The Agriculture Ministry announced emergency release of rice reserves to counter price spikes, as harvests hit historic lows - Hamanako's clam production dropped from 6,000 tons to 180kg since 2009. Former Ohtani interpreter Mizuhara received 4 years 9 months prison sentence and $26 million restitution order.
Prosecutors raided PR firm Melchu over suspected election law violations in Hyogo Governor Saito's social media campaign. The 10-year operation of a previously undisclosed US military radar base in Kyoto came to light.
By afternoon, severe weather warnings expanded as the season's strongest cold wave returned. The Meteorological Agency issued special snow warnings for Niigata and Noto Peninsula, expecting significant transportation disruptions. Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance announced plans for $5 billion expansion into US and UK markets, while manufacturing sector reported 8% profit growth driven by AI investments.