at 18:00 (JST), October 31

20251031180000_english_1.mp3

 00:00:10 話者 1

Here in Japan, it's 6 p.m. on a Friday. I'm James Tengah in Tokyo. This is NHK Newsline.

BREAKING NEWS
TAKAICHI HOLDS FIRST ONE-ON-ONE WITH XI

Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae has met with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

It's their first time meeting face-to-face.

The talks were held on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum.

00:00:31 話者 2

China is an important neighbor for Japan.

Japan and China have an important responsibility for the peace and prosperity of the region and the international community.

00:00:43 話者 1

Takaichi said she wants to build constructive and stable bilateral relations.

She also said she wants to reduce the challenges lying between their two countries.

She's believed to have expressed Japan's concerns over China's maritime activities.

and moves to pressure its trading partners.

Xi Jinping said China and Japan need to build constructive and stable ties.

He added the relationship should be strategic and mutually beneficial.

APEC SUMMIT LEADERS START TALKS IN S. KOREA

APIC leaders have gathered in South Korea for the summit.

The country's president opened proceedings by warning that the global trade order is at a critical inflection point.

He's calling on the group to cooperate amid Washington's tariff measures.

00:01:30 話者 2

I hope that the APEC. Spirit, which has proved the effects of cooperation, solidarity, and mutual trust, will be fully demonstrated in Gyeongju.

00:01:40 話者 1

On the agenda for APEC's 21 members, issues such as artificial intelligence, aging societies, and declining birth rates.

But much of the focus is on whether the leaders can reach a consensus on trade policy.

Chinese President Xi was at the gathering.

Xinhua News Agency says he called for joint efforts to safeguard the multilateral trading system and build an open regional economic environment.

ISRAEL-HAMAS CONFLICT
HAMAS HANDS OVER REMAINS OF TWO HOSTAGES

Israeli officials say Hamas has handed over the bodies of two hostages held in Gaza.

This comes after Israel blamed the Islamic group for violating the cease-fire agreement and carried out airstrikes in response.

On Thursday, the Israeli government said the remains of the deceased hostages had been transferred into its custody and identified.

Attention is focused on whether the latest move will help ease the situation on the ground.

Health authorities in Gaza said 104 people had been killed in the strikes through Wednesday.

Israel criticized Hamas for not returning the bodies of all the remaining hostages after the ceasefire deal took effect on October 10.

Hamas accused Israel of violating the agreement.

UK GOVT. WARNS CITIZENS ABOUT BEAR ATTACKS IN JAPAN

Japan has seen an increase in bear sightings and attacks this year.

Now, the British government is warning its citizens to watch out for the animals when visiting the country.

Information gathered by NHK shows that as of Thursday noon, at least 86 people in Japan had been attacked by bears during the month of October.

Britain has updated its advisory for travelers to the country.

It notes an increase of human encounters with bears in parts of Japan, including populated areas.

The advisory urges visitors to research places in advance to learn about the local wildlife, and devote wiking alone in areas where bears have been sighted.

People are also reminded to take food waste and other rubbish with them, as this is known to attract bears.

Japan has become a popular destination for British people, partly due to the yen's weakness against the pound.

The Japan National Tourism Organization says more than 400,000 visitors from Britain came to Japan last year.

BUSY SHIBUYA URGES VISITORS TO BEHAVE FOR HALLOWEEN

It's Halloween here in Japan, and once more, Tokyo's Shibuya Ward is hoping to limit what kinds of tricks and treats could manifest in its busy streets.

The area was the site of some hair-raising behavior in the recent past.

So officials want to keep things safe and spooky.

NHK World's Katsumata Chieko has more.

00:04:32 話者 3

Shibuya Crossing is one of Tokyo's top gathering spots.

Until recently, this was especially true around Halloween.

Locals as well as foreign tourists would come here, often dressed in costumes to enjoy a party-like atmosphere.

Officials have been promoted a more low-key experience, and this year, they are trying something new.

00:04:57 話者 8

Signs have been pressed all over in multiple languages.

They urge visitors not to create a troublesome Halloween.

Like last year, Barriers are up around the famous Hachiko statue to reduce crowding and prevent vandalism. Visitors are taking the less than festive vibe in stride.

00:05:23 話者 4

Positive direction, right? Like public safety above everything else.

00:05:28 話者 5

I know I've seen other signs around saying like no drinking on Halloween, don't go out on Halloween, but hopefully it'll be safe for everyone.

00:05:40 話者 3

The tight rules can be traced back to unrest on Halloween night, seven years ago, when people in costumes caused trouble in downtown Shibuya.

Now, with the number of foreign travelers at record highs, officials know there's a potential for record-sized crowds they don't want history to repeat.

Shibuya's mayor says he wants people to enjoy themselves as long as they come with good intentions.

00:06:13 話者 2

We don't want people wanting to cause a disturbance to come to Shibuya for Halloween.

I hope everyone can have a good time by clearly differentiating between good and troublesome behavior.

00:06:24 話者 3

From last year, Shibuya has banned public drinking in certain streets during evening hours.

Before this Halloween, officials have also asked some retailers to suspend sales of alcohol.

Traffic, including the use of rented e-scooters, will also be restricted near Shibuya Station.

Despite the rules, some visitors still say they want to spend Halloween in the heart of Shibuya.

00:06:59 話者 4

I heard very good things about Halloween and Shibuya.

I hope we would come back here all in our costumes. She's doing gojo, doing ghetto.

This is our first like club experience here. So the vibe is kind of the clubs and then kind of the bar hop and see what happens from there.

00:07:11 話者 3

In addition to Shibuya, Shinjuku Ward has restricted drinking and large gatherings in its Kabukicho area to ensure a peaceful night. It's also supposed to rain all evening.

We'll have to see if these rules town once popular Halloween hunts into ghost towns.

Katsumata Chieko, NHK World.

00:07:36 話者 1

Chieko, thanks.

BUSINESS

Now let's see what's happening in the world of business where things are on the uptick.

Here's Ramin Mellegard.

00:07:44 話者 6

Thank you very much indeed, and this is really the big focus for the week.

NIKKEI 225 TOPS 52,000 FOR 3RD DAY OF RECORD HIGHS

Japan's main equity index continues to rise.

The Nikkei 225 finished the final trading day of the month above the $52,000 mark for the first time, setting an all-time high for the third day running.

Many investors placed buy orders in the back of strong performances by US IT giants.

The Tokyo benchmark ended on Friday at 52,411, up 1,085 points or 2.1%, led by high-tech related shares.

This followed the release of robust quarterly earnings by Apple and Amazon.com on Thursday.

The Nikkei 225 exceeded the 50,000 level for the first time on Monday and climbed even further on Wednesday to top 51,000.

It marked another closing high the next day.

The benchmark is continuing its bullet run, although analysts say some sell orders indicated concerns of overheating.

CHINA'S FACTORY ACTIVITY SHRINKS FOR 7TH MONTH IN OCTOBER

China's factory activity shrank in October, with its key gauge remaining below the boom or bust line for the seventh month in a row.

The National Bureau of Statistics says the Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index stood at 49 for the month.

That's down 0.8 points from September and below the 50-point threshold.

Figures above the mark indicate expansion, while those below suggest contraction.

The Bureau surveyed 3,200 manufacturers.

Major factors behind the downtick include sluggish domestic demand.

Production and new orders were also slow due to the US administration's tariff measures.

The index came short the threshold across all company sizes, with small firms standing at 47.1.

But the index for the non-manufacturing sector, including service providers, improved by one-tenth of a point to 50.1.

China's President Xi Jinping met his US counterpart Donald Trump in South Korea on Thursday.

They agreed that the US will lower some of its extra tariffs on China.

TOKYO'S CONSUMER INFLATION HITS 2.8% IN OCT.

And, Tokyo's consumer inflation accelerated for the first time in five months in October, mainly due to higher water bills.

Preliminary figures in the Internal Affairs Ministry show the capital's consumer price index rose 2.8% from a year earlier.

The reading, which excludes volatile fresh food prices, is also up 0.3 percentage points from September.

Last month, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government ended a summer-long program waiving basic water charges for households.

Prices of food were up 6.7% year-on-year, although the size of the increase shrank for a second straight month.

Rice prices remain high, up 40%, while the rate of increase slowed from September.

Lower-priced rice released from government stockpiles is not included in the data.

Among other food products, the cost of coffee beans surged almost 65%, while chocolate prices jumped more than 36%.

Tokyo's consumer prices are seen as a leading indicator of the overall trend.

Japan's nationwide CPI will be released on November 21.

NISSAN SEES $1.8 BIL. ANNUAL LOSS ON TRUMP TARIFFS

Nissan Motor says it is set for a massive 275 billion yen operating loss for a fiscal 2025.

That's 1.8 billion dollars.

Now, the automaker lays the blame on the US administration's tariff measures.

Nissan released the figure and updated financial outlook for the year ending March 2026 on Thursday.

This would be the first operating loss for the company since fiscal 2020.

For the first half of this fiscal year, it projects an operating loss of 30 billion yen or about 195 million dollars.

That's an upgrade from its July forecast of 180 billion yen loss.

The automaker credits postponed investments and lower costs related to emission regulations.

Nissan expects a consolidated net loss of 230 billion yen or about one and a half billion dollars for the April to September period.

The company is working to turn around its finances.

It plans to close seven factories in Japan and abroad and cut 20,000 employees.

BIZPICKS

Okay, next, NHK World's John LaDue is here with BizPicks.

00:12:21 話者 7

Let's start with the events we'll be tracking in the week ahead.

This time for Biz Picks, we'll focus on Japanese automakers that are starting to release their earnings reports for the period ended in September.

JAPAN CARMAKERS RELEASE RESULTS AS TARIFF IMPACT WANES

Among the firms giving results, Toyota Motor on Wednesday, Nissan Motor on Thursday.

The US in mid-September reduced the tariffs on automobiles to 15 percent.

Ide Shingo of the NLI Research Institute says the cuts are not such a big factor for the latest earnings figures.

The focus is on the future outlook of Japan's car makers.

00:13:01 話者 8

Investors are more interested in how much the forecast will be revised upward this time.

The market is bracing for a certain degree of profit contraction for this fiscal year, which ends in March.

But from next fiscal year onward, the impact of the tariffs will have run its course.

So the biggest concern for investors is how much earnings will increase next fiscal year.

00:13:27 話者 7

It says the focus is on Toyota.

Japan's biggest carmaker earlier projected US tariffs would shave 1.4 trillion yen, or about $9 billion, off operating profit for this fiscal year.

The company reduced its full-year net profit outlook, predicting a 44% drop.

It is looking for an improvement to that forecast and a possible market reaction.

00:13:58 話者 8

Based on Toyota's first quarter results. Its full-year forecast was quite conservative.

The progress rate of its net profit reached 31.6% in just the first quarter.

That's ahead of the typical 25% benchmark for that stage of the year.

So there's a strong chance Toyota will revise its full-year outlook in the coming earnings report.

The market currently expects Toyota to project a 32% drop in full-year profit.

If the projected drop in the report turns out to be smaller, the stock price is likely to react positively.

00:14:42 話者 7

But Ide cautions a US policy reversal is possible, just as the tariff cuts are providing a tailwind for the car industry.

00:14:54 話者 8

The US side says the agreement will be assessed on a quarterly basis, as Japan has pledged to invest $550 billion in the United States.

Washington says that if President Donald Trump is dissatisfied, tariffs on cars and other products will be raised again.

This means that it's uncertain whether the tariff will remain at 15% or once again be increased.

00:15:26 話者 7

Now, the figures from automakers are often a bellwether for the results from related firms like parts and materials makers.

What we see from them may tell us a lot about the overall direction of Japan, Inc.

and the stock market.

