Rainy season underway in Kanto-Koshin, Hokuriku regions
The Kyushu region of southwestern Japan is experiencing heavy downpours as the annual rainy season kicks in. Weather authorities are warning people of the risk of landslides and floods. Following Kyushu, the meteorological agency says the seasonal rain front has also come to the Kanto-Koshin and Hokuriku regions.Downpours hitting southwestern Japan, landslide alerts issued
The meteorological agency says that warm, moist air is moving toward a seasonal rain front located over northern Kyushu. That's making atmospheric conditions unstable throughout the western and eastern parts of Japan. Bands of heavy rain clouds may form over 5 prefectures, including Saga, through Tuesday evening. The agency says the rain front will likely remain stationary near the region through Wednesday.Officials say the risk of disasters could rise rapidly. A landslide warning was issued for Oita Prefecture. Weather officials are also calling on people to stay on alert for flooding in low-lying areas and swollen rivers, as well as lightning strikes, gusty winds and tornadoes.
Japan aims to reduce estimated deaths from megaquake by 80%
Japan's government will update its goals to reduce the death and destruction that could result from a mega-quake in the Nankai Trough off the Pacific coast.The goal set in 2014 called for reducing the death toll in a worst-case scenario by about 80% and reducing structural damage by about 50%. A new estimate released in March said 298,000 people could die and 2.35 million buildings could be destroyed. The number of deaths is somewhat lower than in the earlier estimate, while the number of buildings is about the same.
The government has been reviewing its plans based on the new estimate. Sources say the goals set in 2014 of reducing the worst case by 80% and 50% remain unchanged.
The goals should be attained over the next decade. The government will also aim to make homes more quake resistant. It will promote the installation of quake sensitive circuit Breakers. It will step up the building of embankments along shores and rivers. It will regularly confirm the progress on these measures, while taking into account the advice of experts. The preparation plan for a Nankai-Truff mega-quake is expected to receive official endorsement next month.
IAEA: N.Korea building nuclear-related facility
The head of the UN's nuclear watchdog says North Korea is expanding its nuclear-related facilities in Yongbyon. The site already houses a light water reactor.The International Atomic Energy Agency held its regular Board of Governors meeting Monday. Director-General Rafael Grossi took the opportunity to discuss the situation in North Korea. He said the reactor in the country's northwest appears to be in stable operation, but he says North Korea appears to be constructing a new building there. He said it suggests Pyongyang is pursuing further nuclear development. Grossi said they haven't seen significant changes at Punggye-ri, North Korea's nuclear test site. But he said it does seem prepared to support such a test.
He emphasized that North Korea's continued nuclear development clearly violates UN Security Council resolutions.
The country is not hiding its nuclear ambitions. In January, the ruling Workers Party newspaper Rodon Sinmoon reported that leader Kim Jong-un toward a nuclear production base and a nuclear weapons institute. He reportedly discussed the country's five-year defense plan, which is set to end this year. Kim also emphasized his intention to continue nuclear development.
California sues Trump administration over deployment of National Guard troops
People in Los Angeles have taken to the streets for the fourth day to protest US President Donald Trump's crackdown on immigration. US military officials say 700 Marines will be sent to the city after Trump dispatched the National Guard on Sunday.Thousands gathered in downtown areas, chanting and carrying signs. On Sunday, some of the protesters turned violent. They set self-driving taxis on fire, threw debris at police vehicles, and looted multiple stores.
ABC television says 58 people were arrested over the weekend and three police officers were injured.
Dial back time to Thursday. None of this needed to happen. Why did we need to have raids here? It was very clear that if raids happened here, that the community was going to respond in a very negative way.
California leaders are demanding that Trump withdraw the National Guard from Los Angeles. But Trump defended his move, calling it a great decision.
People that are causing the problem are professional agitators. They're insurrectionists. They're bad people. They should be in jail.
The US state of California says it sued Trump's administration on Monday for deploying National Guard troops to Los Angeles, claiming it is illegal. State officials said the Trump administration federalized the California National Guard without authorization from the governor and against the wishes of local law enforcement. California Governor Gavin Newsom said every governor should reject such outrageous overreach. He said the move is endangering the principle of democracy and called it a step toward authoritarianism.
