March 16, Tuesday, 2021 (1:30 p.m.) Newsline read by Ms. Yamamoto Miki

1. The foreign and defense chiefs of Japan and the U.S. have wrapped up a high-profile meeting focused on the bilateral alliance and countering regional challenges. 2.The coronavirus state of emergency currently in place for Tokyo and 3 neighboring prefectures is slated to expire soon, but questions linger over whether it should be extended. 3. Relatives of Japanese who were abducted by North Korea are asking U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to help bring their family members home as early as possible.