Overview
- The Japan Sumo Association finalized opening-day pairings for the Jan. 11 tournament at Ryogoku, matching Yokozuna Onosato with Ichiyamamoto and Yokozuna Hoshoryu with Komusubi Wakamotoharu, with no withdrawals reported in the salaried ranks.
- Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said she aims to establish a cross‑party national council within the month to accelerate social-security reform, including work on a benefit-attached tax credit.
- New York state and city leaders announced a plan to make childcare for two-year-olds free in New York City at a joint Jan. 8 news conference, marking progress toward the new mayor’s campaign pledge.
- Otaru recorded 33 centimeters of snowfall on Jan. 8 and the Sapporo District Meteorological Observatory cautioned that blizzard conditions are possible in the Shiribeshi region on Jan. 11–12.
- Pitcher Takahiro Sawamura, 37, announced his retirement after 15 seasons in Japan and MLB, stating his decision on social media.