Day Treaties Fell Like Dominos

Trump's return to the presidency triggered immediate withdrawals from international agreements, starting with the Paris Climate Accord at dawn, followed by WHO exit announcements. Japanese media tracked the cascade of executive orders throughout the morning, while noting the presence of tech industry leaders in privileged positions at the inauguration.

By midday, focus shifted to impending trade policies, particularly the announced 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada. Japanese government's secret pre-inauguration preparations emerged in reporting, revealing institutional concerns about policy unpredictability.

The afternoon saw attention split between international implications of WHO withdrawal and domestic corporate developments, notably Fuji TV's deepening advertising crisis, with over 70 companies suspending commercials. The Bank of Japan's anticipated rate adjustment emerged as a response to the absence of immediate Chinese tariffs, marking financial markets' first concrete reaction to the new administration.