Week of October 26

2026-W44: Oct 26 – November 1, 2026
FINAL: Last update October 30, 2026
COUNTRIES IN THE NEWS: China
United States
Israel
Spain
Iran
Russia
Ukraine
Brazil
NEWS LANGUAGE: English
日本語 (original)

Japan PM Takaichi orders emergency cyber package within a week after cabinet meeting

First published Mon, Oct 26

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said the government will compile an emergency package of cyberattack countermeasures by the end of next week, speaking after a cabinet meeting on cybersecurity. She described active defence against the sources of cyberattacks as something to be carried out strategically.1 2 3

The package covers active cyber defence, including measures to neutralise an attack, and the government will make its own judgement on whether to act regardless of whether a request has been made, according to Sankei Shimbun. The cabinet-level meeting on cybersecurity was convened to set the response in motion.4 2

The announcement was carried in same-day flash reports by 47NEWS, TBS NEWS DIG and Yahoo! News, all describing the prime minister's commitment to a package within the coming week. Sankei Shimbun's account adds the detail that the neutralisation step will not depend on a prior request.1 2 3 4

Israel holds election as turnout hits highest level since 1981 and Netanyahu faces backlash

First published Tue, Oct 27 · Updated Wed, Oct 28

Israelis voted in a national election, with turnout at 10 a.m. the highest since 1981. The vote is being read as a judgment on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and on the country's rightward shift.1 2

Netanyahu faces headwinds over his leadership of attacks on Iran, and a change of government is seen as possible. He is relying on his connection with US President Donald Trump. The opposition camp is pressing him over responsibility for the Hamas surprise attack.3 4 5

Sankei Shimbun, a right-leaning outlet, reported that anti-Netanyahu sentiment is creating headwinds for the coalition parties, with whether the prime minister stays on as the focus. Newsweek Japan's edition projected that no camp would find it easy to win a single-party majority, leaving the election without a clear winner.6 7

Coverage of the race continued through the week, with TV Asahi and Yahoo! News carrying follow-up items on Netanyahu's outlook and the course of the Iran war.8 9 10

UPDATES

Wed, Oct 28 · New development

Neither the governing nor the opposition camp won a majority of seats in Israel's election, and the two sides now head into coalition talks.11 12 13

Local media reported that Netanyahu's right-wing Likud is set to be the largest single party, even as the governing bloc fell short of a majority.14 15 13

Japan defence panel opens door to tax rises to fund higher military spending

First published Thu, Oct 29

A government panel of experts reviewing Japan's three national security documents will recommend higher defence spending and has said tax increases are an option for funding it. The panel's proposal is tied to the revision of the three security documents, with the funding question left open to tax rises rather than ruled out.1 2

Among the options under discussion, the corporate tax has emerged as the one levy that could realistically be raised, a prospect that has drawn outright opposition from the business community.3 4

The government of Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is also pursuing a new strategy that treats defence as industrial policy, aiming for growth through dual military-civilian use, with funding to be handled through the security documents and the budget. As part of that shift, the government plans to establish a new organisation, a change from postwar defence policy.5 4

The Liberal Democratic Party, Nippon Ishin no Kai

First published Wed, Oct 28

The Democratic Party for the People has decided to support a plan to cut 31 seats from the proportional representation bloc of the House of Representatives, a choice the party described as a difficult one. The party had initially opposed the reduction before announcing its support.1 2

The Liberal Democratic Party, Nippon Ishin no Kai and the Democratic Party for the People reached a broad agreement on the 31-seat cut and will work to draft a bill among the three parties. Nippon Ishin said it accepts the plan despite finding it deeply regrettable.3 4

The three parties also agreed on a proposal for a unified proportional list for House of Representatives elections, a change that would make it easier for parties to merge and form alliances.5

With a majority expected to be secured in the House of Councillors as well, the bill is expected to pass during the current Diet session.3

Sanshito party leader Kiyoshi Kamitani opposed the 31-seat cut and a plan to raise the threshold for proportional revival, saying the approach is underhanded and unfair.6

Ex-Osaka prosecutors' chief Kitagawa reverses plea and denies quasi-rape charge at Osaka District Court

First published Thu, Oct 29

Kentarō Kitagawa, a former head of the Osaka District Public Prosecutors Office, went on trial at the Osaka District Court on a charge of quasi-rape against a female prosecutor who had been his subordinate. The court resumed proceedings after a two-year suspension.1 2 3

Kitagawa had admitted the charges at his first hearing, saying he did so because he did not want to cause trouble for the prosecutors' office. At the reopened hearing he reversed course and pleaded not guilty.3 2

He denied that the woman had been unable to resist, telling the court, "I deny that the victim was in a state where she could not resist, and I will contest this."2 4

The woman, who says she was the victim, wept in the courtroom two years after proceedings were suspended and said, "The curtain on the fight has opened." She has described the two-year halt as a period in which "time stood still."5 6

Reporting on the case noted that she suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder but could not undergo treatment until the trial ends, and that a prosecutor's office hit by a series of scandals needs investigation by outside eyes.7 8

Also this week

Published earlier this week and since overtaken by bigger stories. Open one to read it in full.

