January 11, 2026 – Japan Headlines

Story gist: Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is considering dissolving the House of Representatives and has conveyed this intention to close aides. The earliest possible election date is February 8.

Bias summary: Left-leaning Mainichi uses a neutral, factual headline mirroring official announcements. Center Reuters emphasizes market angles like a potential ‘Takaichi rally’ resumption amid speculation, while highlighting risks from China and currency volatility. Right-leaning coverage absent, omitting potential conservative emphasis on policy gains or election advantages.

Story gist: Chimpanzee Ai died at age 49. Kyoto University’s Primate Research Institute announced the death.

Bias summary: Left-leaning Okinawa Times uses minimal headline ‘Chimpanzee “Ai” dies,’ omitting ‘genius’ label and achievements for stark tone. Center 47NEWS notes ‘”Genius” chimpanzee Ai dies, identified many letters/numbers,’ neutrally highlighting skills in quotes. Right-leaning Yomiuri employs full dramatic title ‘”Genius Chimpanzee” Ai dies at 49…,’ emphasizing moniker, age, and source for prominence.

Story gist: Donald Trump stated that the United States needs to own Greenland to protect it from Russia and China.

Bias summary: Left-leaning Mainichi frames US actions as ignoring international law and advancing ‘domination’ (citing Venezuela), emphasizing imperialism and domestic focus. Center BBC neutrally reports Trump’s exact security rationale for Greenland ownership. Right-leaning outlets absent, missing supportive framing of national defense against adversaries.

Story gist: Japan’s National Police Agency reported nationwide 110 emergency calls exceeded 10 million from January to November last year, a record high. About 20% were unnecessary or non-urgent, such as requests for parking guidance.

Bias summary: Left-leaning outlets like Mainichi frame the story with human interest, featuring a female police chief’s personal plea against prank calls on ‘110 Day.’ Center outlets like Jiji emphasize data rankings, noting Shinjuku Police top due to Kabukicho troubles and Naha second with viper reports. Right-leaning coverage is absent, leaving conservative perspectives unrepresented.

Story gist: Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi and South Korean President Lee Jae-myung will meet on the 13th in Nara Prefecture, the prime minister’s hometown. Lee requested to visit Nara.

Bias summary: Left-leaning Okinawa Times emphasizes Japan-Korea talks eyeing China for economic security cooperation, highlighting geopolitical tensions. Center Jiji Dotcom focuses on Korean enthusiasm for TPP membership to discuss at the summit, stressing economic integration. Right-leaning Yomiuri reports straightforwardly on the meeting in the PM’s hometown per Lee’s request, emphasizing personal diplomacy without external threats or trade specifics.