Saturday’s Mainichi reported that the U.S., Japanese, and South Korean foreign ministers will assemble in San Francisco on Tuesday to discuss North Korea’s denuclearization. Foreign Minister Motegi will also hold bilateral talks with Secretary Pompeo and ROK Foreign Minister Kang.

Noting that Defense Minister Kono will also travel to the U.S. for talks with Defense Secretary Esper on Tuesday, Monday’s Nikkei said the two key Japanese officials’ visits to the U.S. are intended to demonstrate at home and abroad the two allies’ commitment to and coordination for regional and global peace and stability. Pointing out that Jan. 19 marks the 60th anniversary of the signing of the U.S.-Japan security treaty, the daily said Tokyo is hoping that close communication between the defense and diplomatic authorities over Iran and North Korea will boost the deterrence of the alliance.