at 18:00 (JST), February 04

20260204180000_english_1.mp3

 00:00:09 話者 1/James Tengan

It's a Wednesday evening here in Japan. I'm James Tengan in Tokyo.

Welcome to NHK Newsline.

CAUTION ADVISED IN SNOWY REGIONS AS MERCURY RISES ACROSS JAPAN

Higher than normal temperatures were recorded in wide areas across Japan on Wednesday.

People in snowy regions were advised to watch out for avalanches and snow falling off roofs.

The Japan Meteorological Agency says warm air flowing in from the south pushed temperatures up to highs normally observed in early to mid-March in some places.

Several cities have seen higher-than-normal snow accumulation, more than double the norm in some places.

As of 11 a.m., Aomori City had one and a half meters of snow, and almost one meter in Sapporo City.

Rain was recorded in some parts of the Tohoku region in northern Japan.

It came amid a growing number of accidents involving snow removal.

Japan's Fire and Disaster Management Agency says at least 35 people have died since January 20th due to the harsh winter conditions and heavy snow.

Officials are advising people to work in groups of two or more when removing snow from rooftops and other areas.

EX-PM ABE'S SHOOTER APPEALS LIFE SENTENCE

Defense lawyers for the man sentenced to life in prison for killing former Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo have appealed the ruling.

Yamagami Tetsuya admitted to shooting Abe at a political event.

He says he was motivated by Abe's connection to a controversial religious group widely known as the Unification Church.

Nara District Court handed down the sentence last month.

Yamagami's lawyers filed the appeal on Wednesday.

Sources say the 45-year-old did not express strong frustration with the sentence, but agreed to the appeal.

His lawyers are critical of the ruling, saying it upheld the prosecutor's arguments in full.

The defense team had said Yamagami's family was plunged into dire financial straits after his mother made large donations to the Unification Church.

The court determined that his upbringing could not be considered a major factor in the case. This point will again be examined in the appeals trial at the Osaka High Court.

So too will be whether the use of a handmade gun amounts to a violation of Japan's gun control law.

N.KOREAN ABDUCTIONS
MOTHER OF JAPANESE ABDUCTEE TURNS 90, STILL HOPES FOR REUNION

The last surviving parent of the still-missing Japanese abducted by North Korea turns 90 on Wednesday.

It has been nearly 50 years since Yokota Sakie's daughter was taken, but she says she still hopes to be reunited with her.

Yokota Megumi was 13 years old when she was taken in 1977 on her way home from school in Niigata City.

Her mother, Sakie, is the only surviving parent of the abductees identified by the government who are still unaccounted for.

She told NHK that she could not believe how much time has passed.

00:03:11 話者 2/Yokota Sakie

My age doesn't matter to me. What matters is seeing Megumi just once, even for a moment. She must be an old woman now, too.

00:03:23 話者 1

She questioned the lack of progress in resolving the abduction issue despite repeatedly asking successive Japanese prime ministers to address it and being told that they would.

Unable to speak to her daughter, Sakie has held on to the same ritual for more than two decades. Every evening, she takes a photo of the sunset from her home.

00:03:48 話者 2

I wish I could send these pictures to North Korea. There's nothing hidden in them.

I'm not planning to write a letter, just a simple message.

These are pictures your mom took from home.

I took these at sunset and wish you were here beside me to see it too.

00:04:07 話者 1

The government says North Korean agents abducted at least 17 Japanese citizens in the 1970s and '80s. Five returned to Japan following a bilateral summit in 2002.

But the whereabouts of the remaining 12 are still unknown.

US-IRAN TALKS STILL EXPECTED TO GO AHEAD

High-level talks between the United States and Iran are still expected to go ahead.

Doubts had been raised after the US military shot down an Iranian drone over the Arabian Sea on Tuesday.

Donald Trump's administration has sent the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln to the region.

Washington is stepping up pressure on Iran to hold talks on the country's nuclear program. Trump has refused to clarify where the meeting will be held.

00:05:01 話者 10/Donald Trump

We are negotiating with them right now, yes.

00:05:05 話者 11/Reporter

Where will the meeting be?

00:05:06 話者 10/Donald Trump

It seems like I can continue there. There's more than one meeting.

00:05:12 話者 1

US news website Axios cited a source as saying that the talks are expected to take place in Oman on Friday.

It also reports that negotiations are underway to see if Arab and Muslim countries from the region will join in.

White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt says the talks are still scheduled, but she did not rule out the possibility of the US to choose a military operation.

N.KOREA APPEARS TO PLAN MILITARY PARADE AHEAD OF CONGRESS

North Korea appears to be preparing for a large-scale parade in the run-up to the ruling party's first Congress in five years.

A country's state-run media have been reporting about ongoing preparations for the Workers' Party of Korea's upcoming assembly.

NHK obtained satellite imagery of Mirim Airfield outside the capital Pyongyang, taken by the US firm Planet Labs. This airfield was a rehearsal site for past military parades.

Images taken on Monday show what appear to be soldiers marching in formation.

They form the shape of a hammer, sickle and calligraphy brush, the ruling party's emblem.

South Korea's government says Pyongyang might hold a military parade to showcase its weapons development.

Some observers say North Korea could announce a new development plan after the country's leader Kim Jong-un hinted at a new initiative to strengthen nuclear war deterrence.

A researcher with the South Korean government-affiliated institute says the North could unveil development of diverse weaponry capable of carrying nuclear warheads.

The researcher believes Pyongyang will likely refrain from provoking the United States.

He says it wants to signal that it should be recognized as a nuclear power.

BUSINESS

Now, for the latest on the business and financial fronts, here's Ramin Mellegard.

00:07:15 話者 3/Ramin Mellegard

Thank you very much indeed.

NIKKEI 225 RETREATS FROM ALL-TIME HIGH

Now, looking at the big stream next to me, the main index on the Tokyo Stock Exchange retreated on Wednesday from its all-time high the day before.

You can see the numbers right there.

Many investors sold off semiconductor-related shares on the view that global software demand could fall on the growth of artificial intelligence.

The Nikkei 225 finished at 54,293, down nearly 0.8%.

Investor concerns rose after US startup Anthropic launched AI services for legal work.

Analysts say some investors locked in profits following a surge of more than 2,000 points, or about 4%, on Tuesday.

But they also say the benchmark recouped some of its losses on the uptake of auto and other export-related shares on the back of the weaker yen.

JAPAN'S PRUDENTIAL LIFE TO PAUSE SALES ON MISCONDUCT SCANDAL

Japan's Prudential Life Insurance says it will suspend sales of new policies for 90 days from Monday.

Now the move follows company reports of employee misconduct that includes misappropriation of customer funds.

The unit of US-based Prudential Financial says the suspension is to allow for the overhaul of its sales and governance structure.

The company on Wednesday added that it will run legal compliance training for employees.

It says existing policyholders will remain insured and have access to payouts during the 90 days.

Prudential in January revealed that more than 100 current and former employees had improperly received 3.1 billion yen, or nearly $20 million, from customers.

Former CEO Mabarak Khan resigned over the revelations.

Now, the company will also review its salary structure. It says the scandal is linked to a pay system overly focused on meeting performance targets.

The Financial Services Agency says it's investigating the company and will decide on any penalties based on the outcome of the probe.

JAPAN'S JERA SIGNS 27-YEAR DEAL TO BUY LNG FROM QATAR

Japan's largest power generator, Jetta, has signed a long-term deal to purchase liquefied natural gas from Qatar.

Jetta says the agreement provides a stable source of the fuel to meet a surge in electricity demand.

Jeddah on Tuesday said it will buy about 3 million tons of LNG a year from state-run Qatar Energy for 27 years, starting in 2028.

That's around 5% of Japan's annual LNG consumption.

Jeddah did not provide the purchase price. 

LNG is a mainstay fuel for thermal power plants.

Its price soared four years ago when Russia's invasion of Ukraine disrupted global supply channels.

Now, stable supply of LNG has taken on a new importance as the use of generative artificial intelligence is boosting demand for electricity at data centers.

Jeddah's deal with Qatar is not its first. It had a contract that ran through 2021 to buy more than 6 million tons of LNG a year from the country.

JAPAN'S BANKS TO FLOAT MORE LOANS TO SHIPBUILDERS

Japan's commercial banks are now increasing lending to shipbuilding firms.

The move is in line with the government's policy to prioritize support for the sector as part of economic security measures.

Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank plans to strengthen its finance to shipbuilders by taking as collateral new vessels and revenues from transportation fees.

00:10:47 話者 13/Oyama Kazuya/President, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank

We see the Japanese shipbuilding and the shipping industry are still internationally competitive. We'd like to firmly back it with financial power.

00:10:57 話者 3

The bank aims to boost its outstanding loans to shipbuilders by 30% to 2 trillion yen, about $12.8 billion by 2030.

Regional banks in Western Japan like Iyo Bank and Hiroshima Bank are also expanding loans to the sector.

They've set up offices in Shipping Hub Singapore to promote shipbuilding orders from local owners.

MARKETS

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

♪

And that is it for Business News.

DEBATE OVER NATIONAL SECURITY AND DIPLOMACY

00:12:01 話者 1

Now the next in our series on the key issues facing voters ahead of Japan's general election. 

Prime Minister Takaichi Sadai dissolved the lower house last month, and people will head to the polls this Sunday.

We're focusing on national security and diplomacy.

My colleague Yuko Fukushima spoke with NHK's senior commentator Kajiwara Takamoto to explore these topics and the different approaches by political parties.

00:12:29 話者 2/Yuko Fukushima

So, Takamoto, we've heard from the government for years that Japan is in a severe security environment.

Can you give us some context to that?

00:12:37 話者 4/Kajiwara Takamoto

China, North Korea, and Russia have been stepping up military activities around Japan, and China's rapid military buildup is especially shaking the security balance in the region, and the country appears to be widening its scope.

00:12:52 話者 2

Right. 

So Japan-China relations soured after Takaichi answered a question in the Diet last year.

So she said a possible Taiwan emergency involving the use of force  could be considered a situation threatening Japan's survival. So how did Beijing respond to that?

00:13:11 話者 4

It has stepped up pressure in Japan militarily, and we've seen economic pressure too.

That includes Beijing's announcement last month that they will tighten destruction on exports of items for both military and civilian use to Japan, and the real-earth elements could also be subject to the measure.

That adds to the growing view among the ruling and opposition parties that the ties will continue to strain for a long time.

They say that Japan should firmly respond to China and seek a way to open dialogue to build a strategic and a mutually beneficial relationship.

00:13:53 話者 2

So, how does Japan's ally, US, fit into all this?

00:13:58 話者 4

Yes, there's a sentiment spreading within the Japanese government, that it's necessary to coordinate views with Washington on how to deal with China. But that's not always easy.

Government sources say that Japan asked the US to send a message supporting Japan as China stepped up those pressures we're talking about.

But President Donald Trump and his cabinet members remained silent.

That left Tokyo disappointed. A US-China summit will be held as early as April, and there is a possibility that a shuttered diplomacy between the leaders will start.

It's believed that Japanese officials want to visit the US as early as next month to coordinate views with Trump on China's strategy.

