It's a Thursday evening here in Japan. I'm James Tangan in Tokyo.
Welcome to NHK Newsline.
MORE SNOW EXPECTED IN NORTHERN, WESTERN JAPAN
Weather officials are warning people in northern and western Japan to brace for more snow.
People in Ishikawa and Shiga prefectures were advised to be on alert from Wednesday night through Thursday morning.
In Hikone City, 25 centimeters of snow fell in just six hours through 4 a.m.
There's usually heavy snow once or twice a year, but this is the first we've had in a while.
The severe winter weather pattern is forecast to last until around Sunday.
Niigata Prefecture and the Hokuriku region may see 80 centimeters of precipitation over a 24-hour period through noon on Friday.
Northern parts of the country could have up to 70 centimeters.
The Kanto-Koshin region may get 20.
I rode a motorcycle from Osaka, but now there's too much snow to get back.
Weather officials warn that the heavy snow could disrupt transportation and cause blackouts.
They say efforts to clear it may not be able to keep up with accumulation.
Earlier, I spoke with NHK World's Mitsui Shoko, who's near the Sea of Japan coast.
I began by asking her the latest on conditions there.
00:01:33 話者 2
Things are pretty slushy right now, and yes, quite snowy.
It's also chilly, about minus two degrees Celsius.
Nagaoka saw 26 centimeters of snowfall since Wednesday.
People here are used to winter storms, but there still have been disruptions.
Many are working extra slowly. Drivers have to ease up, too.
00:01:56 話者 1
Shoko, what about public transportation?
00:02:01 話者 2
Challenging would be pulling it mildly.
Some local trains were canceled in the morning.
One woman told me she had to use the Shinkansen bullet train instead of the regular train to get to her hospital appointment. All they share similar stories about the commute.
My younger brothers are students, and they were late for school because the trains were delayed.
I have an appointment in Niigata, and I chose to take the bullet train because I don't know how long it would take by car.
Some trains have resumed service, but the disruptions are not over yet.
The operator is planning to cancel service again in some areas later in the evening.
And there's still a lot of snow to clean up.
People tell me that shoveling has become a daily chore.
And that's said to last for a few days.
Weather officials say the snow will likely keep falling until Sunday.
They're asking people to stay up to date on the latest conditions.
00:03:14 話者 1
For more on the impacts of the snow in Japan, we turn to our meteorologist Yumi Hirano.
Yumi, what's the latest forecast?
00:03:21 話者 3
The combination of cold air and the moisture over the Sea of Japan will bring more snow to the country.
Snowfall is also expected on the Pacific side on Thursday night, such as in Tokai and Shikoku.
Tokyo is likely to stay on the dry side, but northern Kanto is expected to see more snow.
The heaviest amount is likely to be on the Sea of Japan side, especially in Hokuriku, including Niigata Prefecture.
Up to 80 centimeters is possible by Friday evening, an additional 100 centimeters by Saturday, and another 100 centimeters by Sunday.
Unfortunately, the conditions are not expected to improve until at least Sunday.
so traffic and transportation services may continue to be affected.
Additional precipitation could increase the risk of falling snow and avalanches.
That's it for now.
00:04:22 話者 1
Yumi, thanks.
TEPCO SHUTTING DOWN RECENTLY RESTARTED NUCLEAR REACTOR
Sources have told NHK that the Tokyo Electric Power Company has decided to shut down the No.
6 reactor at its Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant.
This is due to a malfunction.
However, TEPCO says there are no safety issues and no impact on surrounding areas.
The facility is located in central Japan's Niigata Prefecture.
Sources say the malfunction happened at around 12:30 a.m. Thursday.
It happened during work to remove control rods from the reactor.
Few details have yet been released.
TEPCO says it will take some time to investigate the issue.
The reactor resumed operations Wednesday for the first time since being taken offline in 2011, following the disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.
YOUNG VOTERS WEIGH SECURITY VERSUS REFORM
We now turn to the election in Thailand.
For decades, the country has been shaken by political turmoil.
The reformist camp has been gaining steam.
But the conservative ruling party has been drumming up support amid a new wave of nationalism.
NHK World's Thapanut Nookuea explains:.
00:05:33 話者 4
University student Paphawin Tubsuwan did not initially plan on supporting the conservative Bum Chai Thai Party, but that changed after the military conflict with Cambodia began.
Pro-army messages started to flood social media. It made him feel patriotic.
He said he started to see the government in a better light.
While there are several issues, it is necessary to place priority and resolve serious border issues first.
That is why he says he is supporting Prime Minister Anutin Shanmirakun.
Right now, he is leading a minority government, but wants to win more seats.
