January 13, Friday, 2017 (2:00 p.m.) Read by Ms. Sarah McDonald and Ms. Mariko Kojima

  1. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s choice for secretary of defense, James Mattis, has pointed to Russia and China as key security challenges.
  2. Japanese and Russian ministers have agreed to draw up a work schedule around the end of March to implement energy deals signed during President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Japan last month.
  3. Researchers in Japan say they have succeeded in creating a small “intestine” from human embryonic stem cells.

January 12, Thursday, 2017 (2:00 p.m.) Read by Ms. Yuka Matsumoto and Ms. Hiroko Kitadai

  1. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has stressed that his administration will correct trade imbalances with other countries and put priority on national interests.
  2. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has begun a 6-day tour of Southeast Asia and Australia aimed at strengthening economic and security ties.
  3. The head of Toyota Motor has told the next U.S. vice president of his company’s efforts to bring jobs and investment to America.