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The stories shaping Japan.
A clear, considered view of the latest headlines across business, markets, technology and more.
‘Once-in-a-lifetime chance’: Japan launches historic mission to collect rocks from Mars’s moon Phobos
Scientists hope Martian material collected will shed light on the origins of the solar system and life on Earth
First Thing: US ambassador in rare diplomatic break with Israel over attack on US journalist
Mike Huckabee condemns attack on Washington Post photojournalist that has drawn lukewarm response from Israeli authorities. Plus, Japan is attempting to boldly go where no space mission has gone before Don’t already get First Thing in your inbox? Sign up here
Sticker tycoon. Trump cheerleader. Rapper. Congressman?
Anthony Constantino wants to fill Elise Stefanik’s seat in New York. But his lead in the formerly Trump-loving district is narrowing
Three deaths from float crushes raise safety concerns over Japanese festivals
Deputy mayor of Saijo died after becoming trapped under float, days after two similar incidents elsewhere
My critics think speaking fluently is vital for fee-paying pupils, but not for anyone else. Here’s why I reject that | Lucy Powell
We are accused of dumbing down, but that’s nonsense: this is levelling up. All the evidence shows helping children articulate improves their life chances Lucy Powell is UK education secretary and deputy leader of the Labour party
‘No influencers’: the hotels, restaurants and beauty spots restricting photoshoots
Backlash against content creators includes restricted hours for filming and even outright bans
Cop17 at a glance: everything you need to know about the UN’s nature summit
This month’s biodiversity summit in Yerevan, Armenia, aims to push governments to meet the 23 targets agreed at Cop15 in 2022 Can countries deliver on a deal to save the world’s plants and animals?
Morning Mail: Rape alleged in WA youth detention; rightwing lobby’s ‘bizarre’ campaign; and Japan’s moon mission
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James and Carpenter lead Chelsea surge as sorry Spurs hit for six in WSL again
Two goals each from a rampant Lauren James and battling Ellie Carpenter helped Chelsea to cruise past Tottenham and keep the pressure on Manchester City at the top of the Women’s Super League. It was a thrilling statement from the home team, in a game laden with stunning goals after a first half in
Ombudsman shines in Champion Stakes for Gosden team at Ascot: Champions Day – as it happened
Ombudsman emphatically reversed the form from last year’s Champion Stakes with a defeat of Calandagan in the feature race on Champions Day at Ascot
Why Britain should reject the lure of cheap – and scary – Chinese AI
In the west the technology comes with at least some effort to provide security and a benign intent – not so from China
‘If AI were asked to make miso, it would taste like this’: the best (and worst) supermarket miso, tasted and rated
We ran supermarket pastes through the ‘soup test’ to find out which ones have an authentic flavour and which are nothing like the real thing • The best supermarket kimchi
Muscles, metrosexuals and male tears: the 39 pictures that changed the way we see men (for good and for bad)
From a body-building Arnie to a weeping Frenchman, these 39 groundbreaking images have upended assumptions about how men behave, dress and project power. Introduction by Luke Kennard
Starlink access still not fully restored for Ukraine’s military, says Zelenskyy
Ukrainian president says US limiting access was a ‘dangerous and unpleasant surprise’, amid reports the order came from inside White House
EU’s support to Ukraine matters more than ever, von der Leyen says, as US relationship sours – as it happened
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Game, set and tache: Carlos Alcaraz joins growing trend for a stylish top lip
Tennis superstar is latest celebrity to sport a ‘refined’ moustache which owes little to bushy Tom Selleck look
From star signings to Cullen’s last dance: six to watch in Champions Cup rugby this season
Toulouse have added Tommaso Menoncello, Northampton boast a phenom in Fin Smith while Cheslin Kolbe leads a Stormers dream team
‘I need to prove my family’s sacrifice was worth it’: how pop auteur Shygirl slogged her way to the top
Adored by Madonna and Charli xcx and buoyed by finding true love, the Londoner is branching out into rock and breaking the mainstream. She explains how her working class upbringing made her so fearless
Wallabies seek to rediscover optimism after pain of Bledisloe Cup humbling | Jack Snape
Last week’s result in Auckland tempered progress made under Les Kiss but Saturday’s return fixture in Sydney offers a chance for redemption
Wall Street drops after jump in US producer inflation; John Healey says UK banks are part of ‘jewel in the crown’ – as it happened
John Healey has spoken to UK journalists at the IMF annual meeting in Bangkok, and said banks are a part of the “jewel” in the UK’s economic crown John Healey vows to give ‘breathing space’ to consumers and businesses in first budget
Vermeer by Andrew Graham-Dixon audiobook review – a sharp and authoritative guide
The author offers intriguing insights into the way this Dutch artist worked, including fresh perspectives on The Girl With the Pearl Earring
Bring a bottle: Viennese dog owners told to rinse pets’ urine from trees
Official guidance says ammonia in animal urine should be watered down to stop it corroding bark
Poland’s ascent from communist state to top 20 economy reverses the brain drain
In the final part of our series on the country, Poles tell how wages have soared – along with the cost of living Will military spending help or hinder Poland’s growth story? Poland’s push for EU energy resilience amid Russian aggression
Trump tries to rally support for Republican candidates as top Super Pac for Senate Democrats pours millions into key races – as it happened
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