I'm John Ladue and that wraps up this edition of Biz Picks.

00:15:45 話者 8

And that's it for Business News.

00:15:48 話者 1

That was our Ramin Mellegard.

TEXTILE'S SEISMIC SHIFT

Japan's textile industry is feeling shaken by a number of factors, including overseas competition and a drop in demand at home.

In response, one maker has taken the unusual step of looking into other markets for its products.

The result, applying traditional techniques to stem the sway caused by earthquakes.

CLEVER APPLICATIONS MATERIALIZE IN TEXTILES

00:16:12 話者 9

This textile maker is located in Ishikawa Prefecture.

Among its facilities, one building stands out from the rest and looks like it's draped under a white veil.

However, it's actually made-up of over a thousand carbon fiber cables.

By attaching them to key structural areas of a building, they can limit the degree of shaking it experiences during an earthquake.

Steel is one of the most commonly used materials for seismic reinforcement.

However, it's heavy and susceptible to rust, making it a bad choice for use in older buildings or weaker structures.

Carbon fiber, on the other hand, is extremely light, strong, and rust-proof, making it ideal for use in industries such as automotive manufacturing and aerospace.

00:17:18 話者 5

A lot of companies were already working in carbon fiber, so we wanted to find a niche market that wasn't already dominated by larger rivals.

That's what led us into seismic reinforcement.

00:17:32 話者 9

However, carbon fiber isn't a perfect material.

Although it possesses great tensile strength, it is susceptible to lateral forces.

To overcome this, the company reinforced each bundle of carbon fibers by surrounding them in a sheath made of fiberglass.

They also employ a traditional Japanese weaving technique called kunihimo, in which multiple threads are woven together in a specific pattern.

The seven sheathed bundles are then intertwined, and the cable is completed.

After rigorous testing, the new cable was certified by the Japanese Industrial Standards Committee.

Despite its strength, it's both flexible and easy to handle.

This is the 150-year-old Tomioka Silk Mill. Considered a symbol of Japan's modernization, it's been registered as a World Heritage Site.

This warehouse used to be used for drying and storing silk cocoons.

Due to safety concerns, the building's been off limits for several decades.

The walls are made of brick and the structural beams from solid wood.

The carbon fiber cables were installed and colored black to make sure they blended in with the overall aesthetic.

By attaching them to key structural points, they were able to increase the building's seismic resistance.

They also reinforced the storage shelves with crisscrossed cables to prevent the wooden frames from warping.

After the retrofitting was completed in 2020, the mill was opened to the public.

This historic structure is now safe enough for people to enjoy.

Our main goal was to preserve its original appearance as much as possible by keeping the reinforcement work to a minimum.

00:19:49 話者 1

The cables are also providing stability in modern structures such as factories and hotels.

Homeowners, however, may find issue with the cost about five times more than contemporary support systems.

HK BETS ON STAGING MAJOR EVENTS TO LURE BACK TOURISTS

Inbound tourism in Hong Kong has not returned to the peak levels seen before the COVID-19 pandemic.

That's partly due to the perception that civil liberties have been eroded by legislation introduced five years ago.

Now the government is hoping that attracting more large-scale events to Hong Kong will bring the visitors back.

00:20:35 話者 10

The number of tourists visiting Hong Kong is only about 70% of its peak in 2018.

The reasons for that include the impact of the pandemic and the negative image caused by the territory's national security law, which cracks down on anti-government activity.

In March, the Hong Kong government opened a new 50,000-seat stadium.

It spent about $3.9 billion on the project in an effort to attract events with a large audience.

In July, the Kai Tak Stadium hosted an English Premier League-friendly match, attracting supporters from around the world.

These are inflatable versions of characters from the Japanese web manga series Chikawa.

which means something small and cute.

They are also hugely popular across much of the rest of Asia.

They were part of a citywide chikawa-themed event held in August.

A popular feature was chikawa characters in the form of dim sum dumplings.

The organizer says more than 100,000 tickets were sold.

About one-third of them went to visitors from mainland China, Taiwan and Southeast Asia.

00:21:57 話者 8

I'm really glad that Hong Kong can have the same event as in Japan.

00:22:04 話者 2

It was so much fun. I got to meet those cute characters face to face.

00:22:14 話者 10

This subway station also got in on the act.

The automatic ticket gates repeat the character's name every time a passenger passes through.

The interior of the subway train is also decorated with chi-kawa motives.

The head of Hong Kong's tourism bureau expressed confidence that promotions like this will be successful in luring foreign tourists.

00:22:46 話者 4

We will attract tourists from all over the world and provide them with new and diverse experiences.

00:22:52 話者 10

With consumption sluggish, the government hopes its efforts to attract tourists will have a positive impact on Hong Kong's economy.

00:23:03 話者 1

Now for world weather.

A rainstorm has impacted New York City, causing widespread disruption.

Our meteorologist, Yumi Hirano, has the details.

00:23:13 話者 11

An active low-pressure system brought record-breaking rainfall to New York, causing severe flooding.

Heavy winds and strong winds swept through New York City on Thursday.

In Central Park, record-breaking rainfall was observed, the heaviest in more than a century.

The downpours caused major disruptions across the city, with many roads flooded and traffic brought to a standstill.

Video footage showed flat waters pouring into a bus.

The system is now moving away from the city and heading toward southeastern Canada, bringing downpours and strong winds.

And we have to monitor one more system over the Atlantic.

Hurricane Melissa is now close to Bermuda.

There is a high risk of flooding and power outages.

Sunny skies are coming back to New York and Washington.

The temperature in L.A. will go back to the normal with a high of 26.

People in parts of Japan are experiencing stormy conditions on Friday due to a low-pressure system.

It's expected to move along the Pacific side, bringing up to 120 millimeters of rain to Kanto and up to 150 millimeters to Tohoku and Hokkaido by Saturday.

Strong winds are also a big concern.

The system will develop and bring gusts of over 120 kilometers per hour to Tohoku and Hokkaido, causing potential power outages.

People in eastern Hokkaido also should watch out for flooding due to the storm and high tides.

Kushiro will see stormy conditions on Saturday, but sunny skies will return to many cities such as Fukuoka, Osaka and Tokyo.

The high will jump up to 23.

That's it for now. Have a nice weekend.

♫～　3-DAY FORECAST　～♫

UP, UP, AND AWAY: HOT AIR BALLOON FEST KICKS OFF IN JAPAN

00:26:51 話者 1

One more item before we leave you.

One of Asia's largest hot air balloon festivals started in southwestern Japan's Saga City on Thursday.

This year's Saga International Balloon Fiesta features about 120 hot air balloons from 20 countries and regions.

On the first day, 70 colorful balloons participating in the festival's competition lifted off into the clear autumn sky.

The balloonists compete to see how close they can drop a small sandbag onto a target while flying.

The target is about 10 kilometers away from the launch site.

00:27:32 話者 10

I didn't expect to get such a close view.

00:27:36 話者 1

The festival runs through Monday.

For all of us here on NHK Newsline, I'm James Tengan in Tokyo.

Thanks for watching.

at 18:00 (JST), October 30

20251030180000_english_1.mp3

 00:00:10 話者 1

Welcome to NHK Newsline. I'm Morishita Erika in Tokyo. 

TRUMP, XI WRAP UP TALKS IN S. KOREA

We begin with an update from the city of Busan, South Korea, where US

President Donald Trump held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

00:00:27 話者 2

Good to meet you. Very pleasure to see you again.

And we're going to have a very successful meeting, I have no doubt.

But he's a very tough negotiator. That's not good. We know each other well.

We have a great relationship.

00:00:49 話者 1

This was Trump's first in-person meeting with Xi since 2019.

00:00:53 話者 2

We've already agreed to a lot of things and we'll agree to some more right now.

President Xi is a great leader of a great country and I think we're going to have a fantastic relationship for a long period of time.

00:01:10 話者 1

Xi Jinping said it's normal for the two leading economies of the world to experience friction now and then.

He also said he's willing to continue to work with Trump to lay a solid foundation for China-US relations.

Xi said he wants to create a favorable environment for the two countries.

After the two-hour meeting, Trump and Xi shook hands again, and Trump was seen whispering into Xi's ear.

After the meeting, Trump left the airport in Busan to return home, wrapping up his Asia tour.

TRUMP AND XI FINISH SUMMIT IN S. KOREA

Earlier, I spoke with NHK was Yako Kento, who is near the spot where the two leaders met.

Kento, tell us what you saw from your vantage point.

00:02:01 話者 3

Things are much calmer now, but this area in front of Kimei Air Base was packed earlier.

We were surrounded by other journalists, and security was extremely tight, especially when President Xi left the venue.

He and his team passed us by on this road.

We saw a lot of supporters and protesters in this area, too, but the situation appeared relatively peaceful.

00:02:27 話者 1

What did the leaders discuss in the meeting?

00:02:33 話者 3

Trump spoke with supporters afterwards, and he revealed a lot. 

Let's go through some of the key points. 

First, the issue around where are this?

China announced strict export controls on them earlier this month.

Trump then threatened to slap an extra 100% typhe on Chinese goods in response, but he now says that the issue has been settled.

Trump says China will resume purchases of soybeans and other farm products.

He also mentioned the typhe that he imposed on imports from China over the flow of fentanyl.

He says that the tide will drop from 20% to 10% because China will take measures to address the issue.

As for the meeting itself, Trump says that on a scale of 1 to 10, the meeting was at 12.

He says he'll be going to China in April and she will visit the US sometime after that.

TRUMP OKAYS S. KOREA'S WISH FOR NUCLEAR SUBMARINE

00:03:46 話者 1

US President Donald Trump says he's given South Korea the okay to build a nuclear-powered submarine.

South Korean President Lee Jae-myung had asked him for approval at the summit the day before.

They met in the South Korean city of Gyeongju to discuss issues including tariffs in North Korea.

Lee told Trump he hoped the US would let South Korea acquire fuel for nuclear submarines so it could build some using its own technology.

Lee also said South Korea's use of nuclear submarines to defend the borders around the Korean Peninsula would reduce the burden on US forces.

Trump posted his approval on social media. He also wrote that South Korea would be building its nuclear submarine in the US state of Philadelphia.

He wrote that shipbuilding in the US would soon make a big comeback.

South Korea's Yonhap News Agency says this is the first time the government has made its intention to acquire nuclear submarines public.

AKITA PREFECTURE STEPS UP BEAR MEASURES

Next, as bear attacks continue across the country, one prefecture is investing in prevention.

It's beefing up its staffing and has asked Japan's Self-Defense Forces for help.

Akita Prefecture says bears have killed three people there since April.

Another 53 have been injured. To address the issue, it more than doubled the size of its Nature Conservation Division Thursday.

The prefecture now has 46 workers dedicated to coordinating anti-bear measures.

00:05:35 話者 2

Bears are frequently showing up where people live. It's extremely dangerous for residents.

I hope everyone will work hard to protect the public's safety and security.

00:05:49 話者 1

They will also be responsible for coordinating with local governments and Japan's Self-Defense Forces. The prefecture had requested its support.

Shida says the prefecture wants the SDF to send troops once municipalities and local hunters are ready to receive them.

EDUCATION MINISTRY RELEASES BEAR MEASURES FOR SCHOOLS

And Japan's education ministry is also stepping up to keep kids safe from bears.

Several were spotted on school grounds across the country.

This recent footage shows a bear at an elementary school in the northern prefecture of Yamagata.

The school canceled classes Wednesday after the bear broke a glass door.

The education ministry sent school boards new safety measures this week.

It includes locking garbage stations and telling kids not to walk around with food.

And if a bear is spotted nearby, schools will ask parents to accompany their children to and from class.

The ministry says bears are now appearing in areas where they have not been seen before.

