- Learn from today's NHK World stories on Ukrainian culture, regional diplomacy, and challenges facing Japanese farmers.
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Thank you for joining us. From our studio here in Tokyo, this is NHK Newsline.
Breaking News
ABC News: Democrats Projected to Take Both Chambers
A blue wave has hit the US midterms.
ABC News is projecting the Democrats will secure both chambers of Congress.
It's a major blow for President Donald Trump and the Republicans.
Vote counting continues across the country Wednesday, though many races have been called. Here's where things stand as of 5 p.m., Japan time.
A third of the Senate's 100 seats were up for grabs.
ABC News projects the Democrats have secured 54th of them, clinching a majority.
As for the House, Projections from the Associated Press show Democrats securing 224 seats, surpassing the majority threshold.
The midterms were widely seen as a referendum on President Trump's administration.
The campaign focused on issues like the economy, foreign policy and immigration.
Going into the elections, the Republicans held the presidency, the Senate and the House.
The results are being seen as a major blow to Trump.
With Congress no longer in Republican control, he will likely have a tougher time pursuing his agenda.
In an interview with CBS, he congratulated the Democrats and suggested they work with him if they want to avoid being vetoed.
Former president and Democrat Barack Obama also weighed in on social media.
He said the American people sent a clear message.
He says voters want a politics that brings people together instead of dividing them.
Several tight races have gone for the Democrats. First, a political upset in Texas.
Projections suggest Democrat James Tallarico has taken that Senate seat.
00:02:13 話者 12/James Tallarico
We just took back Texas.
We just proved that all the money in the world is no match for the people of Texas.
We just showed that a politics of division is no match for a politics of love.
00:02:47 話者 1
It's a big loss for the Republicans in a state long considered their stronghold.
Texas hasn't elected a Democrat senator in 38 years.
Tallarico is a former middle school teacher and has been a state representative since 2018.
He's seen as a rising star in the Democratic Party.
He's made waves for emphasizing his Christian values, something voters tend to associate with Republicans and for his policies tackling inequality.
And in Ohio, Democrat Sherrod Brown is projected to return to the Senate.
Brown served three terms or 18 years as a senator.
00:03:31 話者 13/Sherrod Brown
This is your victory. Corporations, billionaires tried to buy this election.
I do not work for the utility companies. I do not work for data centers.
I do not work for Wall Street. I work for you. I work for Ohio.
00:04:01 話者 1
He was defeated by the Republicans in 2024, but is now returning to the upper chamber.
During the campaign, he pitched himself as a champion for the working and middle class.
He vowed to tackle issues like rising prices, energy costs and data centers.
The facilities are used to power artificial intelligence.
Brown argued that local residents should decide whether a data center is built near their homes. That stance likely helped him unseat the Republican incumbent.
And in Michigan, ABC News projects voters are sending Democrat Abdul El-Sayed to the Senate. He spoke ahead of the call.
00:04:48 話者 14/Abdul El-Sayed
Michigan, we did it! My name is Abdulrahman Mohamed El-Sayed.
They weren't just attacking me. They were targeting and attacking you.
They were targeting and attacking the very idea of America.
00:05:19 話者 1
US media say the politician who was born to Egyptian immigrant parents will be the country's first Muslim senator.
He is widely considered one of the party's more progressive candidates.
He has called for establishing a public health care system and for increased taxes on the rich.
Japanese Govt.: US Alliance Is Essential
And Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara Minoru referred to the US midterm elections at a news conference Wednesday morning.
He said the government must refrain from making comments on matters related to other countries' internal affairs, but he said the Japan-US alliance is the cornerstone of Japan's diplomacy and national security.
00:06:04 話者 25/Kihara Minoru
I think the strong alliance is essential for maximizing Japan's national interest and maintaining peace and stability in the international community.
Japan and the United States will continue to work closely together at all levels, including among their leaders and foreign ministers, to further strengthen the alliance.
ABC News: Democrats Projected to Take Both Chambers
00:06:28 話者 1
Now, let's see how the results are affecting financial markets in Japan.
Our business reporter Amma Raimu was at the Tokyo Stock Exchange to walk us through Wednesday's trading.
