BREAKING NEWS
THAI COURT SUSPENDS PM PAETONGTARN FROM DUTY
We start with news just in. Thailand's Constitutional Court suspended Prime Minister Pei Thong Than Sinawat from duty on Tuesday as it proceeds with a petition demanding her resignation over a leaked phone call. The court said it has accepted a petition from 36 senators accusing Pei Tong Tan of violating ethical standards stipulated in the Constitution over the call. Her premiership is suspended pending the final ruling, and a deputy prime minister is expected to step in as caretaker.Pei Tong Tan has been facing backlash after her phone conversation with Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen was leaked. During their talk about border disputes, she seemed to disparage a Thai army commander. The court order adds to political turmoil over the government's handling of the border issues with Cambodia and the phone call.
Thousands of protesters gathered over the weekend demanding that Phetong Than step down. The latest survey shows that fewer than 10 percent of respondents thought she was suitable as a leader.
TRUMP TARIFFS
JAPAN'S TOP NEGOTIATOR: WON'T SACRIFICE FARMING INDUSTRY
A Japan's top trade negotiator has stressed his country will protect its farmers in trade talks with the US. Akasa Adiose made the comments after US President Donald Trump lashed out at Japan's rice policy.We won't negotiate at the expense of the farming industry. We'll continue the talks to sign an agreement that will benefit both sides while protecting our national interests.
Trump wrote on social media on Monday, Japan won't take our rice. He also said he may send the country a letter about the issue. Japan imports tariff-free rice under a minimum access system. It's recently imported over 340,000 tons of American rice per year under the framework. A White House official has suggested if Japan's rice policy doesn't change, it will receive less priority ahead of the July 9 deadline for tariff negotiations. NHK asked the official if Trump's post signals the US is cutting off further trade talks with Japan. The official replied the administration will be focusing on other trading partners ahead of July 9. Trump has also expressed frustration with Japan's automobile trade. In a Fox News interview on Sunday, he complained that Japan is importing few American vehicles.It's not fair. And I explained that to Japan, and they understand it. And we have a big deficit with Japan, and they understand that too.
Trump suggested he could send a letter to notify Tokyo it will pay an additional 25% tariff on autos. Japan's top government spokesperson says officials will work together to get the most benefits for the country.
MOUNT FUJI CLIMBING SEASON OPENS WITH NEW RESTRICTIONS
The climbing season for Japan's highest peak, Mount Fuji, officially began on Tuesday. New rules have been introduced this year to deal with problems caused by its popularity. The first climbers started their trek from the Yamanashi Prefecture side of the volcano after paying a climbing fee. They had to show a QR code confirming their reservation at the entrance gate to the trail to the summit. In the past, overcrowding, bad manners, and people attempting to reach the summit in all-night bullet climbs have caused problems. Yamanashi authorities responded by installing a gate at the trailhead. This year, they introduced a daily limit of 4,000 climbers who have to pay a fee of 4,000 yen, or about $28 each. The trail will also be closed from 2:00 PM until 3:00 AM for those without mountain hut reservations.I think the fee is high. But the climb is worth it, so I don't mind paying.
It's a bit expensive for students.I think the restrictions are necessary to prevent people doing dangerous things such as bullet climbs.
For now, the only way up is from the Yamanashi side. The trails from Shizuoka Prefecture will open on July 10. The climbing season runs until September 10.JAPAN'S TOURISM BOOM HAS RIPPLE EFFECT ON LAND PRICES
The boom is having a ripple effect on Japan's average land prices, up for the fourth year in a row. Some people see opportunity, others fear a hefty tax bill.Well, Mount Fuji isn't the only place teeming with tourists. You'll also find them in Tokyo's swanky at shops and even at ski resorts in summer.
Land of the rising sun?More like land of the rising land prices. As of January 1, they're up on the previous year by an average of 2.7% across Japan. Tax agency officials made the announcement on Tuesday.
This mesa street in Tokyo's upmarket Ginza district boasts the nation's highest price for the 40th year in a row.
A single square meter would set you back 48 million yen, or about $330,000.
