Daily brief
Donald Trump has endorsed Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi ahead of Japan's general election this Sunday. Trump indicated an intention to meet with Takaichi next month, with a separate report specifying a planned White House visit in March. Takaichi, sometimes called Japan's 'Iron Lady', is seeking re-election.
Germany is considering joining the UK-Japan-Italy fighter jet program.
Japan Post is being investigated for violating a law regulating freelance work.
A Ukrainian official described recent trilateral peace talks as 'substantive and productive'.
The Tokyo High Court has ordered the handover of former Aum cult leader Shoko Asahara's ashes to his second daughter.