00:06:40 話者 6/Amma Raimu
Sellholders let the market lower from the opening bill that continued after reports came in that the Democratic Party was leading in both chambers of Congress.
Tokyo's benchmark Nikkei 225 fell 1.42 percent to end the day at 62,188.
It dropped 4.8 percent at one point.
Like the US markets, Tokyo stocks have been driven by AI and semiconductor shares.
Investors are selling them on concern that democratic control of Congress could lead to moves to curve massive investment in data center construction.
Market participants say President Trump's acceptance of the election results and his willingness to work with Democrats may help boost sentiment.
They say investors are now closely watching what policies Democrats will pursue after making gains in both chambers of Congress.
Particular attention is focused on AI-related issues.
In the foreign exchange market, the dollar is weakening.
Investors say a Democratic majority in Congress could restrain fiscal expansion linked to issues such as the Middle East.
That has pushed Treasury yields lower, prompting traders to sell the dollar and buy the yen.
The market participant also said the outcome of these elections could trigger changes in overall trading sentiment.
Amma Raimu, NHK World at the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
00:08:15 話者 1
And many are wondering what the results could mean for US foreign policy, and China is no exception. Earlier, I spoke with our correspondent Yoshida Mayu in Beijing.
How does China view these midterms?
00:08:37 話者 7/Yoshida Mayu
China is watching very closely because the outcome could affect the White House's foreign policy.
Right now, the relationship between Trump and President Xi Jinping is stable.
The two leaders met during a summit in Beijing in May and again in Washington in September.
They agreed to build the relationship going forward and even have two more meetings planned before the end of the year.
That's in line with how China wants things to go with the United States.
Beijing appears to see Trump as someone it can negotiate with.
But it understands that there's a lot of pressure from Congress to take a tougher stance on China, especially now that the Democrats are poised to take more control.
00:09:22 話者 1
Right. So what is China most concerned about in terms of what could change between the two countries?
00:09:33 話者 7
One major issue is how Trump might approach Taiwan.
So far this year, Washington has not approved any new arms sales to Taiwan.
Beijing likely sees this as a positive development.
However, lawmakers from both the Democratic and Republican parties have called for additional arms sales to go ahead.
Some Chinese experts say that while Trump has the final say on the issue, a stronger Democratic presence in Congress could influence him to give in to the pressure.
Other analysts point to a different possibility.
If pressure from Congress grows, Trump may decide to leave a foreign policy legacy during his second term. In that case, he may favor growing his relationship with China.
The two presidents are expected to convene on the sidelines of the APEC leaders meeting in Shenzhen later this month.
China is expected to use the meeting to reiterate its position on Taiwan and assess how Trump responds after the elections.
It will be especially important for them to gauge Trump's position on contentious issues like trade and artificial intelligence.
So Beijing will be keeping a close eye on whether the election pushes Washington away from stronger ties to China or keeps the two countries on a stable track.
00:10:58 話者 1
And we will keep bringing you more on the US midterms.
Please stay with us.
Refugee Creates Center to Share Ukrainian Culture
More than four years have passed since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began, forcing many refugees to flee to Japan.
In western Japan's Fukushima Prefecture, one Ukrainian woman has created a center to share her country's art and culture.
NHK World's Habuka Minano reports on what motivates her.
00:11:46 話者 8/Habuka Minano
Alona Chyzhenko came to Japan four years ago as a refugee.
Back in Ukraine, she organized art exhibitions.
In 2024, she built an abandoned building in the city of Mima and turned it into an art center.
Visitors can try their hand at making traditional Ukrainian dolls.
They can also see her photos of everyday life.
00:12:24 話者 9/Alona Chyzhenko
I consider myself a representative of Ukrainian culture.
I have a mission to share and promote an understanding of Ukrainian culture and art.
00:12:37 話者 8
She wanted to create the art center out of her deep love for her homeland.
But Russia's full-scale invasion changed everything.
Some of her fellow photographers joined the armed forces.
Chyzhenko herself narrowly survived fleeing as bombs fell.
Through the art center, she hopes to inspire Japanese people to take action for peace.
00:13:13 話者 9
Many people talk about peace, but sometimes I feel uneasy about the way they talk about it.