But remember, the rise of the America First policy adds another layer of complexity.

which one has to balance that relationship while it also addresses China's rapid military buildup?

00:15:03 話者 2

Right, so now getting back to the election, now what are the political parties pitching in light of these security issues?

00:15:10 話者 4

Yes, there are three major policies. Let's go over them.

The ruling parties are calling to devise strategic documents such as the National Security Strategy and further strengthen defense capabilities.

They say it's so that Japan can respond to activities on the Pacific side.

This is considered to be in line with the US administration, which has told allies to increase defense spending.

And some opposition parties are also pitching to strengthen deterrence within the scope of Japan's constitution, which is exclusively defense-focused.

That code is seen as being based on maintaining a restrained security policy.

And the pitches from other opposition parties, meanwhile, are focused on reducing defense spending.

The idea is to create a peaceful international order by working on diplomacy.

00:16:09 話者 2

Thank you, Takamoto. That was NHK's senior commentator, Kajiwara Takamoto.

00:16:16 話者 1

During this series, we also focused on economic measures to combat rising prices, including the consumption tax.

Other key issues in the race include social security of the country's falling birth rate, issues related to money and politics, and new rules for foreign nationals.

And our special coverage of the election starts just before 8 p.m. Sunday, Tokyo time.

Catch NHK World's Japan Decides for the latest results, deep dives, analysis, and more.

IN FOCUS

We now go over to Shibuya Aki for a Newsline in Focus.

She has a report from Ukraine where there's still no end in sight to Russia's airstrikes.

JAPAN LOOKS TO UKRAINE WAR-DEBRIS TILE MANUFACTURING

00:16:57 話者 22/Shibuya Aki

Ukraine is struggling with massive amounts of debris, already exceeding six million tons from structures destroyed in the relentless Russian attacks.

Its energy infrastructure has also been severely compromised, creating power shortages.

Now a company in Fukuoka Prefecture in southwestern Japan is stepping forward with technology for making a special type of tile that could work with this difficult situation to support Ukraine in its recovery.

00:17:34 話者 5

Yukihira Shimon and Benji Cheng alight at Kyiv Central Station.

They're in the country to inspect factories and seek business partners.

00:17:46 話者 2

There are people at the station and young people walking around. Just looking at what it's like in the daytime, it's hard to believe we're in the middle of a war.

00:17:59 話者 5

Yukihira heads a company that manufactures Shikui, an eco-friendly plaster used for Japanese castle walls and other structures.

It's made of natural materials like slicked lime and hemp.

He's hoping his firm can help Ukraine with debris management by using shikui techniques to manufacture tiles out of plaster mixed with war waste.

His firm's proprietary technology is attractive, as it requires no firing.

Instead, tiles are pressed under high pressure.

This and the fact plaster absorbs carbon dioxide mean the manufacturing process leaves a low carbon footprint.

Before proceeding with meetings, Yukihira and Benji feel compelled to see sites devastated by air raids with their own eyes.

00:18:55 話者 6

This is not a rocket. This is a drone.

00:18:58 話者 16

Drone?

00:18:59 話者 6

Yeah, the drone hit the ground.

00:19:02 話者 5

They visit an apartment complex that had been attacked by Russian forces.

The day before their arrival, nearly 600 drones had been launched primarily against Kyiv, engulfing this area in flames.

00:19:21 話者 6

Is the entire building evacuated now? People, everyone, they move now.

Probably, that's the rule.

00:19:26 話者 17

Somebody, no, somebody stay at home. Because no place to go.

They do what they can do.

00:19:39 話者 5

During the tour, a local man approaches the group.

00:19:50 話者 26

Thank you for sharing your experience.

00:20:36 話者 5

The reality of wartime Ukraine hits hard. But it's also made Yukihita all the more determined to partner with a Ukrainian company to support local industry and the country.

The pair inspects a major Ukraine tile manufacturer, hoping that together they might support local recovery and eventually even break into the EU market, which favors eco friendly goods.

00:21:05 話者 6

Limestone sucks CO2 to harden.

So we put it into a chamber, a room, of very high concentrated CO2.

00:21:21 話者 5

In their pitch, for which they prepared samples with actual debris from Ukraine, they showcase how their technology conserves energy, critical in a country with chronic power shortages.

00:21:36 話者 6

So this is very like raw sample.

Salt.

No?

Food grade.

It contains 30% of debris powder.

And this one is 40%.

You want to keep this one, right?

Yes.

Yeah, yeah, sure, you can.

00:21:59 話者 5

While business discussions progressed,

Yukihita learns that the company has not escaped the ravages of war.

00:22:08 話者 6

You can see burns. Oh my god.

00:22:13 話者 5

Warehouses were destroyed in strikes.

00:22:16 話者 6

The damage.

00:22:21 話者 7

Miracle because we didn't have any casualties, any victims.

00:22:29 話者 5

For Yukihira, seeing Ukrainians carrying on in wartime conditions was eye-opening and gave him pause. However...

00:22:42 話者 4

If building on small steps can contribute to post-war reconstruction and economic development, even if only a little, I want to continue believing there is meaning in what we could achieve in Ukraine.

00:23:00 話者 6

(Japanese)

00:23:00 話者 22

People often think of reconstruction work happening after wars have ended.

But for Ukraine, the process is already underway.

What we're seeing is the global business community supporting the country in rebuilding its domestic industries.

and more Japanese firms are expanding their presence there.

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization is currently partnered with 40 Japanese firms, including Yukihira's, on various projects.

These concerted efforts are about seeing people, and ultimately the country, stand on their own feet.

And that's all from me.

♫

WEATHER

00:24:51 話者 1

Now for World Weather with Jonathan Oh. So, Jonathan, tragedy has struck parts of Colombia as heavy rain led to natural disasters. What can you tell us?

00:25:01 話者 7/Jonathan Oh

Hello. We typically talk about some of the heavier rain taking place along the Intercontinental Convergence Zone, further down toward the south, but we still had some rain associated with that up toward the north into Colombia, and that has led to some real problems on the ground. Here's some video.

It will give you an idea of the situation and the aftermath of at least three people are dead after heavy rain in a Colombian city triggered a landslide Monday.

Reuters reporting that at least 50 homes were hit by an average of mud, rocks and trees in Santa Marta.

And down over in Cordoba, thousands of residents jumped into canoes to evacuate streets flooded by an overflowing river.

The nation's disaster agency said almost 10,000 families nationwide have been affected by heavy rain.

The country's Institute of Meteorology says that Colombia has been dealing with an unusually intense rainy season with precipitation amounts increasing by more than 60% compared to normal levels.

It looks like that we'll be seeing a little bit of rain backing up toward the north and hopefully that'll be a bit more helpful.

But down towards the south of Brazil and over into places like Bolivia and Peru, you'll be seeing more of the rain coming up as we go into Wednesday.

La Paz with rain, Brasilia with thunderstorms.

But in Bogota, we're looking at partly cloudy skies, the high of 20, and it's a bit on the drier side coming up toward the north.

Meanwhile, we're talking about some rain into the southern United States.

People still trying to get over what happened over the past weekend.

Rain moving through, milder temperatures, though, as a part of the story for the region.

And it looks like that as we go forward into the day on Wednesday, it's teens into Atlanta and Oklahoma City, but so chilly up to Winnipeg, Toronto, and Chicago.

You're not getting out of the freezing mark during the day as we go through Wednesday.

Looking at what's happening across East Asia, relatively mild story right now across this part of the continent as we're seeing not much in terms of activity, even the snow story over to the northern portions of Japan really backing off here.

It will come back as we go later on this week, but mild temperatures here.

Tokyo at 14 with partly cloudy skies on Thursday.

Hope you have a good day wherever you are.

♫～　3-DAY FORECAST　～♫

00:27:41 話者 1

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

checked.

at 18:00 (JST), February 03

20260203180000_english_1.mp3

 00:00:10 話者 1

Glad to have you with us on NHK Newsline. I'm Yuko Fukushima.

REPORT: US-IRAN TALKS SET FOR FRIDAY

The US Trump administration has been boosting pressure on Iran to enter negotiations over its nuclear program.

And now, an American media outlet reports US-Iran nuclear talks are set to take place in Turkey later this week. Axios, cited multiple sources in the report on Monday.

They say President Donald Trump's special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is slated to meet Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqi in Istanbul on Friday.

They're planning to discuss a possible nuclear deal. Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner, will join, along with the foreign ministers of several Arab and Muslim countries.

The report quotes one US official as saying the meeting will focus on putting together a package deal that prevents war.

Axios says the meeting is the result of a diplomatic push by Turkey, Egypt and Qatar over the last several days.

Iranian state media also reports that President Masoud Pezeskian has ordered fresh negotiations with the US. But major gaps remain.

The report says the Trump administration is demanding that any deal cover Iran's nuclear and missile programs, as well as regional proxies.

But Iran wants only the nuclear issue on the table.

This would reportedly be the first meeting between the two sides since negotiations collapsed and fighting last June.

TRUMP UNVEILS $12 BIL. PLAN FOR CRITICAL MINERAL RESERVES

And the US president has announced a $12 billion project to create a national stockpile of critical minerals.

The move is aimed at helping to ease US dependence on China for the key component used in high-tech production.

President Donald Trump said on Monday that automakers and other manufacturers will be able to tap the planned strategic reserve.

He said the US already has a stockpile for national defense, but the new one would be the first for American industry.

The US Export-Import Bank is slated to provide $10 billion of seed money for the project through loans. The private sector is to fund the remainder.

The stockpile would help US companies hedge against risks, including supply shortages and price fluctuations.

The Trump administration is aiming to reduce dependence on China, which dominates the market for rare earths and other critical minerals.

WAR IN UKRAINE
ZELENSKYY: WILL SPEED UP WORK TO RESTORE ENERGY FACILITIES

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says work to restore energy facilities will be sped up. Many houses lack heating as a result of Russian attacks.

Ukraine is suffering serious blackouts amid bitter winter cold.

Kyiv is expecting daytime highs of minus 11 degrees Celsius through Wednesday.

Local media say the first four days of February will likely be the coldest in 20 years.

00:03:08 話者 2

Electricity is available for as little as two hours a day, and getting light.

00:03:12 話者 1

For four hours feels like a holiday.

The gas burner is the only source of warmth, so the whole family gathers around it.

Zelenskyy also said on social media on Monday, Russia is shifting from attacking energy infrastructure to terrorizing logistics, especially railways.

In Russia, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Piskov says the next round of high-level peace talks with Ukraine and the US is likely to start on Wednesday in Abu Dhabi.

Piskov suggested negotiations have been challenging.

He said it is easier to find common ground on some issues, but difficult on others.

One point of contention is the issue of territory.

Moscow says Ukrainian forces must withdraw from the eastern Donbas region that Russia unilaterally declared as its annexed territory.

Kyiv calls the demand unacceptable.

TRUMP TARIFFS
TRUMP SAYS INDIA AGREED TO STOP BUYING RUSSIAN CRUDE OIL

US President Donald Trump says Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has agreed to stop buying Russian oil.

In exchange, the US pledged to lower its additional tariffs on Indian goods from 50 to 18 percent.

Last August, the Trump administration increased its total tariffs on India to 50 percent, citing the country's purchases of Russian crude oil and petroleum products.