Almost a quarter of respondents mentioned health reasons, such as difficulty conceiving. About one in five said they had concerns over the future, such as climate change and wars.
UNFPA Executive Director Natalia Khanem says the issue is lack of choice, and the answer lies in responding to what people say they need. She says that includes paid family leave, affordable fertility care, and supportive partners.
Financial worries main reason for not having ideal number of children: UN survey
The majority of people who do not have their ideal number of children say economic instability is the main reason. That's one of the findings in a UN report released Tuesday. The United Nations Population Fund surveyed about 14,000 people from 2023 to 2024 in 14 countries with low and high fertility rates. When asked about their ideal number of children, the most common answer was two in all countries. People were asked what factors led them to have fewer children than desired. Fifty-four percent cited economic uncertainty, such as job insecurity or housing limitations.Almost a quarter of respondents mentioned health reasons, such as difficulty conceiving. About one in five said they had concerns over the future, such as climate change and wars.
UNFPA Executive Director Natalia Khanem says the issue is lack of choice, and the answer lies in responding to what people say they need. She says that includes paid family leave, affordable fertility care, and supportive partners.
Japan is relying more on foreign workers
Now, Japan is relying more on foreign workers as it contends with an aging society and fewer babies being born.For the past six years, people with certain status have had more freedom to choose where they work, including whether to relocate to another city during their stay. But that's left some areas facing a labor shortage.
Overall, Japan's foreign workforce has hit record numbers for the past 12 years straight. Last year, it exceeded 2.3 million people. Over 200,000 people from abroad hold specified skilled worker status. The system was introduced in 2019 to address a lack of domestic employees in fields such as construction, nursing and elder care. Now, people with this status have been crucial for companies in Japan's more remote communities, which have seen younger populations shrink for some time. But now these areas are even seeing foreign workers depart from big cities, as we see in this nextreport.
At this airport in Hokkaido, there's a common sight at the arrivals gate, people coming from abroad to fill in the gaps in staffing at some of the nursing homes in the prefecture.
The aging population means it's an industry in demand. This care provider has hired dozens of foreign workers throughout the years to care for seniors. Right now, this facility employs 9 from Indonesia and Myanmar.
Recently, many caregivers have been leaving for jobs in the Tokyo metropolitan area after just one year at the Otaru facility. It's led to a challenging turnover rate of about 20 percent, frustrating for the home's operator.
Often, workers are attracted by social media ads, getting direct messages from recruiters when they express interest.
In this post, a caregiver from Indonesia lays out why they chose to relocate to Yokohama after receiving a message on Facebook. They cite the low wages and long winter in Hokkaido.
The head of a job agency in the northern prefecture says it's a common sentiment.
The aging population means it's an industry in demand. This care provider has hired dozens of foreign workers throughout the years to care for seniors. Right now, this facility employs 9 from Indonesia and Myanmar.
I want to work hard, save money and support my family back home.
The firm spends thousands of dollars per caregiver to train them on nursing and Japanese language skills. Managers expect them to stick around for at least five years as a return on their investment. Problem is, many do not.Recently, many caregivers have been leaving for jobs in the Tokyo metropolitan area after just one year at the Otaru facility. It's led to a challenging turnover rate of about 20 percent, frustrating for the home's operator.
We train our caregivers throughout the year so they can work here long-term.
And we resent that Tokyo-area nursing homes get all the workers they need without making that investment.
Often, workers are attracted by social media ads, getting direct messages from recruiters when they express interest.
In this post, a caregiver from Indonesia lays out why they chose to relocate to Yokohama after receiving a message on Facebook. They cite the low wages and long winter in Hokkaido.
The head of a job agency in the northern prefecture says it's a common sentiment.
When you compare the wages, there's a difference of 20,000 to 30,000 yen per month, and that's big. Workers think that if they were to take on the same set of tasks, they would prefer higher pay and milder weather.
He says it's too big of a problem for individual businesses to solve, but something should be done.
And for more, I earlier spoke with NHK World's Kurose Soichiro, who was at our studio in Sapporo and brought us the story.
Soichiro, how widespread are these labor shortages in Japan's less densely populated areas?