That's because it sometimes sounds as if peace will come just by wishing for everyone's happiness, without having to do anything at all.
But for me, peace is about action.
00:13:32 話者 8
Chyzhenko is supported by the family she's built in Japan.
Last year, her daughter Maya was born.
But running the art center comes with challenges, like attracting visitors and securing stable funding. Most visitors have been people she already knows.
To reach a wider audience, she promotes the center on social media and teaches herself business and marketing skills.
She's also trying to make connections with locals, and become more involved in the community. And she is committed to carrying on her work at the art center.
00:14:21 話者 9
I believe art is a form of communication. I want more people to learn about Ukraine's history and culture and to understand that Ukraine is more than just a war.
00:14:34 話者 8
Chyzhenko hopes to keep building her life in Japan while wishing for peace in her homeland.
Habuka Minano, NHK World.
Asian Cup Soccer Tournament Delayed till End-2027
00:14:48 話者 1
The Asian Football Confederation has delayed the Asian Cup soccer tournament by nearly a year.
The decision follows the worsening security situation in host nation Saudi Arabia amid the regional conflict.
The AFC announced on Tuesday that the tournament will run from December 23, 2027 through January 21, 2028. It was originally set for January to February.
The AFC says the rescheduling is in the interest of all participating teams, officials, spectators and other stakeholders.
Concerns have been growing over the possible impact from the ongoing conflict between Saudi Arabia and Yemen's Houthi rebels.
Regarding Japan's national team, head coach Moriyasu Hajime is set to step down after the event.
After Moriyasu leaves, national youth team coach Oiwa Go is due to serve as head coach of the senior squad from a training match in March next year.
but the tournament's delay may affect Moriyasu's term.
Japan's Farmers Face Higher Fertilizer Prices
Japan's biggest fertilizer supplier says it will raise prices for the upcoming farming season.
The National Federation of Agricultural Cooperative Associations says the increase is mostly due to higher natural gas costs related to the Middle East conflict.
The federation says the hikes are for the November to May period.
Prices for most nitrogen-based products made from natural gas will jump as much as 21.7 percent. Prices of phosphate products will also rise due to export controls by China.
Farmers will also pay more for potash.
As a result, prices for benchmark compound fertilizer containing the nutrients will climb more than 15 percent.
The federation says it will continue to monitor developments in the Middle East to ensure stable supply to Japan's farmers.
Sources: Mitsubishi UFJ Online Bank Won't Use ATM Cards
Sources say Japan's Mitsubishi USJ Financial Group has decided not to issue ATM cards for an online bank it's launching.
The company will instead offer a smartphone app to reduce costs and improve security.
MUFG plans to open the online bank as early as January and operate it as a separate unit.
The new system lets customers deposit and withdraw cash by scanning QR codes displayed on ATMs at certain convenience stores.
MUFG views the app-based authentication system as more secure than cards and PIN numbers.
Similar services are already spreading in Japan among online banks and regional lenders.
Beijing, Manila Agree to Maintain Dialogue
The foreign ministers of China and the Philippines have agreed to maintain dialogue during a telephone conversation.
The talks came amid deepening maritime disputes between the two countries in the South China Sea.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke with Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs Maria Theresa Lazaro on Tuesday.
Wang reportedly told Lazaro that some Filipino politicians have repeatedly attacked and slandered China.
Wang asserted that Manila should be cautious about the words it uses to describe maritime issues.
China's foreign ministry said the two nations agreed to maintain diplomatic dialogue, manage differences and stabilize the situation.
Lazzaro later said on social media that they'd had a frank and constructive discussion and agreed to continue diplomatic dialogue based on mutual respect.
The two countries have been at odds over territorial rights in the South China Sea.
In July, China Coast Guard personnel struck a Philippine service member with a wooden baton during a confrontation at sea.
The row deepened after China lashed out at Philippines Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro, accusing him of criticizing Beijing.
The talks between Wang and Lazaro came ahead of two international conferences later this month.
The Philippines will host a meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, followed by a gathering of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Forum in China.
Fermenting Miso's Modernization
Miso has drawn attention around the world for its health benefits and range of flavors.
