Prime Minister Ishiba conducted his first regional inspection tour to Noto Peninsula, visiting areas affected by the January earthquake and September heavy rains. He announced plans to designate the recent floods as a "severe disaster" for additional support. The visit highlighted ongoing recovery efforts and challenges faced by disaster-stricken areas. Meanwhile, political parties prepared for the upcoming general election, with the LDP considering endorsing members involved in the recent slush fund scandal. The opposition parties expressed confidence in potentially breaking the ruling coalition's majority. In other news, concerns over North Korea's military involvement in Ukraine surfaced, and the death of renowned culinary critic Yukio Hattori was reported.