Japan is planning to enhance civilian air hubs and seaports in the southwest, including Naha, Nagasaki, Miyazaki, Fukue, and Kitakyushu, for dual civilian-military use to address potential contingencies involving Taiwan and other areas. The upgrades will involve extending runways, constructing hardened shelters, and improving air traffic control and radar systems. Naval port enhancements are also expected, with the Japanese government allocating 35 billion yen for the first phase. Discussions with local residents are necessary before the commencement of the project. The need for increased defensive capabilities was highlighted by the recent sighting of a Chinese WZ-7 drone over the Sea of Japan.

Asahiya, a Japanese butcher shop, has gained immense popularity for its 'kiwami' beef croquettes, priced at 300 yen (US$2.05) each, containing prime Kobe beef. Despite selling at a loss, the owner, Nitta, uses the croquettes to promote other products. With a production limit of 200 croquettes daily, the shop has accumulated a 38-year waiting list. Nitta, who took over in 1994, credits the internet and media coverage for the surge in demand. Although he once paused taking new orders due to the long wait times, customer pressure led to a resumption. Nitta values the quality of ingredients and believes in the longevity of his shops and hopes his grandchildren will continue the tradition.

Central Japan experienced powerful aftershocks following a New Year’s Day earthquake that increased the death toll to 62. The initial 7.6 magnitude quake struck the Noto peninsula, with over 130 aftershocks recorded, including four above magnitude 5. Emergency responders and Japanese troops conducted search and rescue operations, despite challenges from power outages, damaged infrastructure, and ongoing aftershocks. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida emphasized the urgency of rescue efforts. Wajima faced significant destruction, with a seven-storey apartment complex collapsing and over 200 homes and shops destroyed. A tsunami hit coastal towns but was smaller than expected. Nuclear power operators reported no damage to operational reactors, but Tokyo Electric Power Company and Hokuriku Electric Power Company confirmed spillages of radioactive water at their plants.

Kim Ju Ae, believed to be around 9 years old, has been appearing publicly with her father, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, raising speculation about her being groomed for leadership. North Korea's Confucian value system traditionally prohibits female leadership, and the military is unaccustomed to female command. However, recent appearances suggest a shift in this stance. South Korean officials, including Minister of Unification Kim Yung-ho and National Intelligence Service Director Cho Tae-yong, believe Kim Jong Un is preparing for a power transition to his daughter. North Korean propaganda has been building a cult around Kim Ju Ae, now referred to as the 'Morning Star of Korea,' a title once held by her great-grandfather Kim Il Sung. Experts like Kim Sung Kyung from the University of North Korean Studies in Seoul and Lim Eul-chul from the Institute of Far Eastern Studies at Kyungnam University in Seoul are considering the possibility of a female leader but note Kim Ju Ae's young age makes it too early to confirm.

The Snowman Race, the world's highest ultra-marathon, took place in Bhutan, challenging athletes with extreme altitudes and difficult terrain. Despite its demanding nature, there is a gentler alternative for average hikers: the Snowman Trek, which covers similar ground but is still a formidable challenge. The author, Julian Ryall, experienced a portion of the trek, encountering stunning landscapes, remote communities, and diverse wildlife. The journey concluded with a stay at Pemako Punakha, offering a luxurious respite from the arduous trek.

JAXA engineers plan to use Hayabusa-2 spacecraft to carry out a fly-by of asteroid 2002 CC21 in July 2026 and then continue to asteroid 1998 KY26, which it is expected to meet in 2031. The mission aims to understand 'fast rotating asteroids' and prepare for intercepting and deflecting asteroids that could collide with Earth. NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test previously succeeded in altering an asteroid's orbit. Security and aerospace analyst Lance Gatling anticipates that JAXA may attempt to alter the asteroid's orbit if they have enough fuel by 2031 and that the data collected could aid Japan's asteroid mining ambitions.

Osaka, Japan, is positioning itself as a major destination for medical tourism, working with government ministries and private companies to attract individuals seeking advanced medical treatments combined with a holiday. Initiatives are also underway in other Japanese cities such as Sapporo, Okinawa, Minokamo, and Sendai. The Osaka International Medical Contribution Promotion Committee, formed with travel giant JTB, aims to connect patients with medical services, while the Japan Medical and Health Tourism Centre has seen increased interest from various Asian and Middle Eastern countries. Japan boasts advanced medical technologies, particularly in cancer treatments and iPS cell therapies, with Osaka University recently achieving a corneal cell transplant breakthrough. The weak yen has also made Japan more financially attractive for medical tourists. JTB is promoting these services globally, and Osaka plans to leverage its medical excellence and tourism offerings to appeal to potential medical tourists.

Yuki Fukui, the national judo coach for Bhutan, has trained three male judoka who represented Bhutan at the Asian Games in Hangzhou, China. Despite not winning medals, the experience has boosted the athletes' confidence and raised the profile of judo in Bhutan. Fukui, who believes in his pupils' potential, is seeking to extend his contract through JICA to continue coaching them.