It says it will respond quickly to keep children safe.

BUSINESS

Now, let's see what's happening in the world of business.

Here's Ramin Mellegard from The Biz Desk.

00:07:23 話者 4

Thank you very much indeed.

BOJ KEEPS RATE TARGET UNCHANGED AT AROUND 0.5%

Now, the Bank of Japan says it will keep its benchmark interest rate unchanged.

Explaining their decision, policymakers pointed to uncertainty, hang over the economy, and international trade.

The central bank said at the end of its two-day policy meeting that it will continue to target a short-term rate of around 0.5 percent.

It's the sixth time in a row that the BOJ has maintained the same level since a rate hike in January.

The bank's governor, Ueda Kazuo, said the uncertainty caused by US tariff measures remains high in the overseas economy.

00:08:02 話者 2

If the economy and prices move as we predict, the BOJ will continue to raise the policy rate in line with how much conditions improve.

That's one way to adjust the degree of monetary easing policy.

00:08:15 話者 4

Ueda also said he needs a little bit more time to study whether businesses will retain their aggressive attitude in setting wages, even when US tariff measures continue to put downward pressure on profitability.

The BOJ also kept its inflation outlook unchanged. The bank is sticking to its July median forecast that consumer prices, excluding fresh food, will rise 2.7 percent in fiscal 2025.

Its outlook for next year remains at 1.8% and 2% for the following year.

The board members expect that the bank's 2% inflation target will be reached after the second-half of fiscal 2026, and that's also in line with earlier predictions.

FORMER BOJ EXECUTIVE BREAKS DOWN POLICY DECISION

And for more, we spoke with Momma Kazuo, a former BOJ executive director.

We asked why the central bank doesn't consider Japan's persistently high inflation sufficient cause to raise the rate.

00:09:17 話者 5

It is true that the CPI inflation has been around 3% or even higher for the recent past.

But the inflation rate has been slowing partly due to surges of food prices, particularly of rice prices. Most of them appear to be temporary.

Therefore, the year-on-year CPI inflation is likely to move down to around 2% in the next six months or so.

Given that outlook of inflation, the BOJ does not think it is necessary to quicken the pace of rate hikes.

00:09:51 話者 4

Momma says although the yen is weak, it's not weak enough to convince the bank to take urgent action.

He says there's a more pressing concern, the impact of Trump's tariffs on the US economy.

00:10:05 話者 5

But let me quickly ask that, despite everything I said, the BOJ makes it clear that it is prepared for raising the interest rate going forward, and the BOJ is just looking for an appropriate timing to do so.

I think that the BOJ will consider waging its interest rate at the next meeting in December or the meeting after in January.

Exact timing will be subject to a combination of these three very important factors: the US

economy, exchange rates, and the prospect for wage negotiation next spring.

00:10:41 話者 4

Hours before the BOJ announcement, the US Federal Reserve said it would cut its benchmark interest rate. That makes it the second cut in a row.

00:10:50 話者 5

Today's BOJ decision, together with the Fed's decision earlier, does not seem to create a big market movement one way or the other, because reserves on both central banks have been well anticipated.

00:11:05 話者 4

Momma says the direction of the dollar/yen exchange rate in coming months will depend heavily on the US economy.

00:11:15 話者 5

If the US economy deteriorates more than many people currently expect, then the Fed will have to cut interest rates more aggressively, resulting in weaker dollar and stronger yen.

On the other hand, if the US economy turns out to be surprisingly strong, the Fed may not cut the interest rate any further, which in turn will cause the dollar to be stronger and the yen weaker.

So therefore, we need to see what might come from the US side a lot more carefully than the BOJ policy itself when it comes to the dollar/yen exchange rate going forward.

00:11:53 話者 4

Momma says given the elevated uncertainty in the global economy, things could go either way in the medium term.

TOYOTA PLANS TO IMPORT US-MADE MODELS TO JAPAN

Toyota Motor is gearing up to start shipments of American-made models to Japan.

The company says the imports are aimed at helping to cut the US trade deficit.

Japan's government pledged to ease trade tension as part of a tariff deal backed by the private sector. Toyota is one of the companies stepping forward.

It says the Camry sedan is among the vehicles being considered for shipment to the home market. US President Donald Trump met Japanese business leaders on Tuesday during his visit to Tokyo.

One of them was Toyota Motor Chairman Toyoda Akio.

They reportedly exchanged views on the business environment in their two countries.

Now, Nissan is another automaker considering importing US-made models.

It says it's checking on demand in Japan and assessing profitability.

CHIP DISPUTE HALTS HONDA PLANT IN MEXICO

In other auto industry news, NHK has learned that Honda Motor has suspended production in Mexico. Assembly lines came to a stop on Tuesday.

The company cited a shortage of semiconductors linked to tensions between the Netherlands and China.

Honda also reported disruption at some of its plants in North America.

The company says it is drawing on its chip reserves to continue production.

The confrontation came after the Dutch government intervened in management of China-funded chipmaker Nexperia, which is based in the Netherlands, officials cited security reasons.

The Chinese government responded by restricting exports of Nexperia's chips used in automobiles.

NIKKEI 225 SETS RECORD CLOSING HIGH FOR 2ND STRAIGHT DAY

And Tokyo's Nikkei 225 climbed again on Thursday, not by much, but enough to set a record closing high for the second straight day.

Now, US-China summit was in the spotlight.

Many investors decided the talks had eased trade tensions somewhat.

The benchmark finished at 51,325, up 0.04%.

Trading was volatile, but the index rebounded sharply toward the end of the session.

Analysts say President Trump's announcement that he would reduce additional tariffs on Chinese goods prompted aggressive buying.

The Nikkei index topped the 50,000 mark for the first time on Monday, and it advanced even further on Wednesday to exceed 51,000, led by chip-related shares.

MARKETS

Okay, let's get a check on some of the other markets.

♪

And that is it for business news.

IN FOCUS

00:15:12 話者 1

Next, let's go over to Shibuya Aki with Newsa in Focus.

She's looking at the dreams of Japanese craftspeople who have been aiming to get to the Olympics.

TOKYO CRAFTSPEOPLE CHASE OLYMPIC BOBSLEIGH DREAM

00:15:25 話者 6

Formula One on ice. Yes, we're talking about bobsleds.

Sleek, aerodynamic, these gravity-powered machines can reach speeds of up to 130 kilometers per hour.

A team of small factory owners in Tokyo's Ota Ward launched a project in 2011 called Shitamachi Babslei.

Shitamachi refers to the traditional working-class neighborhood that's home to their workshop. Their aim has been to make it to the Olympics.

So far, their efforts have not borne fruit for three consecutive games.

With the upcoming Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics in Italy in sight, Stamaci Bobsleigh might be selected by the host country's national team.

00:16:20 話者 7

The head coach of Italy's bobsled team, Manuel Mahata, recently visited the workshop.

Mahata came to oversee the final adjustments.

About 20 companies are involved in the project.

This latest model has over 200 parts.

One company that's taking part designs satellite radar systems.

It's in charge of the sled's overall engineering.

The sled's base frame is milled from a single block of metal, no welding required.

This seamless construction boosts its structural strength.

The required precision is 0.01 millimeters.

The project's members are vying to enter a field that has typically been dominated by major automakers.

The Italian team is impressed with the way the Shitomachi sled handled in recent international competitions.

00:17:32 話者 3

I started sliding already here and marched up with the sled.

It was already a good feeling, a great experience.

00:17:40 話者 7

What the Italian team values most is the adaptability of the Japanese.

On this day, the Italian team asked that the sled be made even lighter.

00:18:02 話者 2

If the sled's too heavy, it may exceed the weight limit when our two athletes are on it.

We've got to reduce its weight.

00:18:19 話者 7

Seki Eichi's firm is one of the group's members responsible for the task.

He's been with the project since day one, investing over $60,000 of his own money.

Other members, too, have chipped in.

What keeps driving him is the lingering sense of frustration over their past failures to reach the Olympics.

00:18:42 話者 2

I couldn't shake the frustration of not making it to the Games.

00:18:49 話者 7

Starting with the 2014 Sochi Games, they've made three bids to get to the Olympics, but none were successful.

Some countries have expressed interest after many trials and test runs, but problems involving speed or weight led to last-minute rejections in favor of other countries' sleds.

And with each Olympic setback came the inevitable online trolls.

Small factories played a big role in Japan's post-war economic miracle.

But in the past decade, the number in old award has dropped nearly 30%, due largely to fewer successors.

The project's members hope to reinvigorate the spirit of craftsmanship.

00:19:46 話者 2

I want people to know we're still here. I want to show how far we can go with our craftsmanship. And the Olympics? Well, that's the highest measure possible.

00:20:06 話者 7

So the challenge now is how to further reduce the sled's weight.

Seki and his team decide they can lighten it a bit by machining the sled's metal frame.

They carefully shave off a tiny bit, but not enough to compromise the structural integrity.

To enhance both safety and weight savings, they sand down the sharp corners by hand.

They eventually succeed in reducing the sled's weight by a whopping 13 kilograms.

00:21:04 話者 2

It looks great, but we won't know until we test it.

What matters most is how the athletes feel when they get on it.

00:21:11 話者 7

The Shitamachi Bobsley team has pushed forward with their project despite the many obstacles.

Fueled by pride in Japanese craftsmanship, they pursue their challenge with dogged determination.

00:21:28 話者 2

There will still be more tweaks and improvements.

If we actually make it to the Olympics, I might cry.

00:21:45 話者 6

According to the members of the Shitamachi Bobsleigh team, the technical capabilities of their rivals overseas have improved significantly, and competition is tougher than ever.

The athletes will only pick the sled they'll use on the day of the actual race, so the nail biting will continue for the Shitamachi team until then.

But they are absolutely determined to see their sled racing down the Cortina d'Anpezzo bobsled track in northern Italy to Olympic glory in February.

Fingers crossed. And that's all for me.

00:22:22 話者 1

In an earlier story, we refer to Philadelphia as a US state.

It's, in fact, an American city. We regret the era.

WEATHER

Now, let's check out the world weather. October is among the months with the heaviest rainfall in parts of Vietnam. Our meteorologist, Yumi Hirano, has the details.

00:23:43 話者 8

Over 280 millimeters of rain has been reported in Hue, Vietnam.

Now it's the peak of the monsoon season, causing severe flooding.

Record-breaking rainfall in central Vietnam has caused severe floods this week, leaving at least 10 dead and five missing, according to officials.

Much of fuel remains underwater, with rivers overflowing after heavy rainfall.

In Denang, many homes, crops and thousands of livestock were washed away.

More than 120 landslides have struck a major highway in a nearby province.

In this region, the monsoon usually lasts until November, so more rain is expected on Friday. People there should stay a lot for additional flooding.

In the bigger picture across Asia, sunny skies are expected in Beijing and Uranbato, but showers are likely in Tokyo with a high of only 17.

People in Japan also should watch out for stormy conditions on Friday due to a low-pressure system.

It's expected to move along the Pacific side, bringing downpours and strong winds.

A storm warning is likely to be issued in Hokkaido, causing potential power outages.

Finally, in the United States, a low-pressure system is moving over the mid-Atlantic.

It's expected to intensify, bringing severe weather, such as downpours and strong winds, along the eastern seaboard.

So showers are likely in many cities, such as in New York and Washington, but sunny skies are expected in Chicago, Oklahoma City and Denver.

The high in L.A. will be 32, which is much higher than usual.

That's all for now. Have a nice day.

♫～　3-DAY FORECAST　～♫

MESSY FUN AT OKINAWA MUD-SMEARING FESTIVAL

00:26:30 話者 1

Finally, local residents and visitors got down in 30 for a traditional mud-smelling festival in the southern prefecture of Okinawa.

