at 18:00 (JST), February 26

20260226180000_english_1.mp3

 00:00:10 話者 1/Ross Mihara

From our studios in Tokyo, this is NHK NewsLine. I'm Ross Mihara.

SUMMERS TO QUIT AS HARVARD PROFESSOR OVER EPSTEIN TIES

Former US Treasury Secretary Larry Summers says he'll resign as a professor at Harvard University.

This comes after the release of documents showing he had a close relationship with the convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Summers said in a statement he'd made what he called a difficult decision to retire from his professorship at the end of the academic year.

Media reports say emails released in November show Summers maintained a deeply personal relationship with Epstein, even after Epstein became a registered sex offender.

Still, they also say there's no evidence Summers committed any wrongdoing.

BILL GATES APOLOGIZES OVER TIES WITH EPSTEIN

Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal says Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates apologized for bringing executives of his Gates Foundation into meetings with Epstein.

It quotes Gates as saying this was a huge mistake, but also quotes him as saying he did and saw nothing illicit.

A growing number of celebrities and business executives in the United States have stepped down after their ties to Epstein became known.

TOKYO POLICE ARREST CHINESE MAN FOR NARITA EXPRESS THEFT

Tokyo police have arrested a man on suspicion of stealing from a tourist backpack on an express train. They've identified the suspect as a Chinese citizen.

They say he targeted a line that links Narita Airport with central Tokyo and is popular with foreign visitors.

58-year-old Long Yongjun is suspected of theft and fraud, but reportedly denies the allegations. The incident took place on a Narita Express train last month.

Police say Long stole a credit card and 100,000 yen, or about $640, from a backpack placed on an overhead rack by a Chinese tourist.

They say he then used the card to buy a camera worth about $14,000.

Long was arrested on February 9 for a similar incident.

Police say he was apprehended while allegedly attempting to steal cash from another Chinese tourist on a Narita-bound train.

Long entered Japan last month on a 30-day short-stay visa.

He reportedly made several visits to Japan in the past.

The Narita Express has been the site of dozens of cases of cash and car theft since last fall.

Police are investigating whether Long was involved in the other cases.

HONG KONG GRAPPLES WITH KEEPING ITS COLONIAL PAST

It's been nearly 30 years since the UK returned Hong Kong to China.

Now there are questions about whether to keep its colonial history alive.

Earlier I spoke with NHK World's Oda Makoto, who has been following this in Hong Kong.

00:03:02 話者 2/Oda Makoto

This is Victoria Park, one of Hong Kong's largest green spaces.

Surrounded by high rises, it's not only a place for citizens to relax.

It's also a reminder of the city's history.

And if you look over there, you can see the bronze statue of Queen Victoria near the entrance. Of course, the park is also named after her.

She was monarch when Hong Kong was transferred to Britain in the 19th century.

Today, she symbolizes the city's 150 years of British rule.

But that doesn't sit well with everyone.

Some say this park should be renamed something more Chinese.

But others say British rule is part of Hong Kong's history, and it should be preserved and passed down to the next generation.

I was curious, so I set out to understand both sides of the debate.

00:04:09 話者 3

Double-decker trams. Beautiful stone architecture.

No matter where you look in Hong Kong, Britain's influence is everywhere.

That's especially true here in a tiny museum tucked into a corner of downtown.

The building is filled with mementos from Hong Kong's British past, like this 80-year-old Union Jack or a commemorative plaque marking Queen Elizabeth's visit.

This lion, wearing a crown and holding a pearl, was once a symbol of Hong Kong.

It was even used as a government crest. It was all gathered by Bran Aung.

A born and raised Hongkonger, he's collected about 30,000 items related to Britain's rule.

00:05:06 話者 4/Bryan Ong/The Museum Victoria City

This is a ceremonial military uniform. It was also used when the British military withdrew.

I grew up in Hong Kong, so I feel attached to these things. There's beauty in them.

00:05:23 話者 3

Britain occupied Hong Kong after the First Opium War in the 19th century.

Over the next 150 years, Britain expanded the area's infrastructure, building roads and railways. It also instilled freedom and rule of law, building the foundation for Hong Kong to become an international city.

The region was returned to China in 1997. The one country, two systems principle allowed Hong Kong a certain amount of autonomy.

For decades, capitalism and freedom of speech continued to flourish.

But now, 30 years later, that's changing. Beijing has been tightening its control.

And increasingly, Hong Kong's history has been changing to focus on China.

This government-run museum is a prime example.

Before, portraits of former British governors were prominently on display.

But during a renovation six years ago, they disappeared.

replaced by materials promoting Chinese patriotism.

The question has even spilled out onto the streets.

Many of Hong Kong's roads were built during the British era.

Some now argue those names should be changed to something Chinese.

00:06:57 話者 13/Hong Kong Legislative Council member

We Hong Kongers have inherited the work of the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation.

We shouldn't just praise things done in the past, but the new things being done today.

00:07:09 話者 3

As the city moves away from its colonial past, some fear the face of Hong Kong is changing.

That's why Brian Aung wants to share that history.

Today, he offers tours of his collection so people can understand the city they live in.

00:07:31 話者 15

The names of these places have interesting histories.

I want people to know about where they grew up.

00:07:42 話者 3

Many citizens have come to take the tour.

For some, it's a chance to share their memories of what Hong Kong used to be.

00:07:52 話者 16

I feel that many of these old things are disappearing in modern times.

That's why I want to learn about the place where I was born and raised.

I think we need to continue to cherish these things.

00:08:10 話者 17

Many participants want to gather and connect these fragments of Hong Kong's past.

Some say it's nostalgic, but ultimately it's just history.

Every place has a history, and it should be discussed based on facts.

I hope people will learn about the old Hong Kong through my collection.

00:08:42 話者 1

So, Makoto, as we mentioned, Hong Kong was returned to China almost 30 years ago.

Why is this happening now?

00:08:52 話者 2

Well, China puts a lot of value on national security, and it considers certain values, like freedom and democracy, as a threat to its stability.

So Beijing has been trying to stamp those out.

And actually, you can feel it most right here in Victoria Park.

Every year on June 4, people would gather here to mark the anniversary of the crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators in Beijing's Tiananmen Square.

Nearly 200,000 citizens, at most, would take part.

The gathering symbolized Hong Kong's freedom of speech and assembly, even after being returned to China.

But now it's gone. The last assembly was in 2019.

For many, pulling away from the British history also means losing these freedoms and values.

00:09:54 話者 1

I'm sure that's part of the reason why some people want to talk about Hong Kong's colonial period.

00:10:03 話者 2

Exactly. In these changing times, a lot of people want to stop and look at how things used to be.

You have to consider that people here grew up in a different political, economic and social reality than those in mainland China.

They have built a strong identity as Hong Kongers.

As the Chinese government tightens its grip, many here are feeling stifled, but I think people here will give in so easily.

RUBIO CRITICIZES IRAN'S MISSILE PROGRAM AHEAD OF THIRD-ROUND TALKS

00:10:46 話者 1

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says high-level talks with Iran on Thursday will largely focus on its nuclear program.

Ahead of the negotiations, Rubio criticized Tehran for refusing to discuss ballistic missiles, but expressed hope that progress would be made.

US and Iranian officials are due to hold a third round of talks in Geneva.

Rubio said Iran is trying to rebuild elements of its nuclear program after the US attacked its facilities last June.

He also touched on Tehran's ballistic missile program, calling it an unsustainable threat.

00:11:21 話者 23

It's also important to remember that Iran refuses, refuses to talk about the ballistic missiles, to us or to anyone, and that's a big problem.

00:11:31 話者 1

Rubio claimed that Iran is trying to develop intercontinental ballistic missiles that could reach the continental United States.

The talks come amid rising tensions between the two countries.

The US has stepped up pressure on Iran by sending 2 aircraft carrier strike groups to the Middle East.

N.KOREA TO BUILD UP NUCLEAR ARSENAL, BUT OPEN TO US TIES

Pyongyang will continue to build nuclear weapons and missiles.

That's according to North Korean state media. 

But while it's shoring up its arsenal, the country is also leaving the door open to rebuild diplomatic relations with the United States.

Leader Kim Jong-un reportedly revealed the country's nuclear plans at the ruling Workers' Party Congress. The week-long session in Pyongyang ended Wednesday.

Kim said the North has a long-term plan to strengthen its nuclear force.

That includes increasing the number of weapons and expanding nuclear operations.

He also mentioned secret arsenals that are said to include ground- or submarine-launched intercontinental ballistic missiles.

Kim also spoke of strategic assets for attacking enemy satellites.

Kim reportedly said the North will fully prepare for confrontation with the US, but also said there is no reason why the two countries can't get along if Washington withdraws its hostile policy toward the North.

Kim also criticized South Korea, calling President Lee Jae-myong's attempt to establish dialogue with the North deceptive.

Kim said Pyongyang will continue to treat South Korea as a hostile enemy.

HEAVY RAINS IN BRAZIL LEAVE MORE THAN 40 DEAD

Record heavy rains in Brazil have left at least 40 people dead and many others missing.

Torrential rainfall from Monday through Wednesday triggered landslides and flooding in parts of the southeastern state of Minas Gerais.

In the worst-hit city of Juiz de Fora, more than 3,500 people are said to have evacuated, including those who lost their homes in landslides.

Authorities are searching for roughly 30 people believed to be unaccounted for.

00:13:35 話者 35

We are working on this search for the victims and will continue working around the clock for some time, since the operation is meticulous and the scale of the disaster is considerable.

00:13:47 話者 1

Officials say the intense downpours exacerbated the damage.

The total rainfall was triple the expected amount for February.

