Japan's Fair Trade Commission prepared its first-ever cease-and-desist order against Google for forcing smartphone manufacturers to preinstall Chrome, marking a significant shift in Japan's approach to Big Tech regulation.
Nagano prefecture achieved an unprecedented double victory in the National High School Ekiden, with Saku Chosei boys and Nagano East girls winning their respective races. The coverage shifted to severe weather warnings as heavy snowfall approached the Sea of Japan coast, threatening transportation systems.
Former First Lady Akie Abe's meeting with Donald Trump generated coverage, particularly his comments about US-Japan relations under Shinzo Abe. The evening brought news of Japan's lunar habitat research program, while Emperor Emeritus celebrated his 91st birthday amid concerns for the Noto earthquake victims.