The annual event held on Miyakojima is to chase out evil spirits.

The festival is registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Its name, Pantu, comes from the Miyakojima dialect and means demon or monster.

In the island's Shimajiri district and elsewhere, they're regarded as deities that bring good harvest and health.

Three people wearing masks and covered in vines smeared mud on local residents and tourists alike for good luck.

That's all for this edition of NHK Newsline.

I'm Morishita Erika in Tokyo. Thank you very much for joining us.

at 18:00 (JST), October 29

20251029180000_english_1.mp3

 00:00:10 話者 1

Welcome back to NHK Newsline. Here's the latest we have for you at this hour.

TRUMP MEETS WITH SOUTH KOREAN PRESIDENT LEE

The US president has begun the next leg of his Asia tour.

Donald Trump has left Japan after three days for South Korea, where he will attend high-profile meetings.

He's held a summit with the country's president, Lee Jae-myung.

00:00:32 話者 2

Mr. President, you have brought peace to eight conflict regions around the world.

You are truly playing the role of peacemaker.

About once a month, you solve a problem in which many lives have been destroyed.

00:00:48 話者 3

The Korean Peninsula, and I know you are officially at war,

But we will see what we can do to get that all straightened out.

We've been very lucky. I've been very fortunate to be able to solve a lot of problems in the world.

00:01:09 話者 1

US tariffs have been a major focus for the two countries.

They had agreed that South Korea will invest 350 billion dollars in the US, but negotiations have been complex and slow.

Washington has pressed for a large portion of the investment in cash upfront, but Seoul insists on a mix of loans and guarantees to lessen the financial strain.

Both sides are believed to have discussed advanced technology sectors such as semiconductors and artificial intelligence.

The leaders are thought to have reaffirmed the US-South Korea combined defense posture and measures to boost deterrence in response to North Korea's nuclear threat.

Attention has been on whether Trump will meet with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un while he is in South Korea, but Trump has said they were not able to work out the timing.

Trump is set to leave South Korea before the APEC summit kicks off on Friday, but one meeting he is expected to attend is taking the spotlight.

ALL EYES ON TRUMP-XI MEETING

For more earlier, I spoke with NHK World's Kim Chan-ju, who's in the APEC host city, Gyeongju.

So, Chan-ju, what is the atmosphere like over there?

00:02:21 話者 3

The city is usually bustling with tourists, especially around this time of year with the full color change.

But right now, it's bustling with security personnel in particular.

Gyeongju is under the highest alert.

Up to 19,000 personnel are being deployed daily.

Certain areas are blocked off around the summit venue, as well as where the leaders are staying.

And the airspace above the venue is now a no-fly zone, with anti-drone and interception systems in place to counter area threats.

00:03:01 話者 1

Right. Well, on this earth, the leaders do have a lot to discuss.

Many are waiting to see what comes out of Thursday's summit between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

So what can you tell us about that?

00:03:16 話者 3

Trump says his diplomatic focus is on trade negotiations with China.

The two countries have been in a months-long trade conflict, and people are expecting some sort of deal soon.

The overall conflict has seen a lot of twists and turns.

Recent talks have delved into Chinese restrictions on exports of rare earth metals and related technologies.

This month, Beijing announced it would tighten rules on the exports.

Trump quickly responded, saying he would impose an additional 100 percent tariff on imports from China as a countermeasure.

But negotiations with senior officials over the weekend seem to have changed the situation.

Both sides say they had reached a basic consensus ahead of Thursday's summit.

It appears to also cover US exports of soybeans to China,...

another key discussion point.

Again, though, lots of twists and turns, and many people are watching.

The trade conflict may be between two sides, but they are the world's two biggest economies.

00:04:34 話者 1

We are already getting hints about what those talks could entail.

The Chinese foreign ministry announced Trump and Xi will meet Thursday.

American media say they may discuss reducing US tariffs on China.

They will sit down together in the South Korean city of Busan.

According to the Wall Street Journal on Tuesday, China is expected to strengthen controls on exports of chemicals used to make fentanyl.

The paper also said that in return, the US could cut the 20 percent tariff on Chinese goods by up to 10 percentage points.

The Trump administration had accused China of not doing enough to stop the influx of drugs like fentanyl into the United States.

The summit will take place three weeks after Beijing said it would tighten rules on its exports of rare earth metals.

PM TAKAICHI TO MEET SOUTH KOREA'S LEE

Japanese leaders are also holding diplomatic meetings this week.

Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae will fly to South Korea Thursday and will also meet with President Lee.

She'll have three days at the APEC meeting and is expected to talk about trade and investment issues, as well as artificial intelligence.

The Prime Minister plans to meet with Lee soon after her arrival.

The leaders are expected to look at how the two countries have improved their cooperation in recent years.

They're also likely to discuss how they can bolster security in the region alongside the United States, in light of North Korea's continued nuclear and missile development.

Takaichi previously said she wants to develop stable ties with South Korea going forward, building on the efforts of previous administrations.

The Japanese government is also looking to arrange a meeting with Chinese President Xi.

If it happens, Takaichi is likely to be constructive in hopes of building a stable relationship with China.

But Xi's also expected to convey concerns about China's growing maritime assertiveness and its recent pressure on its trading partners.

JAPAN, US DEFENSE CHIEFS TO BOOST BILATERAL ALLIANCE

Japan's new defense minister has wrapped up his first talk with his US

counterpart since coming into office.

The pair agreed to strengthen the Japan-US alliance by focusing on deterrence and their ability to respond to threats.

Koizumi Shinjiro and Pete Hegseth met at the Japanese defense ministry in Tokyo.

The encounter followed Tuesday's summit between Prime Minister Takeichi and President Trump.

Koizumi told Hegseth about Japan's plan to boost its defense capacity.

The plan includes a review of three national security documents, including the National Security Strategy.

00:07:20 話者 2

At the greatest alliance in the world, Japan and the US will fulfill their responsibilities to the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region.

00:07:29 話者 3

And I was glad to see, alongside President Trump, Prime Minister Takeichi

the commitment to increase Japan's defense spending, which is wonderful.

It's an important step forward and one that we hope would be implemented and believe will be as soon as possible.

00:07:47 話者 1

They also confirmed that the two countries together will continue to produce missiles and maintain US military vessels and aircraft.

OVER 350,000 STUDENTS IN JAPAN CHRONICALLY ABSENT

School absences have hit a record high in Japan.

The education ministry says more than 350,000 elementary and junior high school students were chronically absent during the 2024 academic year.

The Ministry applies the term to students missing 30 or more days of school a year. 

A survey found the total for the academic year ending in March was up about 7,500 from the previous year.

The figure has increased for 12 straight years.

About 30 percent of the students said they did not feel motivated to attend.

A quarter said their body rhythms did not match their school schedules, and about 24 percent cited anxiety and depression.

The total for elementary school students was about 138,000, up 7,300.

Absenteeism is a particularly big problem amongst first and second graders, with the figure increasing sevenfold over the past decade.

The total for junior high school students in 2024 was about 216,000.

NHK World's Katsumata Chieko has more from Japan's education ministry in Tokyo.

EXHAUSTED AND DEMOTIVATED, MORE AND MORE STUDENTS SKIPPING SCHOOL

00:09:21 話者 4

Officials here are disappointed by these findings, but they also have a sense of why numbers are rising.

The recent survey found that students say they are exhausted, anxious, or depressed.

Many say they lack the motivation to go to school in the first place.

They say they'd rather seek alternative lifestyles instead of struggling through the traditional path to a career.

Experts point to the huge pressure pressed on kids to do well early on.

They are expected to attend club schools and fill their time with club activities or sports to set themselves up for good jobs.

But more and more young people are burning out, and many are withdrawing from education altogether.

Japan's government has been seeking solutions since 2004 its promoted diverse learning schools.

These offer flexible learning styles, organized by skill level with fewer overall class hours.

Unaccredited schools are also providing options for students who do not want to attend class in person.

They offer classes and club activities online.

But right now, only a small portion of out-of-school students are taking part.

One expert I spoke with says it's time for Japan to rethink public education.

He suggests looking to other countries as models.

00:11:03 話者 5

In France, for example, a national distance learning center has been established, enabling students to study through correspondence courses.

If families can ensure a suitable learning environment at home, homeschooling is also permitted.

This means that students have the freedom to choose where they learn.

00:11:28 話者 4

He adds, any support system for absentee students must consider life after school.

Without pathways to future employment, more young people will be left behind.

Katsumata Chieko NHK World.

ISRAEL-HAMAS CONFLICT
REUTERS: ISRAEL AIRSTRIKES ON GAZA KILL AT LEAST 26

00:12:02 話者 1

Israel has launched airstrikes on the Gaza Strip after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Hamas had violated the ceasefire agreement.

Hamas is accused of handing over remains that were not those of an Israeli hostage, slated for return as part of the peace deal.

Under the terms of the deal, all 48 hostages were to be returned to Israel by October 13, but Hamas has delayed doing so.

The Israeli Prime Minister's office announced on Tuesday that Hamas had handed over the remains of a hostage the previous day, but it said detailed tests found that it did not belong to any of the remaining deceased hostages.

00:12:42 話者 4

We are fully aware. 

And have knowledge that Hamas can locate and retrieve the remains of our 13 deceased hostages that are still in Gaza right now.

00:12:53 話者 1

Israel has responded with airstrikes. Reuters reported that local health authorities said at least 26 people were killed in the Gaza Strip.

Hamas has issued a statement saying it will postpone the planned handover of a deceased hostage on Tuesday due to Israel's violation of the peace deal.

The statement stressed that Israeli military escalation will hinder the search and retrieval of the bodies.

The United States is urging both sides to maintain the ceasefire and implement its peace plan.

ZELENSKYY: RUSSIA OIL CAPACITY DOWN OVER 20%

Ukrainian military forces have been attacking energy production facilities deep inside Russia.

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says the strikes are having a severe impact.

Local media quoted Zelenskyy as saying oil refining capacity may be down more than 20 percent and fuel is down about 22 to 27 percent.

He added that that's a real problem. He pledged to further weaken Russia's economic base by raising funds and developing Ukraine's military arsenal.

He says the Russian energy industry serves as a source of money for the war.

A high-ranking official in Moscow admitted that the strikes have caused damage, but Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu says repairs are being made quickly and the situation isn't serious.

He added that oil and gas companies are taking measures to protect their facilities.

Ukrainian forces struck an oil refinery in the central Russian region of Ryzan on Thursday.

The area reportedly sees heavy use by the Russian military as a logistics center.

BUSINESS

Now let's see what's happening in the world of business.

Here's Ramin Mellegard from the BizDesk.

00:14:47 話者 2

Thank you very much indeed.

JAPAN MOBILITY SHOW HIGHLIGHTS NEW EV, HYBRID VEHICLES

Now the Japan Mobility Show will start in Tokyo on Thursday.

Automakers will use the event to give the public a look at new electric and hybrid vehicles.

More than 500 companies and organizations are taking part, a record high.

Honda Motor is showcasing a new electric SUV for Japan, India and other markets.

It should debut in Japan in 2027.

The automaker is also strengthening its hybrid lineup following a dip in demand for EVs.

00:15:25 話者 3

The sales growth of electric vehicles is stagnating.

But in the mid to long term, the overall shift to EVs will continue.

We will offer models that match the needs of each market in a timely manner.

00:15:39 話者 2

Toyota Motor is displaying a concept minivan for VIP passengers under its high-end Lexus brand.

It has four smaller rear wheels to create a bigger space for passengers.

The event runs through November 9.

AT LEAST 10 JAPAN FIRMS INTERESTED IN INVESTING IN US UNDER TRADE DEAL

Japan and the United States say at least 10 Japanese companies are interested in launching projects in the US under a bilateral deal reached earlier this year.