Tourism is playing a big part. Four out of the five locations with the biggest increases nationwide are popular with inbound visitors. The top spot goes to Hakuba Village, a skiing destination in Nagano Prefecture, where prices are up a whopping 32% year-on-year.
The air is fresh and the scenery is very beautiful. I'm happy to see the snow-capped mountain even at this time of year.
The tourism in Hakuba is no longer exclusively for the colder months. The operator of this resort has built a terrace offering stunning views of the northern Japanese Alps. There were 250,000 visitors last summer. That's 50,000 more than in winter. Some of the world's well-heeled want to cash in on Japan's tourism boom. Take this luxury hotel, which opened last December.
The rooms were first put up for sale. By May, all were sold. The developer says about 20% went to wealthy people from places such as Hong Kong and Taiwan.
They can now rent out their properties for a tidy profit.
The rooms were first put up for sale. By May, all were sold. The developer says about 20% went to wealthy people from places such as Hong Kong and Taiwan.
They can now rent out their properties for a tidy profit.
The occupancy rate in the winter exceeded 90%, an extremely good start, and tourist numbers during the green season are just as high as winter.
But not everyone's happy. They include local resident Fukushima Tetsu, who rents 6 cottages to tourists on 3,000 square meters of land in Hakuba Village.He eventually plans to pass on his business to younger family members. But he fears the higher land prices will mean higher inheritance tax.
The next generation, my sons and grandchildren, I don't know what I'll do if I have to pay in cash. It's very difficult to have enough savings.
But one expert says the trend isn't about to stop.Tourist numbers will likely continue increasing as part of the government's push to attract more foreigners. And in turn, demand for land on which to build hotels and commercial facilities is also expected to rise.
At the same time, Yoshida points to several risks that could hamper prices in the future. They include rising interest rates, Japan's chronic labor shortage, and the unpredictable policies of US President Donald Trump.REPORTS: TRUMP, NETANYAHU TO MEET NEXT MONDAY
Multiple news outlets say the US president and Israel's prime minister will meet at the White House next week. People are waiting to see whether there will be any progress in talks over a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.Axios and other outlets quote Israeli and US officials are saying the meeting with Benyami Netanyahu is set for Monday.
White House Press Secretary Caroline Levitt earlier told reporters that a meeting between the two was being arranged. She also said Israel's strategic affairs minister will hold talks with senior Trump administration officials this week. Israeli forces are continuing to attack the Gaza Strip. On Monday, they struck the northern part of Gaza after issuing fresh evacuation orders to residents in the area. Trump has been pressuring both Israel and Hamas to agree to a ceasefire.
TRUMP ADMINISTRATION SUES LOS ANGELES OVER 'SANCTUARY CITY'
Well, the Trump administration has sued the city of Los Angeles. It claims the city's policy has hindered federal efforts to crack down on undocumented immigrants and contributed contributed to violence and chaos in the suit.Filed on Monday, the US Justice Department asked a federal court in California to rule the city's policies illegal and block their enforcement. Los Angeles enacted its so-called sanctuary city law after Trump's election last November. Trump had campaigned on a promise of mass deportation of illegal immigrants. LA's law bans the use of city resources, such as property and personnel, for federal enforcement of immigration policy. The US Justice Department claims the city policy contributed to the recent lawlessness, rioting, looting and vandalism by some protesters who turned violent following an immigration crackdown in June.
Trump tried to control the violence by deploying National Guard troops and the Marines. The leaders of California and Los Angeles both criticized the move, saying it only inflamed tensions. Both the state and city are led by Democrats.
TRUMP ADMIN. THREATENS TO CUT ALL HARVARD'S FUNDING
The Trump administration says an investigation into Harvard University has found that it failed to tackle discrimination against Jewish students.The administration is threatening to cut all federal funding from the Ivy League school if it fails to act. There had been cases reported on Jewish students being harassed during student rallies at Harvard to protest Israel's offensive in Gaza. The administration's Joint Task Force to Combat Anti-Semitism sent a letter at Harvard on Monday. It said the investigation concluded the university is in what it called violent violation of the Civil Rights Act. The letter said Harvard had been deliberately indifferent to and or a willful participant in anti-Semitic harassment of Jewish students, faculty and staff. The task force warned that the university faces the loss of all federal funding unless it makes adequate changes immediately. The administration has already frozen billions of dollars in grants and contracts to Harvard and revoked the school's ability to enroll foreign students. Trump has suggested in a social media post on June 20 that a deal with Harvard might be possible to resolve what he called its large-scale improprieties. Harvard said in a statement responding to the letter that it had taken what it called substantive, proactive steps to address anti-Semitism on campus.
