Japan
From March 2026, Kyoto will introduce Japan's highest accommodation tax, increasing the cost of hotel stays. Tourists staying in expensive hotels will pay up to 10,000 yen per person per night.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, by decree, enacted the NSDC decision on synchronizing sanctions with Japan. The restrictions apply to 7 Russians, 1 North Korean citizen, and enterprises involved in supporting the Russian war machine.
The 2026 Nissan Ariya electric crossover will receive an updated design, a new Google-powered infotainment system, and V2L functionality. The car will debut at the Japan Mobility Show on October 31, but will not be available in the US market.
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi announced the start of restoration of external power supply to the Zaporizhzhia NPP after frequent contacts with both sides. This will allow the plant to receive the necessary electricity to cool the six shut down reactors and spent fuel.
Japan is experiencing the most acute labor crisis in modern history due to an aging population and low birth rates, threatening the stability of all industries. The new leader of the Liberal Democratic Party, Sanae Takaichi, recognizes the need to attract foreign workers to solve this problem.
Gold prices fell in Asian trading on October 9, reacting to the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel. Spot gold fell 0.1% to $4039.34 per ounce, and December futures fell 0.3% to $4056.67 per ounce.
Toyota plans to release its first electric vehicle with a solid-state battery in 2027-2028, promising increased range and faster charging. The company is collaborating with Sumitomo Metal Mining Co. for the mass production of cathode materials.
Tetiana Berezhna, acting Minister of Culture, may head the position of Vice Prime Minister for Humanitarian Policy. Her candidacy was approved by the "Servant of the People" faction, with a vote expected next plenary week.
In Asian trading, the spot price of gold reached $4010. 84 per ounce, and December futures reached $4033.27, which is an all-time high. Experts predict a rise in silver prices, expecting it to reach $55 per ounce by the end of 2026.
President Zelenskyy stated that Russia would not have missiles and drones without Western components that damage the energy sector. He emphasized the need to cut off the supply of critical components to reduce the Russian threat.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy reported that Russian drones and missiles used on October 5 contained over 100,000 foreign-made components. Ukraine expects a systemic decision from this week's meeting of G7 sanctions coordinators.
Next week, a meeting of G7 sanctions coordinators will take place to discuss limiting the supply of foreign components to Russia. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy emphasized that Russian missiles and drones contain critical Western-made components.
The G7+ group held an urgent meeting due to Russian attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure. Over 100 representatives from countries and international organizations discussed the consequences of the strikes and the immediate needs for recovery.
Sanae Takaichi has been elected leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, making her potentially the country's first female prime minister. The 64-year-old politician is known for her nationalist views and support for "Abenomics."
G7 countries are close to agreeing on new sanctions aimed at sharply limiting Russia's oil revenues and strengthening Ukraine's financial stability. Options include sanctions against the shadow tanker fleet and restrictions in the financial sector.
President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting on strengthening sanctions policy, instructing to extend the validity of expiring sanctions and accelerate synchronization with partners. In September, Ukraine imposed sanctions against 166 individuals and 127 legal entities, and also synchronized British sanctions.
Parliamentary elections have begun in Moldova, which will determine the composition of the legislative body for the next four years. Voting will take place from 7:00 to 21:00 at 2274 polling stations, of which 1973 are open on the territory of the Republic of Moldova.
The Ukrainian national football team defeated the Republic of Korea with a score of 2:1 at the Youth World Cup. Ukraine will play its next match against Panama on September 30 at 23:00.
Three Ukrainian citizens have been detained in Japan for illegally entering an empty house in Okuma, a town with restricted access following the Fukushima-1 nuclear power plant accident. They were live-streaming their actions on a video hosting service.
On September 27, the 24th FIFA U-20 World Cup kicks off in Chile, where Ukraine will play its first match against South Korea. The tournament will last until October 19, 2025.
Asian stock markets are ending the week in the red after the US imposed 100% tariffs on drug imports and a decline in technology company quotes. This caused a fall in shares of pharmaceutical giants and microchip manufacturers, while the Japanese market showed growth.
Microsoft and Asus have officially opened pre-orders for the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X, which will go on sale on October 16. Prices for the consoles range from $499 to $1599 depending on the model and region.
Playground Games has announced Forza Horizon 6, which will be set in Japan. The game will be released on Xbox and PC in 2026, with a PS5 version to follow.
Studies show that regular contact with cats, such as petting, increases oxytocin levels in both humans and animals. This "love hormone" reduces stress and forms a special bond between owner and pet.
IAEA head Rafael Grossi has officially announced his candidacy for the position of UN Secretary-General. He is actively using his influence to gain Washington's favor.
Ukraine, the EU, and 36 countries jointly called on Russia to stop the killings and start negotiations with Ukraine. The statement was made at the UN on September 23, 2025.
An international study found that only 13% of Ukrainian teachers feel real state support. This is happening against the backdrop of heavy workload and low salaries, which leads to emotional burnout of almost a third of teachers.
The 80th session of the UN General Assembly has begun in New York and will last until September 29. It will bring together about a hundred presidents and over 40 prime ministers to discuss global challenges and strengthen international cooperation.
In August, the number of international students arriving in the US decreased by 19% compared to last year, reaching its lowest level since 2021. This is the fifth consecutive month of decline, which could lead to a loss of $7 billion for American universities.
Toyota has released a software update for the 2023 GR Corolla, increasing torque by 32 N·m and changing the power distribution in the all-wheel-drive system. This allows 2023 owners to get the improved performance available in 2025 models.