Although Japan's miso exports are at an all-time high, domestic consumption has declined for the past 50 years.
A Japanese startup is collaborating on a host of ideas to create new ways to savor this time-honored staple.
New Twists on Fermented Flavors
00:20:11 話者 10
This is a 125-year-old miso brewery in Kyushu.
Here, craftsmen still make it the traditional way, using wooden barrels.
However, local breweries have long faced a challenging business landscape and their numbers have dropped significantly.
00:20:38 話者 35/Hideshima Kensuke/CEO, Maruhide Soy Sauce
People are now rediscovering the benefits of miso as a health food.
So I feel it has become relatively well received among young mothers and people who are conscious about what they eat.
00:20:54 話者 10
Starting this year, the brewery is collaborating with a food startup run by Saito Yuto.
Saito set up his new project inside a traditional inn located nearby.
A savory miso drink served in a paper cup designed to be enjoyed on the go.
The only other ingredient is traditional dashi stock.
Customers can choose from two flavors.
A white miso that offers a gentle spread of sweetness and a brown rice miso characterized by its deep earthy flavor.
00:21:53 話者 31
I usually only have miso with my meals, so being able to enjoy it outside like this offers a completely different experience, and I've found that I really enjoy it.
00:22:04 話者 10
Saito is also incorporating miso into sweets as an entirely new way to enjoy it.
He teamed up with a French patisserie to create miso macaron.
cream filling blends white miso with a hint of lemon, resulting in a confection where umami and citrus zest intertwine.
00:22:29 話者 36/Saito Yuto/CEO, Misovation
We're adapting miso in a way that matches the modern lifestyles of today's consumers.
00:22:36 話者 10
Saito is also coming up with new food products that he thinks will appeal to younger, more health-conscious consumers, like this frozen miso stew that provides a complete meal in a single pouch.
In addition to its rich miso flavor, it's packed with 31 essential nutrients.
Full of hearty ingredients like meatballs, tofu, and eggplant, one serving contains just 200 calories.
The company has partnered with 40 breweries across Japan and features a new type of miso every month.
The majority of its sales currently are made through e-commerce sites.
The company is also using customer feedback to adjust its recipes and keep people coming back for more.
00:23:31 話者 32
It doesn't taste anything like typical frozen food.
I find it to be both tasty and filling, so I think it's perfect for a convenient full meal.
00:23:45 話者 36
I want to help stop the decline of Japan's traditional food makers. I hope to ensure that these small-scale artisanal products are preserved far into the future.
♪
World Weather
00:24:31 話者 1
Now a check on the world weather. Storm In-fa may have impact on some parts of Japan.
Our meteorologist Yuumi Hirano has the details.
00:24:42 話者 12
Storm In-fa is now moving near Japan's Ogasawara islands, bringing high waves.
The system is likely to track northward between the Ogasawara and Izu islands, far from the Kanto region. but the moisture from the storm will bring downpours.
Up to 130mm of rain is possible in southern Kanto and up to 180mm in the Izu Islands by Thursday. There is a risk of floods and landslides.
The downpours could also affect the morning commute across the Kanto region.
For the west, another storm is moving over parts of China into the Korean Peninsula and western Japan. Isolated thunder showers and strong winds are expected on Thursday.
Showers are also likely in Tokyo and Seoul, but dry weather may return to Shanghai.
The high in Lumbata will be minus 6, but people in Bangkok may continue to see warmer than usual conditions with a high of 34.
The temperature in Tokyo will be 18 on Thursday, but may jump to 26 on Friday.
Moving to the United States, an active cold front is sweeping across the Great Lakes region and the Mississippi Valley.
Thunder showers, isolated severe wind gusts and even tornadoes are possible along the system. Showers are also likely in Chicago and Atlanta.
Ahead of the system, strong southerly winds will bring warmer than usual conditions.
So the highs will be 22 in New York and 24 in Washington, which are warmer than usual and warmer as September.
That's all for now. Have a nice day.
♫～ 3-Day Forecast ～♫
00:27:41 話者 1
And that's all for this edition of NHK Newsline.
I'm Tashiro Kyoko. Thank you for watching and hope you'll join us again.
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NHK World
00:28:01 話者 99
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