The two governments on Tuesday released a fact sheet listing the value of investments and revenue in the projects at roughly $400 billion in total.

They cover energy, strengthening AI infrastructure and other areas vital for economic security.

00:16:26 話者 3

We are encouraged to see so many companies putting their hands up and showing interest.

We will develop the projects that benefit both our nations and move forward together.

00:16:41 話者 2

Executives of major Japanese businesses that have expressed interest took part in a ceremony on Tuesday with US President Donald Trump.

They included SoftBank Group Chairman and CEO Son Masayoshi and Hitachi President and CEO Kokunaga Koshiaki.

Now, in a speech at a banquet, Trump expressed confidence about further investments by Japanese companies.

00:17:04 話者 4

Since the election, We've secured all of that money coming in, and we have a lot more money coming in.

And again, I mentioned SoftBank, but Jera, JCB, Toyota, Mitsubishi, Hitachi, Honda.

00:17:23 話者 2

Japan committed to invest $550 billion in the US under a trade agreement reached in July.

Under the deal, a consultation committee comprised of members from both nations first selects projects.

It then forwards the candidates to an investment committee consisting of US officials.

The investment committee recommends its selection to the President, who will have the final say.

Analysts are concerned how profitable the selected projects would be for Japanese companies.

The question now is whether Japan will be able to ensure that the country can benefit from its investments.

NIKKEI 225 TOPS 31,000 MARK, DRIVEN BY TECH SECTOR GAINS

Tokyo's Nikkei 225 stock index breached the 51,000-point mark on Wednesday to set a record high.

The surge was led by buying of semiconductor-related shares.

The benchmark ended at 51,307, up more than 2%.

Investors followed a tech-driven rally that set records on Wall Street overnight.

All three main New York indices hit new highs on Tuesday after AI chip giant Nvidia said demand remains strong.

Several US tech giants report earnings this week.

Now, analysts say the results will be a key check on whether the share price run-up is backed by profits at the companies.

MARKETS

Now, let's get a check on some of the other markets.

♪

And that's it for business news.

BIG PLANS FOR AMERICA'S ATOMIC CITY

00:19:17 話者 1

Oak Ridge, Tennessee, was a key site for the atomic bombs produced in World War II by the United States Manhattan Project.

Now, as the Trump administration works to revitalize America's nuclear industrial base, NHK World's Izumo Naoki examines what's unfolding in this city.

00:19:40 話者 5

On the 80th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, a memorial ceremony was held in Oak Ridge.

On the same day, demonstrators gathered outside a nearby nuclear facility.

This protest was organized by Ralph Hutchinson, a local, long-time nuclear disarmament activist.

00:20:03 話者 6

This is the facility that produced the enriched uranium that was the fuel for Little Boy that destroyed Hiroshima, Japan.

So it seems to us unthinkable that you would not memorialize Hiroshima in this place.

00:20:19 話者 5

Since the Manhattan Project, Oak Ridge has remained home to nuclear-related companies and research institutions.

Today, it's that around 10,000 people, about one-third of the city's population, work in these facilities.

Now, the city is seeing major new projects.

Last year, a nuclear energy company announced a plan for a large facility that would produce low-enriched uranium for power plants.

The US had relied on Russia for roughly a quarter of its low-enriched uranium, but those imports are now effectively banned.

Meanwhile, it's expected AI will drive a surge in electricity demand.

00:21:01 話者 7

Our initial phase is to cover 30% of the US needs.

Our goal will be to be able to replace the supply from Russia and from China.

00:21:09 話者 5

Military developments are also underway.

This complex, which produced the enriched uranium for the Hiroshima atomic bomb, is America's only weapons-grade uranium site.

It's being modernized with state-of-the-art facilities.

With nuclear threats from China, Russia, and North Korea, the Trump administration is accelerating nuclear weapons modernization, according to an expert.

00:21:36 話者 8

I think there's, the administration is currently trying to advance both nuclear modernization as it relates to our weapons, but also modernizing and rebuilding the civilian nuclear infrastructure in the United States.

00:21:47 話者 5

Hutchison has spent years investigating radioactivity and mercury contamination around the nuclear facilities in Oak Ridge.

00:21:54 話者 9

There are huge radioactive dumps in Oak Ridge that they haven't even fully characterized, let alone cleaned up.

The government, Orano, Other nuclear companies target Oak Ridge because the community there needs jobs, needs money, is familiar with, they're not as concerned about radioactive stuff as they should be.

00:22:21 話者 5

To raise awareness about the dangers of nuclear weapons and contamination, Hutchison organized a community film screening.

00:22:35 話者 10

I was 30 years of age at that time.

00:22:38 話者 5

The film tells the story of Tsutsuko Thurlow, a Hiroshima atomic bomb survivor who played a key role in establishing the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

00:22:48 話者 11

I think I'm too naive to what's going on in Old Croatia.

00:22:52 話者 12

I think a lot of us tend to think that fighting nuclear weapons is sort of hopeless, and I think this film really shows that It's not hopeless.

00:23:05 話者 5

Hutchison believes that now, more than ever, Oak Ridge must become a voice for nuclear abolition.

Izumo Naoki, NHK World, New York.

♪

WEATHER

00:23:41 話者 1

It is time for us to check the world weather with our meteorologist, Jonathan Oh.

Jonathan, there is great concern over those living in Jamaica and Cuba because of a ferocious hurricane that's swiping through. What's the latest there?

00:23:54 話者 6

Hello, we've been talking about the dangers of Hurricane Melissa and then slowly

moved over Jamaica and the eastern portions of Cuba.

But that slow pattern is really of the biggest concern when it comes to the heavy rainfall.

Here's a look at some video that's coming out from the region to give you an idea of the situation.

As the strongest storm to ever hit Jamaica caused widespread damage due to heavy rains and fierce winds, with Hurricane Melissa making landfall Tuesday, making it the first time the country was hit by a Category 5 storm.

Now, the Prime Minister wrote a Facebook post saying that more than 800 shelters were open for those seeking assistance and shelter.

Now, Jamaica was the only country impacted by Melissa.

Cuba's second largest city also suffered damage and flooding.

And according to the US's National Hurricane Center, over 600 millimeters of rainfall expected in eastern Cuba through Wednesday.

So the storm continues to move toward the north and east.

And again, by the time we go into late Wednesday into Thursday, things should be calming down.

But again,

This storm has left a lot of problems in its wake, and so you'll be hearing about it for some time to come.

Meanwhile, across the United States, we have one low moving through the southeastern United States, another one moving through the Pacific Northwest, and that's going to bring some rain into those areas with some colder air wrapping around as well.

13 in Vancouver, 14 in Seattle, and 13 in Atlanta as we go through Wednesday.

Looking at what's happening across Europe, we have a low pressure to movement to the Iberian Peninsula, another cold front to the north.

So the western portions of Europe looking at some wet weather coming up on Wednesday from London down to Paris, thunderstorms in Rome with a high of 20.

Looking at what's happening across East Asia, we had that wintry kind of pattern across the northern portions of Japan as we went through Tuesday.

When into Wednesday, high pressure took over and it's more seasonable for this time of year.

Eventually seeing those leaves changing color across Japan, especially for the northern areas. As you see, temperatures were seasonable for this time of year.

19 in Tokyo with partly cloudy skies, 18 in this whole as we go throughout the day on Thursday.

That's the picture forecast.

Hope you have a good day wherever you are.

♫～　3-DAY FORECAST　～♫

AUTUMN LEAVES DELIGHT VISITORS NEAR TOKYO

00:26:40 話者 1

Well, Jonathan mentioned the fall colors.

In fact, the autumn foliage has arrived in Okuniko, north of Tokyo.

Visitors were treated to the site of crimson and gold leaves on the trees surrounding Lake Chuzenji.

A popular viewing spot is from the lake in the city of Nikko.

It is located at an elevation of about 1,200 meters.

Despite the drizzle, visitors didn't hesitate to take boats to enjoy the colorful leaves of maple, birch, and other trees.

The operator of sightseeing boats on the lake has increased its services for the season.

(Japanese)

00:27:25 話者 1

Officials of the Nikko Natural Science Museum say the peak season at the lake began about a week later than usual and will continue until early next month.

And that wraps up this edition of NHK Newsline.

We will have more for you soon. Thank you very much for joining us.

at 18:00 (JST), October 28

20251028180000_english_1.mp3

 00:00:10 話者 1

Welcome back to NHK Newsline. Here's the latest we have for you at this hour.

DEVELOPING STORY
TRUMP DELIVERS NAVAL BASE ADDRESS AFTER SUMMIT TALKS

US President Donald Trump has capped off summit talks in Japan with a speech aboard a US aircraft carrier.

Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae accompanied him to the Yokosuka Naval Base south of Tokyo.

Trump spoke before a crowd of military personnel who had gathered to hear him speak.

00:00:36 話者 2

Great honor to be here. 

But I'm thrilled to be here among thousands of proud American patriots.

00:00:44 話者 1

Trump stressed the importance of the US-Japan alliance.

00:00:49 話者 2

The cherished alliance between the United States and Japan is one of the most

remarkable relationships in the entire world.

Our bond has grown over eight decades into the beautiful friendship that we have.

It's a foundation of peace and security in the Pacific.

00:01:06 話者 1

Takaichi also addressed the crowd.

00:01:11 話者 3

We are now facing a more severe security environment than ever before.

Peace cannot be preserved by wars alone, but by firm determination and concrete action.

I am determined to fundamentally strengthen Japan's defense capabilities and to contribute even more proactively to the peace and stability of this region.

00:01:33 話者 1

They both emphasized at the event their continued commitment to working together.

DEVELOPING STORY
JAPAN PM TAKAICHI MEETS US PRESIDENT TRUMP IN TOKYO

This comes after the two of them sat down for diplomatic talks Tuesday.

It was their first face-to-face meeting.

The two leaders met in the state guesthouse in Tokyo to affirm their alliance.

00:01:54 話者 4

I am determined to restore Japan's dynamic diplomacy to protect Japanese national interests.

I'm ready to promote further collaboration between Japan and the United States toward our shared goal of achieving a free and open Indo-Pacific.

I want to realize a new golden age of our Japan-U.S. alliance, where both nations will become stronger and more prosperous.

00:02:18 話者 2

I have always had a great love of Japan and a great respect of Japan.

And I will say that this will be a relationship that will be stronger than ever before, and I look forward to working with you.

And on behalf of our country, I want to just let you know, any time you have any question, any doubt, anything you want, any favors you need, anything I can do to help Japan, we will be there.

We are an ally at the strongest level.

00:02:46 話者 1

The pair exchanged compliments throughout the day, with U.S. media reporting that Takaichi said she'll nominate Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.

The 2 leaders also mentioned late Prime Minister Abe Shinzo.

Takaichi thanked Trump for his long-time friendship with Abe.

Trump said Abe would be happy if he knew that Takaichi had risen through the ranks to lead the country.

They've now signed documents to cement a deal reached as a result of tariff talks.

They also agreed to mutually secure their supplies of rare earth minerals.

DEVELOPING STORY
TRUMP, US OFFICIALS MEET JAPANESE ABDUCTEES' FAMILIES

After the meeting, Trump and Takaichi took time to meet with the families of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea.

That meeting also took place at the State Guest House after the summit talks Tuesday.

00:03:33 話者 2

I've met the families before, and I'm with them all the way, and the U.S. is with them all the way, and we're with Japan and the prime minister.

00:03:41 話者 1

Trump said he's thought about the issue since his first term in office.

He told the families that Washington would do everything in its power to help.

Japan's government says at least 17 of its citizens were kidnapped by North Korean agents in the 1970s and '80s.

