Markets opened with sharp declines as Trump's tariffs took effect, with Nikkei dropping over 1,100 points by mid-morning. Canadian sports fans booed the US anthem at NBA games, marking growing North American trade tensions. SoftBank announced a strategic joint venture with OpenAI, positioning against China's DeepSeek system.
The meteorological agency and transportation ministry held emergency briefings about the approaching season's strongest cold wave, expected to bring heavy snowfall across northern and western Japan through February 9. Prime Minister Ishiba apologized for NUMO official's "arrogant" comments about nuclear waste facilities in disputed territories.
Wealthy Takarazuka couple donated ¥25.4 billion for municipal hospital reconstruction, while Chiyoda ward announced ¥15,000 monthly support for students amid inflation concerns. By evening, Mexico secured one-month tariff delay through direct negotiations with Trump administration.