Japan

The Trump administration is preparing new security and trade requirements for Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan. The US may demand more funds for troop deployment and threatens to withdraw them.

Sony is conducting a new wave of layoffs at Visual Arts studio in San Diego, which worked on The Last of Us. The layoffs come after the failure of Concord and a reorganization of the company's leadership.

The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Trump suspended aid to Ukraine without consultations with NATO and the "Ramstein" group. Poland confirms its continued support for Ukraine and is conducting consultations with allies.

Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba commented on the emotional discussion between the leaders of the United States and Ukraine. He called for a diplomatic solution to conflicts and emphasized the importance of mutual understanding between the countries.

Hollywood actor Gene Hackman, 95, and his wife Betsy Arakawa, 63, were found dead in their home in Santa Fe. Hackman was known for his roles in the films The French Connection, Bonnie and Clyde, and Unforgiven.

The couple Kanye West and Bianca Censor have decided to give their marriage a second chance after a recent breakup. The couple appeared together at the premiere of a new movie, where Bianca played the main role.

During the three years of Russia's full-scale invasion, Ukraine lost 11% of its territory, and 18% in total since 2014. The United States provided 47% of all military assistance, while the EU provided 32%.

US natural gas futures hit their highest level in two years due to harsh winter conditions. The freezing of gas wells and record LNG exports led to a 29% increase in prices over the week.

Trump invited Japan to join a project to produce and export LNG from Alaska. The initiative is aimed at diversifying Japan's energy supply and improving the trade balance between the two countries.

Japanese Economy Minister Eji Muto is planning a visit to the United States to negotiate duty exemptions. Japan emphasizes the importance of its high-quality steel and aluminum for the US market.

Ruslan Kravchenko met with diplomats to discuss improving the tax environment and integration with the EU. The key topics included reducing the blocking of tax invoices and VAT refunds.

Russia and North Korea are stepping up military cooperation in technology, science and industry. russia has helped improve the accuracy of North Korea's KN-23 missiles, which poses a threat to international security.

Meta has announced the construction of a 50,000 km submarine cable that will connect five continents. The project will have 24 fiber optic pairs and will be laid at a depth of up to 7000 meters.

The Telegraph has obtained a draft agreement between the US and Ukraine on a joint investment fund. The document envisages US control over 50% of revenues from the extraction of resources and infrastructure in Ukraine.

On February 16, Ukraine celebrates the Day of Military Journalist, honoring the memory of fallen media professionals. Also today, the world celebrates Whale Day, drawing attention to the conservation of their population.

G7 ministers agree to work together on a peace agreement for Ukraine with security guarantees. New sanctions against Russia will depend on its “good faith” participation in negotiations to end the war.

The International Register of Damages from Aggression of the Russian Federation plans to cover 45 categories by the end of 2025. So far, more than 14 thousand applications have been submitted in two categories, and the first payments are expected in 2027.

The Japanese government has asked the United States to exempt Japanese companies from the new 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum. In 2024, Japan exported more than 480 billion yen worth of steel and non-ferrous metals to the United States.

The Cabinet of Ministers approves a draft agreement with Japan on a ¥8. 8 billion grant to rebuild Ukraine's infrastructure.

Over the last day, 133 combat engagements took place, the enemy carried out 91 air strikes and fired over 5,800 times. The highest enemy activity was recorded in the Pokrovsk sector, where 54 assault attacks took place.

The North Korean leader declared his “unwavering” support for Russia in the war against Ukraine. He also announced the further development of the DPRK's nuclear forces in response to the cooperation of the United States, Japan, and South Korea.

US President Donald Trump has announced his intention to restore relations with DPRK leader Kim Jong Un. At a joint press conference with the Prime Minister of Japan, he emphasized that he gets along well with the North Korean leader.

The accuracy of North Korean missiles fired by Russia at Ukraine has increased, Reuters reports.

A study has shown that the bacterium Streptococcus anginosus is associated with an increased risk of stroke. Scientists found its increased concentration in the saliva and intestines of stroke patients.

Otaru city authorities have deployed security guards on Funamizaka Street due to the uncontrolled influx of tourists looking for the perfect photo. Earlier, a tourist was killed while trying to take a picture at this location.

The European Central Bank is cutting three key interest rates by 25 basis points, effective February 5, 2025. The decision is based on forecasts for inflation, which should return to the 2% target within a year.

The DPRK test-fired a strategic cruise missile under the supervision of the country's leadership. Earlier, the country had already launched a ballistic missile toward the Sea of Japan at a distance of 350 km.

The Bank of Japan has raised interest rates to 0. 5%, the highest level since 2008, amid rising wages. The central bank is ready to raise rates further to achieve its 2% inflation target.

An earthquake with a magnitude of 6. 4 occurred in the mountainous area near the city of Jiaji at a depth of 9.4 km. Several people were trapped in damaged buildings, and some villages lost power.

North Korea has launched several short-range ballistic missiles toward the Sea of Japan. This is the second such incident in a week, following the visit of US officials to South Korea.