On the occasion of the centenary of the unification by Pope Pius XI of two different Italian institutes into PIME in 1926, the Archdiocese of Lucca commemorated two of its great missionaries, Father Allegrino Allegrini and Father Fedele Giannini, who carried out their ministry in the Land of the Rising Sun. For Cardinal Tagle, their story shows that God leads the mission, even through unexpected paths.

The success of artists like Yoasobi and Fujii Kaze has prompted the government to approve a bill that also recognises royalties for singers, musicians, and producers. This change aligns Tokyo with international standards and could generate billions of yen for artists. Concerns remain about the costs to venues, while a three-year preparatory phase is planned.

In a joint appeal, the bishops of Nagasaki, Hiroshima, Seattle, and Santa Fe talk about the fate of the treaty, which they see as “frayed” and at risk of collapse. While the UN review conference is currently underway, the world seems to be moving in the opposite direction. The prelate speak out against the lack of commitment to disarmament. Citing Leo XIV, they say that deterrence “is based on the irrationality of relations between nations.”

Reviving Shinzo Abe's vision for a "free and open" ocean, the Japanese prime minister outlined a programme aimed at strengthening economic cooperation with ASEAN countries, extending the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, and strengthening military assistance and security programmes. Meanwhile, she promised Vietnam US$ 5 billion in annual investments.

Many residents prefer to move directly into private aesthetic medicine, which is more profitable and less risky. Known as “chokubi”, this phenomenon reflects difficulties and lack of investment in the public healthcare system, which risks matching South Korea's staffing shortages.

Last year, Japan expelled 318 foreigners, a 30 per cent increase over the previous year, and is now aiming to speed up repatriation procedures, despite severe labour shortages. NGOs denounce the risk of violating the principle of non-refoulement of refugees and a growing climate of fear, even among those who have lived in the country for years.