A string of so-called “honey trap” cases is drawing attention across Japan as schemes once limited to extortion have become increasingly violent, involving physical assaults and life-threatening intimidation. (News On Japan)

Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda indicated that the pace of Japan’s economic growth is expected to temporarily slow due to the effects of tariffs, while predicting that growth will pick up again as overseas economies recover. Speaking in Osaka on October 4th at a meeting with the Kansai business community, Ueda stressed that monetary policy would be guided by overall economic and price conditions. (News On Japan)

Sakai City will begin operating sightseeing hot-air balloons on October 4th, offering aerial views of the Mozu-Furuichi Kofun Group, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The balloons will take off and land at Daisen Park, with a maximum capacity of 30 passengers. (News On Japan)

Tokiwair, a Niigata-based airline, is planning to produce lightweight sport aircraft (LSA), a category of small propeller planes, in collaboration with factories in the Tsubame-Sanjo area of Niigata Prefecture. (News On Japan)