President Donald Trump has threatened to ban diesel exports in a bid to ease prices in the US ahead of the November elections.

Tokyo stocks fell on October 2, with the Nikkei 225 closing at 68,309, down 647 points, as investors took profits after the previous day’s sharp rally and turned cautious ahead of U.S. employment data, rising global bond yields and renewed concern over energy prices. (News On Japan)

Japan's unemployment rate rose to 2.5% in August, up 0.1 percentage point from July, marking the first deterioration in five months, according to data released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. (News On Japan)

Osaka will launch regular nighttime sightseeing cruises on October 3, offering visitors a new way to enjoy the city's illuminated waterfront, including the historic architecture of Nakanoshima and the skyline surrounding Osaka Castle. (News On Japan)

Miresso, a Japanese startup backed by trading house Mitsui & Co., has announced the start of construction of a facility to produce beryllium, a rare metal essential for nuclear fusion power generation, with plans to manufacture 100 tons annually, equivalent to about one-third of current global production. (News On Japan)

Hokkaido's highest peak, Mount Asahidake in the Daisetsuzan mountain range, recorded its first snow cover of the season on October 2, with the area around the Asahidake Ropeway's Sugatami Station, at an elevation of approximately 1,600 meters, blanketed in snow. (News On Japan)

Japan has begun detailed discussions on a new system to make childbirth free of charge, with the government aiming to introduce nationwide coverage by June 2028 and the establishment of a uniform national price for deliveries emerging as the central issue. (News On Japan)

Lawyers for Good's family say US officials created "an unprecedented environment for state sponsored violence" in Minneapolis.

The BBC’s Ione Wells reports from outside the Tennessee hospital where Pike is said to have arrived Wednesday night after surviving two lethal injection attempts.

Israel's prime minister says the pilot who tried to take over the Flydubai plane clearly intended to "down the plane".

The Russian leader insists Moscow is "not threatening anyone" and is merely responding to statements by Western leaders.

The French government holds a crisis meeting as demonstrations grow and become violent in places.

Vladimir Putin insists Moscow is "not threatening anyone" and merely responding to statements by Western leaders.

Lawyers for Good's family say US officials created "an unprecedented environment for state sponsored violence" in Minneapolis.

The French government holds a crisis meeting as demonstrations grow and become violent in places.

The Falcon 9 rocket blasted off from Cape Canaveral with two Americans, a Russian and a Canadian who will spend up to six months aboard the International Space Station.

It is estimated more than 200 people have died in blazes in the north-east of the country over the summer.

Christa Pike was transported to hospital after the failed attempts. Her condition remains unknown.

Israel's prime minister says the pilot who tried to take over the Flydubai plane clearly intended to "down the plane".

Pan Pacific International Holdings (PPIH), the operator of discount retail chain Don Quijote, has announced plans to acquire the Japanese operations of Toys R Us, the American-founded toy retail giant, taking over approximately 150 stores nationwide while maintaining employment for existing workers. (News On Japan)