Overview
- Tokyo is arranging a first in-person meeting between Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Italy’s Giorgia Meloni around January 16, marking their initial face-to-face talks in the capital.
- The agriculture ministry set government ‘okomeken’ rice coupons to expire at the end of September next year, with shipments to municipalities beginning later this month to encourage early use.
- Japan was drawn into World Cup Group F with the Netherlands, Tunisia and a European playoff winner, and the team elevated its goal to winning the tournament as opposing coaches signaled caution.
- Kashima Antlers clinched the J1 League title, defeating Yokohama F. Marinos to secure a record-extending ninth championship and their first in nine years.
- Venezuelan opposition figure Gonzalez said he will attend the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony honoring María Corina Machado, and Brazil’s Flávio Bolsonaro declared his intention to run for president next October with the Liberal Party.