CHINA, GERMANY AGREE TO STEP UP ECONOMIC COOPERATION

The leaders of China and Germany have pledged to strengthen economic cooperation.

and other ties between their countries.

Xi Jinping and Friedrich Merz held talks in Beijing on Wednesday.

00:14:11 話者 45

I am willing to work together with the Chancellor to continue advancing the comprehensive strategic partnership between China and Germany to new heights.

00:14:24 話者 1

Xi also called for cooperation in artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge technologies.

Merz expressed a desire to deepen ties with China.

We want to continue an open dialogue with mutual respect.

00:14:40 話者 46

We wish to emphasize the things we have in common and face the challenges we stand before together.

00:14:49 話者 1

The two sides issued a joint statement after the talks.

It says they will boost economic cooperation as well as adhere to the principles of multilateralism and free trade.

Maersch also told reporters that he urged Xi to resolve the issue of Taiwan by peaceful means without using military force.

He said any rise in tensions in the Indo-Pacific region would affect wide areas, including Europe.

European leaders, including from France and Britain, have visited China in recent months.

This comes as US President Donald Trump pursues his America First policy.

BUSINESS

Now for more business stories, here's Gene Otani.

00:15:30 話者 6/Gene Otani

Ross, thanks. In our top business story this hour, 

NIKKEI 225 SETS ALL-TIME CLOSING HIGH FOR 2ND STRAIGHT DAY

Tokyo's Nikkei 225 stock index marked its highest ever close on Thursday for the second straight session.

The result followed an overnight rally in New York. The bullish mood came on speculation.

SHARES RISE ON POTENTIAL BOJ PERSONNEL RESHUFFLE

The Bank of Japan may not raise its policy rate as early as expected.

This could prolong the yen's weakness.

The benchmark finished at 58,753, adding nearly 0.3%.

Software-related shares led the way.

It briefly topped the 59,000 level for the first time, but later lost steam on profit-taking.

The index gained 2.2% the day before.

Japan's government has submitted two nominees to join the central bank's board.

They are Sato Ayano at Aoyama Gakuin University and Asada Toichiro with Chiyo University.

Both are seen as aligned with Prime Minister Takeichi Sanae's economic strategy and supportive of a looser monetary policy.

Their past publications and speeches indicate they hold views consistent with what Takaichi calls a responsible and proactive fiscal policy.

If the Diet approves the nominees, they would replace two people on the BOJ's nine-member board, which votes on interest rate policies.

NVIDIA POSTS RECORD QUARTERLY NET PROFIT, SALES ON AI DEMAND

US semiconductor giant Nvidia reported record quarterly net income and revenue in the November to January period, thanks to strong chip demand at data centers.

Nvidia on Wednesday said net income for the three months jumped 94% year-on-year to nearly $43 billion. Revenue surged 73% to more than $68 billion.

Sales at its data center division soared 75%, reflecting a surge in spending on AI-related infrastructure by US technology companies.

JAPAN DEPARTMENT STORE SALES REBOUNDED IN JANUARY

Department store sales in Japan rebounded in January.

Domestic demand for luxury goods was robust.

It made-up for lower sales by overseas travelers.

The Japan Department Stores Association says revenues at existing stores rose 2.3 percent from the same month last year to about 490 billion yen, or $3 billion.

That's the first year-on-year increase in two months.

The association attributes the rebound to higher demand for luxury items

Sales of artworks, jewelry, and precious metals, including brand-name watches and bags, surged more than 17% from the year before.

An association official says affluent customers in Japan are eager to spend as a stock market rally is helping increase their wealth.

Meanwhile, sales of tax-free goods for inbound visitors tumbled 19% to $320 million, marking the third straight month of decline.

China's call for its citizens to refrain from traveling to Japan may have contributed to the fall.

JAPAN'S PRIVATE-SECTOR RICE IMPORTS SURGE IN JANUARY

Rice imports by Japan's private sector are rising as high prices for domestic grain drive demand for alternative supplies.

The imports jumped almost twelvefold in January from a year ago.

Finance ministry figures released on Thursday show.

Companies imported more than 4,900 tons of milled rice in January.

That compares with 414 tons in the same month a year earlier.

Rice from the US made-up the largest amount at just above 3,400 tons.

Thailand and Vietnam were the next biggest.

Japan has two channels for importing rice.

One is through a government framework known as minimum access.

The other is by private firms that pay a tariff of 341 yen or about $2 per kilogram.

The agriculture ministry says even with the tariff, the imported grain is cheaper than domestic rice.

JAPAN'S HOMEGROWN RICE METHOD TAKES ROOT

Japan's traditional way of growing rice is very labor-intensive, and with farming households declining and fewer people wanting to work in agriculture, the industry has problems.

NHK World's Chihara Arisai looks at a new method of rice farming that may offer one solution.

00:20:31 話者 7/Chihara Arisai

A farmer is preparing a field to plant rice. 

He is using a method known as dry direct seeding.

This involves putting seeds and fertilizer in dry soil fallows.

When the seeds sprout, the field is flooded.

This is different from the traditional method to grow seedlings elsewhere and then transplant them to a flooded field.

The new method requires special machinery, so the initial investment is costly.

But it cuts working hours by a third, bringing down production costs by about 10%.

00:21:23 話者 57

I think this will lighten the workload. I hope more young people will go into rice farming.

00:21:31 話者 7

Aichi Prefecture is supporting the shift to this new method by developing technologies.

The prefecture's agricultural research center was asked by farmers for help in improving production efficiency.

The center developed the new method and has been promoting it for three decades.

Today, Aichi has more land used for dry direct seeding than any other prefecture.

But dry fields are easily overgrown with weeds, meaning farmers must rely more on herbicides.

The center is working with farm equipment companies to develop a weeding machine.

They hope that within a year,

They will have a prototype that removes weeds without damaging rice seedlings.

00:22:32 話者 58

It's important this method can be used consistently.

We're developing technology in the hope of providing support.

00:22:40 話者 7

The central government is also encouraging direct seeding. A conference organized by the Agriculture Ministry drew industry people from across the country.

They showed great interest in what is being done in Aichi.

00:23:00 話者 59

We're losing our agricultural workforce.

I was impressed to learn that we can grow rice in such a way.

Greater efficiency will be increasingly important in the future.

I believe the technology we've developed will be useful.

00:23:14 話者 7

Farmers across the country are adapting this method, and the government plans to include support in the budget for fiscal 2026.

Unpredictable harvests and other challenges remain.

But with funding and technological support, this new method could transform rice farming in Japan.

Chihara Arisa, NHK World.

MARKETS

00:23:42 話者 6

All right, let's have a look at the markets.

♪

And that's it for business news.

♫

WEATHER

00:24:37 話者 1

Now it's time to check out the world weather.

After prolonged rain, spring-like warmth is greeting France.

Our meteorologist, Yumi Hirano, has more.

00:24:47 話者 8/Yumi Hirano

A combination of warm air and sunny skies made high temperatures in France.

People in Palace saw over 20 degrees for the first time this year.

Sunny skies and warm weather finally made a return to Palace on Wednesday after a long spell of wet weather.

According to Meteo France, highs climbed above 20 degrees in the capital.

Locals and tourists gathered on the banks of the iconic Seine for picnics and brisk work.

A nice way to celebrate some sunshine after almost 40 days of back-to-back rain.

A high-pressure system is expected to cover much of Europe, bringing warm and dry conditions.

But a storm system is moving toward the British Isles and Scandinavia.

It's expected to bring showers to low-lying areas, so snowy regions should watch out for avalanches and flooding due to melting snow.

The highest level of warning for avalanches is in effect for southern Norway.

Sunny skies are expected in Paris, Lisbon, and Madrid, with highs around 20.

The temperature in Berlin will be 16, which is as warm as in May.

The warmth is likely to continue a couple of more days.

Moving to Asia, a stationary front is bringing widespread showers to southern China.

Up to 80 millimeters of rain is possible in Fujian Province by Friday, with a risk of gusty winds and lightning.

The same system may reach western Japan on Friday.

Showers are likely in Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Taipei.

Tokyo may see cloudy skies with a high of 15.

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

♫～　3-DAY FORECAST　～♫

00:27:41 話者 1

I'm Ross Mihora in Tokyo. We thank you for joining us on NHK Newsline.

checked.

at 18:00 (JST), February 25

20260225180000_english_1.mp3

 00:00:10 話者 1/Yamamoto Miki

Hello. Glad to have you with us on NHK Newsline. I'm Yamamoto Miki in Tokyo.

TRUMP TOUTS ACHIEVEMENTS IN STATE OF UNION ADDRESS

US President Donald Trump has wrapped up his State of the Union address in front of a joint session of Congress.

He used the opportunity to tout his achievements since taking office.

00:00:27 話者 10/Donald Trump

Our nation is back. Bigger, better, richer, and stronger than ever before.

00:00:37 話者 1

Trump said after just one year, his administration had achieved a transformation like no one has ever seen before.

He went on to list what he sees as his government's achievements.

Inflation is plummeting. Incomes are rising fast.

The roaring economy is roaring like never before.

Trump claimed for decades before him, the situation had been the exact opposite.

00:01:08 話者 10

From trade to health care, from energy to immigration, everything was stolen and rigged in order to drain the wealth out of the productive, hardworking people who make our country great, who make our country run.

00:01:23 話者 1

Observers say he wants to use the speech to help dispel voter concerns over issues, including inflation, as his approval rate continues to remain low.

ANALYSIS: DIPLOMACY IN TRUMP'S STATE OF UNION ADDRESS

Now, for more on the international perspective, NHK World's Stephanie Chen is in Washington. Here's how she saw the speech.

