The Iran-Israel conflict that began with nuclear facility strikes on June 13 escalated through sustained exchanges of fire. Iranian retaliation initially killed 73 people by early morning, shattering what Japanese media described as Israel's "safety myth." The death toll climbed to over 200 by afternoon as Israel expanded targets to include Iran's Defense Ministry and energy infrastructure. Iran responded with additional missile launches.
Washington conducted its first military parade in 34 years during the crisis, with protests occurring across multiple cities. Japanese outlets framed the display as deterrence against China and Russia despite noted weapons shortages.
Prime Minister Ishiba's cabinet support rose to 37% with public backing for rice policy changes, though 54% opposed Liberal Democratic Party cash payment proposals. Nissan announced plans to sell part of its Renault stake for 100 billion yen. Joint Philippine-Japan naval exercises continued in the South China Sea amid Chinese territorial claims.