Five of them were returned in 2002, but what happened to a dozen others remains unknown.

Yokota Sakie, the mother of abduction victim Yokota Megumi, attended the meeting alongside Megumi's younger brother, Takuya.

He also leads the Association of Families.

Speaking to reporters afterwards, he said they had expected to only meet Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

But at the very last minute, he was told it would be Trump first.

I hope the personal bond between President Trump and Prime Minister Takeichi will lead to specific actions that resolve this issue.

00:04:38 話者 4

I feel President Trump is actively thinking about this.

00:04:44 話者 1

She also gave Trump a blue ribbon badge, a symbol of the fight to rescue the abductees.

She asked him to wear it, and he said he would.

Rubio did also meet with the families after Trump.

From the Japanese government, Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara Minoru and Foreign Minister Motoki Toshimitsu also attended.

ANALYSIS
FORMER AMBASSADORS' IMPRESSION OF SUMMIT MEETING

For more on the summit talks, earlier I spoke with Sugiyama Shinsuke.

He's a former Japanese ambassador to the U.S. and served during Trump's first term.

Trump and Takaichi have met. They did not release a joint statement today.

They did not hold a joint news conference. But does this say anything?

00:05:28 話者 5

I don't think so. This is not a big deal because for today I think the schedules are very tight, including this shown meeting with the Latin families.

So, and on top of that, I think they spoke very well in front of the camera in the Akasaka Palace, the first couple of minutes or more than a couple of minutes or something.

So I don't think that's not a big deal.

00:05:53 話者 1

That was quite a long conversation they had at the beginning of the talks and with the media present.

But, you know, as I mentioned, you were the ambassador to the United States during the first Trump presidency, and you had a front row seat to the president's relationship with former Prime Minister Abe.

So what approach do you think Takaichi should take if she wants to keep this relationship on a good term?

00:06:17 話者 5

Yeah, first of all, one thing which I can tell you for sure is that former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo had a very, very excellent personal relationship with this U.S. President Donald Trump.

So there are a couple of reasons why he was able to do that, but I think he was so frank and sociable and friendly, but he was the one who spoke up very much in a very articulate way.

So I think as long as the current first female leader, Prime Minister Takaichi, is able to speak up by herself, be herself, and then be very much precisely trying to say what she would like to say.

I think that's something that porters would love to listen to.

00:07:03 話者 1

You suggest then that Takaichi be very articulate, be direct with what she wants to say.

00:07:08 話者 5

That's right.

And then, of course, on top of that, Takaichi, Prime Minister Takaichi was former home minister or something at the time of the former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe formed the cabinet.

So everybody knows that she has been rather close to the former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

00:07:25 話者 1

She will benefit from that relationship.

Let's go into some of the things they tackled during this summit.

Japan has been working to boost its defense spending, and Takaichi is saying that she plans to speed it up.

Trump seems pleased with these moves. He appreciates Tokyo buying American equipment. How important is defense spending for this relationship?

00:07:45 話者 5

I do believe that it is quite important.

I wouldn't say everybody, every one of us in this country would agree to necessity to expand the defense spending, but maybe there are consensus among us all under this current very certain severe security situation in East Asia.

So Japan, such as a sovereign country, must make further effort to expand defense spending.

But at the same time, U.S., the only single ally to Japan, you know, the Security Pact Article 5 does that if Japan is being attacked, we're going to just have a joint actions against the invasion.

So I think it is quite appropriate for the two leaders, as an allies, to talk about these things, including how are we going to supposedly expand the defense spending?

00:08:37 話者 1

And they also signed trade documents based on the recent tariff negotiations, and that has been going back and forth.

This does include a $550 billion investment from Japan into the United States.

We don't know the details of this, but do you think the issue of trade is being settled now between the countries?

00:08:56 話者 5

Well, nothing has been settled until the final end, but 

To say the least, on this particular issue, the document has been already signed, a joint statement has been already made clear, so all we have to do is to implement what we have agreed in that signed document.

But at the same time, how to implement the document?

you know, what we agreed is something that we are to work further.

And that's what Prime Minister Takaichi and the U.S. president, and then other cabinet members and the government people are supposed to do further.

00:09:34 話者 1

So they're carefully still continuing their negotiations.

Trump also took time, as you mentioned, to meet with the families of abductees

who were Japanese citizens abducted North Korea.

Why was this an important meeting?

00:09:52 話者 5

Because this issue has been a longstanding issue for years, more than decades.

And then prime ministers and all the government leaders have been saying that this is at least one of the most important subject matters for the Japanese government to solve.

This is something to relate to Japanese sovereignty.

So, and then of course the safety and the good well-being of the Japanese citizens.

And then we have been, you know, done by North Korea very much badly for years.

So I think this is, as I said, one of the most important issues and I think the porters is one of those leaders who do understand the importance of solving this issue.

00:10:39 話者 1

Well, we should also look out for Trump's meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, which is to be happening on Thursday.

And the fact that the Prime Minister of Japan has now met Trump here in Japan, and they are sending messages, I think, towards this meeting as well.

Do you think they are succeeding in sending out the message they want to?

00:11:01 話者 5

I do believe so.

I mean, momentarily they'll fly by helicopter to Yokosuka base jointly, but that's one of the signs to show to the rest of the international community, including East Asia.

But I think the biggest point for current porters in his mind is how to deal with Chinese.

So is the leader for Japan?

I know it's slightly different ways, because there are some differences, historical and geopolitical and something, but there are some sort of con bases for us to talk about how to deal with Chinese to get into the international community in a rule-based manner.

00:11:40 話者 1

Showing that...

This current relationship between Japan and the United States is very strong.

00:11:46 話者 5

Yes.

00:11:46 話者 1

Does this benefit both sides as they go and meet?

00:11:49 話者 5

I think so. I mean, of course, the pressure as well as dialogue, both are necessary.

But we must show some of the strength and power to let them be engaged further, to come with us to talk further.

00:12:05 話者 1

And Takaichi has just addressed reporters at the Prime Minister's office.

Here's what she said.

00:12:12 話者 3

Today, we had the first face-to-face summit meeting with President Donald Trump.

For the broad areas through candid discussions, we were able to gain great results.

With President Donald Trump, I was reaffirmed that we can...

strengthen our Japan-U.S. alliance. 

This alliance is the pillar of our diplomacy and security.

At the same time, Japan is a critical partner in the Indo-Pacific region.

Based on this understanding, I told the President that we would like to create a new U.S.-Japan alliance history together with President Trump.

not just deterrence and response capability, we confirmed that we can Japan-U.S.

or Japan-Philippines or Japan-Australia, U.S., such an alliance, we affirmed that we will confirm such alliance relationships, and also we agreed on materializing this free and open Indo-Pacific.

And also, we told President Donald Trump that we will fundamentally strengthen our defense capabilities and increase defense budget.

And in terms of economy, Japan and the U.S. are one of the closest partners.

In July, we had an agreement, and through swift execution of the agreement,

we will try to grow both countries' economy to materialize our national interest.

And also, we talked about critical minerals and rare earths.

We also confirmed our strengthening of cooperation with the U.S.

in technology areas such as AI and other shipbuildings and other areas.

Through such cooperation,

We just signed a document about U.S.-Japan agreement and also about cooperation document in the areas of critical minerals and rare earths about Middle East and Ukraine.

These are also another topics we talked about, and we will be a partner to make peace in this region and about

At the abduction issue, we asked for President Trump's cooperation, and we got full commitment from the President, and he was able to meet with the families of the abductees.

And also, we confirmed his commitment to denuclearization of North Korea, and we will

deepen relationships and trust with the President, Donald Trump.

And Japan will be going forward -- on the basis of Japan-U.S. alliance, we will regain our strong foreign diplomacy to fulfill our responsibilities.

DEVELOPING STORY
DEFENDANT IN EX-PM ABE'S FATAL SHOOTING ADMITS TO CHARGES

00:16:00 話者 1

The trial of the man accused of murdering former Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo three years ago has begun.

The defendant has admitted to the charges, but his counsel is expected to seek leniency, citing the man's troubled past.

The first hearing was held on Tuesday at a district court in the western city of Nara, where Abe was shot dead in 2022 while delivering a campaign speech.

Yamagami Tetsuya, now aged 45, has been charged with murder and illegal possession of weapons.

Yamagami's defense claims that Japan's swords and firearms control law does not apply to the homemade handgun the defendant allegedly used.

In their opening statement, prosecutors said Yamagami was upset his mother donated their family's money to the organization formerly known as the Unification Church.

They said he thought that Abe was close to the group and that by attacking him, it would draw criticism.

People lined up at a nearby park hoping to attend the first hearing.

Court officials say over 700 people applied for seats, more than 20 times the number available.

00:17:07 話者 8

The incident shocked society and had a great impact.

So I wanted to hear firsthand what the defendant would say.

00:17:15 話者 9

The action cannot be undone, and it was obviously terrible.

But I want to understand how he lived since his childhood and what struggles he had that made him do it.

00:17:27 話者 1

The trial is expected to continue until January.

TOP US, CHINA DIPLOMATS SPEAK AHEAD OF TRUMP-XI MEETING

Top diplomats from the U.S. and China have held phone talks ahead of the planned summit, beating between President Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

The call is seen as laying the groundwork for the discussions.

Beijing announced that Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Monday.

Wang reportedly stressed the importance of China's relationship with the United States.

He described Xi and Trump as world-class leaders who have maintained long-term exchanges and mutual respect.

Wang also referred to recent bilateral trade talks in Malaysia.

He said they showed it is possible to advance the bilateral relationship as long as the two sides resolve differences through dialogue rather than pressure.

The Chinese foreign ministry has quoted Rubio as saying that the U.S.-China relationship is the most important one in the world.

The U.S. State Department also announced a telephone call.

It said Rubio and Wang discussed the importance of the bilateral relations and the upcoming meeting between Trump and Xi.

The meeting is set to be held on Thursday.

PUTIN MEETS N. KOREA'S FOREIGN MINISTER

Russian President Vladimir Putin has met with North Korea's foreign minister in a show of deepening ties between the two countries.

Russia's presidential office said Putin told Choi Song-hee during talks at the Kremlin on Monday that everything is going according to plan.

While details of the meeting were not disclosed, it is believed the two discussed a possible visit to Moscow by North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.

Amid its invasion of Ukraine, Moscow places importance on relations with North Korea, which continues to provide military support to Russia.

Choe is scheduled to attend a security conference on Tuesday in the Belarusian capital of Minsk, along with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.

South Korean media says Choe likely briefed Putin on North Korea's stance on possibly holding a summit with the U.S. and sought his opinion.

U.S. President Trump is set to visit South Korea on Wednesday.

Trump said he is open to meeting with the North Korean leader if he wants to meet.

WORLD'S OLDEST SERVING PRESIDENT RE-ELECTED IN CAMEROON AT 92

Cameroon's 92-year-old president, Paul Bia, has secured another term in office, but not without controversy.

Opposition groups are rejecting the election results, saying the vote was rigged.

Authorities in the Central African nation said on Monday that Bia won the October 12 presidential election by securing about 53% of the votes.

Known as the world's oldest serving ruler, Bia has been in power for over 40 years.

He was first elected president in 1982 and can now remain in office for seven more years, even though there are concerns about his health.

At the end of his next term, he will be 99 years old.

Critics at home and abroad have questioned the credibility of the latest election.

A candidate who finished second in the previous presidential contest was barred from running.

Protests erupted across the country after the election results were announced.

Demonstrators claimed that there were voting irregularities.

Security forces fired tear gas to disperse the crowds, and political tensions persist.

BUSINESS

Now let's look at what's happening in the world of business.

Here is Ramin Mellegard from The Biz Desk.

