Trump's nomination of George Glass as ambassador to Japan and signals of pre-inauguration meetings with PM Ishiba dominated morning coverage, representing continued diplomatic positioning. The news coincided with Abe Akie's meeting with the Trump family.
The "103,000 yen wall" negotiations collapsed after six rounds when the Democratic Party for the People rejected the ruling coalition's proposal, leading to heightened tensions over the upcoming budget vote.
The government formally abandoned its post-Fukushima pledge to reduce nuclear dependence, reversing course in its new energy policy draft while promising renewable expansion. Danish authorities released anti-whaling activist Watson, refusing Japan's extradition request.
A Japanese citizen's detention in Belarus emerged in late afternoon reports, while the Kitakyushu McDonald's investigation revealed the attack lasted under 30 seconds with no prior interaction between perpetrator and victims.