The conflict with Cambodia has boosted his popularity.
More than 50 Thai people have been killed since the conflict began last May.
Anutin has taken a harsh stance on the campaign trail.
Thailand will have a strong military force made-up entirely of personnel who have voluntarily chosen to serve as soldiers to defend our homeland.
Papar Minh thinks Anutin is the only one who can protect Thailand's national security.
We need to consider which party has a military policy and diplomatic strategy for dealing with Cambodia that won't put Thailand at risk.
They are up against the largest opposition, the Progressive People's Party, its leader, Natapong Rien Pani Abut,
has called for a major reform of the political and economic system to create a more equal society.
This election is our chance to form a government chosen by the people, a government that brings change.
The reformist camp first gained influence six years ago.
Young people had taken to the street to protest.
how the military and an established circle of policymakers control the country.
Tham Thawat Thilasin believes in that cause.
He is a paralegal who hopes to work on human rights issues.
Six years ago, he also took to the streets.
He watched as many of his friends were arrested or forced into exile.
I feel sad for them.
They cannot live as their dreams as they want to.
But it is not Tham Thawat's only concern.
Like many young people, he says corruption has run rampant for too long.
There's a large gap between the rich and the poor.
According to the World Bank, Thailand in 2021 had the highest level of income inequality in the region.
Thamkawat says the People's Party is offering hope for the next generation.
00:09:04 話者 5
Thailand is still one of the most inequality countries.
The poor remain poorer and the rich get richer.
00:09:13 話者 4
Thai society needs to be a strong democracy.
That means.
00:09:17 話者 5
That's made everyone, that's made everyone equally in rights.
00:09:24 話者 1
For more on this, I spoke earlier with NHK World's Takemura Tomomasa, who's following the election from Bangkok.
Tomomasa, as we just heard, this election is really a race between conservatives and reformists.
How are people feeling there ahead of the votes?
00:09:41 話者 5
There's a sense of anticipation in the air.
People seem to think this boat will lead to big progress.
For a long time, the Thai population has struggled with a sense of stagnation, especially young people.
The economy has been sluggish for several reasons, including repeated military coups.
Many say they have felt hopeless about the future.
The question is how you address that.
Recent polls suggest people are leaning towards reform.
The People's Party is currently in the reef, but the Boon Jai Thai Party is shrinking the gap.
But with opinions so divided, it's unlikely any one party will get a majority.
00:10:26 話者 1
As Thailand is a major player in Southeast Asia, what impact will the vote have on the world stage?
00:10:36 話者 5
Well, of course, the border dispute isn't over. The fighting has stopped for now, but neither side will compromise on their territorial claims.
But the bigger impact may be felt economically.
Like you said, Thailand is a major ASEAN member.
It plays a key role, cutting investment from countries like the US, China, and Japan.
If its political situation seems shaky, that's going to have a ripple effect.
Thailand is now facing a crucial test.
How will its people choose to tackle its political turmoil and inequality?
We will see fan voters head to the polls on February 8.
US LAUNCHES 'OPERATION CATCH OF THE DAY' IN MAINE
00:11:26 話者 1
The Trump administration has launched a new immigration crackdown in the state of Maine, targeting what it calls the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens.
US Immigration and Customs Enforcement says ICE agents launched raids under the name Operation Catch of the Day on Tuesday. Maine is known for its fishing industry.
ICE said those arrested include illegal aliens convicted of crimes ranging from aggravated assault, false imprisonment, and endangering the welfare of a child.
A House of Representatives Democrat for the state called the operation a terror campaign.
and said its name is disgusting and inhumane.
US media say Maine is home to a large Somali community.
President Trump has been critical of Somali immigrants, calling them garbage, and saying they should leave the US.
TRUMP'S 'BOARD OF PEACE' FOR GAZA DRAWS MIXED REACTIONS
Meanwhile, Trump is expected to hold a signing ceremony on Thursday for his new Board of Peace for the Gaza Strip.
The idea of the organization is prompting mixed reactions, because it's seen by some as undermining the role of the United Nations.
The signing will be held in Switzerland, where the Davos World Economic Forum Summit is being held.
I think the Board of Peace will be the most prestigious board ever, and it's going to get a lot of work done that the United Nations should have done.
Trump has been inviting world leaders to take part.
Several Middle Eastern countries have announced their participation, including Egypt and Qatar, which acted as mediators in the Gaza peace negotiations.
Israel also says it will join.
Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his gratitude after reportedly being invited.
But European nations are taking a more cautious approach.
France has said it will not take part for now. A French newspaper quoted a source as saying that the board's charter goes beyond the sole framework of Gaza.