00:01:42 話者 2/Stephanie Chen

The president made several strong statements about Iran.

He once again pressed Iran over its nuclear activities, saying that the country can never have a nuclear weapon.

While he said he'd like to solve the issue diplomatically, he also said he's committed to what he called peace through strength.

He also didn't rule out potential military action in the Middle East.

Many were wondering if China would come up in the speech.

While Trump touted his role in the Thai-Cambodian conflict, he otherwise didn't talk about the Indo-Pacific at all. There was barely any mention of Beijing.

Maybe that isn't surprising, given the two sides are set to hold a summit soon.

Trump also took time to touch on one of his signature policies, tariffs.

The US Supreme Court struck down some of his tariff measures Friday, and the president called that disappointing.

He said that the countries that already made deals were happy with those deals and wanted them to continue.

He then said he'll find new legal statutes to put the tariffs he wanted in place.

But overall, this was a speech mostly focused on domestic issues.

The Trump administration is facing dwindling public support.

Polls suggest many Americans are skeptical about the president's priorities.

It's why Trump may be trying to ease concerns ahead of the midterms in November.

Stephanie Chen, NHK World.

WAR IN UKRAINE
EU LEADERS MARK ANNIVERSARY IN KYIV

00:03:24 話者 1

European leaders gathered in Kyiv to mark a somber milestone, the 4th anniversary of Russia's invasion.

They also held a summit to discuss how to boost support for Ukraine.

They took part in a ceremony at Independence Square.

The presidents of the European Council and the European Commission placed candles at a memorial to honor those lost in the conflict.

During the summit, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy thanked the leaders for the latest air defense package.

And he says Ukraine needs a European Union loan package worth 90 billion euros or about 106 billion dollars.

00:04:05 話者 23/Volodymyr Zelenskyy

We count on not to have too much challenges with 90 billions. The decision was great, but we need this money here in Ukraine to help our warriors and to help our civilians.

00:04:22 話者 1

Some leaders participated online. Germany's Chancellor says the European Union must ramp up pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin by using sanctions.

00:04:34 話者 24/Friedrich Merz/German Chancellor

We must be very clear. This war will only end when Putin realizes that he cannot win.

That is why we must increase pressure on Russia. We must dry up Moscow's war funding.

00:04:51 話者 1

Zelenskyy also expressed hopes for European leadership at upcoming high-level talks with Russia. The negotiations are being brokered by the US. 

He says Ukraine needs Europe to be at the table.

WAR IN UKRAINE
UN PASSES CEASEFIRE RESOLUTION, US ABSTAINS

The United Nations General Assembly has passed a resolution calling for an immediate, full and unconditional ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine.

The US abstained from the vote, citing reservations about parts of the text.

The General Assembly met for a special session on Tuesday, the four-year anniversary of the start of the Russian invasion.

Ukraine's Deputy Foreign Minister Mariana Betsa submitted a draft resolution stressing the importance of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The draft calls for an immediate ceasefire, lasting peace in line with international law, including the UN Charter and the exchange of prisoners of war.

Tammy Bruce, the deputy US representative to the UN in New York, opposed the wording of paragraphs referring to territorial integrity and lasting peace based on international law. She called for these to be voted on separately.

00:06:10 話者 32/Tammy Bruce

This resolution also includes language that is likely to distract from ongoing negotiations rather than support discussion of the full range of diplomatic avenues that may pave the way to that durable peace.

00:06:24 話者 1

The US demand drew strong objections from Ukraine and was voted down by a majority.

The original draft was supported by 107 countries including Japan, Russia and 11 others voted against it. The US was among the 51 abstentions.

BUSINESS

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

Here's Gene Otani from The BizDesk.

00:06:50 話者 3/Gene Otani

Miki, thanks at our top business story this hour.

NIKKEI 225 CLOSES AT RECORD HIGH AS RATE HIKE EXPECTATIONS DIM

Japan's Nikkei 225 stock index set an all-time closing high on Wednesday.

Buying kicked in amid speculation the Bank of Japan may not be raising interest rates as early as expected.

The benchmark ended at 58,583, up 2.2 percent, led by semiconductor-related shares.

It finished above the 58,000 mark for the first time.

The gains in Tokyo followed an overnight rally in the tech-heavy Nasdaq and other major indices in New York.

JAPAN DEVELOPING AI ROBOT FOR MAGLEV SYSTEMS INSPECTION

Industries are turning to robots and many workplaces facing labor shortages and

Railways are no exception.

A group of companies is developing a mobile robot to inspect equipment used by Japan's next-generation maglev trains.

Central Japan Railway teamed up with Suzuki motor and a subsidiary of Panasonic Holdings to develop the AI equipped device the developers say it uses a camera to visually check maglev systems in remote areas analyzes the pictures and issues alerts for any abnormalities

00:08:16 話者 43

Humans and robots excel at different tasks. We hope to split jobs with robots to improve the quality and efficiency of the work and cut costs.

00:08:30 話者 3

The maglev device is not the first in the railway industry.

The technology giant Hitachi is using a dog-like robot to inspect train carriages built at a factory in the US.

PANASONIC TO TRANSFER TV BUSINESS IN US, EUROPE TO CHINA FIRM

Panasonic Holdings says it signed a partnership agreement to transfer television sales and related operations in the US and Europe to Chinese home appliance maker Skyworth Group.

The Japanese electronics giant says it will maintain the Panasonic brand under the Skyworth Agreement, which comes into effect in April.

The television business was a mainstay of Panasonic for many years, but its global market share has declined.

It has already outsourced production of some TVs to Chinese electronics giant TCL.

The moves come as Panasonic restructures its operations.

That includes laying off about 10,000 employees and shedding unprofitable businesses.

NTT DOCOMO TO END 3G NETWORK SERVICE IN MARCH

Japan's telecom giant NTT Docomo says it will end its 3G network service for its feature phones at the end of March.

The carrier started the third-generation cellular network service in 2001.

It offers voice communication, photo, and video transmission services to flip-style mobile phone users.

The decision was made due to declining numbers of 3G users since the rollout of high-speed 4G and 5G networks.

The company is urging about 400,000 mainly elderly 3G users to upgrade their phones at discount prices or change plans.

Other Japanese phone carriers have already ended their 3G services.

KDDI, known for its AU brand, did so in 2022 and SoftBank in 2024.

WARNER TAKEOVER BATTLE HEATS UP AFTER PARAMOUNT RAISES OFFER

The bidding war is heating up to acquire media and entertainment giant Warner Bros.

Discovery.

Paramount Skydance has raised its offer to buy all of the company to fight off a bid from Netflix.

Warner Bros. released a statement on Tuesday.

It says the new proposal from Paramount could be superior to the agreement with Netflix.

Warner says Paramount raised its per-share offer to $31 from $30.

It will also cover the $2.8 billion termination fee.

That's the amount Warner would have to pay if it walks away from the deal with Netflix.

Netflix agreed in December to buy Warner's video streaming business, as well as its TV and movie studio assets, for $72 billion.

Werner stresses that its board has yet to determine whether Paramount's latest offer is superior to the agreement with Netflix.

It adds that if it does make that decision, then Netflix will have four business days to present any revisions to its own proposal.

MARKETS

All right, let's have a look at the markets.

♪

And that's it for business news.

00:12:55 話者 1

All right, Gene, thank you very much.

PANAMA SEIZES PORTS RUN BY HONG KONG FIRM

A Hong Kong conglomerate says it has ceased all operations at two ports along the Panama Canal after the Panamanian government seized them.

The ports, one on the Pacific side and the other on the Atlantic side, have been operated by a subsidiary of Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison Holdings since 1997.

The contract for the port operation was renewed in 2021, but Panama's Supreme Court ruled last month that the contract was unconstitutional.

CK Hutchison announced on Tuesday that Panamanian authorities entered the terminals at the two ports on Monday without prior notice and took over their administration and operational control.

CK Hutchison calls the series of measures unlawful and says it will take further legal action in addition to the arbitration proceedings it had initiated against Panama.

The development comes amid repeated remarks by Trump that the US should take back the canal from Chinese influence.

CK Hutchison had initially reached a basic agreement to sell the port business to a consortium led by a US firm, only to be pressured by Beijing to review the deal.

JAPANESE GOVERNMENT CONFIRMS DETENTION OF CITIZEN IN TEHRAN

Japan's government says it has confirmed that a Japanese citizen was detained by Iranian authorities last month.

Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Ozaki Masanao spoke to reporters about a foreign media report that NHK's Tehran bureau chief is being held in the capital.

He said the government has confirmed that local authorities detained a Japanese citizen on January 20.

He declined to provide further details citing privacy concerns.

00:14:49 話者 51/Ozaki Masanao

Since learning of the detention, the government has been strongly urging Iran to ensure the individual's early release.

We are also maintaining contact with the individual, family members and others concerned while providing necessary support.

We will continue to provide all possible assistance from the standpoint of protecting Japanese citizens.

00:15:10 話者 1

NHK said it always acts with the safety of its employees as its top priority.

It added it had no comment to make at this stage.

IN FOCUS

Next, let's go over to Shibuya Aki with Newsline InFocus.

She has a story on ongoing earthquake recovery efforts in Turkey.

TURKEY STRUGGLES 3 YEARS ON FROM MEGA QUAKE

00:15:36 話者 5/Shibuya Aki

In 2023, a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck southern Turkey near the border with Syria.

Nearly 60,000 people were killed on both sides.

In Turkey, the government continues to rapidly push ahead with reconstruction.

Yet in the hardest hit areas, damaged buildings still remain.

Amid economic challenges, some people are in limbo, desperate to rebuild their lives.