Trump said on social media on Monday that Modi also agreed to buy more crude oil from the United States and potentially Venezuela.

The US president added that India will move forward to reduce tariffs and non-tariff barriers against US imports.

He also said Modi is committed to buying American goods, including energy and agriculture products worth more than $500 billion.

Modi expressed appreciation to Trump on social media over the trade deal, but did not refer to any plan to stop buying Russian crude oil.

India has continued to import Russian crude without joining the US and other Western nations in imposing sanctions against Moscow.

It has been the second largest importer of Russian oil following China.

US SERVICE MEMBER WHO SEXUALLY ASSAULTED MINOR FACES PRISON

Japan's Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal filed by a US Air Force member against a five-year prison term for sexually assaulting a minor.

Brennan Washington was sentenced by a lower court for assaulting an underage girl in the southern prefecture of Okinawa in 2023.

The Supreme Court decision means that the sentence for Washington will likely be finalized.

Justice Miura Mamoda reached the decision on the dismissal by Tuesday.

The 26-year-old defendant, who belongs to Karana Air Base in Okinawa, allegedly approached the girl, who was under the age of 16, at a park before forcibly taking her to his home.

He was charged with sexually assaulting her there in December of 2023.

The two did not know each other.

The defendant had pleaded not guilty, saying he thought the girl was 18 at the time and that the act was consensual.

In the first trial, the Naha District Court sentenced the defendant to five years in prison.

The presiding judge said the girl's claim that she used gestures to tell the defendant her age was credible.

The judge described the case as extremely malicious, saying the defendant continued the assault even after the girl clearly rejected him.

The Naha branch of the Fukuoka High Court later dismissed an appeal filed by the defendant.

TOKYO POSTS NET POPULATION INFLOW FOR 12TH STRAIGHT YEAR

The Japanese government says more people moved to the capital, Tokyo, than left for the 12th straight year in 2025.

The Internal Affairs Ministry says the net population inflow to Tokyo that year was about 65,000.

That's because over 451,000 people, including foreign nationals, moved to the capital, while around 387,000 left.

This is the 12th straight year Tokyo has posted a net population inflow since comparable data first became available in 2014.

But the size of its inflow was down by about 14,000 from a year earlier, marking its first decrease since 2021.

Six other prefectures also saw net population inflows, including Kanagawa, Saitama and Chiba prefectures near Tokyo.

DEEP-SEA RARE EARTH MINING TEST PROVES SUCCESSFUL

Japanese researchers say a deep sea mining test has been successful.

It's part of efforts to secure rare earth materials.

The exploration vessel Chikyu began the test excavation last month.

The vessel is operated by the Japan Agency for Marine Earth Science and Technology, and the test is a project led by Japan's Cabinet Office.

The seabed is about 5,700 meters below the surface.

It is within Japan's exclusive economic zone, around 150 kilometers southeast of the island of Minami-Torishima.

A pipe with a mining device at the end was extended to the seabed.

Officials say retrieval of mud began last Friday and it was hauled under the vessel for the first time early Sunday.

The vessel will return to Shimizu port in central Japan in two weeks.

Then there will be tests to separate metals from the mud and refine them.

The Cabinet Office is planning a test for February next year to mine

350 tons of mud a day.

That will be carried to the island of Minami-Torishima to drain seawater.

Then, the extracted materials will be brought to the mainland.

The total cost of mining, refining, and shipping for the project will be calculated and compiled by March 2028.

Japan aims to research and develop rare earths mining to diversify sources.

BUSINESS

Now let's go to Ramin Mellegard for the latest new business.

00:09:14 話者 2/Ramin Mellegard

Thank you very much indeed, 

JAPAN'S NIKKEI 225 HITS RECORD HIGH ON NY GAINS, WEAKER YEN

and let's go straight to the markets. Just look at the big screen there.

Japan's Nikkei 225 stock index set another all-time high on Tuesday, bolstered by overnight gains on Wall Street and a weaker yen.

Tokyo investors bought up a wide range of shares.

The Nikkei benchmark ended at $54,720, up nearly 4%.

Semiconductor-related stocks led the surge.

The yen's depreciation also prompted buying of exporters such as automakers.

US markets welcomed robust factory data as a sign of the economy's strength, which became a cue for the rally in Japan.

All three main New York indices rose on Monday.

JAPAN'S FARM, FOOD EXPORTS HIT RECORD HIGH, BUT MISS TARGET

And Japan's farm produce and food exports reached a record high for the 13th straight year in 2025, thanks to growing demand.

But the total still fell short of the government's target.

The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries says the value of exports by those sectors came to just over 1.7 trillion yen, or about $10.9 billion last year.

The increase of nearly 13% in yen terms from a year earlier was mainly due to the growing popularity of Japanese food abroad.

But exports did not reach the government's goal of 2 trillion yen, or about $12.8 billion.

Green tea posted the biggest rise in value terms.

Exports nearly doubled year on year to 72 billion yen or more than $460 million.

Demand for matcha green tea was strong in Europe, the United States, and other parts of Asia.

Now, shipments of scallops jumped 30 percent, with key markets including Vietnam and Taiwan.

Overall exports to the US, Japan's biggest market, grew 14 percent.

Combined shipments to the top five, which include Hong Kong, Taiwan, China, and South Korea, accounted for nearly 60 percent of all Japan's food and farm exports.

Exporters now face the challenge of diversifying their sales channels to boost their shipments even more.

BANK OF JAPAN STARTS ETF SALES IN JANUARY

Now, the Bank of Japan started selling off its holdings of exchange-traded funds in January.

The step is part of the central bank's plan to dispose of ETFs it purchased during a monetary easing policy.

The bank's accounts released on Tuesday show it sold ETFs with a book value of 5.37 billion yen between January 21 and the 31. That's about $34 million.

The BOJ announced the disposal plan in September.

The bank holds ETFs worth more than 37 trillion yen, or $239 billion.

It aims to sell off about 330 billion yen of the assets each year.

That would be the equivalent of 2.1 billion dollars.

BOJ governor Ueda Kazuo has predicted it may take more than a hundred years to offload all the ETFs the bank holds.

Okay, two of Japan's biggest banking groups, Sumitoma Mitsui and Mizuho, have posted record net profits for the nine months to December.

Their strong performance was partly due to higher interest rates.

SUMITOMO MITSUI, MIZUHO POST RECORD 9-MONTH PROFITS

Sumitomo Mitsuri Financial Group's net income for the April to December periods surged 23% year on year to almost 1.4 trillion yen, or close to $9 billion.

Mizuho Financial Group reported a 19% jump in net profit to a little over 1 trillion yen, or about six and a half billion dollars.

Rising interest rates helped the financial giants earn more interest on loans, they also received more fees from corporate business,

including advisory services on mergers and acquisitions.

In December, the Bank of Japan raised its benchmark interest rate to the highest level in 30 years, and the two groups foresee continued expansion in revenue from lending and investments.

But both kept their full-year profit forecasts unchanged, citing an uncertain outlook for the foreign exchange and bond markets.

SERVING UP INCENTIVES TO JAPAN'S RESTAURANT WORKERS

Japan's food service industry faces a severe labor shortage.

To cope with the situation, some restaurant operators have come up with ways to efficiently allocate existing workers to understaffed locations.

00:13:51 話者 3

Kawashima Momoka is a vocational student.

She is waiting tables at a family restaurant today.

But this is not her usual workplace.

Her employment contract is with a Japanese hotpot or shabu-shabu restaurant.

How does this happen?

Both restaurants are operated by a major chain in Japan that is letting its staff flexibly apply their skills across its 18 culinary brands.

Workers contracted to one location can pick up shifts at other outlets that need help, potentially about 2,600 restaurants across the country.

It's done through the company's own app.

Workers can apply up to three hours before the spare shift starts.

While food offerings vary by restaurant brand, basic tasks like customer service and cleanup do not.

So workers with a certain level of experience can contribute immediately, even at a new location.

I can apply any time, even when I'm back home.

That's really convenient.

The system started last July, originally aimed at better utilizing valued staff.

But the company says its part-timers also benefit by gaining new work experience.

00:15:12 話者 4

The skills they've acquired can be immediately applied at other stores or brands.

We've structured the system to help workers excel at any place within our company network.

00:15:26 話者 3

Another restaurant operator offers incentives on wages.

The chain serves made-to-order salads at over 40 locations, mainly in Tokyo.

Workers can view hourly pay for all outlets through an app.

For example, on Christmas Eve last year at one central Tokyo location, it was set at 400 yen, or about $2.5 over the base rate.

00:15:52 話者 4

Higher hourly wages naturally boost motivation.

I really like this system.

00:16:00 話者 3

The company has another way to motivate its workers.

A monthly bonus of 200,000 yen, or about $1,300, is awarded to the outlet that receives the highest customer rating.

It's distributed evenly, so those who did as little as one shift there still receive a share.

Building systems that encourage workers to take the initiative, I believe that's a key part of what we need to focus on.

Amid the labor shortage, new initiatives are emerging that benefit both employers and workers who want to choose when, where, and for how much they work.

MARKETS

00:16:41 話者 2

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

♪

And that is it for Business News.

00:17:19 話者 1

IN FOCUS

And next to my colleague Shibuya Aki for Newsline In Focus and a report on the impact of climate change.

00:17:28 話者 5/Shibuya Aki

The South Pacific nation of Tuvalu sits around 4,000 kilometers from Australia.

Its nine islands are home to just 10,000 people.

But with most of the land less than two meters above sea level, climate change is putting its continued existence in jeopardy.

Projections suggest Tuvalu could be submerged by the end of this century.

That's led the government to encourage people to relocate as climate migrants.

00:18:04 話者 4

Tuvalu has lived under the threat of climate change for years.

It's particularly clear during February and March.

The surging seawater pushes into gardens and around people's homes, reaching up almost to floor level.

Local media professional Stella Futigai is already planning for the future.

00:18:31 話者 6

I've seen a post on the internet.

It says that by 2050 or 2030, probably Tuvalu will be gone.

I don't want anything to happen to my family.

00:18:50 話者 4

With the risk of submersion no longer abstract,

The Tuvalu government has been weighing a range of measures in recent years.

A 2023 treaty with Australia allows up to 280 people to move there annually.

Each person gets access to the same education, medical care, and welfare services as Australian citizens.

Applicants are chosen by lottery.

And winners can bring a spouse and children under the age of 23.

The first lottery last year saw nearly 90% of the population apply.

Futiga made it through and will be relocating with her husband and one-year-old daughter.

00:19:48 話者 6

That's what they chose to migrate, to have better education, better salary, and a better life.

Moving to Australia will become my second home, like a new home for myself and my family.

00:20:09 話者 4

Behind the desire to leave is more than climate change.

Tuvalu has no major industries, and its economy is under strain.

More than 30 percent of the national budget relies on aid from countries like Australia.

Tuvalu is also feeling the pressure of recent global inflation.

Growing crops is difficult on coral reefs, so vegetables and fruits are mostly imported.

Cabbages like these cost as much as 12 US dollars.

00:20:44 話者 7

For a household to.

00:20:46 話者 4

Literally planned out through, for a week, for two weeks. It's pretty hard.

