February 21, Thursday, 2019 (2:00 p.m.) Read by Ms. Hiroko Kitadai and Ms. Yuka Matsumoto

  1. Japanese government officials say U.S. President Donald Trump is likely to visit Japan as a state guest in late May.
  2. Trump has stressed that North Korea must take meaningful steps toward denuclearization in order to have sanctions on the country lifted.
  3. Russian President Vladimir Putin has shown willingness to strengthen ties with Japan and other Asian nations.