00:20:58 話者 6

Thank you very much.

KDDI JOINS WITH GOOGLE AFFILIATE TO LAUNCH A SEARCH SERVICE

Now, Japanese telecom giant KDDI has teamed up with a Google affiliate to launch an AI search service using articles and books.

KDDI and Google Cloud Japan announced their partnership in a briefing in Tokyo on Tuesday.

The service is set to get started next year and KDDI expects it to help expand its use of AI technology.

The companies say copyrights will be respected and the service will have approval from six companies in Japan that operate news sites and online media.

KDDI president and CEO Matsuda Hiromichi says he wants users to feel safe.

about getting reliable information.

Copyright holders should also feel their content is protected.

The project comes as concerns have arisen about search services using generative AI.

In one case, major Japanese newspapers have sued the US startup Perplexity over the unauthorized use of their content.

KKR EXEC: JAPAN RICH WITH INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITIES

A senior executive with a major U.S. investment fund says more Japanese firms are turning to private equity in search of growth.

Pete Stavros, co-head of global private equity at KKR, spoke to NHK in an interview.

He said reforms are underway that make Japan more attractive to private equity investors.

00:22:23 話者 4

Those reforms are driving greater confidence on the part of investors.

So what we're seeing, for example, is greater transparency,

more independent boards of directors and greater capital efficiency.

00:22:37 話者 6

KKR manages more than 100 trillion yen, or $655 billion in assets worldwide.

It already has a strong presence in Japan, where it has participated in 20 deals.

KKR specializes in acquiring majority stakes in companies, then working with management to enhance corporate value.

Stavros said Japanese companies are still over-diversified and have

too many non-core subsidiaries.

He said that can spread capital and management attention too thin.

Stavros noted that Japanese workers have a tremendous work ethic and know-how, as well as a strong commitment to quality.

He added that the business community is embracing reforms, and this is being driven from within Japan, not by outsiders.

He says as a result, there's plenty of opportunity to come.

US REVIVES RARE EARTH MINING TO COUNTER RELIANCE ON CHINA

Now, rare earths are essential elements in mobile phones, EVs, and other electronics used in daily life.

As China dominates supply, the United States is investing in domestic mines and refiners to cut reliance on its global rival.

00:23:47 話者 4

In July this year, an opening ceremony was held at the Brook Mine in Wyoming to develop rare earth deposits.

It's the first new rare earth mine in the U.S. in about 70 years.

The site has more than 1.7 million tons in estimated reserves.

00:24:05 話者 6

This one mine could not only supply a huge share of America's critical mineral needs, but it could help break the untenable reliance that we now have on China.

00:24:18 話者 4

Rare earths consist of 17 elements with tongue-twister names like neodymium and cerium.

They improve performance and efficiency in smartphones, EVs, medical MRI machines, and many more devices.

China accounts for 60% of global rare-earth mining output and 90% of the refined elements extracted from ore.

This dominance has given China a strong bargaining chip in trade talks by the U.S.

over tariffs.

The U.S. Energy Secretary attended the opening of the Brook Mine and emphasized the need to cut reliance on supplies from China.

00:24:58 話者 6

That industry today is completely dominated by China.

We need to mine them, process them, refine them, and construct the products in our country so we are self-sufficient and independent.

00:25:14 話者 4

Beside the new mine, the U.S. is developing refining facilities to extract rare earths from imported ore.

A uranium refining company in the U.S. has started processing an ore called monazite at its Utah facility.

Monazite typically contains radioactive material, which the company has the expertise and technology to handle.

It expects to produce 6,000 tons of rare-earth elements used in EV magnets a year.

00:25:45 話者 6

That is equivalent to 5 to 6 million electric vehicles or hybrid vehicles per year.

00:25:52 話者 4

To break the dependence on China, the company plans to import monazite from Madagascar, Australia and Brazil.

It aims to increase production capacity five-fold.

00:26:04 話者 6

So now we're in a catch-up mode around the world to.

Re-establish those capabilities, and we're at the front of that pack.

00:26:14 話者 4

Experts say mining and refining rare earths requires decades of development.

making international cooperation key.

00:26:22 話者 1

I mean, we're working with our allies not only to source these rare earths and these magnets, but also to be able to build a stockpile.

And we've seen that the U.S. has allocated $2 billion to building that mineral stockpile this year.

MARKET

00:26:37 話者 6

Okay, let's get a check on the markets.

♪

And that's it for business news.

WEATHER

00:27:10 話者 1

And here's our three-day weather forecast for cities around the world.

♫～　3-DAY FORECAST　～♫

And that is all for this edition of NHK Newsline.

We will have more for you soon.

Thank you very much for joining us.

at 18:00 (JST), October 27

20251027180000_english_1.mp3

 00:00:10 話者 1

Welcome to NHK Newsline.Here's the latest we have for you at this hour.

TRUMP ARRIVING IN JAPAN TO MEET WITH PM TAKAOCHI

U.S.President Donald Trump has arrived in Japan to meet with leaders here.He's expected to talk defense strategies and Japanese investment in the United States.

Trump was traveling from the ASIAN Summit in Malaysia.

During the three-day visit,he will meet Emperor Naduhito followed by Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae on Tuesday.They're expected to discuss Japan's plan 550 billion dollar investment in the United States.It's the result of fact and fourth trade negotiations.Trump and Takaichi will also likely talk about strengthening Japan's defense capabilities.

This is Trump's fourth visit to Japan as U.S.President,the last was in 2019 to attend the group of 20 summit in Osaka. 

JAPAN, US TO COOPERATE ON SHIPBUILDING EFFORTS

Japan and the U.S.are also expected to sign a memorandum to cooperate on shipbuilding efforts as part of economic security measures.The move is seen as a response to China's increasing share of the global shipbuilding market.

The document is to say there is a need to reduce dependence on a specific country with a view to securing maritime transport in case of a contingency.The memorandum is also to call for a working group to be set up and for companies in both nations to invest in shipyards to boost competitiveness and efficiency. Another memorandum on the table deals with the supply of critical minerals,including rare-earth elements.

Its aim is to build a supply chain without dependence on China. 

ANALYSIS: WHAT TO EXPECT FROM TAKAICHI'S FIRST MEETING WITH TRUMP?

For more I want to expect from this visit earlier,I spoke with Paul Srassic,he's in a junk fellow at the Hudson Institute and follows U.S.politics and trade relations.And we're going into this first meeting,do we know what Trump really thinks of Takaichi,what is his impression of her?

00:02:07 話者 2

I think he has a very positive impression.What's really unusual from the United States point of view is that we paid attention to this selection. It was noticed that this was the first female Prime Minister. And even before she was elected by the diet,the president went out of social media and sort of congratulated her for becoming president of the LDP. So he was aware of her,I think,fairly early on,and I think her positions are at least the things she was told about her positions,

He saw that in a favorable way, particularly things like her wanting to increase defense spending, which is something that the President feels very,very strong about that he wants Japan to spend more for a loan of defense. This was a theme in the first Trump administration,certainly a theme now,her focus on immigration.Again,something that President Trump is very interested in. And I think overall now with her strong polling numbers is something that probably is also impressing him coming forward and that she appears to have a lot of support among the Japanese people. And from the United States perspective,one of the things US government is looking for, I think, is stability. Since there have been sort of a rotation of prime ministers, the US doesn't want to go back to the time before Aba Shinzo, whether we're a new prime minister every year.So I think the fact that she's likely to, it looks like right now, is it a strong position, allows him to think maybe this is a relationship that can continue forward.

00:03:36 話者 1

You mentioned Abe Shinzo,person that has had a strong relationship with President Trump. Takaichi was closed,and Trump has famously gotten along with him. So what if was do you think that relationship might have on Trump's relationship with Takaichi?

00:03:52 話者 2

Well, as you noticed, I mean, Trump had a tremendously strong friendship with Abba Shinzo.

You know, really, there was no other leader during Trump's first term that Trump was as close to it. It's not even close on that relationship. And I think that gave him a very positive view of Japan. Clearly, a country that he's interested in. He knows he's strategic importance where it is. But I think he honestly likes Japan in part because of Abe Shinzo and sort of he won him over. And  I think a great example of that is, you know, if we look at the auto tariffs now, that had been levy, even though they've been reduced somewhat, they're over five times more higher than they were before,these new tariffs went into affect the auto tariffs. But what most people don't know is that Trump could have imposed those tariffs during his first determined office, actually the process that the U.S.goes through to impose these, they're called 232 tariffs,national security tariffs. That process that already happened during the first administration.

But Trump held off on raising tariffs on Japanese imported on mobiles. And probably, that was because of the relationship between Trump and Abbey, that Abbey was able to use that friendship to get Trump to delay tariffs, which is an unusual thing for President Trump.It feels very strongly about these tariffs. So if she can replicate, Takiichi, if she can replicate that relationship, who knows what kind of negotiations will have, you know, going forward.

You know, these reciprocal tariffs that President Trump has imposed on virtually every country in the world,including Japan.Those are going to be tested in court. The hearing actually comes up next week, we'll probably get a decision in this spring,and it could be a negative decision for the president, saying that he has not allowed to apply those tariffs the way he did to use what's called the EV Tariffs, the emergency Economic Powers Act to do this. If that happens, it's probably going to provoke renegotiations.

With all countries, including Japan,because you won't have that sort of tariff weapon anymore. So the strong relief,if she can replicate the kind of relationship that Trump had with Abe Shinzo, that could be very important in any future negotiations that might be triggered by a court decision.

00:06:10 話者 1

Well,there will be quite a few things that we'll be talked about during this meeting with Trump and Takaichi, especially Japanese investment in the United States,but Do you think there's anything that could potentially derail the success of this meeting or?

00:06:25 話者 2

I don't think so because it's in both countries'interests for this to be sort of a very strong event. You know, let's not forget this is coming before the expected summit between President Trump.

And present Xi of China. So in some ways, this is sending a message, I think, of unity between Japan and the United States before that goes forward. There will be discussions. I'm sure, particularly about an investment, that is going to be an important part of the trade deal that was struck between the United States and Japan. And we already know from some of the memorandums that have been coming out that they're going to be talking about things like ship building.

And probably different joint efforts. There's a lot that Japan and the United States are doing together that is very, very, you know, sort of positive. So I think we're more likely to hear about those kinds of things moving forward, those kinds of positive things. For example, the Japanese aerospace is working with NASA.

On a joint project for a lunar rover,essentially,that'll go to the moon someday and maybe transported American and Japanese astronaut. I think those are the kinds of things that are going to come out of here, but neither side wants anything negative to come forward.

00:07:41 話者 1

So then most likely we'll be seeing more of small signs from both sides that this meeting will be successful even forwards actually happened. But do you think that anything we should be looking for would be able to signal that it really was a success.

00:07:59 話者 2

Well, I mean, I don't think they're going to want to talk two in depths about the kind of controversial issues between the two countries. That's why I think even with trade right now, I think that will be pushed off in the future. This is about establishing the relationship and showing the world this strong relationship. And that kind of thing is kind of hard to perceive at the end. We're going to be looking at body language and things like that.How they get along, how comfortable are they together in this relationship going forward. In the future,there's going to be struggles. There's going to be things that they're going to argue and debate about. But I think for this, This is in some ways almost a scripted photo opportunity going forward.That's to send a message for the world, and especially I think to China about the strength of this relationship.

00:08:45 話者 1

So both size benefit from the success of this meeting.

00:08:48 話者 2

Exactly.

BESSENT: CHINA TO DELAY RARE EARTH EXPORT CONTROLS

00:08:57 話者 1

A US official says China may be walking back as planned to increase the country's grip on rare earths.

U.S.Treasury Secretary Scott Besson says China is expected to postponous bid to tighten export control measures.