WAR IN UKRAINE
PUTIN TOUTS REBUILDING IN SEIZED REGIONS
Russia's president is showcasing what he called rebuilding and developing efforts in four Ukrainian regions that Moscow claims to have annexed. Kiev says a seizure of those territories violates international law. Vladimir Putin spoke during a meeting on development in the areas. He claims a large number of roads have been fixed and thousands of buildings, including schools and hospitals, have been repaired or rebuilt.The Russian military has kept up its attacks on Ukraine, and Moscow has been pressuring Kiev to accept a memorandum on a peace treaty. The proposal demands that Ukraine completely withdraw its troops from the contested regions. But Ukraine has dismissed it, saying Russia is just repeating old demands.
business
Now let's get to the latest in business with Gene Otani.
Yuko, thanks.
TANKAN: MOOD IMPROVES SLIGHTLY AT JAPAN'S MAJOR MANUFACTURERS
In our top business story this hour. A closely watched survey on business sentiment in Japan shows a slight improvement among major manufacturers. That's the first increase in two quarters.The Bank of Japan's quarterly Tankan survey came out on Tuesday. It puts the index at plus 13 for the manufacturers. That reading was a point better than in the previous poll.
A positive number indicates that more companies are optimistic about recent business conditions than those feeling pessimistic. Sentiment in the iron and steel sector shows a 15-point improvement, yet remains in negative territory. Pulp and paper improved 11 points to plus 29. But the Trump administration's tariffs dampened the mood for border vehicles, processed metals and other export-related industries. Another part of the Tankan covers large non manufacturers.
Their sentiment continues to hover around the highest levels in about 34 years.
Record numbers of foreign tourists are a big factor. Still, the index is down a point in the latest survey. Looking three months ahead, confidence at large manufacturers. is expected to fall to plus 12. Non-manufacturers are predicted to worsen by 7 points to 27. The BOJ polled about 9,000 companies from late May through the end of June.
JAPAN SUPERMARKET RICE PRICES DROP TO 4-MONTH LOW
Government measures to bring down the cost of Japan's staple food appear to be bearing fruit. A nationwide survey shows the price of rice at supermarkets falling for a fifth straight week, hitting a four-month low.The Agriculture Ministry released results for the week through June 22nd. The average price of a 5 kilogram bag was 3801 yen, including tax, or about $26. That's down 3% from the previous week, but still about 70% higher from a year earlier. Ministry officials point to the widespread sale of cheaper grain released from national stockpiles. It's sold directly to retailers through no-bid contracts. The price of blended rice and other types fell 4 percent. There was almost no change in what shops are charging for brand varieties from a single region.
JAPAN EYES REFORM OF RICE POLICY TO EXPAND PRODUCTION
Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru says more needs to be done to ensure price stability in the rice market. He says that includes boosting production in a way that benefits both consumers and farmers. Ishiba convened a meeting of relevant ministers on Tuesday to discuss the government's efforts to achieve that goal. He said the measures are steadily producing results, noting that prices have come down to the government's target range. Going forward, Ishiba said ministers should ramp up efforts on long-term solutions.We aim to increase production starting from this year. We will change our rice policy to ensure stable supply for consumers and sufficient income for farmers so they can work without worrying.
Ishiba also vowed to find out what caused the price of rice to surge, he said. that will include a probe of the distribution system.JR EAST 'SUICA' TO GO BEYOND TOUCH PAYMENT
The introduction of East Japan Railway's touch payment system more than two decades ago seemed revolutionary at the time. A Suica card let riders navigate the company's vast rail network without buying a ticket. The head of Jr. East recently spoke about what may come next for the iconic commuter pass.President Kisei Yoichi says the rail operator has even been countering the perception that Suika's touch system is inconvenient.