It's certainly not uncommon. I heard from other businesses in Hokkaido as well as the Tohoku region. These places are far from any big cities like Tokyo, where cost of living is low, but so are people's wages. Many foreign workers told me they need to earn more to send money to their families back home.
It's pushing some to look for better pay and better conditions elsewhere. That often means leaving the regions that need them most. It's worth noting that many saw this problem coming before the specified skilled worker systems began.
They predicted workers would flock to places like Tokyo, once given freedom to apply for jobs anywhere in Japan. Even so, an easy solution to this issue is not so clear.
It's pushing some to look for better pay and better conditions elsewhere. That often means leaving the regions that need them most. It's worth noting that many saw this problem coming before the specified skilled worker systems began.
They predicted workers would flock to places like Tokyo, once given freedom to apply for jobs anywhere in Japan. Even so, an easy solution to this issue is not so clear.
umm So what is being considered to convince foreign workers to stay in the regions that need them the most?
Well, the Japanese government has so far relied on the private sector to create incentives. But now it says it plans to tackle the issue with new measures expected to be announced later this year.
I expect that many include supporting housing and education costs, following the example that some local governments have already set.
But ultimately, foreign workers are living for the same reasons many young Japanese are.
It's hard to raise wages in these areas. The government also has to consider international competition.
Japan isn't the only nation that needs workers. So these measures have to make this region attractive over big cities and other countries as well.
Severe food shortages are occurring as Israel continues its military operation and restricts the entry of humanitarian aid into the enclave. The US-led Gaza Humanitarian Foundation began distributing food late last month, replacing a UN-backed support program.
The foundation says it has so far delivered more than 10 million meals.
I expect that many include supporting housing and education costs, following the example that some local governments have already set.
But ultimately, foreign workers are living for the same reasons many young Japanese are.
It's hard to raise wages in these areas. The government also has to consider international competition.
Japan isn't the only nation that needs workers. So these measures have to make this region attractive over big cities and other countries as well.
Gaza officials say over 130 killed in 2 weeks of US-led aid distribution efforts
Tuesday marks two weeks since a US-led organization launched food distribution efforts in the Gaza Strip. Gaza authorities say more than 130 people have been killed during this period.Severe food shortages are occurring as Israel continues its military operation and restricts the entry of humanitarian aid into the enclave. The US-led Gaza Humanitarian Foundation began distributing food late last month, replacing a UN-backed support program.
The foundation says it has so far delivered more than 10 million meals.
We're dying in Gaza. There wasn't one kilo of flour in my house, and here I am coming back and I don't have a kilo of flour.
People were reportedly killed and injured as Israeli forces opened fire on crowds around food distribution sites. Israel's military said it had fired warning shots at people who came close to its troops.
It also said Hamas is exaggerating the number of casualties. The United Nations has criticized the US-led group's program, saying it is forcing residents to travel to where food is delivered. The UN is calling on Israel to lift its restrictions on food delivery.
It also said Hamas is exaggerating the number of casualties. The United Nations has criticized the US-led group's program, saying it is forcing residents to travel to where food is delivered. The UN is calling on Israel to lift its restrictions on food delivery.
Boat carrying Greta Thunberg and human rights group arrives in southern Israel
And Israel says arrangements will be made for Swedish activist Greta Thunberg and a human rights group to return home.They've been heading to the Gaza Strip with aid by boat before being stopped by Israeli authorities.
The foreign ministry said Monday night the ship had docked in the country's south. It also said the passengers are being examined to ensure they are in good health. Turin Bara and other activists say they wanted to deliver food and medicine to the enclave. The human rights organization says it demands Israel release all of the volunteers and return the aid.
the world of business
Now let's see what's happening in the world of business. Here's Ramin Mellegard from the business. Ramin.
Thank you very much indeed.
Japan firms seek to ease China rare earth metals curbs
The Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China says it presented the proposals to the Commerce Ministry on May 28. China provides more than half the rare earth metals Japan needs for the production of motors, for EVs, and electronics. The proposals include speeding up screening processes and strengthening ties between China's central government and local authorities engaged in export operations.Now, the business group says the Chinese side indicated it would try to make business smoother and that exports of some products are beginning to get approval. Beijing announced blanket export controls on rare earth metals in April as part of its retaliation against US tariffs.
