Firefighters are battling a fire that has burned through a neighborhood in southwestern Japan and forced more than 170 people to evacuate.

Tension between Japan and China has escalated over the new Japanese leader's suggestion Tokyo could intervene militarily if Beijing attacks Taiwan.

Yields on the benchmark 10-year bonds, which move inversely to price, climbed 2 basis points to 1.765 per cent on Wednesday — the highest level since June 2008 and the global financial crisis. The sell-off extended to longer-dated notes. Yields on 40-year JGBs rose to a record high of 3.695 per cent.

Japan has warned its citizens in China to step up safety precautions and avoid crowded places, amid a deepening dispute between Asia's two largest economies over Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's comments on Taiwan.

Bear sightings and attacks have increased in parts of Japan, especially in municipalities close to or adjacent to populated zones,” the U.S. Embassy said in a wildlife alert.

Also in today’s newsletter, Philippine corruption scandal escalates, and US House votes to release Epstein files

Banijay Americas' BD4 has partnered with Fathom Entertainment and MLB Studios to produce the doc 'Homecoming: The Tokyo Series.'

Japan has reported its economy contracted at a 1.8% annual pace in July-September as President Donald Trump’s tariffs hurt exports.

Japan-China diplomatic row escalates driving volatility in Nikkei 225. Analysis of market impact, tourism sector risks, and trade implications for Asian economies.