00:16:06 話者 6/Narrator: Bill Sullivan

Hatay Province in southern Turkey was one of the worst affected areas.

Rows of newly built housing rise in the capital, Antakya, next to the piles of rubble and collapsed structures.

... ... ...

Around 800,000 homes and shops across Turkey were flattened or severely damaged in the quake.

Reports of the time pointed to the large number of buildings that did not meet seismic standards, as well as illegal construction, as factors that compounded the disaster.

After the quake, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan made housing reconstruction a top policy priority to speed up recovery.

00:17:16 話者 4/Erdogan 

We have delivered more than 455,000 housing units to those eligible to receive them.

I wish all our citizens who are beginning new lives in these homes good luck and prosperity.

00:17:35 話者 6

Yet some families remain in temporary shelters.

Serkon Yardamja lives in a roughly 20 square meter unit with his wife and two children.

The rent is free. But they still struggle.

The government support they had been receiving ended, and Serkon's monthly salary as a cook of $500 has to be stretched.

00:18:08 話者 2

I can't work due to my health, so we depend entirely on my husband.

00:18:13 話者 6

They used to live in a home in the city center.

Since it was completely destroyed, they applied for government housing.

Last October, the family finally received notice that they had been approved.

This will be their new place, obtained in exchange for giving up the land where their residents once stood.

It's 5 times larger than their container unit and has separate bedrooms for the children.

Once the heating system is installed, they'll be able to move in. All encouraging news.

Until...

00:19:05 話者 4

We got maintenance bills totaling about $320.

We haven't even moved in. So we haven't used the service and we don't want to pay it.

For us, that's a lot of money.

00:19:19 話者 6

To make matters worse, electricity and gas prices may go up with inflation.

Local authorities say they will close all the temporary container units by June.

Even with the new apartment, the family's Rd. ahead remains unknown.

00:19:48 話者 3

It will be very, very difficult, but we have to leave the unit for the sake of our kids.

00:19:56 話者 13

We went through so much hardship. Life in the container was full of deprivations.

We want to move as soon as possible.

00:20:07 話者 6

In the same province lies the port city of Iskenderen.

Here, some are finding ways to move forward.

This local soccer team was organized after the quake.

It is called Iskenderan, February 6.

The name reflects the player's determination never to forget that day and to rise from it.

Sinim Ashkan is 14 years old. Her home collapsed in the disaster.

She was pulled from the rubble 6 hours later.

00:20:56 話者 16

The earthquake left enormous problems. I lost my mother. We all lost so much.

00:21:06 話者 6

For a long time, she withdrew into herself.

But after joining the team a year and a half ago, things began to shift.

Training alongside teammates who also carry scars of the earthquake, she finds brief moments where she can escape the trouble.

00:21:37 話者 11

We lost so many loved ones, but if we want to be happy, we have to live with this pain.

I believe my mother is watching over me, and I want her to be proud. Stewart.

00:21:54 話者 5

According to a reporter in Istanbul, illegal construction remains a major issue.

During an earthquake last April, more than 200 people in Istanbul were injured, with some jumping from windows out of fear their buildings would collapse.

Distrust of building safety is running deep.

City authorities are offering seismic inspections as well as subsidies for rebuilding when deemed necessary, but inflation means people cannot fully make use of them.

Even as some begin to see a path forward, the challenges of rebuilding remain immense.

For survivors, long-term support will be essential.

And that's all for me.

MILANO CORTINA 2026
TEAM JAPAN RETURNS WITH RECORD MEDAL HAUL

00:22:43 話者 1

Team Japan has returned home from a record-breaking performance at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games.

Their 24 medals are the country's best-ever tally for a Winter Olympics.

About 400 people welcomed the athletes home on Tuesday.

Fifteen of the medalists then held a news conference in Tokyo.

Miura Riku and Kihara Ryuichi became the first Japanese figure skaters to capture gold in the pairs discipline.

... ...

Sakamoto Kaori won silver in both the women's singles and team events.

... ...

And Team Japan emerged as something of a juggernaut in snowboarding, winning a total of nine medals.

... ... 

... ...

Japan's Olympic team officially disbanded at a ceremony on Wednesday.

WEATHER

Let's bring in Jonathan Oh for weather updates.

Jonathan, people in various parts of Japan are getting quite a bit of rain...

and a long-awaited one for many. Will we see more of that Thursday?

00:24:54 話者 4/Jonathan Oh

Hello, we have been seeing a dry spell for some time, so rain coming through Japan has been something that has been much welcomed.

I mean, some of the numbers here in here from 112 to 118 millimeters of rainfall in a 24-hour period in the western portions of Japan.

And I want to share the impact of that by taking a look at some of the video that's coming out from the region, as people in parts of Shikoku were no longer officially restricted in their water usage after heavy rain poured through the area Wednesday.

The Regional Bureau of Japan's Land Management Agency reported by this morning, over 60 millimeters of rain fell into Yoshino River in Tokushima Prefecture.

However, officials at the bureau said that water intake restrictions may resume in Tokushima and Kagawa if dry weather continues, and so residents are being asked to still conserve water use.

Now, we are looking at the rain to still be a part of the story going into Thursday.

Low pressure system, along with the stationary front, still hugging near the Pacific Coast.

And we're going to be bringing that wet weather.

Now, as we head toward Friday and into Saturday, we'll see a system coming in from the west.

And as that moves in, we'll see another round of some rain.

And ahead of that low, temperatures are going to be bumping up as well as the southerly flow comes in.

So rain into Tokyo, at least for the earlier hours, then we'll start to dry out.

Drier weather into Osaka and Fukuoka.

Then we see showers trying to pick up into western portions of Japan by Friday.

And notice the temperatures moving up into the upper teens near 20 in Tokyo as we go into Saturday.

And so yeah, we're going to be warming up quite a bit.

And again, we may be dealing with some showers in the mix there.

Meanwhile, across North America, two systems to talk about.

One that's moving into the northeastern portion of the United States and into eastern portions of Canada. Another one back toward the west.

All that connected, bringing in some wintry weather into places like Toronto, to Winnipeg, DC, looking at some snow as well.

Back toward the west, rain to the Pacific Northwest will snow into the Rockies.

And so as we go through there on Wednesday,

moderate low pushing toward the east.

Hope you have a good day wherever you are.

00:27:41 話者 1

And that's NHK Newsline for this hour.

I'm Yamamoto Miki in Tokyo. Thank you for joining us.

checked.

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20260224180000_english_1.mp3

 00:00:10 話者 1/Yamamoto Miki

Hello, a very warm welcome to NHK Newsline. I'm Yamamoto Miki in Tokyo.

US BEGINS TALKS WITH RUSSIA, CHINA ON NUCLEAR ARMS CONTROL

The US is holding talks this week with Russia and China over a potential multilateral nuclear arms control treaty.

This comes after the last nuclear reduction pact between Washington and Moscow expired this month.

The New START Treaty established a cap on the number of deployed warheads on each side. It expired on February 5.

US President Donald Trump has indicated that any future nuclear arms control agreement should include China, which is rapidly expanding its nuclear capabilities.

So far, China has not embraced the idea.

Reuters news agency reported that a US delegation met with its Russian counterparts in Geneva on Monday and is set to meet with a Chinese delegation on Tuesday.

Reuters quoted a senior US State Department official as saying it was the next logical step to hold talks with all the permanent members of the U.N. Security Council.

The official said the US has already met with the U.K. and France over the issue.

Whether the discussions lead to concrete steps toward a new treaty remains to be seen.

Differences persist between the US and China over their nuclear arsenals and whether Beijing should join such an agreement.

CHINA TO BAN EXPORT OF DUAL-USE ITEMS TO 20 MORE JAPANESE GROUPS

China says it will ban exports of dual-use items with both civilian and military applications to more buyers in Japan.

The latest ban applies to 20 additional Japanese companies and organizations, including the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.

China's commerce ministry said on Tuesday the entities are involved in enhancing what it called Japan's military capabilities.

Some of those entities are linked to machinery manufacturers involved in the defense business.

They include Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Kawasaki Heavy Industries and IHI.

Also on the list was the National Defense Academy.

It is not clear whether the items subject to the export controls include rare earth minerals.

The ministry also announced that it is imposing tighter export controls on dual-use items on a separate group of 20 Japanese entities, including automaker Subaru.

It said Beijing cannot confirm the end-use purposes of the products.

A spokesperson for China's commerce ministry said the measures aim to deter Japan's re-militarization and nuclear ambitions, and that they are completely reasonable and lawful.

BUSINESS

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

Here's Gene Otani from The Business. Gene.

00:02:58 話者 2/Gene Otani

Miki, thanks. In our top business story this hour, 

TRUMP ADMINISTRATION IMPOSES NEW TARIFFS AFTER COURT DEFEAT

new US trade tariffs came into effect at midnight Tuesday, Eastern Standard Time, and will affect a wide range of countries.

The move follows a Supreme Court ruling that struck down most of President Donald Trump's previous levies on imports.

The order signed by Trump on Friday initially set the new tariffs at 10 percent, but he later said on social media that this would increase to 15 percent.

President Trump made the decision after the nation's top court said he had exceeded his authority in imposing the earlier tariffs.

They were enacted under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.

The new tariffs use a different authority under Section 122 of the 1974 Trade Act, which allows them to stay in place for up to 150 days.

Additionally, the White House has instructed the Office of the US Trade Representative to investigate alleged unfair trade practices by other countries.

Such findings could lead to retaliation and tariffs under Section 301 of the Trade Act.

AKAZAWA ASKS US TO STICK WITH PREVIOUS AGREEMENTS

Japan's Trade Minister Akasa Mario says he asked his US counterpart to make sure the latest development will not affect existing agreements between the nations.

