The Social Democratic Party (SDP) is doubling down on its core mission: tackling rising living costs and resisting military buildup. Party leader Mizuho Fukushima framed their agenda in stark terms, saying the SDP exists to "prevent people from starving and the country from going into war." This suggests a campaign heavy on economic relief and pacifist rhetoric, positioning the party as a vocal counterpoint to Japan’s recent defense spending hikes.

Editor’s Note: With inflation squeezing households and Japan’s military expansion stirring debate, the SDP is carving out a clear—if contentious—niche. Their stance matters because it offers voters a stark alternative to mainstream policies, especially as economic anxiety and regional tensions grow. Whether this resonates could shift the tone of Japan’s political conversation.

Tadej Pogačar, the Slovenian cycling phenom, is gunning for his fourth Tour de France victory as this year's race kicks off in Lille. If he pulls it off, he’ll cement his place among the sport’s all-time legends—joining an elite club of riders who’ve dominated the grueling event multiple times.

Editor’s Note: The Tour de France isn’t just a race—it’s a three-week saga of endurance, strategy, and sheer willpower. Pogačar’s quest for a fourth title isn’t just about adding another trophy; it’s about legacy. For cycling fans, this is like watching a modern-day titan chase history, and for casual observers, it’s a chance to witness one of the most demanding feats in sports unfold. Either way, it’s must-see drama on two wheels.

Airlines are struggling to get new planes delivered on time because the companies that make airplane seats are in a bind. After the pandemic, demand for custom, high-end seats has surged, but the industry is too spread out and bogged down by certification delays to keep up. Basically, everyone wants fancier seats, but the system isn’t built to handle the rush.

Editor’s Note: If you’ve noticed flight prices creeping up or fewer new planes on the tarmac, this is part of the reason. Airlines can’t expand or replace aging fleets fast enough, which could mean more crowded flights and higher costs for travelers. It’s another ripple effect of post-pandemic chaos in global supply chains—only this time, it’s hitting you at 30,000 feet.

A new study (still awaiting peer review) has stirred up discussion about whether tools like ChatGPT might be doing students more harm than good. Researchers found that when students relied on AI to write essays, their brains showed fewer connections in areas linked to critical thinking—basically, they weren’t mentally wrestling with ideas as much. The study’s title, "Writing is thinking," sums up the concern: if we outsource writing, are we short-circuiting the deeper cognitive work it’s meant to spark?

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another "AI is bad" take—it’s about how learning happens. Writing forces us to organize thoughts, spot gaps in logic, and refine ideas. If AI does that heavy lifting, students might miss out on building those skills. The debate isn’t black-and-white (AI can be a useful tool), but the study raises a flag: over-reliance might come with hidden costs. For educators and parents, it’s a prompt to ask how—not just whether—to use these tools.

A new report reveals that while 60% of cancer patients got to spend their final days where they wanted—like at home or with family—only about half had conversations with doctors about their end-of-life wishes. It’s a mixed picture: some progress in honoring patient preferences, but still gaps in crucial communication.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about stats—it’s about how we handle life’s hardest moments. More patients are getting to die where they choose (a win), but many aren’t having those tough, necessary talks with their care teams. That disconnect could mean missed chances to align medical care with what matters most to people in their final days.

Iran has cut ties with the U.N.’s nuclear monitoring agency following recent strikes by Israel and the U.S., a move Washington calls "unacceptable." This escalates tensions over Iran’s nuclear program, which has long been a flashpoint in global diplomacy.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another diplomatic spat—it’s a risky move that could make it harder to keep tabs on Iran’s nuclear activities. With inspections off the table, suspicions and geopolitical risks grow, leaving everyone wondering what happens next.

Naomi Osaka is looking more at ease on the Wimbledon grass this year, cruising through her first two matches in straight sets. That’s a big shift from her past admission that the pressure of the tournament once left her feeling "paralyzed" by fear. It seems she’s found her groove again.

Editor’s Note: Osaka’s resurgence at Wimbledon isn’t just about wins—it’s a sign of her regaining confidence after mental health struggles. For fans, it’s a reminder that even elite athletes battle nerves, and overcoming them can lead to triumphant moments. If she keeps this up, she could be a serious contender.

Japan's Emperor is set to pay respects to Japanese prisoners who died in Mongolia during World War II, marking his first visit to the country since his 2007 trip as Crown Prince.

Editor’s Note: This isn't just a symbolic gesture—it's a quiet but meaningful step in acknowledging a painful historical chapter between Japan and Mongolia. These kinds of visits help heal old wounds and reinforce ties between nations, even decades later. For Japan, it’s also a reminder of the lasting impact of war and the importance of reconciliation.

Japan’s department stores are feeling the pinch as tourist spending drops sharply. In May, tax-free sales to international visitors plunged by 41% compared to last year, signaling a slowdown in the post-pandemic shopping boom that had been propping up retail revenues.

Editor’s Note: Remember when tourists were flocking back to Japan and splurging on luxury goods? That trend’s cooling off—hard. For stores that had been banking on big-spending visitors, this slump could mean tighter margins or even layoffs if it continues. It’s also a red flag for Japan’s broader economic recovery, which has leaned heavily on tourism. If wallets stay closed, the ripple effects could hit everything from local jobs to luxury brands.