January 11, Saturday, 2020 (2:00 p.m.) Read by Ms. Risa Shimizu and Ms. Fumiko Konoe

  1. A patrol plane unit of the Maritime Self-Defense Force left Japan for the Middle East on Saturday to help ensure the safe navigation of commercial vessels.
  2. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has left Japan on a three-nation Middle East tour amid growing tensions in the Gulf region.
  3. Voting is underway in Taiwan for the presidential election. The territory’s future relationship with China is seen as one of the biggest issues.