00:09:11 話者 3

They had threatened to put a global export licensing regime, and I believe that they are going to delay that for a year while they re-examine it.

00:09:21 話者 1

Besson was speaking with ABC News after the U.S.and China wrapped up two days of trade talks in Malaysia on Sunday.

The participants included Chinese vice-premier Holy Fung. Bessela said he thinks the countries reached a substantial framework. He also said U.S.President Trump gave him maximum leverage by threatening 100% tariffs on China. China's top trade negotiator Lee Chungang also told reporters the two size reached a basic consensus. He added Chinese officials will now go through their domestic procedures for approval.

China unveiled the stricter export controls earlier this month. Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are a scheduled to meet in South Korea on Thursday.

US NAVY HELICOPTER, FIGHTER JET CRASH IN SOUTH CHINA SEA

The U.S.specifically says 2 U.S.Navy aircraft crashed in the South China Sea on Sunday.

The fleet says an MH60 helicopter went down at around 2:45 p.m. local time and an FA18 fighter jet at about 3:15 p.m. According to the fleet, they were separately conducting routine operations. All crew members were reportedly rescued and in stable condition. The fleet says the causes of the incidents are under investigation.

SUDAN PARAMILITARY FORCES CLAIM CONTROL OF KEY ARMY STRONGHOLD

Sudan's apparent military rapid support forces say they have seized the government armies last remaining stronghold in the Darfur  region. The capture reportedly consolidates the RSF's control over the western part of the country. The RSF announced on Sunday it had taken control of the army headquarters in El Fasher. The group says it will now create its own governing structure in Darfur .

The two sides have been fighting since April 2023, the conflict has escalated and has led two serious food shortages. The government army declared in March it had recaptured the capital Khartoum. There are growing concerns, the latest development could deepen divisions in the country and worsen the humanitarian situation. 

ISRAEL ALLOWS EGYPTIAN TEAM TO SEARCH FOR HOSTAGE BODIES

The Israeli government says a team from Egypt has been allowed to enter the Gaza strip to help search for the bodies of deceased hostages.

Israel made the announcement on Sunday. Footage taken the same day by NHK's Gaza office shows the Egyptian team digging with large construction machinery in Han Yunis.

The move comes as Israel has strongly demanded that the Islamic group Hamas honor a ceasefire agreement to return the remains of hostages.

Hamas was required to return all 48 hostages by October 13, but there has been a delay in returning the bodies of some of the deceased. Meanwhile, U.S.President Trump spoke to reporters about prospects for an international stabilization force in Gaza.

00:12:17 話者 4

They're actually picking leaders right now. Do you going to have peace in the Middle East?This is real peace.It's never happened to be worth?

00:12:24 話者 1

Israeli Prime Minister of Benjamin Netanyahu repeated his country stance.

00:12:30 話者 5

Israel has made it clear regarding international forces that we will determine which ones are unacceptable to us. This is how we operate and will continue to.

00:12:40 話者 1

A stabilization force was supposed to be immediately deployed to the onclave under the peace plan proposed by Trump, but it remains unclear when this will happen.

BUSINESS

Now let's see what's happening in the world of business.Here's Remy Melgard from the bus desk.

00:13:02 話者 3

Thank you very much,indeed,

NIKKEI 225 CLOSES ABOVE 50,000 FOR FIRST TIME

00:13:02 話者 3

Thank you very much indeed.

And a big day for stocks.

Tokyo's main stock index kicked off the week by hitting an all time high, closing above the 50,000 mark for the first time.

Now, investors welcomed the news of easing tensions between the U.S.

and China.

Traders celebrated as the Nikkei 225 reached the key milestone soon after the opening.

The reaction on Tokyo's streets was more muted as people had mixed reactions.

I know how it was back in the bubble economy around 30 years ago, so I was surprised to see such a jump.

00:13:45 話者 2

President Trump appears to think highly of Prime Minister Takeichi.

If the ongoing tariff situation improves, the market would naturally react.

I personally want to see an even bigger rise in share prices.

00:14:02 話者 3

Chairs are up, but our life hasn't gotten any better. I have no idea what will happen next.

The Nikkei ended on Monday at 50,512, up more than 1,200 points, or nearly two and a half percent.

Investors bought across the board.

China is expected to postpone tighter export controls on rare earths for a year.

In response, the U.S. will hold off from raising tariffs on Chinese goods by 100 percent.

The Tokyo benchmark has gained 26 percent so far this year.

It struggled in April due to President Trump's tariff announcement, but it has been on an upward ever since.

Among the drivers have been the Japan-U.S. trade agreement, an expanding AI market, and positive views of the economic policies of Japan's new administration.

But some analysts warn the index may be overheating.

The focus is now on summit talks between Japan and the U.S., and the U.S. and China later this week.

STOPPING BATTERY FIRES BEFORE THEY START

Devices powered by lithium-ion batteries have been the cause of fires reported around the world.

Companies in Japan are tapping advanced technology to prevent such accidents.

00:15:18 話者 4

A power bank suddenly bursts into flames.

When devices with lithium-ion batteries inside are dropped or knocked around, it increases the fire risk.

Japanese airlines and the transport ministry began in July to roll out new policies.

Passengers are asked not to put power banks for portable devices in overhead bins, where they could shift around.

And when travellers use these to charge devices, they are asked to keep them in sight.

Airlines make the request both before and after boarding.

One airline has put something on every plane: a fire-resistant bag.

The bag features a special film, incorporating extinguishing capabilities into the bag itself.

If something inside ignites, the film reacts to the heat and releases compounds.

These compounds combine with oxygen or hydrogen necessary for combustion.

In this experiment, it quickly extinguished the fire.

The bag was inspired by suggestions from the cabin attendants, who had long struggled with handling such situations.

There is a risk that passengers or cabin attendants could suffer burns.

and there is also a risk of the fire spreading to other objects.

We believe this will further enhance safety.

Another effort aims at identifying potential ignition sources in advance.

This is a garbage disposal facility in Machida City, Tokyo.

It has suffered three major fires believed to have been caused by lithium-ion batteries.

Residents often dispose of lithium-ion batteries in other waste, instead of following the proper methods designated by the municipality.

Currently, it is necessary to manually search through waste to find such batteries.

New technology was tested in August.

Waste is X-rayed, and an AI system trained on battery shapes detects possible ones and highlights them in red.

When the waste on top is removed, there is a portable fan powered by a lithium-ion battery.

The system can identify a wide variety of products that use lithium-ion batteries, even those that make it difficult to tell whether one is inside.

The company that developed the system specializes in office scanners.

The firm is applying the image processing technology it has cultivated over many years to the new market of waste processing technologies.

The waste industry lags behind in digitalization, and many items are still sorted manually.

We want to expand into those areas and other hazardous materials as we scale up our business.

MARKET

00:18:42 話者 3

Okay, let's get a check on the markets.

♪

And that is it for Business News.

WWII POSTCARDS BRING WOMAN CLOSE TO FATHER SHE NEVER MET

00:19:29 話者 1

For decades, a woman from Tochigi Prefecture, north of Tokyo, has been carefully preserving something precious, postcards her father sent her from the battlefield during World War II.

00:19:42 話者 5

For Miyashita Kimiyo, these postcards are the only link to the father she never met.

Takahashi Nobukichi was deployed two months before Kimiyo was born.

He didn't return alive. She doesn't even know her father's face.

About 80 postcards arrived from him over the years, sometimes bearing his hand-drawn illustrations.

But the handwriting is difficult to understand, and she can only read portions of it.

Even more mysterious is his final fate.

She was told he died in the fierce battle on Palau's Peleliu Island in the Pacific.

Yet, all the postmarks are from what was formerly Manchuria in northeastern China.

Kimiyo is now 83 years old. Feeling she may not have much time left, she decided to reach out to Otsuka Masayuki, a city official who researches local history and cultural heritage.

Otsuka began decoding the postcards. And in the sender's section, he found the name of a military unit.

Then, in a document, he discovered the name of the company commander, Koike.

Kimiyo's father was in his unit in Manchuria. Checking records of the now-defunct Imperial Japanese Army, he learned the unit was reorganized, and her father was sent to Peleliu Island.

I want to share with her what I've found.

Otsuka tells Kimiyo what he's uncovered from the letters.

Is Kimiyo healthy and drinking lots of milk?

Kimiyo must really be getting bigger.

I want to hold her as soon as possible.

In a remaining record, her father's name is clearly documented.

She had only ever felt his existence through the postcards.

She never knew her father's face or warmth.

But after 80 years, Kimiyo is finally able to feel his love and presence.

WEATHER

00:23:15 話者 1

And now it's time to check the weather. Here's our meteorologist, Jonathan Oh.

00:23:20 話者 6

Hello, we have a couple of different stories happening across Japan when it comes to the weather up toward the north.

We're seeing plenty of instability, and we may be talking about even some winter weather in the process.

We have a little bit of a winter type pressure powder setting up with the low toward the north and high to the west.

And so that's really bringing that cold air.

So the mounted areas may be seeing some snow, but because of the instability, we may be talking about some severe weather concerns like hail, tornado possibilities up into northern Japan.

So be on the lookout for that especially throughout the evening hours on Monday into the day on Tuesday.

Down toward the south, however, we're seeing a little bit more in terms of sunshine.

Monday, we saw some sun breaking through the clouds in Tokyo, and that'll be the case again for Tuesday as well. But the state of Japan side will be seeing moisture.

So that's the forecast coming up for Tuesday. Rain to Sapporo, Niigata at 15.

Again, higher elevations might see some snow.

21 in Tokyo, partly cloudy skies, 19 Osaka, 17 Fukuoka as we go through the day on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, across North America, I want to point out what's happening down toward Jamaica.

We have Melissa, a major hurricane that's just really squatting in place and that's just bringing tremendous amounts of rainfall, really a devastating situation here.

And more of that will continue as the storm just lingers in the area.

So it will just continue to bring very fierce winds.

and heavy rainfall along with a storm surge. That concern will continue.

We're talking about some rain also into the Deep South from Georgia into the Carolinas as the low pressures and moves through.

And another cold front sweeping across the Rockies will bring some rain and even possibly some snow into the higher elevations in the Rockies as we go through the day on Monday.

Now down toward Denver, though, much warmer. 20 with sunny skies.

12 Chicago, rain to Atlanta, thunderstorms into Miami with a high of 31 as we go through Monday.

Quick note in Europe, Central and Eastern areas, you're going to need your umbrellas.

We have a couple of low pressure systems swinging on through.

Wet weather from Berlin to Kiev, Istanbul 25 on Monday.

Hope you have a good day wherever you are.

♫～　3-DAY FORECAST　～♫

TSUNAMI-HIT NORTHEAST JAPAN BEGINS OYSTER HARVEST

00:26:36 話者 1

And here's one last word before we go.

The oyster harvesting season is underway in northeastern Japan, where the industry is still recovering from tsunami damage caused by July's powerful earthquake in Russia.

Oyster farmers in the city of Kisenuma in Miyagi Prefecture hauled up their catch on Monday morning.

The quake off the Kamchatka Peninsula in the Russian Far East triggered a massive wave which swept away many oyster rafts.

The farmers did their best to raise the shellfish while repairing their infrastructure.

Rafts which sustained only minor damage produced oysters about 15 centimeters long, but heavily damaged rafts yielded only a few.

00:27:18 話者 6

The situation is quite severe.

Harvest volume may be about 30 percent of what was expected.

But the quality is improving.

I hope people will enjoy our city's delicious oysters.

00:27:31 話者 1

Workers remove the shells and pack the raw oysters in 10-kilogram barrels for transport.

That wraps it up for this edition of NHK Newsline. Thank you for joining us.