Japan

NHK | English | News | Jan. 19, 2026 | Geopolitical Conflict and Disputes

Taiwan's defense ministry reported that a Chinese reconnaissance drone violated airspace over Pratas Island, a remote island in the South China Sea that Taiwan effectively controls. The drone entered the airspace at 5:44 a.m. on Saturday and flew at an altitude beyond the range of Taiwan's anti-aircraft weapons. After Taiwan issued a warning, the drone exited the airspace four minutes later.

The ministry condemned the incident as a highly provocative and irresponsible act that undermines regional peace and stability. Taiwan stated it will continue patrolling and monitoring the situation around the island. In response, China's People's Liberation Army's Southern Theater Command defended the drone flight as normal and legal training activity. China has been increasing military pressure on Taiwan through flights by military jets and government ship movements near the island, where Taiwan’s coast guard and military forces are stationed.

名護市長選、３氏が立候補 辺野古争点、２５日投開票

Tokyo Shimbun | Local Language | News | Jan. 19, 2026 | UndeterminedPolitics and Elections

The Nago City mayoral election in Okinawa Prefecture was officially announced on January 18, 2026, with three independent candidates running: newcomer cram-school operator Iha Katsuya (67), newcomer and former city councilor Onaga Kumiko (69), and incumbent mayor Toguchi Takehiro (64). Onaga is supported by the Communist Party, the Constitutional Democratic Party, the Social Democratic Party, and Okinawa Shadai, while Toguchi is backed by the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Nippon Ishin, the Democratic Party for the People, and Komeito. The election is set for voting and counting on January 25.

A central issue in the election is whether to proceed with relocating the U.S. Marine Corps’ Futenma Air Station from Ginowan City to Henoko in Nago City, alongside addressing measures to counter rising prices. The main contest is between Toguchi, who supports the relocation with LDP backing, and Onaga, who opposes it with the support of “All Okinawa” forces. This mayoral race also serves as a significant indicator ahead of the upcoming House of Representatives election and the Okinawa gubernatorial election scheduled for September 2026.

Asahi Shimbun - E | English | News | Jan. 19, 2026 | Political Scandal or Corruption

Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol was sentenced to five years in prison by a Seoul court for charges related to his December 2024 martial law decree. This ruling is the first verdict in a series of eight criminal trials stemming from Yoon's brief imposition of martial law, which led to his impeachment, arrest, and removal from office amid widespread protests. The court specifically convicted him of defying detention attempts, fabricating the martial law proclamation, and bypassing a legally required full Cabinet meeting.

The most serious accusation against Yoon is that his martial law enforcement constituted a rebellion, with an independent counsel seeking the death penalty. A decision on this charge is scheduled for February 19. Yoon has denied intentions to impose prolonged military rule, claiming his decree was meant to alert the public about parliamentary obstruction. However, investigators view his actions as efforts to extend his power illegally. The judge emphasized the need for a harsh sentence due to Yoon’s lack of remorse and impact on the legal system. Yoon’s defense team plans to appeal, criticizing the verdict as politically motivated and an oversimplification of presidential authority.

Experts anticipate that while a death sentence is unlikely due to South Korea’s moratorium on executions and lack of casualties during the martial law period, Yoon could face life imprisonment or lengthy sentences. Historically, South Korea has pardoned jailed former presidents for political reasons, suggesting a potential path for Yoon’s future. Despite facing multiple other trials involving charges such as inciting tensions with North Korea, influencing an investigation, and electoral bribery, Yoon reportedly maintains a defiant stance, possibly to preserve his political support with the hope of eventual pardon.

Yoon’s martial law declaration marked South Korea’s first such decree in over 40 years and triggered a significant political crisis without major violence but major ramifications for domestic politics, diplomacy, and financial markets. Following Yoon’s removal, his liberal opponent Lee Jae Myung won a snap election and appointed independent counsels to investigate Yoon and his associates for various alleged offenses.