But personally, this is how me and my wife viewed our, decision to apply for visa.

This is Tuvalu's only general hospital.

Pharmacist Kavega Vaya is also planning to immigrate.

00:21:14 話者 8

Yes, I'm planning to see what the future has planned for me, and also to explore and see the opportunities that I can get in Australia.

00:21:29 話者 4

But Tuvalu has only three pharmacists, including Via.

She says that makes her hesitate.

00:21:38 話者 8

Like give back to the country, like to Tuvalu.

So I might just go into Australia, activate my visa, and then move back and serve the country.

00:21:50 話者 4

And it's not only via. A dentist and at least one other staff member at the hospital are also planning to relocate, raising concerns about the very future of the medical system.

Tuvalu's foreign minister says he is worried about the years ahead.

00:22:11 話者 5

It is a concern that maybe a lot of those very, those professional people leaving the country. This is the very first year for the first lot of people to go on the Falepilis.

We are yet now to see who are actually leaving and then we'll work on from there.

Tuvalu is not only promoting relocation, it's also moving ahead with measures to keep the country alive, even if its land is lost.

We spoke with Sydney Bureau Chief Matsuda Nobuko about the plans.

00:22:48 話者 8

To prepare for the worst, Tuvalu's government amended the constitution three years ago.

It now states that the country will continue to exist, even if it loses its physical territory.

It's also creating a digital twin for posterity, populated with cultural heritage and islanders' memories.

Digital IDs and voucher passports are also being considered, with the aim of making elections and referendums possible online.

00:23:19 話者 5

Matsuda says the impact of rising sea levels is intensifying not only in Tuvalu, but across many Pacific island nations.

00:23:30 話者 8

According to a report from the UN, the global average increase over the past 30 years was 9.4 centimeters, but some Pacific island nations recorded more than 15 centimeters.

In these countries, damage is already been seen to coastal villages, roads, and other infrastructure.

Mass relocation is a stark possibility when recovery and prevention measures are falling short.

Places like Tubaru, where the economy is fragile, are most at risk.

Pacific island nations are often grouped together, but each has its own culture, and all are in need of protection.

The fact that these countries are suffering most from climate change is even more worrying when we consider that their collective greenhouse gas emissions account for just under a tenth of 1% of the global total.

00:24:25 話者 5

That was Matsuda Nobuko, our Sydney Bureau Chief. 

And that's all from me.

WEATHER

00:24:32 話者 1

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

So Jonathan, snow has caused some real problems up in Niigata Prefecture.

What can you tell us?

00:24:43 話者 7/Jonathan Oh

Hello, we have been reporting to you about that sea effect snow that's really impacted the Sea of Japan side of the country over the past few weeks and we're still seeing impacts of the snow located in places like Niigata Prefecture.

Here's a look at some of the video to give you an idea of what happened.

Here as heavy snow caused a part of a house to collapse in Kashiwazaki City on Tuesday morning.

A man in his 50s was taken to the hospital in critical condition after being trapped under the garage.

Officials say they believe he lost consciousness after being hit in the head.

The snow depth in the city reached 62 centimeters on Tuesday morning, about three times the normal level.

So when you have all of that heavy snow sitting on top of any facility, if it has a weakness in the structure, it can really collapse because of that weight.

And it looks like that snow might be easing at least for Wednesday.

Yes, we have a low toward the north and a high back toward the west, but the flow is more zonal. And so as that happens, the essentially the spigot of the moisture starts to back off.

We'll still see some clouds into the northeastern portion of Japan.

May see a flurry here or there, but really talking about a calmer day as we go through Wednesday.

Sapporo Niigata looking at cloudy skies. Temperatures from Sendai through Tokyo, Osaka into Fukuoka moving into the low teens as we go through the day on Wednesday.

Meanwhile, North America, we have one low that's trying to squeeze on through the south.

the southern areas of the United States, and that's going to bring some rain as it goes through the area.

A low pressure up toward the Great Lakes, bringing some snow into places like Toronto with a high of three below 0 on Tuesday, 9 below in Winnipeg, and looking at some showers in a place like Houston with a high of 21.

Stormy weather impacting the western and southern areas of Europe.

We have a low that's going to be moving on through, and so it's caused some problems back toward the west into places like Portugal, but more thunderstorms into Rome, rain into Madrid and Lisbon as we go through today on Tuesday.

Hope you have a good day wherever you are.

♫～　3-DAY FORECAST　～♫

00:27:36 話者 1

And that wraps it up for this hour. I'm Yuko Fukushima.

Thanks for joining us.

at 18:00 (JST), February 02

20260202180000_english_1.mp3

 00:00:10 話者 1/Yuko Fukushima

Glad to have you with us on NHA Newsline. I'm Yuko Fukushima.

RECORD-BREAKING SNOWFALL IN NORTHERN JAPAN

Snow is piling up to unusually high levels in parts of northern Japan, a record-breaking level in at least one area.

The situation is so intense, officials have called in the Ground Self-Defense Force.

In Aomori Prefecture, pile after pile.

The Japan Meteorological Agency says the snow has been falling in areas along the Sea of Japan.

As of 2 p.m. Monday, the city of Aomori has recorded an accumulation of about 1.7 meters.

That's two and a half times the usual amount for this time of year.

I've had to remove the snow from the roofs, but I don't know where to put all of it.

There have been casualties due to accidents during snow removal.

The prefecture has asked the GSDF to send personnel to the city to deal with record snowfall.

Officials want them to, among other things, help elderly residents in the city who live alone to remove snow from their roofs.

The snow is forecast to keep falling in areas on the Sea of Japan's side through Tuesday.

TOKYO POLICE SEARCH FOR PERPETRATORS OF RECENT ROBBERIES

Tokyo police are searching for people responsible for robberies that happened within hours of each other.

Authorities are also looking into possible connections with a robbery in Hong Kong that may have involved one of the same people attacked.

The first one happened Thursday night on a street in Taito Ward.

Police say three people assaulted a group of Japanese and Chinese with a pepper spray-like substance.

Assailants reportedly did not sound Japanese.

They made off with suitcases containing cash worth more than 2.6 million US dollars.

The second robbery happened early Friday morning, about two and a half hours later.

Police say four different people attacked a group of four.

It happened at a parking lot at Haneda Airport, specifically near a vehicle loaded with cash worth about 1.2 million dollars.

But police say the money was not stolen.

Authorities suspect that the perpetrators in both cases were following instructions from a single source and are still believed to be in the country.

Finally, in Hong Kong, another robbery later that day.

Tokyo police say the 51-year-old man who was robbed may have also been one of the people attacked at Haneda.

Hong Kong police say four people have been indicted on charges of conspiring to rob a Japanese man of nearly 330-thousand dollars.

Authorities say that three of them are Japanese and one Chinese.

SOURCES: VICTIM WAS ROBBED PREVIOUSLY

And we're getting more details about the robbery that happened at Haneda Airport.

One of the victims has told investigators that he had been robbed of foreign currency last year as well.

The man is a company president in his 30s.

He says cash worth about $610,000 had been stolen from a parked car in Chew Award last November.

He says he brings cash to Hong Kong nearly every day as part of his business.

He also says he had purchased gold from a dealer, sold it, and then planned to bring the cash to Hong Kong to exchange there.

Police suspect that information about the transport of a large amount of money may have been leaked.

JAPAN BEGINS OVER-THE-COUNTER SALES OF MORNING-AFTER PILLS

Japan has started allowing over-the-counter sales of an emergency contraceptive drug.

Morning-after pills had been previously sold by prescription only.

Sales of Norelevel began on Monday and the pills will be available at about 7,000 stores across the country.

The manufacturer's suggested retail price is 7,480 yen for about $48 including tax.

Nurlevel is said to be highly effective at preventing pregnancy if taken within 72 hours after unprotected intercourse. There is no age limit for purchasing the drug.

Those needing the pills are required to buy them in person.

They are also required to take the pills on the spot under the guidance of special trained pharmacists.

I want people to rely on us instead of suffering alone.

The side effects reportedly include uterine bleeding and headaches, but the World Health Organization says they are mild.

The exiled spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism, the Dalai Lama, has won a Grammy Award.

He received the honor in the category of Best Audiobook, Narration and Storytelling Recording.

The winners of the most prestigious honors in the US music industry were announced at a ceremony in Los Angeles on Sunday.

The winning audiobook is titled Meditations: The Reflections of His Holiness, the Dalai Lama.

The spiritual leader talks in English in the recording, accompanied by background music.

He discusses ten themes, including harmony and peace.

DALAI LAMA WINS GRAMMY FOR BEST AUDIO BOOK

The 14th Dalai Lama fled to India in 1959 after China suppressed an uprising in Tibet.

Speaking at his 90th birthday celebration last year, he said his successor will be chosen based on Tibetan tradition without any outside interference.

In a statement after his win, the Dalai Lama said he believes that peace, compassion, care for our environment and an understanding of the oneness of humanity are essential for everyone.

He said he is grateful the Grammy recognition would help spread that message.

China reacted sharply to the news.

A foreign ministry spokesperson said the Dalai Lama is a political exile who conducts anti-China activities under the guise of religion, adding that Beijing is firmly opposed to using the artistic award as a tool for anti-Chinese politics.

TRUMP SAYS US IN TALKS WITH CUBAN OFFICIALS TO 'MAKE A DEAL'

US President Donald Trump has been stepping up pressure on Cuba.

He says Washington is in talks with senior Cuban officials, and he believes the two sides are going to make a deal.

00:06:45 話者 2

Well, Cuba's a failing nation. It has been for a long time.

But now it doesn't have Venezuela to prop it up.

So we're talking to the people from Cuba, the highest people in Cuba.

We'll see what happens.

00:06:57 話者 1

He has not said what kind of deal he is pursuing, but the Wall Street Journal reports the US

president is seeking regime change by the end of the year.

Trump added that he also wants people who have fled to the US to be able to return to Cuba.

On Thursday, Trump said that Havana constitutes an unusual and extraordinary threat to US security, and he signed an executive order to impose tariffs on countries that supply oil to the Caribbean nation.

Concerns are growing from a humanitarian perspective that Cuba's living conditions could deteriorate due to energy shortages.

BUSINESS

And now let's go to Ramin Mellegard for the latest in business.

00:07:41 話者 3/Ramin Mellegard

Thank you very much indeed.

DAIHATSU ROLLS OUT MINI ELECTRIC COMMERCIAL VEHICLES IN JAPAN

Now, Japan's Daihatsu Motor has begun selling mini electric commercial vehicles in the country as its first mass-produced EVs.

Now, the automaker is aiming to capitalize on demand from companies that promote decarbonization.

Daihatsu President Inouye Masahiro announced their nationwide launch on Monday.

Commercial vehicles account for about half of the automaker's domestic sales.

We believe rolling out mini electric vehicles for commercial.

00:08:14 話者 4

Use is the best way that we can contribute to carbon neutrality.

00:08:21 話者 3

The new e-hijet cargo and e-at tray were jointly developed with Toyota Motor and Suzuki Motor.

Both are intended for use such as delivery services.

Japanese auto industry groups say about 60,000 EVs were sold in the country last year.

