Can Japan’s Kozo Tashima Unseat Gianni Infantino? | News Roundup

In this week's news roundup, Kozo Tashima, honorary president of the Japan Football Association (JFA), has announced his intention to challenge incumbent FIFA president Gianni Infantino for the leadership of world football. Tashima is the second challenger to enter the race, following Ramon Vega, a former Swiss defender. However, it remains uncertain whether Vega has obtained the necessary backing from at least five member associations, whereas Tashima is believed to have UEFA's support to secure nominations.

Tashima's announcement comes amid various developments around the world. In Japan, there has been a rare uptick in births, with 320,458 births recorded in the first half of 2026, marking the first rise in 11 years. This is a positive sign for the country's demographic landscape, which has been grappling with an aging population and a shrinking workforce.

Meanwhile, in Tokyo, a watch shop lost an expensive Audemars Piguet Royal Oak watch worth around ¥46 million (approximately $340,000) along with a handwritten apology note. Authorities suspect that the parcel was sent from Aichi Prefecture. The theft occurred after a customer requested to try on the watch, quickly fled the store, and left no trace behind.

Over in the United States, the midterm elections resulted in a significant political shift, with Democrats now controlling both the House of Representatives and the Senate. This change could potentially constrain President Donald Trump's domestic agenda, although concerns remain that the outcome may encourage him to adopt a tougher stance in foreign policy.

Tokyo remains vigilant in its security relationship with Washington, despite reassurances from the Japanese government that the US-Japan alliance remains a cornerstone of its foreign and security policy.

On a more cultural note, North Macedonia made waves at the Tokyo International Film Festival with its film "Sister Brother Manhole Cover," which won the top prize. The dark comedy, directed by Milcho Manchevski, offers a sharp social commentary on economic inequality through the story of siblings involved in stealing and selling bronze statues and manhole covers.

In the realm of acting, Ryo Narita of Japan won the Best Actor award for his role in Yukiko Mishima's "Two Cigarettes, Three Nights," while Teodora Ana Mihai from North Macedonia won for her film "Heysel 85," a fictional recreation of the tragic 1985 European Cup Final between Liverpool and Juventus, which resulted in 39 deaths.