WAR IN UKRAINE
EUROPEAN LEADERS CONDEMN DEADLY RUSSIAN STRIKES
A massive Russian drone and missile attack has left four people dead and dozens injured across Ukraine. European leaders have widely condemned the strikes.NHK reporters in Kiev said they heard sporadic explosions through Sunday morning. They said the sounds were apparently drones being shot down.
Officials say a 12-year-old girl is among the dead. More than 70 others were injured. Ukraine says Russia launched 48 missiles and about 600 drones from Saturday to Sunday. The Polish embassy in Kiev was reportedly damaged by a missile fragment.
European leaders were quick to condemn the strikes. In a social media post, Finnish President Alexander Stubb called the attack brutal, saying it shows the true face of the aggressor. He also called for more EU sanctions to keep pressure on Moscow.
Estonian Foreign Minister Margus Sakna echoed that appeal. He also called for more sanctions and tariffs, saying the isolation must be total.
EU member nations are getting ready to vote on new sanctions. They include plans to halt all imports of Russian liquefied natural gas by the end of next year.
Now, US Vice President J.D. Vance says America is considering supplying Ukraine with long-range Tomahawk cruise missiles.
These would give Kiev the capacity to strike Moscow.
Vance told Fox News on Sunday that the US is looking at requests for the missiles.
He also revealed that Washington is considering providing the weapons through European nations. The US has reportedly permitted Ukraine to use American-made A TACMS missiles for attacks inside Russian territory. They can fly up to about 300 kilometers, while the Tomahawk's range is more than five times that. Vance's remarks apparently step up pressure on Russia, which has been refusing ceasefire and peace talks. The Vice President explained that President Donald Trump will make the final decision based on what's in the best interest of the United States of America.
IRAN OPPOSES NUCLEAR TALKS AMID UN SANCTIONS
Iran's president says he is opposed to nuclear talks with the West after the United Nations reimposed sanctions over its nuclear program.Masoud Pazeshkian spoke at a cabinet meeting on Sunday. He said Tehran would not engage with the West unless sanctions are lifted or other steps are taken. But he said Iran remains ready for what he called logical discussions based on clear criteria.
The UN sanctions came to effect Sunday and were spearheaded by the UK, France and Germany. They claim Iran violated a 2015 deal by continuing its nuclear development.
But Western countries are still seeking a diplomatic solution. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio called on Iran to resume direct talks with the United States. And within the country, there is growing concern that sanctions may drag down their already sluggish economy. Kazeshkian said the government intends to take necessary steps to support people's livelihoods.
'SNAPBACK' SANCTIONS MAY PROMPT MORE TO MOVE ABROAD
But still, the return of the sanctions could prompt more Iranians to leave the country. This agency in the capital files visa applications on behalf of clients eager to move abroad. The officials say the number of inquiries jumped more than five-fold after Israel and the US attacked Iran in June. The figure reportedly increased further when the process of reinstating the UN sanctions began in August.One customer says she cannot see a future for herself in Iran. She notes the country has been in a prolonged economic slump.
I have been thinking about moving abroad for about three years, but now I'm giving the idea serious thought.
The agency says it receives up to 16-hundred inquiries a day.
It says the passports of some clients must be left out on a desk because there's not enough space and it's safe.
There hasn't been a surge like this over the past 10 years. Interest in emigration is linked to economic conditions. I think people want to go abroad because they see that as a way to improve their lives.
The official also notes the number of people who cannot obtain visas is expected to increase. He says that's because nations cannot afford to accept many immigrants from Iran.
SEVERAL DEAD AFTER GUNMAN OPENS FIRE IN US CHURCH
Now to the United States. At least four people are dead and eight injured after a gunman opened fire inside a church Sunday. Authorities say the suspect also intentionally set the building ablaze.Police were called to the church in Grand Blanc, Michigan Sunday morning. The gunman crashed his vehicle into the front doors before shooting at those gathered inside.
My hands are shaking. It's ten minutes down the road from where I live, my home. That's insane.
Police say the suspect was shot dead by officers. He's been identified as a 40 year old man living nearby. His motive and other details are still not known. Police say the number of fatalities could rise. US media reported hundreds were in the church at the time. In a social media post Sunday, US President Donald Trump said the shooting appears to be yet another targeted attack on Christians. He stressed the epidemic of violence must end immediately.
