Morning coverage focused on two parallel crises: a vehicle ramming in New Orleans that killed 15 people, with FBI confirming ISIS links, and widespread service disruptions at NTT Docomo following suspected cyber attacks. The Imperial Palace reopened for New Year's audiences, hosting 20,000 visitors per session.
The Hakone Ekiden dominated midday coverage as Aoyama Gakuin University overtook Chuo University in the mountain section, securing their second consecutive outward leg victory. The dramatic fifth section performance generated extensive analysis.
Evening reports detailed Korean police investigations at Muan Airport, focusing on runway structures' legality, while coverage of the Noto earthquake anniversary shifted to personal narratives, including a police officer who lost his family. Weather services warned of heavy snow approaching Japan's western regions.