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.
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