A deal reached last July imposed a 15 percent tariff on imports from Japan, also agreed, was that levies on Japanese automobiles and auto parts under a different law would be lowered from 25 percent to 15 percent.

A further element of the trade relationship was revealed last week.

That was the first set of projects in Japan's $550 billion investment in the American economy.

Akazawa and US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick confirmed in a phone conversation they will work closely for the early and smooth implementation of the projects.

ASSESSING THE IMPACT OF US TARIFF SHIFT ON JAPAN'S ECONOMY

What impact will President Trump's new tariffs have on Japan's economy?

We asked Kyuuchi Takahide. He is an executive economist at the Nomura Research Institute.

00:05:32 話者 12/Kyuuchi Takahide

Rising uncertainty over the new tariffs will have a negative impact on corporate investment plans. But I think this period of uncertainty will only last for the short term.

00:05:49 話者 2

The latest tariffs are set to expire in 150 days.

The Trump administration is looking at various legal tools to extend the levies.

But Kyuuchi points out that the recent court ruling suggests the tide is shifting in a different direction.

00:06:11 話者 12

When imposing tariffs under Section 301 of the Trade Act, it is a rule to carry out rigorous investigations.

In the case of reciprocal tariffs, all countries and all products are subject to investigation.

I think it's difficult to thoroughly investigate them in 150 days.

In this case, a smaller number of countries and products could come under tariffs.

There's a possibility that the new tariffs will be scrapped.

00:06:41 話者 2

Kyuuchi maintains that uncertainty will continue for a while.

But he says, on the other hand, a scrapping of the 15 percent reciprocal tariff would increase Japan's GDP by 0.375 percent a year.

Kyuuchi also says this would support corporate earnings.

NEW YORK RESIDENTS FEEL THE SQUEEZE OF SOARING COSTS

The United States economy has been growing at a steady pace, but so have living costs.

One place where people are struggling to keep up is New York City.

NHK World's Hirata Miyu spoke to people there about how they are feeling in their daily lives.

00:07:21 話者 3

My apartment five years ago was, Earlier, 10 years ago, it was like half as much as it is now.

And wages haven't gone up as much.

00:07:29 話者 2

Unfortunately, the price of eating out even a simple meal, nothing too fancy, has gone up to a point where it's much more of a luxury now.

00:07:37 話者 13/Hirata Miyu

US inflation has been cooling off since the COVID pandemic.

But for many people, prices are painfully high.

Rents nationwide have been growing at around 3% a year.

In big cities, like New York, the situation is much worse.

00:07:58 話者 13

Many young people come to New York to chase their dreams.

But today, those dreams come with a rising price tag.

00:08:08 話者 13

28-year-old Lucille Tang lives in Queens.

She moved from her hometown, Houston, last year.

Having always wanted to live in New York, she works for an IT firm making around $10,000 per month after tax. She pays $2,200 rent for a 35-square-meter apartment.

On most days, she cooks at home to save money.

00:08:37 話者 5

Usually, if I cook, like maybe dinner, it will last until the next day lunch.

But then certain things, like the salad, could last me a few days.

00:08:47 話者 13

Even when she dines out, she's thinking about costs.

00:08:52 話者 5

It's so easy to, you know, like, go to a restaurant and then maybe go to a bar later, and you end up spending, like, $100 that night.

00:09:02 話者 13

When shopping, she often buys canned food with long shelf lives to waste as little as possible.

00:09:09 話者 5

And there's two options for smaller versus larger quantities. I sometimes gravitate towards a larger one, because I know the price per unit could be cheaper.

00:09:20 話者 13

On Lucille's days off, she looks for things to do that don't cost anything, like going to museums and galleries with no admission fees.

She lives in a rent-stabilized building, preventing sharp increases. Nonetheless, she feels that if prices keep rising, it will be difficult to stay in New York long-term.

00:09:45 話者 5

The most difficult part about living in New York is definitely the affordability in terms of the fixed living costs. So the biggest cost is obviously rent.

One friend has told me that the rent increased by almost $1,000, and so having that, the landlord's just being so much in control of their market prices.

00:10:07 話者 13

Investment strategist George Burry says rents in major cities are high because many people moved there in search of work after the pandemic.

He believes housing prices won't come down anytime soon.

00:10:23 話者 2/George Burry

Healthy economic growth, low unemployment, solid personal earnings, earnings growth, you know, they all help the consumer, they help kind of burn their way into higher housing prices, and that should help demand.

But it's likely that prices remain elevated in the near term, you know, that measured over the next, say, six to 12 months.

00:10:49 話者 13

The challenge of high living costs is by no means unique to New York.

But here, the reality of people trying to get by amid soaring prices can be seen in stark relief.

Hirata Miyu, NHK World.

MARKETS

00:11:07 話者 2

All right, let's have a look at the markets.

♪

And that's it for business news.

TUG-OF-WAR CONTINUES AHEAD OF US-IRAN TALKS

00:11:47 話者 1

The United States and Tehran are preparing for a new round of talks this week amid rising tensions. Iranian officials say they will react ferociously to any act of aggression.

The White House says the third round of talks on Iran's nuclear program will be held on Thursday in Geneva.

The negotiations resumed earlier this month after a pause of about eight months.

Trump has ordered a massive military buildup in the Middle East to ramp up pressure on Tehran.

Reuters news agency has reported that a second aircraft carrier arrived at the Greek island of Crete in the Mediterranean on Monday.

Trump has hinted at the possibility of the US military conducting limited strikes against Iran.

A spokesperson for Iran's foreign ministry said on Monday that there is no such thing as a limited strike.

He added that such action would be deemed an act of aggression.

00:12:45 話者 3

Any state would react to an act of aggression as part of its inherent right of self-defense

ferociously. So that's what we would do.

00:13:01 話者 1

The US news website Axios has quoted US officials as saying that the current diplomatic push is likely the last chance President Trump will give Iran before launching a massive US-Israeli military operation.

REPORTS: TOP GENERAL WARNS OF RISKS IF US STRIKES IRAN

Meanwhile, the highest-ranking officer of the US military has reportedly warned Trump and his aides of potential risks if the US were to strike the country.

General Dan Caine is the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Axios quotes informed sources as saying that he sees a major operation having high stakes, with a greater risk for entanglement and American casualties.

And the Washington Post says Caine had cautioned last week that any major operation against Iran will face challenges.

The paper reports Caine says that's because the US munitions stockpile has been drained by Washington's defense of Israel. Israel and support for Ukraine.

Trump is pushing back, calling the reports 100 percent incorrect.

He says that Kaine would not like to see a war, but that it would be easily won.

Trump adds that it will be a very bad day for Iran and its people if it does not make a deal.

WAR IN UKRAINE
PEACE PROSPECTS UNCERTAIN AFTER 4 YEARS

Tuesday marks four years since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine and a leading US

think tank has released a report that says combined casualties may be as high as 1.8 million.

This comes as Washington is continuing to broker peace talks to bring an end to the conflict while Moscow maintains its hardline stance.

The Russian military is trying to expand its occupation mainly in the eastern Donetsk region.

The Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies says Russian forces have suffered nearly 1.2 million casualties.

And that's more losses than any major power in any war since World War II.

But Russian President Vladimir Putin has justified the invasion and continues to press ahead with it.

The latest survey in Russia found that 76 percent of respondents support the military action.

And an opinion poll in Ukraine shows that 65 percent say they are prepared to endure the war. Most of them say they should fight until they gain favorable conditions.

Senior Russian and Ukrainian officials have taken part in the US-led peace talks three times this year, but the two sides remain far apart over the Donbas region.

A senior Ukrainian official tells NHK that strong leadership by Washington is necessary to produce concrete results.

00:15:50 話者 11/Kyrylo Budanov/Head of Ukrainian presidential office

Both sides absolutely do not want to lose the United States.

That's just the truth and the fact.

00:15:57 話者 1

Sources from the Ukrainian presidential office say the next peace talks may happen as early as this week in Geneva.

FORMER UK AMBASSADOR TO US REPORTEDLY RELEASED AFTER ARREST

British media say the country's former ambassador to the United States has been released after being arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public office.

Peter Mandelson is said to have had ties with the late US sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

London police announced the arrest of a 72-year-old former government minister on Monday.

An update early Tuesday said the individual had been released on bail pending further investigation.

The police have not named him, and details of the allegations remain unclear, but media reports say the person arrested was Mandelson.

Mandelson is reportedly suspected of leaking government information to Epstein between 2008 and 2010.

He was serving as a cabinet minister under then-Prime Minister Gordon Brown at the time.

The arrest came less than a week after that of Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor.

The former prince is also believed to have formed a friendship with Epstein.

He was released, but remains the subject of an ongoing investigation.

N.KOREA REAFFIRMS KIM'S LEADERSHIP

North Korean state media say the ruling party has re-elected Kim Jong-un as its general secretary, reaffirming his position as the country's leader.

Korean Central Television reports that the vote by the Workers' Party at its party congress was unanimous.

The broadcaster says the decision reflects what it calls progress in nuclear and missile development as well as economic policy.

It claims the country has radically improved its war deterrence with nuclear forces at the center.

The broadcaster also says the party revised its rules, though it did not specify what changes were made.

The report adds that new members were selected for the party's central committee.

The list did not include some prominent figures, including Choe Ryong-hae, chair of the Supreme People's Assembly Standing Committee.

Some analysts in South Korea say the omissions could signal a shift toward younger leadership.

Observers are watching for clues on Pyongyang's approach to the United States and on its nuclear and missile development plans for the next five years.

