A visitor captures a moment with a giant panda at the Smithsonian's National Zoo in Washington on January 24, 2025, marking the start of the pandas' public exhibition. (Kyodo)

The following highlights are drawn from recent reports by Kyodo News.

Japan's Prime Minister Ishiba Sees Steady Approval Ratings Amid Economic Concerns

The support rating for Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's Cabinet remains stable at 35.7%, a minor decline from 36.5% the previous month. This stability occurs in a context of economic uncertainty, with a significant portion of the population expressing worry over U.S. President Donald Trump's proposed tariffs. A recent Kyodo News telephone survey indicated that 84.3% of respondents voiced either concern or moderate concern regarding the possible effects of these tariffs on Japan's economy.

Sumo Wrestling: Hoshoryu's Path to Yokozuna

Mongolian ozeki Hoshoryu has secured his second Emperor's Cup and is poised for promotion to the rank of yokozuna after a dramatic three-way playoff at the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament. The 25-year-old, who is related to former yokozuna Asashoryu, is expected to become the sole grand champion, following the mid-tournament retirement of Terunofuji. The Yokozuna Deliberation Council is scheduled to convene to discuss Hoshoryu's promotion.

Historic Indictment of South Korean President Yoon

In a significant legal development, South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol has been indicted on charges of insurrection linked to his brief declaration of martial law last month. This marks a historic moment, as Yoon becomes the first sitting president in South Korea to face indictment, as reported by Yonhap News Agency.

North Korea Conducts Missile Test Under Kim Jong Un's Supervision

North Korea announced that it successfully test-fired strategic cruise missiles on January 25, with leader Kim Jong Un overseeing the operation. This test represents Pyongyang's first missile activity since the inauguration of U.S. President Donald Trump. The official Korean Central News Agency stated that the missile tests aimed to enhance strategic control capabilities in response to evolving regional security dynamics.

Arrest Made in Nagano Stabbing Incident

Authorities in Nagano, Japan, have arrested a 46-year-old man suspected of involvement in a random stabbing attack that resulted in one death and two injuries. The suspect, Yusuke Yaguchi, was taken into custody at his residence located approximately three kilometers from the incident site, which occurred near JR Nagano Station. He faces charges of attempted murder concerning a woman who sustained minor injuries during the attack.

Workenesh Edesa Wins Osaka Women's Marathon

Ethiopian athlete Workenesh Edesa achieved victory at the Osaka Women's Marathon for the second consecutive year, completing the race in 2 hours and 21 minutes. Edesa ran the last 15 kilometers without challenge and finished 19 seconds ahead of runner-up Kana Kobayashi.

Collaborative Efforts to Monitor Oceanic Changes in Japan

In an initiative aimed at addressing the challenges faced by the fishing industry, Japanese fishermen are collaborating with researchers to monitor changes in the marine environment. This partnership, which includes the Nippon Foundation and the University of Tokyo's ocean research institute, aims to analyze data on warming sea temperatures and other environmental factors affecting fish populations. The project is set to launch in April, with fishermen contributing information on water temperature, salinity, and catch data for research purposes.

Japan Extends Financial Support for Indonesian Port Development

Japan has approved an additional 83.4 billion yen (approximately $530 million) in low-interest loans to support the construction of a new international seaport in Indonesia. The funding will facilitate the development of Patimban Port, located east of Jakarta, and is expected to enhance Indonesia's export capacity by 2028, responding to increasing demand for shipping services.