North Korea launches ballistic missiles, PM Takaichi instructs information gathering

North Korea launches multiple ballistic missiles, PM Takaichi instructs information gathering North Korea launched multiple ballistic missiles on August 20, which are believed to have fallen into the Sea of Japan outside Japan's EEZ. Prime Minister Takaichi instructed to make every effort to gather and analyze information, and the government lodged a strong protest. 1

Government begins large-scale demonstration of domestic AI "Gennai," including support for drafting Diet answers The government has begun a large-scale demonstration project of its independently developed generative AI foundation system "Gennai" targeting approximately 180,000 national public servants. The provision of a function to draft responses for Diet deliberations is also planned within the year, aiming for full-scale use from fiscal year 2027. 23

Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare to revise uniform guidance on overtime within 45 hours per month from September The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare announced that it will revise from September the response of labor standards inspection offices regarding long working hours, which uniformly required companies to reduce overtime to within 45 hours per month. In the future, not only the length of hours but also the status of companies' health protection measures will be checked with priority, and guidance will be provided according to actual conditions. 4

METI to forgo budget request for Cool Japan Organization, considering consolidation The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has decided to forgo a request in the fiscal 2027 budget for the Overseas Demand Development Organization (Cool Japan Organization), which has accumulated deficits of 54 billion yen. Expert verification toward consolidation is underway, with a policy to conclude on the organizational structure within the year. 56

PM Takaichi calls out "You are not alone" during suicide prevention period for children and youth On August 20, Prime Minister Takaichi emphasized the "Focused Suicide Prevention Period for Children and Youth" on her X account, stating that "the risk of taking one's own life increases after summer vacation," and urged people not to bear their worries alone but to seek consultation. 7

Corporate donation regulations, no clear path; opposition parties go on offensive with Fukuoka scandal as tailwind Strengthening regulations on corporate and organizational donations in response to the Liberal Democratic Party's faction slush fund scandal still has no clear path. The LDP prioritizes reducing the number of House of Representatives seats, while the centrist reform coalition, using the alleged money exchange scandal involving an LDP Fukuoka prefectural assembly member as a tailwind, is poised to push again for stricter regulations at the extraordinary Diet session. 8

US State Department expects allies to cut support for ICC; sanctions "not targeting Japan" A US State Department spokesperson stated regarding sanctions on ICC President Tomoko Akane that they "expect allies, including Japan, to cut off support for the ICC." Meanwhile, they emphasized that the sanctions are "not against the Japanese government." 91011

PM Takaichi's cabinet reshuffle personnel, speculation of Secretary-General Suzuki's replacement and "first female Secretary-General" Ahead of the autumn extraordinary Diet session, speculation is rising about the replacement of Secretary-General Shunichi Suzuki in the cabinet reshuffle and party executive appointments. PM Takaichi is said to have referred to him as a "useless Secretary-General," and a scenario of appointing General Council Chair Toshiko Abe as Secretary-General, making her the "first female Secretary-General," is being discussed. 1213

Introduction of "preferred number plate system" for motorcycles, applications start from October 19 The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism announced the introduction of a "preferred number plate system" for small motorcycles (over 250cc) and light motorcycles (over 125cc to 250cc), with applications starting from October 19. Popular numbers will be subject to a lottery. 14