The Japan Times is reporting that Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi have agreed to elevate ties between their nations. It said they would also begin formal negotiations on a key intelligence-sharing pact, a move made amid concerns regarding China.
The Japan Times also reported on escalating hostilities between Iran and the United States, which traded airstrikes after President Donald J Trump dismissed a report of a Hormuz deal. It said this escalation sent oil prices surging again and dampened hopes for a peace deal to a conflict that has killed thousands.
Domestically, the National Police Agency (NPA) has inked an agreement with major Japanese banks to hasten responses to special fraud cases. The Japan Times said this shift from physical mail to digital requests would allow authorities to freeze accounts receiving fraud proceeds more quickly. Japan's Consumer Safety Investigation Commission is seeking standards for personal trainers, stating that the use of personal training among general consumers has outpaced safety practices, leading to a rise in accidents.
In other news, Japan has rolled out a revamped weather warning system ahead of the rainy season. The Japan Times said the improved system features five alert levels for flooding, heavy rain, landslides and storm surges. It also reported that Tokyo, Seoul, Canberra and other capitals in the Asia-Pacific region believe U.S. military power is critical to counter challenges from China and North Korea, contrasting with Europe's consideration of less reliance on the U.S. military.
Globally, the newspaper highlighted a "breakneck" Ebola epidemic in Congo, which it said is outpacing the world’s response. The Japan Times reported that this latest outbreak, caused by a strain for which there is no vaccine or treatment, has already caused a suspected 220 deaths and 900 cases.