So-net reports breach of up to 2.59 million member records, including bank account dataThu, Oct 29So-net, a Sony internet service provider, said its member database was accessed without authorization, exposing the personal information of about 2.14 million members, a figure that includes some people who had already cancelled their subscriptions. The company said the breach also affected other records, bringing the total volume of leaked data higher than the member count alone.

So-net reports breach of up to 2.59 million member records, including bank account data

First published Thu, Oct 29

Ruled paragraphs are attributed to the outlet named in them, not stated as established fact.

So-net, a Sony internet service provider, said its member database was accessed without authorization, exposing the personal information of about 2.14 million members, a figure that includes some people who had already cancelled their subscriptions. The company said the breach also affected other records, bringing the total volume of leaked data higher than the member count alone.1 2 3 4

Attributed claim: Accounts differ on the size of the leak. Nikkei reported that 2.58 million records of member information were exposed at Sony Network and So-net, including 16 pieces of bank account data. ITmedia NEWS, carried by Yahoo! News, put the figure at about 2.59 million and said passwords also leaked in some email services, while Asahi Shimbun reported 2.59 million records leaked from Sony's internet services with account information among them.5 6 7

Attributed claim: INTERNET Watch and the Okinawa Times reported the lower figure of about 2.14 million members, the count So-net gave for its member database. The gap between the two sets of numbers reflects what each outlet counted: member records in the database against all leaked records across the services.1 4 2

Two high-speed trains collide in Spain, killing 64 and injuring more than 100Wed, Oct 28Sankei Shimbun reported at least 64 deaths and more than 80 injured, and said human error was a possibility. AFPBB News reported 30 deaths and described the crash as the second serious accident in Spain this year.

Two high-speed trains collide in Spain, killing 64 and injuring more than 100

First published Wed, Oct 28

Ruled paragraphs are attributed to the outlet named in them, not stated as established fact.

Attributed claim: Sankei Shimbun reported at least 64 deaths and more than 80 injured, and said human error was a possibility. AFPBB News reported 30 deaths and described the crash as the second serious accident in Spain this year.1 2

Rescue workers responded at the accident site, images of which were carried by Jiji Press. The Spanish prime minister said he would coordinate with the relevant institutions to support the victims.3 4

Yumirink email delivery breach may expose 51.62 million records, hitting JR rail and JoshinWed, Oct 28JR companies' reservation systems are among the confirmed leak points. 47NEWS reported in a flash bulletin that the personal information of customers of three JR companies' reservation systems had leaked.

Yumirink email delivery breach may expose 51.62 million records, hitting JR rail and Joshin

First published Wed, Oct 28

JR companies' reservation systems are among the confirmed leak points. 47NEWS reported in a flash bulletin that the personal information of customers of three JR companies' reservation systems had leaked.1

Electronics retailer Joshin may have leaked customer information on 6 million people, NHK reported, a separate breach surfacing in the same round of disclosures.2

Nomura said a possible information leak occurred at an outside contractor handling email delivery for i-Port, its portfolio management tool for financial institutions and other clients.3

Russia and Ukraine agree local ceasefire in Oleshky, southern Ukraine, effective 10 a.m. Japan time on Oct. 27Tue, Oct 27Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a local ceasefire in Russian-occupied southern Ukraine, with the truce due to take effect at 10 a.m. Japan time on Oct. 27. The arrangement is intended to allow humanitarian aid into an area facing a humanitarian crisis.

Russia and Ukraine agree local ceasefire in Oleshky, southern Ukraine, effective 10 a.m. Japan time on Oct. 27

First published Tue, Oct 27

Russia and Ukraine have agreed to a local ceasefire in Russian-occupied southern Ukraine, with the truce due to take effect at 10 a.m. Japan time on Oct. 27. The arrangement is intended to allow humanitarian aid into an area facing a humanitarian crisis.1 2 3

The ceasefire covers Oleshky in southern Ukraine, where a temporary truce was set to begin at 10 a.m. Japan time. Japanese outlets framed the question as whether the pause can relieve the humanitarian crisis there.4 3

Melania Trump mediated the local ceasefire, according to Nikkei's account of the deal in Russian-occupied southern Ukraine.3

Ukraine's chief negotiator said the local ceasefire should be expanded if it succeeds, expressing hope for the arrangement.5

Japan cabinet sets deputy-capital criteria, narrowing candidates to four prefecturesTue, Oct 27The government decided at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday on the criteria for designating a deputy capital, and four prefectures meet them. Hiroshima and Gunma fell outside the requirements.

