Japan-ASEAN diplomacy: Japan’s foreign minister pledged closer cooperation on energy security and online scam prevention at an ASEAN-plus-three meeting, aligning Tokyo’s free-and-open Indo-Pacific vision with ASEAN’s AOIP. Cross-border crime crackdown: Malaysian police busted an online love-scam call-centre targeting Japanese victims, arresting seven Chinese nationals and linking 19 victims via LINE/Langmate fake identities. Tech & gadgets: Dynabook updated its ultralight Portege X30L-P with Intel’s Panther Lake chips, aiming for about 910g portability. Gaming culture: Former PlayStation boss Shuhei Yoshida admitted Sony’s early low print run for Demon’s Souls in Japan hurt its chances, shaping his view of FromSoftware’s “demanding” style. Anime & film buzz: Studio Ghibli Fest keeps expanding as new generations flock to Totoro, Ponyo and more. Music & entertainment: Jimmy Eat World marked 25 years of “Bleed American” with a tour run of the full album. Venice Film Festival: The 83rd edition’s Orizzonti and Spotlight lineups spotlight cinema’s role in reflecting today’s wars, climate, migration and family rifts. Sports spotlight: India’s weightlifting quota was cut for doping violations, withdrawing Dilbag Singh ahead of the Commonwealth Games.