1. Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party has agreed to form a new coalition with the Japan Innovation Party, or JIP. It comes after the LDP’s longtime partner, Komeito, announced it was breaking ranks earlier this month. JIP Representative Yoshimura Hirofumi told reporters that he spoke with LDP leader Takaichi Sanae by phone Monday morning, and that’s when they made the deal. Yoshimura said, “This morning, I called LDP President Takaichi Sanae and said, “I agree to form a coalition. Let’s move Japan forward together.”
2. A five-day Grand Sumo Tournament in London has concluded in a victory for Yokozuna Grand Champion Hoshoryu. Hoshoryu faced Yokozuna Grand Champion Onosato on Sunday, the final day of the tournament at the Royal Albert Hall. Both had won four consecutive bouts. Hoshoryu triumphed over Onosato by okuridashi – or rear push out – prompting resounding applause from fans.
3. Japan’s Empress Emerita Michiko turned 91 years old on Monday. The Imperial Household Agency says the Empress Emerita has been recovering from a leg injury she suffered when she fell at her residence in October last year. The agency says she also carefully supports the daily life of Emperor Emeritus Akihito, who has chronic heart disease, and visited him every day when he was hospitalized.