China's foreign ministry says President Xi Jinping sent a message congratulating Kim on his re-election.

Xi says that China and North Korea support each other as socialist countries.

He says he will work with Kim to promote bilateral ties, regional stability and broader development amid what he calls an increasingly chaotic and complex international environment.

ICC OPENS PRETRIAL HEARINGS FOR PHILIPPINES EX-LEADER DUTERTE

The International Criminal Court has begun pre-trial hearings for former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, who is charged with crimes against humanity.

Prosecutors allege that Duterte spearheaded an anti-drug campaign that involved the extrajudicial killings of suspects between 2013 and 2018.

The court brought the charges against him last year.

Duterte waived his right to appear in person for Monday's hearing.

Prosecutors say Duterte played a pivotal role.

They also allege that he gave perpetrators ammunition, logistical support and a cash bounty per person killed.

The defense team argues that prosecutors must show substantial proof that Duterte desired and foresaw that his language would lead to people being killed.

Pre-trial hearings will continue until Friday.

The ICC judges will then decide within 60 days whether the case should move to trial.

TURKEY, TOHOKU SHARE DISASTER LESSONS FOR THE FUTURE

This February marks three years since massive earthquakes struck Turkey and Syria, leaving more than 59,000 people dead.

As Turkey shifts its focus from recovery to preparedness, it's hoping to trade lessons from one of Japan's devastating disasters.

NHK World's Endo Yuka reports.

00:20:28 話者 5/Endo Yuka

This delegation from the Turkish Red Crescent Society came to Ishinomaki City for one reason.

The Tohoku region was hard hit by the 2011 Great East Japan earthquake and tsunami.

The hope is that each side can learn from each other's experiences.

00:20:46 話者 4

We have common disaster cases in our country and Japan as well.

Right now, we focus on the disaster risk reduction project.

00:20:58 話者 5

The group's first stop is Kadonowaki Elementary School.

A local guide explains what students there went through.

00:21:08 話者 15

The water went up to that black line there. It reached that high.

00:21:15 話者 5

That day, tsunami waves nearly two meters high flooded the first floor.

A fire then broke out, leaving much of the building scorched and burnt.

Yet, every student and teacher there survived.

That's because the teachers quickly encouraged everyone to evacuate up a nearby hill.

The delegation retraced that route, climbing the same hill behind the school.

The guide says just a few meters was the difference between life and death.

00:21:49 話者 4

Hard to express myself when it comes to school. You know, they were just the children.

You're imagining the view. Yeah, there were fires there and the water rose up.

00:22:05 話者 5

The group also stopped by the exhibit room next to the school.

It's dedicated to preserving the memories of that day and the lessons learned from the disaster. On display are belongings from students at another school who didn't survive.

00:22:22 話者 4

How makes the past history, memory, alive and fresh? Not just a one-year annual day.

They're keeping it alive and sharing among the families.

00:22:45 話者 5

The last stop is a local high school.

There, the delegation spoke with students about Turkey's response to the 2023 quakes.

They discussed new risk reduction projects and the large-scale evacuation drills held last year. The students shared how their school is also boosting preparedness.

They talked about their own annual emergency drills and the school's disaster prevention week, where they rechecked their evacuation bags.

00:23:21 話者 16

It was interesting to hear about the kind of support that's needed in places where the infrastructure isn't in good condition.

00:23:31 話者 17

I realized There are others still suffering elsewhere. I think mutual support is important.

00:23:44 話者 4

Today's young people becoming adults of the tomorrow's or next year's.

And then they will have some occupation in the future.

They will create their own families and they will have their own children one day.

And then if they carried out that knowledge to the future, you will see the change of what Japanese community had.

00:24:18 話者 5

Disasters don't stop at borders.

But that also means the lessons can be spread far beyond a single country.

Through dialogue and shared experience, this group hopes to be better prepared for whatever the future brings.

Endo Yuka, NHK World.

WEATHER

00:24:40 話者 1

And it's time for a check on the world weather with our meteorologist Jonathan Oh.

So Jonathan, people in the northeastern US have gotten a wallop of heavy snow and strong winds. What's the latest?

00:24:53 話者 4/Jonathan Oh

Hello, over the weekend going into Monday, we saw a system that really intensified rapidly near the northeastern portion of the United States in the process dumping a tremendous amount of snow along with some very strong winds as well.

I want to show you some video that's coming out from the region to give you an idea of the situation on the ground as a massive winter storm prompted governors of four states to declare a state of emergency over the weekend.

Reuters reported that the powerful blizzard dropped more than 30 centimeters across parts of the US Northeast Monday. bringing travel to a near standstill for millions.

Officials requested that people stay off the road so that emergency crews could clear the streets.

In addition to the heavy snow, the National Weather Service was forecasting wind gusts in Philadelphia to reach as high as 70 kilometers per hour.

And Reuters also reported that thousands of homes and businesses lost power in the region due to the storm.

I mean, Even into Central Park, we're talking about mountains of 50 centimeters during this storm.

And while the low is pushing away to the north and east, another low coming in behind it.

And as that moves across the Great Lakes, we're talking about some more snow by the middle of the week. So as people try to dig out the snow, more is on the way.

Be on the lookout for that. 

Back toward the west, we have some snow developing across the upper Rockies.

Showers along the west coast. Seattle looking at some room with a high of eight.

Chicago looking at some snow with a high of five.

We're going to pick down to minus 12 as we go through the day on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, we're talking about some rain in the forecast across Japan.

The western area is picking up on some rain without spread toward the east as we head into Wednesday. Some of the rainfall can be quite heavy.

We have a stationary front of the boundary, kind of like a rainy season type of setup.

And so it's going to kind of sit around and allow the rain to stay around.

And some of it can be heavy. And that's the concern that we have.

So make sure that you keep aware of the weather as you go throughout the next couple of days, because the rain is going to be sticking around for some time.

Tokyo chilling off to 11 for the high on Wednesday with the rain sticking around for the rest of the week.

Osaka Fukuoka also seeing a decent amount of rainfall as we go through the rest of this week.

Hope you have a good day wherever you are.

♫～　3-DAY FORECAST　～♫

00:27:36 話者 1

And that is all for this edition of NHK Newsline.

I'm Yamamoto Miki in Tokyo. Thank you for joining us.

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 00:00:10 (Maria Sato)

Hello, welcome back to NHK NewsLine. I'm Maria Sato in Tokyo.

TOKYO SKYTREE CLOSED AFTER 20 TRAPPED IN ELEVATOR

Japan's iconic tower, Tokyo Skytree, has been closed after passengers were trapped inside an elevator for more than five hours.

Skytree's operator temporarily shut the facility for an inspection following the incident.

People who had advance tickets came to get refunds on Monday morning.

00:00:38 話者 2/Visitor 1

I just found out that it's closed. I'm really disappointed.

00:00:42 話者 3/Visitor 2

I've been here a couple of years ago already and I really liked it and so I wanted to come back and see it again.

00:00:50 (Maria Sato)

One of the elevators carrying visitors to and from the observation deck stopped suddenly at about 30 meters above ground on Sunday evening.

Twenty people, including two children, were stranded for over five and a half hours.

All were rescued and no one was injured.

Rescue workers positioned an adjacent elevator alongside the one that stopped.

They were over one meter away.

They opened both emergency doors and placed a metal plate between them.

Then they transferred the passengers over the bridge.

About 1,200 people were temporarily stranded on the observation deck, but they all came down using a different elevator.

Skytree's operator says it's trying to determine what caused the elevator to stop.

It says the tower will reopen to the public once safety is ensured.

EVENT HELD TO DEMAND EARLY RESOLUTION OF TAKESHIMA ISSUE

Sunday was Takeshima Day in Shimane Prefecture, western Japan.

It marks the anniversary of the date when disputed islands in the Sea of Japan were incorporated into the prefecture.

Participants at our ceremony called for an early resolution of the issue.

South Korea controls the islands. Japan claims them.

The Japanese government maintains the islands are an inherent part of Japan's territory.

It says South Korea is illegally occupying them.

Shimane Prefecture in 2005, designated February 22 as Takeshima Day to mark the date in 1905, when Japan incorporated the islands into the prefecture.

It has since been holding a commemorative ceremony e very year in the prefectural capital of Matsue. More than 400 people attended this year's event.

Shimane Governor Maruyama Tatsuya strongly urged the government to address the issue.

00:02:48 話者 4/Maruyama Tatsuya

Government-level dialogue between Japan and South Korea is essential to resolve the issue.

00:02:58 (Maria Sato)

The special resolution adopted at the ceremony includes calls for new attempts aimed at an early resolution, such as Japan filing a lawsuit with the International Court of Justice.

The resolution also appeals for the central government to host the annual ceremony.

Shimane Prefecture has been calling for the prime minister or a cabinet minister related to the Takeshima issue to attend the event.

But the government has so far sent parliamentary vice ministers.

S.KOREA PROTESTS TAKESHIMA DAY CEREMONY

In reaction to the Takeshima Day event in Japan, the South Korean government expressed its strong opposition to "Japan's repeated unjust territorial claims to Dokdo." 

Dokdo is the South Korean name for the islands.

In a statement, South Korea said it sternly urges the immediate cancellation of the event.

The statement said Dokdo is clearly our inherent territory, historically, geographically and under international law.

South Korea's foreign ministry summoned Matsuo Hirotaka, a senior diplomat at the Japanese embassy in Seoul, to lodge a protest on Sunday afternoon.

Matsuo conveyed Japan's position that the protests cannot be accepted.

JAPAN'S EMPEROR GREETS PUBLIC ON HIS 66TH BIRTHDAY

Japan's Emperor Narushito has greeted thousands of well-wishers at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo to mark his 66th birthday.