FOREIGN MINISTERS OF CHINA, N. KOREA REAFFIRM STRONG TIES
China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi has met with his North Korean counterpart, Chi Soni. The two are building on an earlier meeting between their top leaders. Wang and Che held talks in Beijing on Sunday.Wang said arbitrary exercises of power are causing serious harm on the world stage. Those comments are seen as a shot at certain countries like the United States. He stressed China will cooperate with North Korea to address international issues. Che reportedly said her country is committed to deepening and developing ties with Beijing. This meeting comes on the heels of a recent summit between Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. The two held talks in early September. Wang reportedly said they reached an important consensus and drew up a blueprint for bilateral relations.
Beijing-Pyongyang ties are believed to have soured as North Korea boosted relations with Russia. This latest meeting is likely meant to showcase the strong bonds between China and North Korea.
CHINESE EX-MINISTER SENTENCED TO DEATH WITH REPRIEVE FOR BRIBERY
Staying in China, a former agriculture and rural affairs minister has reportedly been sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve for receiving massive bribes.According to Xinhua News Agency, Tang Renjian was handed the sentence on Sunday. The report says Tang accepted roughly 38 million dollars in bribes between 2007 and 2024.
Tang was removed from his post last year after he was placed under investigation by the Chinese Communist Party's anti-graft watchdog. Chinese authorities have been cracking down on corruption and other suspected crimes involving high-ranking government and military figures.
BUSINESS
Now let's see what's happening in the world of business. Here's Ramin Mellegard from the business.
Thank you very much indeed.
GOLD TRADES AT RECORD HIGHS IN JAPAN AMID SANCTIONS ON IRAN
Now, gold prices in Japan set new records on safe haven buying as the return of UN sanctions on Iran added to worries about geopolitical risk.Tanaka Precious Metal Technologies says the retail sale price of gold hit a high on Monday, topping 20,000 yen a gram for the first time. That's close to $135.
On the Osaka Exchange, gold futures for delivery next August marks an intraday record, briefly trading at more than 18,400 yen per gram, or about $123. The contract breached the record set on Friday. Speculation the US Federal Reserve will cut interest rates again is also fueling buying of the precious metal.
HITACHI BOOSTS MID-CAREER HIRING TO BE MORE COMPETITIVE
Japanese electronics giant Hitachi says it's hiring more mid career staff than new graduates this fiscal year for the first time ever.Hitachi plans to take on 930 people with prior work experience. That's more than three times. as many as five years ago and compares with a quota of 815 fresh graduates. The company is spearheading a change in the Japanese corporate practice of mainly hiring workers fresh out of university and training them from scratch.
The rapid pace of technological innovation means getting workers with relevant skills and experiences right away offers real benefits. We need to make sure these two approaches are well integrated.
In the past, electronic electronics firms mainly focused on making home appliances and other consumer goods, but now they're increasingly diversifying into infrastructure and energy related businesses. And advances in technology, such as AI, mean they need workers with specialized knowledge and experience. Hitachi says it expects to continue the same recruitment policy for the time being.
UK GOVT. TO SUPPORT JAGUAR LAND ROVER AMID PRODUCTION HALT
The British government is offering financial support to UK-based automaker Jaguar Land Rover to help protect its supply chain after a cyberattack halted production.The government said Sunday it has agreed to underwrite a guarantee on a commercial loan to the Indian owned company of up to 1 1/2 billion pounds or $2 billion. Business Secretary Peter Kyle said the loan guarantee would protect skilled jobs across the country by helping to support JLR's supply chain. The car maker announced on September 2 that it had shut down its systems following a cyber attack.
The company later said it was extending the production pause until October 1. There has been concern that financing problems could affect the jobs of more than 100,000 domestic workers at parts suppliers.
British media say the production stoppage is costing JLR at least 50 million pounds, or nearly $67 million a week.
THE GREEN FUEL RACE: SHIPPING'S NEXT BIG COMPETITION
The global shipping industry emits as much greenhouse gas as Germany each year. to cut emissions, a UN agency has set a goal of net zero by 2050. Now, one promising solution is a new fuel called e-methanol, and the race to lead this emerging market is already underway. Inshka World's Harry Skinner has more.This large container ship is operated by a leading Danish company.
And this May, it began operating on e-methanol.
E-methanol is made from two main ingredients. One is green hydrogen, created by splitting water with renewable energy. The other is carbon dioxide, captured from sources like biomass. Combined, they create a clean fuel that is considered carbon neutral.