Now, a group representing Japanese businesses in China says it has made proposals to Beijing to ease restrictions on their exports of rare earth metals.
Japan to release more stockpiled rice
And Japan's agriculture minister says the government plans to release more stockpiled rice to rein in higher prices for the staple food.Koizumi Shinjiro said the government will sell another 200,000 tons harvested in 2020 and 2021 to retailers via no bid contracts. He said he expects rice from 2020 to be sold at around 1,700 yen or $12.00 for five kilograms.
I think it is an unwelcome fact that soaring prices are causing consumers to turn their backs on rice and that shop shelves are stacked with rice grown overseas. The government wants to send the message to the market once again that it will do everything it can.
Now, after the latest sale, the national stockpile will hold 100,000 tons.
Kojimi says this is sufficient for any disaster, citing the 40,000 tons needed in the Great East Japan earthquake and 90 tons in the Kumamoto earthquake. The most recent data from the Agriculture Ministry shows rice prices at supermarkets fell for the second straight week in late May. The average price of a 5 kilogram bag was 4,223 yen, or about $29.00 for the week through June 1st.
That's based on a survey of approximately 1,000 supermarkets nationwide. The price, which includes tax, was down 0.9% from the previous week. The survey didn't include rice released from national stockpiles and sold under a new no-bid contract system.
Kojimi says this is sufficient for any disaster, citing the 40,000 tons needed in the Great East Japan earthquake and 90 tons in the Kumamoto earthquake. The most recent data from the Agriculture Ministry shows rice prices at supermarkets fell for the second straight week in late May. The average price of a 5 kilogram bag was 4,223 yen, or about $29.00 for the week through June 1st.
That's based on a survey of approximately 1,000 supermarkets nationwide. The price, which includes tax, was down 0.9% from the previous week. The survey didn't include rice released from national stockpiles and sold under a new no-bid contract system.
Matcha tea maker from Kagoshima taps new markets in US
Now, Matcha Green Tea is extending its fan base beyond Japan. A manufacturer in the country's southwest is making an ambitious pitch for the locally produced beverage in the United States.The president of the tea company, Mori Hiroyuki, was in Washington last weekend.
He attended an event at the Japanese ambassador's residence. US government officials were among those lining up to sample a cocktail he offered. It was made from matcha powder and shochu, a Japanese spirit. One guest had high praise for both ingredients.
This is really good. It's like it's such an unusual taste and but with the tea and the the spirit, the Japanese spirit, it's it's really good.
I hope to raise the brand value of Kagoshima tea when demand for matcha green tea is surging.
The manufacturer is based in Kagoshima Prefecture, a production hub for unrefined tea. It overtook Shizuoka as the top producer last year, but prices for the Kagoshima variety have not risen as expected because it is not as widely known as brands from Shizuoka or Kyoto.
South Korea is making a strategic bet on its next cultural export
And South Korea is making a strategic bet on its next cultural export, and it's not pop music or TV shows. It's webtoons, a type of digital comic. The government is backing the industry to create jobs and boost the economy.The webtoon, a mix of web and cartoon, developed in South Korea. Unlike printed manga in Japan, webtoons scroll vertically, making them easier to follow on smartphones.
Recognizing the potential, the government funded the opening of a high school in Seoul in 2023 with a focus on webtoon classes. It has about 190 students in the first and second grades.
Recognizing the potential, the government funded the opening of a high school in Seoul in 2023 with a focus on webtoon classes. It has about 190 students in the first and second grades.
You have a story you want to tell. Try to summarize it with as little information as possible.
Class instructors include experienced comic artists and film directors.
I can draw a little, but I'm not good at creating stories. They help me a lot with that.
When students upload their work on social media, they have been contacted by artists and production companies. I think it's entirely possible for them to become professionals before graduating.
The number of applicants to the school has doubled since it opened, even though South Koreans tend to seek secure jobs in large companies or the civil service.
Han Yubin is a second-year student at the school. She originally planned to become a teacher, but when the school opened, she decided to follow her webtoon passion.
My parents opposed my decision, saying Manga is out of the question, but I worked hard to convince them that I wanted to make my dream come true at this school.