The emperor, Empress Masako, and their daughter, Princess Aiko, appeared on the palace balcony three times in the morning and waved to the crowd.

They were joined by a Crown Prince and Princess Akishino, and their children, Princess Kako and Prince Hisahito.

00:04:44 話者 5/Narushito 

Higotoni, Haruni Mukatto ino kanjimasu.

Minasan, historic story tote.

Odaikana Haruto naruyo negatuarimasu.

Minasan, Kenkoto, Seawaseo inarimasu.

00:05:05 (Maria Sato)

Afterwards, the emperor received congratulations from Prime Minister Takai Sanae and the heads of both chambers of the Diet.

MILANO CORTINA 2026
WINTER GAMES CLOSE WITH CEREMONY IN VERONA

The Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games have ended with a spectacular closing ceremony in the ancient northern Italian city of Verona.

The event kicked off in Verona's Roman Amphitheater at 8:30 p.m. local time on Sunday.

Flag bearers representing the competing countries and territories marched into the arena.

They included Japanese figure skater Sakamoto Kaori, who won two silver medals, and Japanese speed skater Monishige Wataru.

They were followed by a parade of athletes, including around 50 members of the Japanese team.

Japan achieved its best-ever tally of 24 medals, 5 gold, 7 silver, and 12 bronze.

The closing ceremony, entitled Beauty in Action, featured elements inspired by opera, as well as contemporary song and dance performances.

The Olympic flag was handed over to representatives of the French regions, which will host the French Alps 2030 Olympic Winter Games.

The twin Olympic flames in co-host cities, Milan and Cortina, were extinguished, signaling the end of the 17-day festival of winter sports.

The Paralympic Winter Games are scheduled to begin on March 6.

ARMED MAN KILLED AFTER ENTERING TRUMP'S MAR-A-LAGO ESTATE

US law enforcement has fatally shot a man after he breached a secure perimeter at President Donald Trump's Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.

The Secret Service announced a man in his early twenties was shot by its agents and a deputy from the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office early Sunday.

Authorities say the man was carrying a gas can and a shotgun.

They ordered him to drop them.

00:07:24 話者 6/Ric Bradshaw/Palm Beach County Sheriff

He put down the gas can, raised the shotgun to a shooting position.

At that point in time, the deputy and the two secret service agents fired their weapons and neutralized the threat.

00:07:38 (Maria Sato)

Trump was in Washington at the time of the incident.

Authorities say the FBI is leading the ongoing investigation.

IRAN FM: NEXT MEETING WITH US OFFICIALS LIKELY ON THURSDAY

Iran's foreign minister has suggested he will soon meet US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and other officials to continue talks over his country's nuclear program.

The meeting is expected to be held in Geneva on Thursday.

Abbas Araji spoke from Tehran to US broadcaster CBS on Sunday.

He said the Iranian side is trying to present a draft proposal consisting of elements that accommodate concerns and interests from both sides.

00:08:20 話者 7/ABBAS ARAGHCHI/IRANIAN FOREIGN MINISTER

I believe that when we meet, probably this Thursday in Geneva again, we can work on those elements and prepare a good text and come to a fast deal.

00:08:34 (Maria Sato)

The news website Axios on Sunday quoted US officials as saying the current diplomatic push is likely the last chance President Trump will give Iran before launching a massive military operation.

Those were the headlines for this hour.

WEATHER

♫～　3-DAY FORECAST　～♫

And that's all for this hour on NHK Newsline.

I'm Maria Sato in Tokyo. Do stay with us on NHK World Japan.

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Easy Japanese

00:10:09 話者 8

Hi there, it's time for NHK World Japan's Easy Japanese.

I'm Erico Kojima.

00:10:15 話者 9

And I'm Michael Reese.

Let's have fun learning Japanese together.

Today we bring you lesson 48, our last lesson on saying what we want to do in the future.

The residents of Harusan House are on a trip to Kyoto.

They've arrived at one of its many famous temples, Kiyomizu-da.

Tam reveals her dream as they stand on the main hall stage, jutting out over a cliff.

00:10:46 話者 8

Listen to the skit for lesson 48.

00:10:59 話者 10

Satsuyo stara, Nihon de Hadarachitai desu.

Yoko gaisha de Hadarachitai desu.

00:11:05 話者 11

Ye ne.

Nihon na miyokoi bite stai te koda sign, eh?

Oen stereo.

00:11:13 話者 10

Hi, gandarimasu.

00:11:19 話者 8

Let's look at the meaning line by line.

00:11:22 話者 9

On the stage of Kiyomizu-dara temple, the robot landlady Haru-san says to Tam.

00:11:32 話者 8

Tam-san, it's been almost a year since you came here.

What do you want to do in the future?

Tam replies, When I graduate, I want to work in Japan.

I want to work at a travel agency.

00:11:54 話者 9

Kaito is happy to hear that.

He says.

00:11:59 話者 8

That sounds good.

Haru-san says to Tam, Please tell people all about Japan's attractions.

Mia says to Tam, I'll be rooting for you.

00:12:17 話者 9

Tam enthusiastically replies, Thank you.

00:12:23 話者 8

I'll do my best.

00:12:25 話者 9

So, Tam wants to work in Japan?

00:12:27 話者 8

I think she'd have a good career at a travel agency.

00:12:37 話者 9

Today's key phrase is, When I graduate, I want to work in Japan.

If you learn this pattern, you'll be able to say what you want to do in the future.

00:12:51 話者 8

Now let's see how it works.

Sotsu gyo oshitara means when I graduate.

The dictionary form is to graduate, sotsu gyo suru.

Nihon de is in Japan.

Hatara ki tai desu means want to work.

Tai desu is used to express what you want to do, remember?

Today's point is saying what you want to do in the future based on a certain condition.

By using a verb in the ta form and adding la to make a tara form, you can express the condition of when something happens or is realized.

Remember, the verb's ta form ends in ta or da.

00:13:38 話者 9

In the skit, TAM says sotsugyo shittara.

00:13:41 話者 8

That's right.

The ta form of the verb to graduate, sotsugyo suru, is sotsugyo shitta.

and the phrase was followed by la.

In this way, she expressed the condition when I graduate.

00:13:55 話者 9

All right, listen and repeat.

Okay, got it?

Now listen to a tourist from overseas telling a Japanese person what she wants to do in Nagasaki based on a certain condition, which in this case is her going there.

00:14:33 話者 12

Korekara Nagasaki desu ka.

00:14:35 話者 13

Hi, Nagasaki ni tara.

Champonga Tabetai desu.

00:14:46 話者 8

Okay, let's look at the meaning.

00:14:49 話者 12

Korekara Nagasaki desu ka.

00:14:52 話者 9

You're going to Nagasaki now.

That sounds good.

00:14:56 話者 8

Korekara literally means from now.

Nagasaki desu ka?

is a simple way of saying Nagasaki ni kimasuka, which means Are you going to Nagasaki?

00:15:08 話者 13

Hi.

Nagasaki ni tara champon ga tabetai desu.

00:15:13 話者 9

Yes, when I go to Nagasaki, I want to eat champon.

00:15:17 話者 8

Nagasaki ni tara means when I go to Nagasaki.

Nagasaki ni ku, to go to Nagasaki, is turned into the tara form to indicate a condition.

Chanpon is a signature dish of Nagasaki, similar to ramen.

Tabetai desu means I want to eat, right?

00:15:38 話者 9

Listen and repeat.

00:15:42 話者 14

Nagasaki ni tara.

Nagasaki ni tara.

Chanpon ga tabetai desu.

00:15:59 話者 8

Now, practice with another example.

Imagine you're in Japan and are about to go back to your home country.

Try saying you want to come to Japan again when the summer holiday starts.

00:16:11 話者 9

The summer holiday starts is.

00:16:13 話者 14

Natsu yasu mini naru.

00:16:15 話者 9

The verb starts or becomes naru in the tara form is nattara.

00:16:23 話者 14

Nattara.

00:16:24 話者 9

I want to come to Japan again is.

00:16:27 話者 14

Mata nihon ni kitai desu.

Matani ho ni kitai desu.

00:16:33 話者 9

Give it.

00:16:41 話者 15

A try.

Matani ho ni kitai desu.

Matani ho ni kitai desu.

00:16:55 話者 9

Got it?

Today's bonus phrase is what Tam said.

Memorize it exactly as it is.

00:17:07 話者 11

Ganbarimasu.

00:17:09 話者 8

Ganbarimasu means I'll do my best and expresses how you intend to give something your best efforts.

If you want to spur someone on, you can say Ganbatte kudasai or Ganbatte.

00:17:22 話者 9

Listen to how various people say this.

00:17:25 話者 11

Ganbarimasu.

00:17:27 話者 8

Ganbarimasu.

00:17:29 話者 11

Ganbarimasu.

00:17:31 話者 9

Now it's your turn.

Listen and repeat.

00:17:37 話者 14

Ganbarimasu.

00:17:44 話者 8

OK, listen to today's skit one more time.

00:17:51 話者 11

Tamasanga kite, mosugui chinen desune, shou rai wa nanigashitai desu ka?

Next up, Kaito is your food guide.

00:18:24 話者 9

We earlier mentioned Nagasaki's famed champon, so we'll look at dishes that are identified with other parts of the country.

Each region has its own specialties.

00:18:37 話者 8

Yes, for example, Osaka is known for its okonomiyaki.

Chopped vegetables, along with meat and so on, are mixed in a batter of eggs and flour and grilled.

00:18:47 話者 9

Mmm, it's hot and delicious.

00:18:49 話者 8

That's right.

Akita Prefecture in the northeastern part of the country is famous for kiritanpo.