That amounts to just 1.6% of the total unit sales.

Honda Motor and Mitsubishi Motors have also put commercial EVs on the market.

The question now is what impact they will have on overall EV sales in Japan.

And the price of gold in Japan has plunged from a record high set last week.

Demand waned as investors shifted to dollar buying.

RETAIL GOLD PRICE IN JAPAN PLUNGES FROM RECORD HIGH

Tokyo-based bullion dealer Tanaka Precious Metal Technologies said the retail price of gold was just over 26,000 yen, or about $168 per gram, on Monday afternoon.

That's down almost 14% from the record of 30,248 yen set last Thursday.

The precious metal had been bought as a safe haven.

asset amid friction between the United States, Europe over Greenland and rising tensions over Iran.

But the tide shifted after US President Donald Trump nominated Kevin Warsh as the Federal Reserve's next chair late last week. That triggered dollar buying.

As investors took the view, it is increasingly uncertain that the Fed would proceed with the rate cuts as Trump has demanded.

BOJ OFFICIALS CITE IMPORTANCE OF TIMING IN RATE DECISIONS

The Bank of Japan's summary of opinions from its January meeting show policymakers said the bank shouldn't miss the appropriate timing for raising interest rates.

The central bank kept rates unchanged last month, citing the need to monitor the effects of the increase it decided in December.

The summary shows that officials are wary of how the weaker yen will influence inflation,

One official said a rate hike should proceed without missing the appropriate timing, given the rise in prices.

Another called it appropriate for the bank to raise the policy rate at intervals of a few months.

Now, policymakers also discussed the recent sharp rise in long-term interest rates.

One of them said exceptional circumstances warrant flexible responses, including purchases of government bonds by the central bank.

Another said the BOJ should continue to examine whether lenders and borrowers have been able to adapt to the rapid pace of increases in long-term rates.

The Finance Minister says seventy-five percent of Japan's companies are using artificial intelligence in business operations.

The figure is a near seven-fold increase from 11% about five years ago.

The ministry says it ran the survey from December to January and more than 1,100 firms responded.

SURVEY: 75% OF JAPANESE COMPANIES USE AI FOR BUSINESS

The use of AI rose to 89% from 19% at large companies.

Among mid-sized businesses, it jumped to 66% from 8%.

AI use at smaller companies also saw a surge to 65% from 4%.

The survey shows that technology is mostly used to draft documents, followed by collecting information and technical support and development.

On the benefits of AI, respondents said online chatbots sharply reduce the need to respond to phone calls.

One company expects to cut about 60,000 work hours a year by using AI to create meeting minutes and summarize emails.

A retail business in the survey says sales roughly quadrupled thanks to AI's product analysis.

Other companies were using the technology for training by having the algorithm learn the skills of veteran workers.

On the downside, some companies say they lack the employees or expertise to use AI.

Others were concerned about the risk of information leaks.

ANA PLANS 30% INCREASE IN INTERNATIONAL PASSENGER FLIGHTS

Major Japanese airline operator ANA Holdings is planning a 30% increase in international passenger services by fiscal 2030 amid a surge in global demand.

ANA announced its medium-term corporate strategy for the three years from April on Friday.

The carrier says it will boost the number of flights between Narita Airport near Tokyo and cities in North America and Asia.

The move comes as the extension of one of Narita's two runways and the addition of a third one are scheduled for completion by the end of March 2029.

ANA says it will also expand routes served by its low-cost carrier subsidiary, mainly to and from the Kansai International Airport in western Japan.

Now, meanwhile, the company will trim its domestic passenger operations by 1 percent by fiscal 2030.

It cited Japan's dwindling population and an uncertain outlook for the

recovery and corporate demand.

ANA says it will focus on improving profitability by using smaller aircraft and collaborating with rival carrier Japan Airlines on ground handling roles.

MARKETS

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

♪

And that is it for business news.

DEBATE OVER CONSUMPTION TAX FUELS CONCERNS FOR FISCAL HEALTH

00:14:08 話者 1

Now the next in our series on the key issues facing voters ahead of the lower house election on Sunday.

Today we focus on the consumption tax.

Most of the parties are calling for the tax to be lowered or abolished to meet voter demands to do something about rising prices.

But the tax provides much of the revenue for Japan's social security programs.

Experts are divided over the potential impact of the tax cuts.

00:14:35 話者 5

The consumption tax was introduced in 1989 at 3%.

It has been increased three times since then.

It's now at 10% for most items. For food, it is 8%.

Many consumers see it as the burden and wonder what can be done about it.

00:14:54 話者 1

It would be good if the tax on food were reduced to zero.

00:15:00 話者 2

I think the consumption tax is necessary.

It would be unrealistic to suddenly bring the rate to zero.

00:15:08 話者 5

So what impact would lowering the tax have on the economy?

Former Bank of Japan policymaker Harada Yutaka says it would actually stimulate consumption.

00:15:20 話者 4

If the tax is reduced from eight to zero, that would slash revenue by 5 trillion yen.

The effects of a tax cut are estimated to be worth around 60% of the amount of the reduction, so I think the cut would probably lift consumption by around 3 trillion yen.

00:15:36 話者 5

Others doubt a tax cut would do much to ease the pain of rising prices.

Morita Chotaro at All Nippon Asset Management is among them.

00:15:46 話者 6

As this would be the first ever consumption tax cut, I would say it could lift sentiment significantly, causing a pickup in inflation.

In that case, a tax cut would run counter to efforts to address higher prices.

00:16:05 話者 5

There's also the question of how to make up for the lost revenue.

Given Japan's aging society, the tax has been an important source of funding for social security programs.

The finance ministry estimates that if the 8% consumption tax on daily necessities, such as food, is reduced to zero, revenue would fall by around 5 trillion yen, or more than $30 billion.

An across-the-board cut to 5% would lead to a shortfall of nearly $100 billion.

That's raising worries about the country's fiscal health.

Heavy selling in the government bond market last month caused the yield on the benchmark 10-year to hit its highest in 27 years.

One major concern is Japan's huge debt.

The debt-to-GDP ratio stands at around 230 percent, the highest among G7 nations.

Does the government have the fiscal room to cope with lower tax revenue?

Experts are divided.

Ex-BOJ policymaker Harada says a 5 trillion yen shortfall would not be a big deal.

He points to encouraging signs in Japan's GDP growth.

A growing economy means the debt becomes relatively smaller.

Increased tax revenue leads to greater fiscal resources.

00:17:32 話者 4

Japan is experiencing a natural increase in tax revenue and nominal GDP growth.

Aiming for 3% growth backed by monetary and fiscal policies could yield additional fiscal resources of around 10 trillion yen or $65 billion per year.

00:17:49 話者 5

Morita, on the other hand, warns of the long-term consequences for the nation's fiscal health.

00:17:56 話者 6

Considering past examples,

It would not be easy to raise a tax that had previously been cut.

Social security expenditures are expected to rise by about 1 trillion yen or $6.5 billion every year.

So it would surely be tough to compile state budget plans over the long run.

00:18:17 話者 5

The risks are complex.

Excessive fiscal spending could trigger a bond market sell-off.

That would lead to higher interest rates with an impact on people's lives.

Reducing or eliminating the consumption tax inevitably raises the question of whether fiscal discipline will hold up.

00:18:39 話者 1

While most parties agree it's time to change the consumption tax, they have differing views on exactly what changes to make. Here are their campaign pledges.

00:18:51 話者 7

The Liberal Democratic Party says it will speed up efforts to exempt food products from the consumption tax for exactly two years.

The Centrist Reform Alliance says it will permanently lower the tax to zero on food items beginning this fall.

The Japan Innovation Party will reduce the tax to zero on food for two years.

The Democratic Party for the People says it will reduce the consumption tax rate to 5 percent across the board until Japan begins to see a sustainable rise in real wages.

The Japanese Communist Party aims to abolish the consumption tax, but will first reduce it to 5 percent across all products.

Reiwa Shinsengumi will abolish the consumption tax immediately.

Tax Cuts Japan Patriotic Alliance says it will carry out drastic revisions.

That includes scrapping the tax and dropping it to five percent.

Sanseito is calling for the total elimination of the tax in stages.

The Conservative Party of Japan will permanently reduce the tax rate to zero on food and alcohol.

The Social Democratic Party says it will reduce the tax rate to zero.

Team Mirai will keep the consumption tax rate as it is.

00:20:26 話者 1

Next time, we'll focus on foreign and defense policies.

NHK's senior commentator will break down key issues on the topic.

And our special coverage of the election starts just before 8 p.m. Sunday, Tokyo time.

Catch NHK World's Japan Decides for the latest results, deep dives, analysis and more.

LIGHTSHOW TRANSFORMS YOKOHAMA WATERFRONT

The waterfront area in Yokohama City near Tokyo is well known for its beautiful scenery.

A magical illumination event there in December adds to the ambience using cutting-edge technology. The producer shares his thoughts behind the light show.

00:21:23 話者 11/visitor

Beautiful. Lovely.

00:21:26 話者 8

Light and music resonate throughout the city's waterfront, turning the entire area into a glowing spectacle.

Now in its sixth year, the illumination event featured a record number of 46 participating sites.

From the giant Ferris wheel to the Yokohama Customs House, the event is supported by both the public and private sectors.

Yokohama attracts many day-trippers from Tokyo.

This event is designed to encourage visitors to also enjoy the city at night.

More than 75% of the electricity used for this dazzling show comes from renewable energy.

Used tempura oil collected from households and restaurants is recycled into biofuel to support decarbonization and sustainability.

Event producer Yamasaki Nashi hopes visitors will not only admire the night view, but also get a deeper feel for the city.

00:22:36 話者 4

Yokohama has a long history, and we feel a strong sense of respect for the place.

Its night scenery is remarkable, and our role is to bring out that charm.

00:22:48 話者 8

This international passenger terminal is where large cruise ships dock.

The rooftop plaza was designed to resemble a giant whale floating on the sea.

It's a great place for an interactive projection mapping show.

At the center, a 20-meter-long glowing whale swims gracefully.

00:23:17 話者 4

One interesting aspect of the terminal is that every single plank and shape is different, and projection mapping helps to bring out these unique features.

00:23:39 話者 8

At Yamashita Park, overlooking Yokohama Port, dozens of floral designs create a glowing garden along a 250-meter path.

Light projected onto the grass responds to people's movements.

People can interact and play with the luminous designs.

00:24:01 話者 4

These sensors are also used in technologies like autonomous driving.

They constantly scan the surroundings, allowing the lights at people's feet to react to their movements.

The beauty is completed only when people step into the light.

So when they're in there, we want to create an experience where they can communicate through light.

00:24:25 話者 8

Visitors can also feel a strong sense of connection with the whole city.

They can see the same lights and music on their smartphones.

I've never had an experience where I get to participate. It's fresh and fun.

00:24:43 話者 4

If people can think about how the city's history and culture or everyday life all come together in this event, I think they can enjoy it even more.

00:24:55 話者 8

Yamasaki is looking forward to seeing more people come to the city and interact with the light and sound.

WEATHER

00:25:05 話者 1

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

So, Jonathan, frigid cold and blustery snow hit the southeastern US this weekend.

