The Corpse flower, known for its foul smell, blooms for the first time in Niigata. In Tokyo, Digital Minister Kono Taro emulates Taiwan's own Digital Minister Audrey Tang by advocating for 'radical transparency' within government. But how will openness in government tackle borders into Japan that remain closed for most? With only 140,000 visitors admitted in recent months, the real challenge will be achieving an open border. Finally, the spirit horses made of cucumber and eggplant appear in households across the land, marking the end of the bon festival and the start of late Summer in Japan.