Rice is cooked al dente, mashed, molded onto a skewer in a cylindrical shape, and then grilled.

It's usually eaten in hot pots.

00:19:04 話者 9

Mmm, I'd love to sink my teeth into that.

00:19:06 話者 8

When you travel around Japan, be sure to try something new wherever you go.

So, this is the final lesson of Easy Japanese.

Michael, it's been a lot of fun.

00:19:25 話者 9

It has indeed, and I've had a good time learning Japanese along with our listeners.

And we were also able to learn a little bit about Japanese culture and also some places to visit.

00:19:35 話者 8

Thanks to all of you for joining us on this journey.

We hope you'll continue to study Japanese.

We'll be rooting for you.

00:19:43 話者 9

And please, come and visit Japan.

00:19:45 話者 8

Well, everyone.

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Fushimi Inari Shrine

00:20:19 話者 16

Japan has various kinds of landmarks that fascinate visitors.

They range from cultural and historic locations to modern buildings created with cutting-edge technologies.

The Backstory of Japanese Landmarks brings you the stories behind these amazing places.

In this episode of The Backstory of Japanese Landmarks, we feature Fushimi Inari Shrine.

Kyoto served as the capital of Japan for more than a thousand years until 1868, when the capital was moved to then Edo, now Tokyo.

When the imperial capital was moved from Nara to Kyoto in the year 794, it went by the name Heian-kyo, which means The Capital of Peace and Tranquility.

The city was modeled after the Chinese Tang Dynasty capital of Chang'an and built on a grid-pattern system.

In fact, the streets of Kyoto today continue to follow this well-arranged grid.

The Fushimi Inari Shrine, famous for its seemingly endless rows of vermilion torii gates, is popular among tourists from both Japan and abroad.

It's less than 10 minutes by train or bus from Kyoto Station or about a 35-minute walk.

The shrine has a history of more than 1,300 years.

It serves as the headquarters for over 30,000 Inari shrines across Japan.

As legend goes, more than 1,300 years ago, a deity was enshrined at Mount Inari.

The mountain has since been considered sacred.

People express their belief by dedicating torii of various sizes.

Another practice is engraving the deity's various names onto stones called otsuka and placing them on the mountain.

The most famous part of Fushiminari Shrine is the thousand torii gates.

Torii are the gate-like structures at shrines.

Although the size may vary, a torii is generally made of two pillars and a beam.

It stands on the boundary of the shrine's precincts and indicates that the area inside is sacred.

Fushimi Inari Shrine in Kyoto has long rows of vermilion torii that seem to stretch on without end.

Inari shrines are dedicated to a deity popular among common people, representing good harvest, prosperous business, safety for the family, and the accomplishment of ambitions.

The Edo period from the 17th century to the end of the 19th century was when much of the popular culture leading up to the present age took shape.

It was during this period that people started offering torii to Inari shrines, hoping that their wishes would be fulfilled, or to give thanks when their wishes came true.

As the headquarters shrine, Fushiminari Shrine received the most of these offerings,

This is why there are nearly 10,000 torii gates in various sizes in the precincts.

Particularly famous are the rows of torii called Sembom torii, or Thousand torii, which lead to the main shrine building.

The endless torii make for a great photo background for tourists.

Fox statues are a common sight at Inari shrines.

The foxes are believed to be messengers for the Inari deity.

Unlike actual foxes, these are imaginary creatures considered sacred and invisible.

There are many scary stories about Inari shrines and foxes across Japan.

Also, the sushi wrapped with deep-fried tofu is called Inari sushi.

This is because fried tofu is believed to be a favorite food of the sacred foxes.

Inari shrines and foxes have long been a part of Japanese people's lives.

Thank you for tuning in to the backstory of Japanese landmarks.

We hope you have a chance to visit these landmarks and see for yourself what makes them so special.

at 18:00 (JST), February 22

20260222180000_english_1.mp3

 00:00:12 (Maria Sato)

Hello, welcome back to NHK NewsLine. I'm Maria Sato in Tokyo.

6 INJURED AT JAPAN'S 'NAKED FESTIVAL,' 3 UNCONSCIOUS

An annual festival in Japan that draws thousands of near-naked men ended with six people injured. Officials say three of them in their 40s and 50s were unconscious.

The festival is commonly known as Hadaka Matsuri, or Naked Festival.

Men in loincloths compete to catch wooden sticks believed to bring good luck.

The event is held every February at Saidaiji Kannonin  Temple in the city of Okayama.

Emergency services received a call around 10 p.m. reporting injuries.

Organizers say about 10-thousand people attended this year.

They believe the injuries occurred when the lights in the main hall were turned off and the sacred sticks were thrown into the crowd.

00:01:07 話者 2/Festival participant

There were so many people, I felt like I was caught between them. I was so scared.

00:01:15 (Maria Sato)

The ritual dates back over 500 years and is designated as an important and tangible folk cultural property.

FAMILIES MARK 15 YEARS SINCE NEW ZEALAND QUAKE

People have gathered in Christchurch, New Zealand, to mark 15 years since a deadly earthquake. Of the 185 people who lost their lives, 28 were Japanese.

Their families joined New Zealanders at Sunday's memorial ceremony.

They observed a moment of silence at 12:51 p.m., the exact time the magnitude 6.3 quake struck on February 22, 2011. They also read out the names of all who died.

The Japanese victims were students at a language school in a building that collapsed.

00:02:06 話者 3/Horita Kazuo/Victim's father

Japan has excellent measures against earthquakes, so I hope our countries will cooperate in various ways.

00:02:15 (Maria Sato)

Much of the quake damage has been repaired, but the city's iconic cathedral is still being restored.

UN REPORT: FUNDING FOR UKRAINE WOMEN IN NEED UNDER THREAT

A growing number of women in Ukraine are reportedly out of work or facing other difficulties because they need to look after military personnel and civilians seriously wounded in Russian attacks.

The UN is warning that funding to help such women is in danger of being shut down.

A report released by an organization known as UN Women on Friday warns that groups supporting women in Ukraine by helping them cover living expenses or land jobs are under threat.

It says foreign assistance cuts have had a substantial and widespread impact.

00:03:07 話者 4/Sabine Freizer Gunes/Representative, UN Women Ukraine

One in three women-led organizations surveyed warned that they may not survive beyond six months under current funding levels.

00:03:19 (Maria Sato)

The report also says such groups are projected to be unable to serve an estimated 63,000 direct beneficiaries in 2026.

UN Women is calling on the international community to continue providing aid to such organizations.

Russia has been launching attacks on Ukraine since its invasion began almost four years ago, on February 24, 2022.

NASA DELAYS MOON MISSION AGAIN

The US space agency, NASA, will likely postpone a mission to send astronauts around the moon until April or later.

The decision came after officials discovered a new technical issue.

The mission is part of the US-led Artemis lunar exploration program, which includes Japan and several European partners.

NASA had initially scheduled a February launch, but this was postponed to March because of fuel leaks. The agency announced the latest delay on Saturday.

Officials observed an interruption in the flow of helium needed to maintain proper conditions for the engine in the rocket's upper stage.

They say an April launch remains possible if the repairs proceed smoothly.

AI ANALYZES 3D IMAGES TO ISOLATE CERVICAL CANCER CELLS

A group of researchers says it has developed a system that uses AI to detect cervical cancer with high accuracy by analyzing 3D images of cells collected during conventional screenings.

The group includes researchers from a Tokyo-based venture company and other institutions.

The team says the system first captures 2D images of up to a million cells with an accuracy of one-thousandth of a millimeter.

It then converts them into 3D images, and an AI model analyzes each cell in detail.

The group says it only takes AI several minutes to identify cancerous and pre-cancerous cells that carry a higher risk.

They say results produced by the AI-generated analysis are as accurate as, or in some cases, more accurate than tests performed by human professionals.

Conventional cervical cancer screenings require microscope examinations by human specialists.

About 10 million such tests are conducted annually in Japan alone, creating staff shortages.

00:05:53 話者 5/Chiba Tomohiro/Cancer Institute Hospital, Japanese Foundation for Cancer Research

The workload for testing is consistently high, and samples often pile up in labs.

But this kind of technology can help reduce the staffing burden.

00:06:04 (Maria Sato)

Chiba hopes the system will lead to early detection of cancers and create a society in which people can access decent levels of medical care.

KAMAKURA TO RENOVATE HISTORIC HOUSE TO HELP CHILDREN

Kamakura City in Kanagawa Prefecture, near Tokyo, has decided to utilize a culturally important wooden building as a dining facility for children in need.

The former Moroto residence is a western-style two-story house built in 1908 and is designated as a state-registered tangible cultural asset.

It was donated to the city more than 40 years ago and had been used as a community center for children.

It was closed in 2018 due to concerns about earthquake safety.

The city has recently concluded a partnership agreement with an organization that engages in child support projects in the city, allowing it to use the house.

Under the agreement, the city will renovate the building, including making it quake-resistant.

The organization will then use the house to operate a free meal diner for children.

00:07:16 話者 6/Watanabe Kimiko/Representative, Flat Cafe Kamakura

By creating a base, we'll be able to reach out to more people.

00:07:26 話者 3/Matsuo Takashi/Kamakura Mayor

Collaborating with the organization, we hope to create a place where local residents can casually drop by and connect with one another.

00:07:34 (Maria Sato)

The city plans to open the facility in the fiscal year that begins in April 2029.

♫～

Those were the headlines for this hour.

WEATHER

♫～　3-DAY FORECAST　～♫

And that's all for this hour on NHK Newsline.

I'm Maria Sato in Tokyo. Do stay with us on NHK World Japan.

checked.