Italy has suggested that the country is unable to join because such a board would not be compatible with Italy's constitution. Germany also appears cautious.
Japan's Prime Minister Takaichi Sanai also received a letter of invitation.
The Foreign Ministry said it will consider whether to participate.
TRUMP DROPS EUROPE TARIFF THREAT
Now returning to Davos, Trump has backed off on threats to use tariffs against Europe over Greenland.
The US president said he had a productive meeting with the head of NATO after days of tensions over his efforts to acquire the territory.
Trump says he and Secretary-General Mark Rutte agreed to a framework of a future deal covering the entire Arctic.
He says it will benefit the whole alliance. It's the ultimate long-term deal.
00:14:18 話者 6
I think it puts everybody in a really good position.
00:14:23 話者 1
Trump had been planning tariffs for eight countries that didn't back his plans, including Denmark.
The threats compelled the European Parliament to postpone approval of a trade deal with the US inked last July.
00:14:38 話者 6
Regarding Greenland and the threats, so we formulated quite clear, until the threats are over, so there will be no possibility for compromise.
00:14:50 話者 1
The deal called for the US to impose a tariff of 15% on goods from the EU.
European leaders are set to discuss the issue at a summit in Brussels on Thursday.
BUSINESS
Now here with more business and financial news is Ramin Mellegard.
00:15:08 話者 6
Thank you very much indeed.
NIKKEI 225 GAINS AFTER TRUMP DROPS GREENLAND TARIFF THREAT
Now, Japan's Nikkei 225 stock index rose for the first time in six trading days on Thursday.
Investors turned bullish after US President Donald Trump backed away from imposing tariffs on countries that oppose his plan to acquire Greenland.
The Tokyo benchmark ended the day up 1.7% at 53,688.
Before Trump's move, investors had been anxious about a possible escalation of trade tensions between the United States and European nations.
The Nikkei index had fallen for five straight sessions through Wednesday after setting a record closing high above the 54,000 mark last week.
JAPAN POSTS TRADE DEFICIT FOR FIFTH STRAIGHT YEAR
Japan posted a trade deficit for the fifth straight year in 2025, but the shortfall was half that of the previous year, partly owing to a decline in crude oil and coal prices.
The figures were released by the Finance Ministry on Thursday.
They show the country's trade balance was in the red by more than 2.6 trillion yen or $16.7 billion.
Record high exports also helped narrow the deficit.
They grew more than 3% from the year earlier, while imports edged up a slight 0.3%.
However, import tariffs introduced by the Trump administration in April took a toll on shipments to the United States.
They fell 4.1% for the first decline in five years.
Automobile exports were hit hard, dropping more than 11%.
Exports to China dipped 0.4%, mainly due to a slide in shipments of semiconductor manufacturing equipment.
USED CONDO PRICES IN TOKYO CONTINUE TO RISE
Prices of used condominiums in Tokyo's 23 wars continue to surge, with the average topping 119 million yen in December.
Real estate research firm Tokyo Kante says the average listing price of a 70 square meter unit was roughly $755,000 last month.
That's up almost about 37% in yen terms from a year earlier.
In Tokyo's six central wards, including Chuo, Minato and Shibuya, the average price surged by almost 30% in yen terms to about 1.17 million dollars.
Prices in six southern and west
wards of the capital, including Shinagawa and Setagaya, rose by over 26% to roughly $613,000.
The average price for all of Tokyo also jumped 37% to more than 102 million yen, or almost $647,000.
It's the first time the figure has exceeded 100 million yen.
Tokyo Kante says it has become difficult for people to buy condos as homes rather than as investments.
The firm says the focus now is on how long the bullish prices set by sellers will continue.
SONY HEAD SHARES 360-DEGREE VISION
Now, Sony was once a major player in the global electronics market.
Now, over 60% of its sales come from games, movies, or other entertainment.
Totoki Hiroki shares his vision in his first TV interview since becoming president and CEO of Sony Group.
00:18:40 話者 7
Totoki joined Sony in 1987.
He helped launch banking operations and ran its smartphone business.
He took the helm in April of 2023.
00:18:53 話者 8
Last year, we had major hit films such as
Kimetsu no Yaiba, or Demon Slayer and Kokuho.
I think we had a very good year.
00:19:03 話者 7
Kokuho, which means national treasure, is set in the world of kabuki theater.
Companies involved in the production and distribution of the surprise hit are under the Sony umbrella and were also part of the latest Demon Slayer film.
The global blockbuster broke the box office record for a Japanese movie,
raking in 100 billion yen, or $630 million.
00:19:31 話者 8
These days, a hit can come out of anywhere, and so Japanese content that is largely unknown is suddenly put in the spotlight, and then people everywhere realize how cool it is.