What's the latest?

00:25:16 話者 9/Jonathan Oh

Hello. We had some very intense winter weather impacting the southeastern United States as it went through the weekend.

That's the second time in two weeks.

So for some folks who are dealing with the cold weather, it was their second time.

And some of them were dealing with, many of them were dealing with during a period of power outages. I want to show you some video.

We're starting in North Carolina where people are dealing with a bomb cyclone that battered the southeastern US Sunday.

It brought heavy snowfall and frigid cold.

The Weather Service in Wilmington, North Carolina, reported that the main airport received 15 centimeters of snow, which was its heaviest snowfall, in nearly 40 years.

Meanwhile, in Florida, yeah, that's an iguana on the ground, yes.

They were stunned by the intense cold and fell from trees, with the local weather office reporting that the temperature in Cooper City dropped to just 2 degrees Celsius.

I mean, just a little context, iguanas being cold-blooded animals.

The name might be ironic, but because of that, when the temperature drops so much, they're unable to move and then they start falling out of the trees because of that.

I mean, they will be okay, but we will still be dealing with some intense cold down for the southeastern United States.

Overnight lows, sometimes dropping to like minus 5 and feeling more like minus 10 degrees Celsius in some locations.

So it is dangerously cold during the overnight period.

We'll see the temperature starting to lift up as we go toward the midweek,

But look at some of the high temperatures coming up on Monday, minus 17 in Winnipeg, minus 2 in Chicago, minus 5 in Toronto.

So yeah, the chilly, frigid weather is definitely here as we start off the month of February.

So especially for those in the Southeast, they really need to find ways to find shelter if they're dealing with the power outages.

Meanwhile, we're talking about a little bit of a moderate type of pattern here.

High pressure in East Asia across China moving in.

Low trying to move across Japan, so some snow along the Sea of Japan side of the country.

But Tokyo topping off at 11 with partly cloudy skies as we go through Tuesday.

Hope you have a good day wherever you are.

♫～　3-DAY FORECAST　～♫

00:27:40 話者 1

That's the news for this hour. I'm Yuko Fukushima. Thanks for joining us.

at 18:00 (JST), February 01

20260201180000_english_1.mp3

 00:00:13 (Maria Sato)

Hello. Welcome back to NHK Newsline. I'm Maria Sato in Tokyo.

MORE THAN 200 DEAD IN MINE COLLAPSE IN DR CONGO

In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a rebel group says a mine collapse has killed more than 200 people.

Reuters news agency reported the dust toll, citing a spokesperson for the rebel group M23, which controls the site in Rubaiya in the country's east.

The mine produces the metallic ore coltan.

It's the source of tantalum, which is used in electronic parts for smartphones and other products.

The Associated Press says over 15 percent of the world's tantalum comes from mines in Rubaiya.

There were concerns before the collapse on Wednesday as tunnels are dug by hand and there are insufficient safety measures.

The UN points out that the mines are a funding source for M23's offensive.

The rebel group is backed by neighboring Rwanda and has repeatedly clashed with DRC government forces.

Prompted by a strong interest in critical minerals, the US-Trump administration has stepped in to mediate peace.

ISRAEL-HAMAS CONFLICT
GAZA DEATH TOLL OVER 500 FROM ISRAELI STRIKES SINCE OCT.

Authorities in the Gaza Strip say more than 500 people have died in Israeli attacks since the ceasefire began.

The truce between Israel and Hamas went into effect since October as the first phase of a peace plan.

Israel has carried out strikes intermittently, accusing Hamas of violating the agreement.

On Saturday, the Israeli military said it had struck a weapons storage facility and other Hamas targets across Gaza.

Palestinian media say 31 people were killed in northern and southern parts of the enclave when buildings and tents sheltering residents came under attack.

Health authorities in Gaza said on Saturday that the death toll since the start of the ceasefire had reached 509.

Hamas released a statement condemning Israel for a brutal crime and a flagrant violation of the ceasefire agreement.

The United States last month announced the transition to the second phase of the peace plan, which aims to move toward demilitarization and reconstruction.

EXPLOSIONS AT RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS IN IRAN, ATTACK DENIED

In Iran, a media outlet says an explosion at a residential building killed one person and injured 14. The blast occurred in the southern city of Bandar Abbas on Saturday.

The Tasnim News Agency quotes fire authorities as saying it was caused by a gas leak.

The news agency is linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and denies claims that a Navy commander was targeted.

It says the rumors are completely false and are part of psychological operations by anti-Iranian groups.

In a separate incident, there was a gas explosion at a residential building in the southwestern city of Ahvaz, which reportedly killed four people.

Large-scale anti-government protests have caused many casualties in Iran.

US President Donald Trump has been stepping up military pressure on the country to enter negotiations concerning its nuclear program.

TRUMP TARIFF
MEXICO PRESIDENT WARNS OF HUMANITARIAN CRISIS IN CUBA

Mexico's president is warning that US tariffs on countries supplying oil to Cuba could trigger a humanitarian crisis in the Caribbean nation.

Claudia Schoenbaum is instead calling for a diplomatic solution.

US President Trump signed an executive order on Thursday imposing additional tariffs on any country selling or supplying oil to Cuba.

As Mexico sends oil to Cuba as humanitarian aid, Trump's order prompted a swift reaction from Schoenbaum.

00:04:25 (Claudia Sheinbaum /Mexican President)

The application of tariffs on countries that supply oil to Cuba could trigger a far-reaching humanitarian crisis, directly affecting hospitals, food supplies, and other basic services for the Cuban people.

00:04:42 (Maria Sato)

The Mexican president said she would seek ways to show solidarity with Cuba while avoiding putting her country at risk.

NHK, RESEARCHERS MAKE POWER-GENERATING DISPLAY

Japanese researchers from NHK and two universities have developed an organic LED display that can also generate power from light.

They hope that it will allow smartphones to be charged during natural disasters.

Researchers from NHK Science and Technology Research Laboratories, Shiba University and Kyoto University announced their development in the British science journal Nature Communications.

They say the glass display has special semiconductor elements that emit red, green, or blue light, and it also converts surrounding light into electricity.

They say they succeeded making elements that alternate between creating light and generating power.

The team says similar devices are in development, but this is the first that can create blue light.

They say that this increases the efficiency of both functions, paving the way for low-power displays and other practical applications.

00:06:10 (Shimizu Takahisa /Researcher, NHK Science & Technology Research Lab.)

At disaster sites and other situations where devices cannot be charged, it's important to have devices that can charge themselves, so people can receive important information.

00:06:22 (Maria Sato)

The researcher adds that the team will continue working toward putting the development into practical use.

TASTY OYSTER FESTIVAL IN HIROSHIMA PREF.

A city in Hiroshima Prefecture, western Japan, has held a food festival to promote the deliciousness of its oysters.

Officials are hoping to dispel concerns about a massive die-off of farmed shellfish in the area.

Hatsukai-ichi city officials said about 50 to 90 percent of locally farmed oysters died, but the remaining ones grew up to be healthy.

A fisheries cooperative and other groups aimed to showcase the safety of the surviving farmed oysters in the settle inland sea.

The festival used about half the usual quantity of shellfish.

Vendors offered a variety of dishes, including fried oysters and rice porridge.

Many people began visiting the venue from early Sunday morning.

00:07:27 (visitor 1)

Everything tasted great.

00:07:30 (visitor 2)

We want people to know about the safety of our oysters to protect the brand.

♫

COLD SNAP CREATES HUGE ICICLES IN GORGE NEAR TOKYO

00:08:02 (Maria Sato)

Sightseers at a gorge in Saitama Prefecture, northwest of Tokyo, are enjoying a spectacular view of massive icicles along a mountainside.

Residents of Ogano Town pour mountain runoff water on Onouchi Gorge every winter to create large icicles.

A recent cold snap has helped the display grow into what looks like a giant wall of ice 250 meters long and 50 meters high.

On Saturday, visitors were seen taking pictures of the ice pillars from a nearby suspension bridge.

A man who visits every year says that this year's icicles look better than usual.

00:08:46 （visitor 1)

It makes me feel refreshed because the air is different.

00:08:51 (Maria Sato)

A woman says it's her first visit.

00:08:55 話(visitor 2)

It was freezing, but I was impressed by the beauty of the icicles.

00:09:01 (Maria Sato)

The wintry display is expected to remain visible until late February.

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.

at 18:00 (JST), January 31

20260131180000_english_1.mp3

 00:00:12 (Maria Sato)

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

ISRAEL-HAMAS CONFLICT
ISRAEL TO REOPEN RAFAH BORDER CROSSING ON SUNDAY

Israel says it will reopen a key crossing at the Gaza-Egypt border, but it's uncertain how much it will help people in the Gaza Strip who want to cross the border for medical treatment.

Israel says it will reopen the Rafah crossing in southern Gaza for pedestrians on Sunday in accordance with the US-led peace plan.

The announcement came after the body of the last remaining hostage was brought back to Israel on Monday.

Israeli media quoted an official as saying that only about 200 people per day will be allowed through the crossing.

But local health authorities say 20,000 patients are waiting for the Rafah reopening to get treatment elsewhere due to shortages of medical equipment and medicines in Gaza.

A patient in her 30s spoke to NHK's Gaza office group.

She lost her right hand and sustained severe leg injuries due to an Israeli strike.

00:01:19 (patient)

I want to secure my safety and have my life returned to normal.

I want to get an artificial hand and have my legs examined.

I'm not asking for anything special. I just want to get treated.

00:01:33 (Maria Sato)

She said she hopes to get a transit permit as soon as possible.

NGO CHIEF WARNS US CUTS ROBBING CHILDREN OF THEIR FUTURE

The head of an international aid group says foreign aid cuts by the United States are putting the future of millions of children in jeopardy.

Save the Children Chief Executive Officer Inger Ashing spoke to NHK in Tokyo on Friday.

Ashing said the organization has had to close six offices around the world while letting go of many workers as a result of the cuts.

She expressed a sense of crisis, saying the move is robbing children of their future.

00:02:13 (Inger Ashing / CEO, Save the Children International)

Most importantly, it meant that many millions of children worldwide didn't get the support that they needed when it comes to education, health and protection.

00:02:26 (Maria Sato)

On the situation in Ukraine, Ashing noted that more than 3,800 schools have been destroyed and forced to close since the Russian invasion began in February 2022.

She said many children have come to rely on online education, but even that opportunity has been taken away by Russia's persistent attacks on Ukraine's power infrastructure.

Ashing stressed the need for continuous support of children.

00:02:55 (Inger Ashing /CEO, Save the Children International)

They need a lot of psychosocial support. And we, the international community, NGOs, need to ensure that we continue to support with that.

IRANIAN FM: TEHRAN 'READY FOR NEGOTIATIONS'

00:03:08 (Maria Sato)

US President Donald Trump has been increasing pressure on Iran to enter negotiations over its nuclear program. His administration has deployed naval warships to the region.

Now, Iran's foreign minister says his country is ready for talks.

Abbas Arachi held a news conference in Istanbul.

He repeatedly said Iran is prepared to resume discussions.

00:03:36 (Abbas Araghchi /Iranian Foreign Minister)

We still have no plans to meet with the Americans.

