The Liberal Democratic Party's leadership race dominated Japanese news, with nine candidates participating in a public debate. Discussions centered on economic policies, constitutional reform, and the party's recent "slush fund" scandal. Former ministers Shigeru Ishiba and Shinjiro Koizumi received the most questions, indicating their perceived front-runner status. In other news, Typhoon Bavinkas approached Okinawa and the Amami region, prompting weather warnings. The Biden administration's decision on Nippon Steel's acquisition of U.S. Steel was reportedly delayed until after the U.S. presidential election. JR East Japan faced scrutiny over excessive pressure in axle fittings on some conventional line trains. The day concluded with concerns about unstable atmospheric conditions in northern Japan and continued typhoon warnings for southern regions.