For the first time in 35 years Japan has recounted its islands, more than doubling the original number of just under 7,000 to just over 14,000. Japanese chipmaker Rapidus is said to be mulling plans to build a factory in Hokkaido and to revive the country's semiconductor industry. The first ever SpoGOMI World Cup with its 'Sport' of collecting 'Rubbish' will take place in Tokyo this November, while Japanese Foreign Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi has said Japan will invite his Ukrainian counterpart to the G7 meeting of foreign ministers tomorrow in Germany, just prior to the first anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. In Tokyo, EASTEAST_ is taking place this weekend showcasing the best up-and-coming galleries and artists from Tokyo and Japan. — Get in touch: notebook.podcast@gmail.com Leave a message: speakpipe.com/notebook Instagram: @notebook_pod Twitter: @notebook_pod —