This one is mainly, that's actually our methanol bunkering system. These two tanks is where we bunkered into today.
Though e-methanol costs several times more than regular methanol, it is easy to transport because it stays liquid at room temperature.
The shipping is a hard-to-abate sector. This is a very viable pathway to decarbonize our business.
The fuel powering the ship is produced by a Danish company. In May, it launched the world's first large-scale commercial e-methanol plant. Powered by a nearby solar farm, the facility can produce up to 40,000 tonnes annually.
A major Japanese trading company is also investing in the project.
There's growing global demand for low-carbon methanol. By leading early, we expect to gain a strong advantage in this market.
The push for new fuels comes at a time when the International Maritime Organisation, a UN agency, approved measures to gradually cut emissions from ship worldwide. And research is already moving beyond e-methanol.
This is the tank area we have here where we have the different fuels that we are testing.
The Swedish company is running trials of about 10 different fuels from ammonia to advanced biofuels.
Finding green fuels that actually work in engines is a key step towards using them in the real world.
We need all the fuels that we can get and this low-carb fuel, that would be one of them, I believe. New biofuels could be a way forward to decarbonise existing fleets.
New marine fuels are emerging as a massive market. From Europe to Asia, companies are racing to lead the way, aiming to seize first mover advantages in the future of green shipping. Harry Skinner, NHK World.
HIROSHIMA OYSTER HARVEST DELAYED BY INTENSE SUMMER HEAT
Oyster farmers in Hiroshima say they will delay the season's harvest because record-breaking summer heat waves have slowed the growth of the shellfish.Harvesting of the winter delicacy in the western Japanese prefecture usually begins on October 1st, but it will be put off by about three weeks. The same delay happened last year, also because of a scorching summer. Growers say the heat causes sea temperatures to rise above normal, which inhibits the development of the oysters. Hiroshima is Japan's largest producer of the seafood, accounting for about 60 percent of the country's total harvest.
MARKETS
Okay, let's get a check on the markets.♪
And that is it for business news.
IN FOCUS
Now let's go to Shibuya Aki for New Sign in Focus. Today's report is related to the 2025 World Expo in Osaka as it enters its final stage. We'll be looking at a new type of material introduced at the event.FROM DREAM TO CONCRETE REALITY
Among the major attractions at the World Expo in Osaka are unique structures built at the venue. One of them is made with a new type of concrete developed by a structural engineer in Okinawa. He got the idea behind the groundbreaking material from another World Expo held 50 years ago in the southern Japanese prefecture.This pavilion at the 2025 World Expo in Osaka is called Live Earth Journey.
Its unique design incorporates cubes that resemble cells.
The structure is supported by new ultra-thin concrete materials.
The concrete from Okinawa is characterized by its lightness, high durability and easy processing.
It was developed by Ahogon Masaki from Nago City in the prefecture.
I tell people who come to see this material that it breaks the mold of conventional concrete.
Ahogon is an expert on structural design.
Visiting the Okinawa Expo held near his home 50 years ago made him want to become an architect.
This structure, known as Acquapolis, was built as a symbol of the event. The half floating offshore facility was 32 meters tall and 100 meters wide.
At the time of the Expo, Ahagom was a fifth grader in elementary school. The facility got him dreaming about a future in which people could live at sea.
By the time I became an adult. I had an image of the sea being used like this.
Acquapolis inspired dreams among many children like me.
But the inspirational structure would eventually be towed away and scrapped.
It was really sad, but it made me think that I had to try to realize that future.
Around that time, he was asked to create a new type of concrete.
To suit Okinawa's climate, he used carbon reinforcements instead of steel.
Steel reinforcement bars are vulnerable to salt damage. They can quickly deteriorate in Okinawa, which has frequent typhoons.
Using carbon eliminates the risk of rust.
And adding plastic fibers to the concrete made it more durable, allowing it to be shaped into thinner slabs.
As the material became easier to process, its range of uses expanded.
Ahogon and a local designer have collaborated on several projects, including this wall, inspired by Okinawan fabric. As well as this paneling, designed to block direct sunlight while allowing wind to pass through. It's used in buildings around Okinawa Prefecture.
Amid the development of his concrete, Ahogon received a request to design a pavilion for the 2025 World Expo in Osaka.
The place where he was inspired 50 years ago is now called Ocean Expo Park, home to an aquarium.