As I said, we are ready for fair and equitable negotiations.

00:03:50 (Maria Sato)

US media have reported that officials in Washington are demanding a permanent end to all uranium enrichment.

Arachi says Iran's nuclear activities are peaceful in nature and that it has never pursued nuclear weapons.

He mentioned the airstrikes on nuclear facilities conducted by the US last June.

He says the situation would change significantly if another attack happened now.

Trump spoke to reporters about the naval deployment, describing it as a large armada.

He was asked about whether he will give the Iranians a deadline for reaching an agreement.

He replied that only they know, and added, I can say this, they do want to make a deal.

SIX PEOPLE ARRESTED IN HONG KONG IN CONNECTION WITH ROBBERY

Police in Hong Kong have arrested six people in connection with a robbery that took place in the territory on Friday.

The incident saw a backpack containing Japanese cash worth about $376,000 stolen from two Japanese nationals.

The robbery took place on a busy street in central Hong Kong.

Local police said on Saturday the arrested consists of three Japanese nationals and three individuals from mainland China and Hong Kong.

It turns out one of the arrested Japanese had called the police informing them that their money had been stolen.

The police said they have retrieved part of the missing money.

Police in Japan are looking into a possible link between the Hong Kong robbery and an attempted heist in a parking lot at Tokyo's Haneda Airport late Friday.

An assailant traveling in a vehicle unleashed a pepper-spray-like substance, then tried to steal a suitcase filled with more than one million dollars from a car.

Tokyo Metropolitan Police believe the man who was attacked at Haneda Airport was the same person who was assaulted in Hong Kong.

Earlier on Thursday, robbers in Tokyo's Taito Ward targeted a group of Chinese and Japanese nationals delivering a large sum of money.

The assailants managed to flee with about $2.7 million in cash.

Authorities believe the assailants in the two cases in Tokyo knew about the delivery of the large sums of money in advance.

They're trying to determine if the two incidents are connected.

CHINA'S FACTORY PMI FALLS BELOW 50 MARK

A key indicator of China's manufacturing activity has gone below the boom or bust line for the first time in two months.

Stagnant domestic demand is mainly blamed amid the prolonged slump in the country's real estate market.

The drop of the gauge came after it marked the first increase in nine months in December as the US partially lowered additional tariffs on China in November.

The purchasing managers index for January came in at 49.3.

That's down 0.8 points from the previous month.

Figures above 50 represent growth, while those below indicate contraction.

The gauge for large companies for January stood at 50.3, but mid-sized firms and small enterprises were below 50.

The Chinese government places top priority on the expansion of domestic demand.

Economists are waiting to see if the government can come up with effective measures for companies to improve their business sentiment.

TAIWAN'S GDP HITS 8.63% ON SOLID AI DEMAND

Taiwan says its economy grew more than 8 percent last year, its highest growth in 15 years.

The executive yuan, or cabinet, released the preliminary gross domestic product data on Friday.

The main factor was the sharp increase in exports of semiconductors and other products driven by the expanding use of artificial intelligence.

Total exports to the United States reached an all-time high, exceeding those to China.

Private consumption was also strong and contributed to steady growth.

The Cabinet's accounting and statistics specialist, Chang Hsinye, said semiconductor demand was stronger than expected and continues to grow.

Chang added that the United States has not imposed high tariff rates on Taiwan, and buy orders have been strong.

♫

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.

at 18:00 (JST), January 30

20260130180000_english_1.mp3

 00:00:10 話者 1/Kanako Sachno

Welcome back to NHK Newsline. I'm Kanako Sachno.

HEAVY SNOW BLANKETS PARTS OF JAPAN

People across Japan woke up Friday to another day of streets buried in snow, stalled traffic and warnings of worst to come.

A strong winter pressure pattern is bringing more than the usual levels of snow to many parts of the country.

Weather officials say the snowfall is intensifying in regions along the Sea of Japan coast.

It's a metre and a half deep in Aomori City and three metres in parts of Niigata Prefecture.

And the forecasters say the winter pressure pattern will gradually ease from the west, but that doesn't mean the snow will let up.

Niigata Prefecture can expect 70 centimetres in the 24 hours through Saturday morning.

Tohoku can expect 50 centimetres and the Hokuriku and Kinki regions could see 40.

Authorities are calling for caution. They're warning of traffic disruptions and frozen roads.

There could also be power outages caused by snow-laden power lines and a heightened risk of avalanches.

Japan Airlines has cancelled several flights due to the snow and more transport disruptions are possible.

There have been multiple reports of accidents while people are clearing snow.

Officials are advising people to use a safety rope, wear a helmet, do warm-up exercises, and work with others when removing snow.

For more on the impact of the snow in Japan, we turn to our meteorologist, Yumi Hirano.

Yumi, what's the latest?

00:01:40 話者 2/Yumi Hirano

Back-to-back winter storms brought record-breaking snowfall through the Sea of Japan coast.

Kayu in Aomori Prefecture got 470 centimeters of snow depth, setting a January record.

A combination of cold air and moisture over the Sea of Japan will bring more snow, especially to Tohoku and Hokuriku.

Up to 70 centimeters in Hokuriku, 50 in Tohoku, and 40 in Kinki is possible.

The snow is expected to ease on Saturday, but another round of cold air may arrive on Sunday, so snow might be heavier again from Sunday to Monday.

Dry weather will continue on the Pacific side, including Tokyo and Osaka, but from Hokkaido to Hokuriku, fallen snow and avalanches will be a major concern.

There is also a risk of flooding due to snow melt.

POLICE SEARCH FOR 3 MEN OVER TWO SIMILAR ATTACKS IN TOKYO

00:02:45 話者 1

Police are investigating a possible connection between 2 assaults that occurred in Tokyo overnight. They say sprayed substances were used in both attacks.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department said a group of three attackers used a product similar to pepper spray on five people Thursday night.

The attackers reportedly stole suitcases containing 420 million yen, or about $2.7 million.

Sources say the victims were loading the money into a car to be sent to Hong Kong.

Right after the incident, a man was hit by a car not far from the robbery scene.

He suffered a minor injury, and the car reportedly fled.

Later, police found a vehicle abandoned near the hit-and-run site.

Police suspect the three thieves hit the man while fleeing and then swapped vehicles.

Early Friday, police said a man in his 50s was assaulted near his vehicle in a parking lot at Haneda Airport. The man had about 190 million yen, or about $1.24 million in his vehicle.

He told police he was attacked with a pepper spray-like substance by three men in a white car. 

Police say the car quickly drove off. The victim's cash was not stolen in that incident.

JAPAN'S FOREIGN WORKFORCE SURPASSED 2.5 MIL. IN 2025

The number of foreign workers in Japan hit a record high last year. They now account for 4.1% of the country's workforce, highlighting a shortage of domestic labour.

The Health, Labour and Welfare Ministry says as of October last year, over 2.5 million foreign nationals were employed in Japan.

It says the year-on-year growth rate was about 12%, exceeding the 10% mark for a third straight year.

Among nationalities, Vietnam topped the list with over 600,000 workers in Japan.

China was second with over 430,000, followed by the Philippines with more than 260,000.

The data also shows which industries are relying on people from abroad to make up for acute shortages.

Health and welfare saw its number of foreign workers jump by about 26% from 2024.

That share rose by more than 17% in accommodation and food services, followed by construction, which rose over 16%.

The Labour Ministry says it wants to continue improving conditions for foreign workers to help them make the most of their talents.

VOTER UNEASE OVER RISING PRICES COULD SWAY ELECTION

Leading up to the lower house election on February 8, we'll have a series of reports on the key issues on voters' minds as they prepare to decide. Today, we focus on inflation.

Japan's consumer prices rose by more than 3% last year, putting many households under pressure.

The latest NHK opinion poll shows more than 40% of respondents say they'll consider what is being proposed to deal with high prices in the coming election.

We went out to hear what consumers had to say and what sort of relief there may be for them. NHK World's Moritani Hinako put together this report.

00:05:56 話者 3/Moritani Hinako

The prices of many items in this supermarket have been rising steadily over the past few years. The customers have taken note.

00:06:07 話者 13/customer 1

My children are into sports and our food expenses have gone up quite a lot.

Probably tens of thousands of yen a year.

00:06:17 話者 14/customer 2

I buy less food than I used to and less clothing as well.

00:06:25 話者 3

The supermarket's president, Akiba Hiromichi, told us about the challenges he faces.

00:06:33 話者 15/Akiba Hiromichi

Operating costs have increased in addition to purchase costs.

So sales prices are up significantly, to a level where we can no longer manage it.

The situation is indeed severe.

00:06:46 話者 3

Official data confirm what consumers know firsthand.

Japan's inflation rate has been above 2 percent for nearly four years.

On the other hand, real wages adjusted for inflation have been falling.

Paychecks are not keeping up. Household budgets are getting tighter.

One person feeling the squeeze is Endo Takashi.

The 62-year-old works at a human resources firm.

He has continued working there on contract beyond retirement age.

To save money, he cooks his meals at home and prepares boxed lunches for work.

Over the past couple of years, his total income has fallen.

He has been unable to save as much as he had hoped.

00:07:40 話者 4/Endo Takashi

My salary has barely gone up and prices have been rising for two or three years.

So my situation is really difficult.

I have to be careful to buy fewer items than before, spending around 3,000 yen, for instance, instead of 4,000 yen. Otherwise, there is no way I can make ends meet.

00:08:04 話者 3

Despite his circumstances, Endo says he wants to vote for a party with a balanced policy focused not only on cutting the consumption tax, but on longer-term fiscal health.

00:08:19 話者 4

Looking at the big picture, cutting the consumption tax would reduce my burden, and that would be nice.

But the savings would be gone in an instant, and I have to think about the future burden, which would be even greater.

00:08:32 話者 3

Kuga Naoko of NLI Research Institute acknowledges that the challenges facing non-regular workers, especially those living alone, are severe.

She suggests voters need to consider both near-term and forward-looking measures for the well-being of their households.

00:08:54 話者 23/Kuga Naoko

Policies should be planned with a medium- to long-term view, so they can result in sustainable wage growth, higher productivity, and a stronger economy.

The makeup of households is becoming more diverse, so a single policy does not work for everyone.

Instead, it would be better to introduce carefully tailored measures for the short, medium, and long term, as well as for different types of households.

00:09:18 話者 3

Analysts say the inflation rate is likely to temporarily ease this year, but the underlying trend of rising prices is set to continue.

How voters feel about that will play a significant role in the election.

00:09:36 話者 1

Next time we'll focus on the debate surrounding the consumption tax, which most parties want to reduce or abolish. But what are the implications for the economy?

TRUMP THREATENS TARIFFS ON COUNTRIES THAT SUPPLY OIL TO CUBA

US President Donald Trump has ratcheted up pressure on Cuba.

He signed an executive order on Thursday to impose tariffs on countries that supply oil to the Caribbean nation.

The order declares that Cuba's policies and actions present a threat that constitutes a national emergency.

It cites Cuba's alignment with countries and groups hostile to the United States, naming Russia, China, Iran, Hamas, and Hezbollah.

