Overview
- Japan is arranging Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s first in‑person meeting with Italy’s Giorgia Meloni in Tokyo around January 16, 2026.
- Vladimir Putin and Narendra Modi held talks in New Delhi to expand cooperation in defense and energy, with reporting noting U.S. tariff pressure tied to India’s purchases of Russian oil.
- After the 2026 World Cup draw placed Japan in Group F, the national team set a goal of winning the tournament as rival coaches from the Netherlands and Tunisia warned they view Japan as a tough opponent.
- A political funding report shows a group linked to Nippon Ishin lawmaker Takamitsu Okushita spent ¥93,500 from political funds at a cabaret and a lounge in 2023.
- Brazilian Senator Flávio Bolsonaro announced he will run in next October’s presidential election as a candidate for the right‑wing Liberal Party.