Being here brings back memories of those days. He reveals that he is starting to work toward realizing the future he imagined.
This undersea structure was made with his new concrete. It's part of a project by an organization under the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. The structure off Oita Prefecture is being used as a platform for marine ecology, such as cultivating algae. It's a continuation of Ahogon's dream. About the expanding possibilities of life at sea.
If my concrete is used for marine construction, I think it could someday help realize the sea-based world I imagined 50 years ago. I'm dreaming that this will become the first construction project of its kind to spread from Okinawa to the world.
A childhood inspiration can be so powerful. Just look how far Ahagon has come. And his invention is defining the concrete image of concrete itself. Ahagone's creation is not only innovative, it can also be reused. Once the 2025 World Expo in Osaka is over, the material from his pavilion design is due to be repurposed at educational facilities in Okinawa Prefecture.
And that's all for me.
GRAND SUMO TOURNAMENT
YOKOZUNA ONOSATO WINS 5TH TITLE AFTER PLAYOFF
Yokozuna Onosato has won the Autumn Grand Sumo tournament after a dramatic playoff. This is his first title since his promotion to sumo's highest rank.Onosato was in the lead before entering the ring on Sunday.
He faced off with fellow Yokosuna Hoshoryu, who was only one win behind.
Onosato in an instant. We have a playoff.
And the playoff that followed was the first between grand champions in 16 years.
In low, left hand outside for Onosato takes him back and out.
Onosato has now won five tournaments, but this is his first title as a yokozuna. He said his stablemaster advised him not to overthink and to take on the bouts the way he always does.
ANCIENT DANCE DRAMA PERFORMED IN NARA
Masked dancers delighted spectators in Japan's western prefecture of Nara with a performance of a centuries-old dance drama called Gigaku. Nara was the country's ancient capital.Gigaku is said to have been introduced to Japan from the Korean Peninsula about 1,400 years ago during the Asuka period. About 50 participants, including elementary school students, paraded through the streets of Asuka Village, where a project is underway to reenact Gigaku.
Some of them wore masks, representing the face of a bird or a lion.
I wonder if ancient people danced like us with this same feeling.
The dancers also performed on the grounds of the well known Ascadera Temple, which was built in the late 6th century.
♪
WEATHER
And it's time for a check on the world weather with our meteorologist, Jonathan Oh. So Jonathan, we've seen tropical activity pick up in the western Pacific region. What's the latest?Hello, we have been seeing a little more activity when it comes to tropical systems in the western Pacific region in the northwestern portion of the Pacific Ocean and it looks like that we're going to continue to keep an eye on it as we go forward in time. Now we've been keeping eye out on what has been a tropical system that's now moving across the southeastern portions of Asia. Heavy rainfall impacting places like Vietnam and the surrounding area. We will see more heavy rainfall as we go forward in time. Going throughout the next couple of days as we have abueloi continue to make its way toward the West.
Meanwhile, east of the Philippines, another low is developing, keeping an eye on that system and seeing where it's going to be headed as it slowly drifts toward the West.
Because the Philippines, you've been dealing with a lot of heavy rainfall with the monsoonal pattern and with these systems rolling on through, it's just caused more problems and so we have to watch out for that. Non tropical story, but a rain and a wind story as a cold front pushing through Japan extending back toward the Yangtze River basin in China as a stationary front.
We've been dealing with some heavy rainfall, some strong winds in the northeastern portions of Japan. Now as that front pushes out, we still have this instability with the low trying to redevelop. And so we may be talking about some more rain. And guess what, 30s from Tokyo, bye bye. It looks like we're going to talk about highs into the 20s as we go into Tuesday with a high 27 in Tokyo, rain to Shanghai with a high 27 as you go through Tuesday and Manila more rain with a high of 31. Meanwhile in North America east of there into the Atlantic, we have 1/2 named systems and particularly Imelda being so close to the Carolina coastline. We're looking at the possibility of real flooding concerns as we go throughout the next couple of days.
So make sure you keep attention to that.
A separate low pressure system up toward the Pacific Northwest bringing some wet weather into Vancouver and Seattle as it go through Monday with highs in the mid teens. Atlanta looking at some rain with a high of 27 as we go through today on Monday.
Hope you have a good day wherever you are.
♫～ 3-DAY FORECAST ～♫
I'm Yamamoto Miki in Tokyo. Thanks for staying with us.
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