The additional tariffs would be levied on US imports of goods from any country that directly or indirectly sells or supplies oil to Cuba.

The executive order does not name any specific country, but the Associated Press said it would put pressure on Mexico, which has provided oil to Cuba.

Venezuela also served as a key supplier before the US military mission to seize President Nicolas Maduro earlier this month.

Following that operation, Trump wrote on social media that there would be no more oil going to Cuba. He urged Havana to make a deal before it's too late, without specifying the nature of the deal.

US DEPLOYS WARSHIPS AS TRUMP DEMANDS NUCLEAR DEAL WITH IRAN

Ten US warships, including a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier, have reportedly been deployed in the Middle East as Washington demands that Iran enter into negotiations over its nuclear program.

The US sent the fleet, headed by the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln, to the area following deadly protests in Iran.

A person connected to the US Navy on Thursday told NHK the fleet includes 6 guided missile destroyers.

The source indicated that the vessels are deployed in the US Central Command's area of responsibility, which encompasses the Middle East.

US President Trump was asked by reporters whether he's had any conversations with Iran in the past few days.

He replied that he'd spoken recently with Tehran and was planning another conversation.

00:11:51 話者 5/Donald Trump

We have a lot of very big, very powerful ships sailing to Iran right now, and it would be great if we didn't have to use them. Well, I told them two things. 

Number one, no nuclear, and number two, stop killing protesters.

00:12:05 話者 1

He went on to say that Iran has to do something.

BUSINESS

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

Here's Gene Ortani from the BizDesk.

00:12:15 話者 7/Gene Otani

Kanako thanks in our top business story this hour.

TRUMP SAID TO ANNOUNCE FED CHAIR PICK ON FRIDAY MORNING

US President Donald Trump has indicated he plans to announce on Friday his choice to replace Jerome Powell as chair of the Federal Reserve.

Trump told reporters on Thursday that he would reveal his choice on Friday morning.

00:12:36 話者 6/Donald Trump

I'd rather say it tomorrow, but just an outstanding person and a person that won't be too surprising to people.

It's going to be somebody that is very respected, somebody that's known to everybody in the financial world.

00:12:52 話者 7

Bloomberg News reported the same day that the White House is preparing for Trump to nominate former Fed Governor Kevin Warsh as the next chair.

The US media outlet cited people familiar with the matter for the information.

It added that no final decision has been made.

Trump on Thursday took to criticizing Powell after the Fed left its benchmark interest rate unchanged the previous day.

The US central bank last left rates unchanged in July last year.

Since then, it has cut rates three times.

Trump called Powell a moron in a social media post and said the Fed has no reason to keep rates so high.

The post said Powell is costing America hundreds of billions of dollars a year in totally unnecessary and uncalled-for interest expense.

US LEAVES JAPAN ON CURRENCY MONITORING LIST

The US has kept Japan on a list to monitor the foreign exchange policies of its major trading partners, which includes currency manipulation.

Washington says Japan's large trade surplus with the US and its rising current account surplus are reasons for concern.

The Treasury Department released the semi-annual report on Thursday.

The US uses the list to monitor if trading partners use market intervention or other means to keep their currencies weak against the dollar to promote exports.

The latest report says the US Treasury is now also checking if policies are used to prevent a currency weakening. This comes amid the recent depreciation of the Japanese yen.

The report says the yen has been anchored near multi-decade lows due in large part to wide policy rate differentials between Japan and its major trading partners.

It adds that the yen is also being weakened by the prospects for more expansionary fiscal policies under a new Japanese government.

CONSUMER INFLATION IN TOKYO SLOWS TO 2% IN JANUARY

Consumer prices in Tokyo rose at a slower pace in January compared to the previous month. The abolition of a provisional gasoline tax helped bring down costs.

Preliminary figures from the Internal Affairs Ministry show the Consumer Price Index for the Capital's 23 rewards rose 2% from a year ago.

The reading is down 0.3 percentage points from December.

It excludes volatile figures for fresh foods.

Prices for non-perishable food items climbed 5.6% year-on-year, pushing the CPI higher.

The cost of rice roasts more slowly than a year ago, but it was still up 26 percent.

The price of coffee beans surged over 66 percent, while chocolate increased almost 25 percent.

Consumer prices in Tokyo are seen as a leading indicator of the nation's overall trend.

Japan's CPI will be released on February 20.

TEPCO SEES ¥641 BIL. NET LOSS IN FY2025 ON FUKUSHIMA CLEANUP

Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings forecasts a net loss in fiscal 2025 due to soaring costs related to decommissioning its Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant.

TEPCO expects a consolidated net loss of 641 billion yen, or about $4 billion, for the fiscal year ending in March.

Vice President Yamaguchi Hiroyuki announced the forecast on Thursday.

The company will book an extraordinary loss from costs related to the removal of radioactive fuel debris at the Fukushima plant.

The expected deficit is the fourth largest since the plant was disabled by an earthquake and tsunami in 2011.

Japan's government on Monday approved the company's restructuring plan.

This includes slashing costs by more than 3 trillion yen, or $19 billion, over the next 10 years.

Expanding ties with other firms to generate revenue is also part of the reorganization.

TEPCO recently restarted a reactor at its Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant, but it has since been shut down due to a malfunction.

The company had initially planned to resume commercial operations at the plant on February 26. TEPCO said the setback will force it to review that schedule.

The firm has said the Kashiwazaki plant is key to rebuilding its finances.

BIZ PICKS

Next, NHK World's John LaDue is here with BizPix.

00:17:59 話者 6/John LaDue

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

JAPAN'S FOOD AND FARM EXPORTS GAINING GROUND

This week, BizPix takes a deeper look at last year's export figures.

Japan's shipments of agricultural, forestry, and fishery products, along with food items, have been rising, and they could be just getting started.

There has been a growing demand for these items overseas.

Exports of products hit a record high in 2024, topping 1.5 trillion yen, or about $9.8 billion.

The latest numbers from 2025 show that the figure already surpassed 1.4 trillion yen through November.

Miwa Yasufumi is chief specialist at the Japan Research Institute.

He says the growth is part of a virtuous cycle created by an influx of visitors to Japan.

00:18:50 話者 5/Miwa Yasufumi

Inbound visitors touch, eat, and become fans of Japanese farm products, and then buy them back home. This starts a virtuous cycle.

For example, after visitors discovered the quality of Japanese tea, many businesses, restaurants, cafes, and individuals began importing varieties they liked.

The Japanese government has also been involved in a careful marketing effort.

Products are processed to fit the tastes of people in different countries and regions, and they're exported in a way that is easy to use in those places.

00:19:22 話者 6

The government has set a goal of boosting exports of food and farm products to 5 trillion yen, or about $32 billion, by 2030. So there is still a long way to go.

In terms of export destinations, the United States tops the list, followed by Hong Kong and China. Miwa says it's essential to cultivate new markets.

00:19:51 話者 5

The key is finding opportunities in countries and regions where import figures have been small. We need to aim directly at markets in the European Union.

The EU has strict rules on food and agricultural products.

But the export goal cannot be achieved without it. The government is expected to provide more support to farmers and food companies to deal with the strict EU standards.

00:20:19 話者 6

Miwa says opening new markets while growing smaller ones will boost sales and reduce risks. But this comes with the challenge of understanding local needs.

00:20:35 話者 5

Export destinations that need to be cultivated often lack partners who monitor local demands.

In the first half of 2026, firms will need to ship a variety of items, gather assessments from inbound visitors, and try to find hit products.

00:20:56 話者 6

Japan has made strides toward growing agriculture, forestry, and fishery exports as a pillar of its growth strategy.

The figures coming next week will show if the momentum has continued and point to what lies ahead for the industry. 

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

MARKETS

00:21:17 話者 7/Gene Otani

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

♪

That's it for business news.

AI ENSURES FRESH FOOD CONVENIENCE ON THE GO

00:21:50 話者 1

It seems no street in Japan is complete without a few vending machines.

With their convenient drinks and pre-packaged foods, healthy options often take a backseat.

One Japanese company, though, is offering a fresher alternative and is reducing food waste with the help of AI.

LEAFY LOGISTICS

00:22:09 話者 8

In this busy underground passageway in downtown Kyoto, you'll find a new type of vending machine. Rather than selling frozen foods, however, it sells fresh salads.

(Japanese)

It offers up to seven different types of salad.

Currently, the most popular variety is smoked salmon and cheese.

It features farm-fresh romaine lettuce and tomatoes with an anchovy dressing.

And each salad is large enough to be a meal by itself.

The vending machine is owned and operated by this startup.

Arai Nobuaki is in charge of the new project.

00:23:23 話者 6

Fresh salads can only last for about two days, so it's difficult to sell them all in that short of a period.

Products with short shelf lives and vending machines do not mix well, so I imagine even if other companies considered doing something similar,

It would be really hard for them to turn a profit.

00:23:41 話者 8

So what is this company's secret to making a profit?

Its vending machines are equipped with an AI system that automatically adjusts prices.

The system uses image recognition technology to identify the level of traffic as well as the age and gender of people passing by.

It then takes into consideration the time of day and the amount of inventory remaining and calculates the optimal pricing needed to boost sales.

As the Best Buy date approaches, and during times of low traffic, the machine automatically begins applying discounts of up to 20%.

Since implementing the AI system into its vending machines, the company has seen sales of its salads increase by 80%.

The move has also resulted in a 20% reduction in food waste.

The company's core business is a service that delivers fresh salads to offices.

They now have contracts with over 20,000 companies nationwide.

The vending machine concept was seen as a way to further grow its sales channels.

The company realized that it could leverage its existing office delivery network to drastically reduce distribution costs for the new business.

However, this didn't ensure a smooth start.

They initially tried selling smaller salads for 250 yen, just under $2, about the same price as similar offerings at convenience stores.

00:25:11 話者 6

We weren't selling any salads at all.

00:25:15 話者 8

Rather than competing directly with convenience stores, they decided to shift to a higher price segment and to try and capitalize on the emerging trend of specialty salad shops.

Despite a six-fold increase in price, at 1,480 yen per salad, sales exceeded expectations in the first year, surpassing 10,000 units.

The company says that the majority of its customers are women, and that its salads have proven to be popular among health-conscious individuals over the age of 40.

WEATHER

00:25:46 話者 1

Now it's time to check out world weather. Like Japan, parts of the US are also dealing with severe cold. Our meteorologist Yumi Hiranoi is back.

00:25:56 話者 12/Yumi Hiranoi

A persistent cold wave is dominating the eastern half of the United States.

Not only people but also animals are facing freezing conditions.

Florida animals are seeking warmth as temperatures are expected to drop across the state this coming weekend.

Zoos have set up large heaters and moved turtles to a warm room every night.

Manatees cannot survive in water temperatures below 20 degrees Celsius.

Hundreds of the marine mammals are gathering around warm water outflows from power plants across the Sunshine State.

Another round of cold air may arrive over the weekend.

Atlanta is likely to get snowfall, and a Sunday high in Miami will be only 13, which is over 10 degrees lower than average.

That's it for now. Stay safe.

00:27:36 話者 1

That wraps up this edition of NHK Newsline. I'm Kanako Sakuri in Tokyo.

Thanks very much for joining us.

checked.