partnership.

We will now jointly develop defense technologies that will strengthen regional peace, maritime security, and the rules-based order.

Beirut erupts in celebration after Brazil beat Japan to reach the round of 16.

Magnitude 6.0 earthquake recorded near the east coast of Honshu, Japan, according to EMSC.

5.8 magnitude earthquake in eastern Honshu, Japan. - EMSC

JUST IN: 6.9 magnitude earthquake hits Japan.

Japan's PM Takaichi secured G7 backing for joint stockpiling of critical minerals, with the initiative included in the summit's outcome document.

China's Foreign Ministry accuses Japan of pursuing remilitarization under the guise of peace and defense, pointing to expanded military spending, loosened weapons exports, missile deployments, and efforts to revise its pacifist constitution.

Beijing warned the international community to "stay on high alert" and "never allow Japanese militarism to return."

Japan's Prime Minister Takaichi says she will suggest oil stockpiling steps at the G7.

Japan's PM Takaichi demanded Iran's President Pezeshkian ensure free and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

The U.S. told Japan its order of 400 Tomahawk missiles may be delayed up to two years. Pentagon stockpiles were drained during the Iran war and Washington is restocking its own arsenal first. Japan had planned to receive them by 2028 to counter China. - FT

Japan's KC-46A completed a simulated air-to-air refueling drill.

Via @BESTGUY0925

Japan has built the world's largest underground flood tunnel, a $2 billion infrastructure project with chambers large enough to hold a space shuttle inside them. Since becoming operational, the system has cut local flood damage by nearly 90%.

- Bloomberg

WILD 🔴

Several Japanese manufacturers have switched to black-and-white product packaging as supply chain disruptions from the Iran conflict cut off access to color printing materials.

6.6-magnitude earthquake strikes Japan. Warnings issued across multiple prefectures.

Japanese PM speaks to Iranian president:

“I conveyed my strong expectation that consultations between the United States and Iran will resume at an early date and reach a final agreement.”

Japan's PM says a Japanese oil tanker carrying 2 million barrels of Saudi crude has transited the Strait of Hormuz.

American oil reaching Japan.

🇺🇸 🇯🇵

A large forest fire broke out in Ōtsuchi Town, Iwate Prefecture, Japan.

A Japanese Type 10 tank shell detonated inside the turret during training. Three soldiers killed, one seriously injured. Cause unknown. Japan has suspended live-fire drills pending investigation.

IRAN STATE TV IRIB: "A government whose president has threatened to destroy a whole civilization, that used a nuclear bomb on Japan and has 5,200 warheads, is now warning the world about the danger of Iran possessing nuclear weapons."