Since its start in 2001, the Suika has not changed much in terms of convenience.It was very advanced then, but now some may see it as inconvenient. For example, if you're carrying heavy luggage or pushing a stroller, you must stop to take your cart out and touch the ticket gate.
Credit card companies, meanwhile, have been making a push into transportation payments. A total of 28 rail operators in Japan had compatible ticket gates by the end of March, a move accelerated by the influx of foreign tourists. The aim of the credit card firms is more than just offering convenience to their users. They want access to so-called mobility data, an area that had been a virtual monopoly for transport card providers. Kisa says Jr. East is investing management resources to maintain the edge that SWICA has gained with more than 110 million cards issued.
I believe that the information being collected from SWICA use is a valuable marketing resource. It's providing data on both where customers go and their shopping habits.To address the issue of user convenience, the company is developing contactless ticket gates. The system will use advanced communication technology to authenticate payments. Trials are to start in two years.
A walk-through gate would be very convenient. We could make this possible by exchanging communication signals from the gates. For rural areas, we could use GPS and satellite functions to achieve this, even if there are no turnstiles at the station.Another initiative is to integrate the SUICA platform into local community services.
The company is developing an app for each region that would let users do such things as receive online medical consultations or monitor the welfare of family members. The company set up a 160-person task forcefor the project in March. It aims to double the profits from SUICA in 10 years.
Making SUICA part of a lifestyle infrastructure, and not just a simple transportation or payment system, will be a pillar of our management strategy.
We will enhance SUICA's convenience at a rapid pace and provide services that our rivals cannot offer. We aim to win in this sector.
The company sees the next decade as transformational. It hopes SUICA's impact will be felt far beyond the rail network, and it will become an integral part of daily lives.
All right, let's have a look at the markets.
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And that's it for business news.
And that's it for business news.
DEVELOPING STORY
MAN DIES AFTER KNIFE ATTACK IN TOKYO'S IKEBUKURO DISTRICT
A man has been confirmed dead after being stabbed in Tokyo and a suspect is under arrest. The attack happened Tuesday inside of a high rise commercial building in the Ikebukuro district. Police say a law firm on the 31st floor of the Sunshine City complex called them shortly before noon, saying one of his employees had been attacked. A man was brought to a hospital after reportedly being stabbed in the neck and elsewhere several times with a knife. The suspect is around 50 years old. He turned himself in to the police. They say he told them that he does not remember stabbing someone. There are reports that the suspect used to be an employee of the law firm. Police are investigating what happened. Ikebukuro is a busy commercial district in Toshima Ward. Sunshine City is a popular business and leisure complex with offices, shops and an aquarium. NOTO PENINSULA EARTHQUAKE
POPULATION DECREASES 1.5 YEARS SINCE DISASTER
One and a half years since a powerful earthquake hit areas along the Sea of Japan coast, the region is facing a deepening population decline.Wajima, in central Japan's Noto Peninsula, was one of the hardest-hit communities. The death toll in Ishikawa, Toyama and Niigata prefectures has reached 616. It includes those who died later due to disaster-related causes. The number could rise as officials are still vetting applications from families seeking that classification for the deaths of their loved ones.
Amid the recovery efforts, a declining number of residents. Four cities and towns in northern Ishikawa's Okunoto region saw a 10.7% drop in the local population between the day the quake hit and the end of April.
Officials from the city of Suzu say about 1,900 people had been living in the Horyu-machi district. That dropped by 300 by the end of May.
There used to be many children walking around here.
A group of residents say some families with children are planning to move out due to the uncertain outlook for their futures. The group says many households have their residencies registered in the district, but live in other cities.
I'm sad and worried about whether our community can be reconstructed. As the recovery gradually progresses, I hope people who left think about coming back.
Officials are still struggling to bring liveliness back to local communities.JAPAN'S BELOVED SLEEPER TRAIN MAKES FINAL RUN
An overnight luxury express train has made its final run after it pulled into Tokyo's Ueno Station. The Cassiopeia is now retired from service due to age.Shortly before noon on Monday, the train departed Sendai Station in the northeastern prefecture of Miyagi. About 120 passengers were aboard. Railway enthusiasts also showed up to say farewell.