Webtoon companies are also trying to attract young staff by offering a better working environment. In the conventional manga industry in Japan, there is usually one central artist who may then hire assistants.
However, webtoon production companies have a clear division of labor. A director plans the work, and then specified members of the team handle rough drafts, line drawings, coloring, and other parts of the process to produce the final series.
The goal in South Korea is to establish the webtoon business as a stable, growing industry. And on that foundation, create the next chapter of the smartphone, one scroll at a time.
♪
And that is it for Business News.♪
check on the weather
And it is time for a check on the weather with our meteorologist Sayaka Mori. So Sayaka, we've been keeping an eye on the heavy rain taking place in western Japan.What's the latest on the situation?
Hello there. More and more parts of the country are entering the rainy season.
And the Kanto region, including Tokyo, has just joined in. We can see a belt of rain right here. This is a seasonal rain band. And this will generally move up towards the north for the next couple of months. And we are now looking at the heaviest rainfall across western Japan because ample warm air and a huge ample warm and wet air is moving in from the South that is bringing copious amounts of heavy rainfall for western Japan, mainly over the Kyushu region.
Over the past 48 hours, we've got more than 400 millimeters of rainfall in parts of a Kagoshima Prefecture. That's 70% of its average rainfall for the entire month of June, and even record-breaking heavy rain has fallen in Fukuoka Prefecture. The peak of heavy rain will likely continue into Friday, rather Wednesday morning at least. The land is very well saturated. Additional rain is definitely not good news. And then to the north we have another system right here.
This is a low pressure system with cold air aloft that will bring rough weather to northern Japan, especially Hokkaido.
Watch out for thunderstorms, hail as well as damaging winds on Wednesday. Now this is your extended forecast. So Tokyo is officially in the rainy season. You'll see one more day of rainy. And then the sun will come out on Thursday with a high of 30 degrees, and then the sun may appear once again on Friday.
Statistically, about 60% of days during the wet season are rainy in Tokyo, so take advantage of the blue skies. Sunny weather is pretty precious. And across Kagoshima, where heavy rain has been pounding, you'll see the peak of heavy rain continuing into Wednesday morning, and then lighter rainfall on Thursday and Friday, and then heavy rain should return during the weekend. And Naha, you're out of the rainy season. In fact, Naha only had 17 days of rainy weather.
That's about one month shorter than usual. That's it for me. Stay safe.
And the Kanto region, including Tokyo, has just joined in. We can see a belt of rain right here. This is a seasonal rain band. And this will generally move up towards the north for the next couple of months. And we are now looking at the heaviest rainfall across western Japan because ample warm air and a huge ample warm and wet air is moving in from the South that is bringing copious amounts of heavy rainfall for western Japan, mainly over the Kyushu region.
Over the past 48 hours, we've got more than 400 millimeters of rainfall in parts of a Kagoshima Prefecture. That's 70% of its average rainfall for the entire month of June, and even record-breaking heavy rain has fallen in Fukuoka Prefecture. The peak of heavy rain will likely continue into Friday, rather Wednesday morning at least. The land is very well saturated. Additional rain is definitely not good news. And then to the north we have another system right here.
This is a low pressure system with cold air aloft that will bring rough weather to northern Japan, especially Hokkaido.
Watch out for thunderstorms, hail as well as damaging winds on Wednesday. Now this is your extended forecast. So Tokyo is officially in the rainy season. You'll see one more day of rainy. And then the sun will come out on Thursday with a high of 30 degrees, and then the sun may appear once again on Friday.
Statistically, about 60% of days during the wet season are rainy in Tokyo, so take advantage of the blue skies. Sunny weather is pretty precious. And across Kagoshima, where heavy rain has been pounding, you'll see the peak of heavy rain continuing into Wednesday morning, and then lighter rainfall on Thursday and Friday, and then heavy rain should return during the weekend. And Naha, you're out of the rainy season. In fact, Naha only had 17 days of rainy weather.
That's about one month shorter than usual. That's it for me. Stay safe.
♫～
And that is all for this edition of NHK Newsline. I'm Yamamoto Miki in Tokyo. Thank you for staying with us on NHK World Japan.
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