Japan cabinet sets deputy-capital criteria, narrowing candidates to four prefectures

First published Tue, Oct 27

The government decided at a cabinet meeting on Tuesday on the criteria for designating a deputy capital, and four prefectures meet them. Hiroshima and Gunma fell outside the requirements.1 2 3

The shortlist was narrowed on population and economic size, according to Nikkei. The paper reports that the role of the deputy capital as a substitute for the Tokyo area in a disaster has weakened.3 1

Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura said he will aim for the goal through the metropolitan ward system. Hiroshima expressed disappointment at missing the criteria, Mainichi reported.4 1

Sankei reported that Osaka targets a doubling of gross prefectural product through deputy-capital development. Moving government functions would carry costs in the trillions of yen.5 3

Former Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda has died at the age of 90Mon, Oct 26Fukuda served as chief cabinet secretary, a role described as a good fit for him. He told Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi directly that his approach was not the 'royal road' but the 'hegemonic road'.

Former Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda has died at the age of 90

First published Mon, Oct 26

Fukuda served as chief cabinet secretary, a role described as a good fit for him. He told Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi directly that his approach was not the 'royal road' but the 'hegemonic road'.1

Former Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba said Fukuda was a fine man who thought about what was good for the people.2

China's Foreign Ministry expressed condolences over Fukuda's death while criticizing the current Japanese leadership without naming it, saying Japanese leaders should reflect.3 4

China's Communist Party opens fifth plenum in Beijing to debate strict party discipline until Oct. 29Mon, Oct 26The Communist Party of China opened its fifth plenum in Beijing, a major meeting that runs until Oct. 29. The agenda centers on advancing strict party governance and internal discipline, and personnel adjustments are also on the table.

China's Communist Party opens fifth plenum in Beijing to debate strict party discipline until Oct. 29

First published Mon, Oct 26

The Communist Party of China opened its fifth plenum in Beijing, a major meeting that runs until Oct. 29. The agenda centers on advancing strict party governance and internal discipline, and personnel adjustments are also on the table.1 2 3

Xi Jinping delivered a work report to the meeting and is expected to issue instructions on enforcing discipline. The Nikkei reported that the session is being viewed against the prospect of a fourth term for Xi in autumn 2027.4 5

Security was tightened around the venue as the meeting opened, and the party is set to reaffirm loyalty and adherence to rules while tightening internal control. The Yomiuri Shimbun reported that the session will take a strict line against corruption.6 7

The Xinhua News Agency reported the opening of the fifth plenum, which Japanese outlets carried as the start of a meeting that will discuss strict party governance through Oct. 29.3 8

Lula wins re-election in Brazil as markets sell off and rival Flávio refuses to concedeMon, Oct 26Incumbent President Lula won re-election in Brazil, an outcome reported as an upset victory for the leftist leader. The result was followed by a sell-off in Brazilian assets, with shares falling and the real weakening as investors reacted to the surprise win.

Lula wins re-election in Brazil as markets sell off and rival Flávio refuses to concede

First published Mon, Oct 26

Incumbent President Lula won re-election in Brazil, an outcome reported as an upset victory for the leftist leader. The result was followed by a sell-off in Brazilian assets, with shares falling and the real weakening as investors reacted to the surprise win.1 2 3

The election result drew a sharp market response across asset classes. Brazilian stocks saw selling intensify after Lula's unexpected victory, and the currency weakened in New York foreign exchange trading as investors sold Brazilian assets in disappointment. Nikkei described the vote as an upset that puts Brazilian stocks and the currency to a test.3 2 4

Lula's rival Flávio has not accepted defeat and plans to seek to have the election annulled, according to AFPBB News. No other cited outlet reports a concession from him.5

Lula's return to the presidency keeps Brazil at a distance from the Trump administration in the United States, a posture noted in coverage of his re-election. China's Foreign Ministry said it will push to build a China-Brazil community with a shared future.1 6

Lula rose to the presidency from a poor family and has a background as a labor union fighter, and he has a connection to Japan, Jiji Press reported in its profile of the president-elect.7

Japan's life insurers to swap government bonds as long-term yields rise, Nikkei Life shifts 2 trillion yenMon, Oct 26Major Japanese life insurers plan to rework their government bond holdings for the fiscal second half as long-term yields rise. Nippon Life will replace domestic bonds on a scale of about 2 trillion yen to lift its investment yield, while other insurers are diversifying into assets such as gold and real estate.

Japan's life insurers to swap government bonds as long-term yields rise, Nikkei Life shifts 2 trillion yen

First published Mon, Oct 26

Major Japanese life insurers plan to rework their government bond holdings for the fiscal second half as long-term yields rise. Nippon Life will replace domestic bonds on a scale of about 2 trillion yen to lift its investment yield, while other insurers are diversifying into assets such as gold and real estate.1 2 3

Sumitomo Life expects its yen bond balance to shrink because of heavy redemptions, and will buy super-long bonds to match new insurance contracts, according to its fiscal 2026 second-half investment plan. Taiyo Life will keep adding to its yen bond holdings while cutting foreign bonds.4 5

The insurers' domestic government bond positions carry unrealized losses, and the shift in allocation comes as long-term interest rates climb.1 3