It's sad, but I did travel on it once, so I don't have regrets. I want to say thank you for its 26 years of service.
The double-decker Cassiopeia was a luxury sleeper express. It debuted in 1999, connecting Ueno Station to the city of Sapporo in the northern prefecture of Hokkaido. Regular service ended in 2016 due to the launch of the Hokkaido Shinkansen bullet train.East Japan Railway continued operating it, but only for tours, as the service remained very popular.
The final service arrived at Ueno Station at around 5:30 p.m.
He loves trains, so we started traveling on Sivas. We have lots of memories with the Cassiopeia. This trip marks our 20th wedding anniversary.
The operator is considering using the train cars for events and says that in July, visitors will be able to enjoy dining in the train at Ueno Station.
the weather
And it's time for a check on the weather with our meteorologist Jonathan. Oh, so Jonathan, the sunny, hot weather continues in Japan, but is there rain on the way?Hello. We are continuing to see sunshine and temperatures and 30s in many places across Japan. But we are looking at the possibility of seeing some showers as we go throughout the evening hours on Tuesday and also Wednesday as well because of the way the setup is placed.
Now, typically when we have a big blue H on the screen, you would say the weather's going to be at least clear or not so cloudy. But what's happening is, is picking up a lot of the unstable air from the South and putting it across the land and that helps the clouds to really bubble up. And that's where we see the chance for some rain and even some thunderstorm possibilities. So be on the lookout for that as you go through the overnight hours on Tuesday and throughout the day on Wednesday as well as we'll see that possibility of some showers. Popping up, especially for the eastern side of the country.
31 in Tokyo with that rain chance 29 in Sapporo. Osaka looking a high of 35 on Wednesday and so that's going to be a scorcher. You want to make sure that if you have to spend time outdoors, make sure you take it easy and try to take frequent breaks. Rain chances continue support the rest of the week and we'll see the clouds trying to linger a bit in Tokyo as we head toward Saturday.
Meanwhile, we've been watching a front that's moving across the plains states and moving over toward the northeastern part of the United States. And in the process, I want to show you some video that came out of South Dakota. It's a bit of a looker here as a big twister swiped through a town in eastern South Dakota Saturday, putting people on edge as that large funnel cloud tore through the community. The National Weather Service reported on its website that it received 7 reports of tornado sightings in the state on. On Saturday now, according to Reuters, this was a part of a line of severe storms that brought widespread damage during the weekend, and it's still a part of the story here as that cold front continues to push toward the east northeastern portions of the United States, looking out for some thunderstorm possibilities as we go throughout the day on Tuesday, highs topping off anywhere from 29 in New York to 33 on Tuesday in DC.
31 in Tokyo with that rain chance 29 in Sapporo. Osaka looking a high of 35 on Wednesday and so that's going to be a scorcher. You want to make sure that if you have to spend time outdoors, make sure you take it easy and try to take frequent breaks. Rain chances continue support the rest of the week and we'll see the clouds trying to linger a bit in Tokyo as we head toward Saturday.
Meanwhile, we've been watching a front that's moving across the plains states and moving over toward the northeastern part of the United States. And in the process, I want to show you some video that came out of South Dakota. It's a bit of a looker here as a big twister swiped through a town in eastern South Dakota Saturday, putting people on edge as that large funnel cloud tore through the community. The National Weather Service reported on its website that it received 7 reports of tornado sightings in the state on. On Saturday now, according to Reuters, this was a part of a line of severe storms that brought widespread damage during the weekend, and it's still a part of the story here as that cold front continues to push toward the east northeastern portions of the United States, looking out for some thunderstorm possibilities as we go throughout the day on Tuesday, highs topping off anywhere from 29 in New York to 33 on Tuesday in DC.
Hope you have a good day wherever you are.
♫～ 3-DAY FORECAST ～♫
And that's it for this hour on NHK Newsline. I'm Yuko Fukushima. Thanks for joining us.
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