00:19:47 話者 7
The Walkman and other Sony products defined whole decades.
But amid fierce competition, the company lost momentum.
It decided to focus management resources in areas where it could win.
Totoki's aim is developing what he called a 360-degree business.
For example, a manga series can be turned into movies and games.
And the franchise can be expanded to toys and other goods, creating synergy and increasing revenue.
00:20:23 話者 8
We poured our energy into the field of filming, recording, and presenting entertainment content.
We gradually shifted to the content itself.
We have made business decisions in the past decade or so that are aimed at taking full advantage of our strength in content itself, given the current market situation, people's tastes, and the competitive environment.
00:20:52 話者 7
The entertainment industry is going through major shifts, such as the agreement for Netflix to acquire Warner Brothers Discovery.
Meanwhile, Sony is enhancing partnerships with other Japanese companies.
There is a new capital and business alliance with publisher and video streaming firm Kadokawa, and Sony has also taken a stake in anime producer Bandai Namco.
00:21:21 話者 8
The changes in the industry around the world are taking place on a massive scale.
We may not be able to change things on that scale, but it is still crucial to become a market player with strong presence.
Japanese content is easily accessible for us.
That's our unique strength, something we can take advantage of.
So it makes business sense to use such content.
00:21:45 話者 7
Sony is focusing on efforts to become a global entertainment leader.
Its transformation shows just how much the strengths of Japanese businesses can evolve over time.
MARKETS
00:21:58 話者 6
Okay, let's get a check on the markets.
♪
And that is it for business news.
Going to hand it straight back to you.
00:22:32 話者 1
Ramin Malegaard from our business desk.
Thanks, Ramin.
TEHRAN SAYS MORE THAN 3,000 KILLED IN UNREST
In other news, Iranian authorities say more than 3,000 people have been killed in the nationwide unrest that began late last month.
This is the first time they have announced a death toll for the anti-government protests.
Iran's state-run broadcaster said on Wednesday there were 3,117 deaths, including security forces, amid what it called foreign-backed acts of terrorism.
The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-linked Tasnim News Agency has made similar claims.
Reuters News Agency has quoted Iranian officials as saying that at least 5,000 people, including security personnel, were killed in the unrest.
The government has declared that the demonstrations are under control.
There have been no recent reports of major protests.
Iran has restricted internet access across the country since January 8th, leaving the full picture of the demonstrations unclear.
EX-PM ABE SHOOTER SAYS HE WAS PREPARED FOR LIFE SENTENCE
The man who killed former Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo says he anticipated being given life in prison.
Yamagami Tetsuya's sentence was handed down on Wednesday.
He was convicted of shooting Abe with a homemade gun during a campaign speech in 2022.
Yamagami admitted to the charges.
He says he was motivated by the former Japanese leader's connection to a religious group widely known as the Unification Church.
Yamagami's lawyers had asked for a lesser sentence, citing his past family trauma.
An expert on sociology and religion who met with Yamagami on Thursday says,
The ruling did not come as a shock to him.
He said he had a feeling about what was going to happen and was prepared for this even before the sentence was handed down.
He didn't say he was dissatisfied or anything like that.
The expert says Yamagami wants to meet with his lawyers as early as next week.
They'll discuss whether to launch an appeal.
WEATHER
Now it's time to check out world weather.
Most of East Asia is facing severe winter conditions.
Our meteorologist, Yumi Hirano, joins us again.
00:24:57 話者 3
Wintry cold air is covering not only Japan, but also much of East Asia this week.
The highs will be minus two in Seoul and minus 17 in Langba Tau.
Cooler than usual conditions are also expected in Hong Kong and Taipei with highs of 16.
Tokyo may stay on the sunny side, but the high will be only eight.
Now, looking at Europe, a storm is moving from Italy to the Balkans, bringing flooding rain.
Trential rain flooded streets, homes, and businesses in Athens and other parts of Greece on Wednesday, killing at least two people.
Over 140 millimeters of rain fell in Athens on that one day.
The fire service had more than 910 emergency calls in the greater Athens area by Thursday morning.
About one-third of the calls were to pump water out of flooded buildings.
The storm system is now heading toward Turkey on Thursday, packing thunderstorms and gusty winds.
So showers are expected in Athens and Istanbul.
Wet weather is also likely in London and Palace, but sunny skies are expected in Berlin with a high of -1.
That's it for now. Have a nice day.
♫～ 3-DAY FORECAST ～♫
00:27:36 話者 1
For more news, feature stories, and information, visit our website or app.
For all of us here on the program, I'm James Tengan. Thanks for watching.
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