Welcome to NHK Newsline. I'm Morishita Erika in Tokyo.
HONG KONG FIRE KILLS DOZENS, MANY STILL MISSING
Crews are still working to put out a fire that's burned through several Hong Kong apartment buildings. Officials now say at least 55 people are dead, many are missing, and several people have been arrested.
00:00:30 話者 9
It was too smoky when I opened the door.
I thought the management office would come to help, but it didn't.
00:00:38 話者 1
The buildings are located in Tai Po, near the border with mainland China.
The fire started Wednesday and spread across seven of the eight tower blocks, trapping many residents inside. The complex has 2,000 units. Earlier, local media cited authorities who said more than 200 residents are unaccounted for.
The cause of the fire is not yet known, but the buildings were covered in bamboo scaffolding for major renovation work, and that reportedly may have helped the fire spread.
Fire department officials allege protective nets failed to meet fire safety standards.
They also say they cannot rule out the possibility that styrofoam materials contributed to the spread of damage.
Police have arrested three executives of a company in charge of their renovation on suspicion of manslaughter.
For more on this, earlier NHK awards Tatehata Kazuo reported from Hong Kong.
00:01:47 話者 2
Efforts to bring the fire completely under control are continuing, alongside rescue operations. It became clear from this morning that the whole housing complex has turned black from the fire.
But even at this time, you can still see flames coming out of some windows.
Each building has more than 30 floors, so water from the fire trucks can't reach the higher ones.
Hong Kong media reported that about 4,000 people live there.
Many of them spend the night at a nearby evacuation center.
Some now come outside to watch the firefighters work.
Meanwhile, Hong Kong officials have started their investigation into the cause of this massive fire.
CITES CONFERENCE REJECTS PROPOSAL ON RESTRICTING EEL TRADE
00:02:40 話者 1
An international conference on trade in endangered species held a vote Thursday on the protection of all types of eel.
The European Union proposal that all kinds of eel, including Japanese eel, should be regulated, was rejected.
The meeting of the Conference of the Parties to the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, or CITES, took place in Uzbekistan.
European eels are already protected under the pact.
That means trade requires a permit issued by the exporting country.
The EU and others propose extending similar restrictions to all species.
Japan opposed it, fearing prices could surge in the country if it were adapted.
The government says about 70% of eels consumed domestically are imported.
China and South Korea had also opposed the move.
Eel farming is a major industry in both countries.
The decision to reject the proposal will be finalized at the general meeting to be held from December 4.
HOW ONE RESTAURANT TRIES TO FEED JAPAN'S EEL APPETITE
Eel dishes are beloved by many in Japan, so this decision will come as a relief for consumers and restaurants already grappling with a slippery market and high prices.
NHK World's Yoshikawa Ryuichi visited one of the restaurants trying to satisfy Japan's eel appetite.
00:04:19 話者 3
When you hear the words 'Japanese cuisine', what do you think of?
Sushi? Ramen or maybe tempura. Yeah, they're all good.
But you can't forget this. Delicious eel. Known in Japanese as unagi.
It's long been a staple of Japanese cooking. First, the eel is cut open and grilled.
Chefs spend years learning the exact temperature and timing, and that still means the eels are gently cooked through, leaving the meat soft and bouncy, with a crispy edge.
A savory sauce helps bring out the flavor.
Put it on rice, and there you have it! Unaju, a delicious box of eel.
The dish has a long history in Japan.
Eels are considered highly nutritious, rich in vitamins, calcium and protein.
Many, myself included, grab some once in a while when we need a pick-me-up.
This restaurant prides itself on serving the freshest ingredients possible.
Because the eels are prepared in front of customers, many come here from overseas to get that first delicious bite.
00:05:33 話者 8
The meat is soft. In some stores, the skin is crispy.
00:05:39 話者 7
I think the taste, and especially in this restaurant, they prepare it just it's perfection.
00:05:47 話者 3
But that great taste doesn't always come cheap.
At this restaurant, one box can cost up to 6,000 yen. That's almost 40 US dollars.
But that might sound steep, but maintaining a steady supply of eel isn't an easy task.
The global supply is extremely limited and really unpredictable.
The Japanese government says it's actually on the decline.
And we still don't know a lot about where or how they spawn.
But any ill restaurant that wants to stay in business needs, well, eels.
And that's why this restaurant decided to try a new approach.
It began farming its own. They just started this year, and they told me it's still too early to try serving these eels to customers.
But the hope is that in the future, they won't have to worry about getting eels.
00:06:49 話者 4
Eel is an important part of Japan's food culture. We want everyone, not only the people of Japan, but everyone around the world, to enjoy it.
00:06:58 話者 3
And that way, they will be able to say that their locally sourced unaju
truly has that hometown taste.
Yoshikawa Ryuichi, NHK World, Narita.
BUSINESS
00:07:18 話者 1
Now let's see what's happening in the world of business.
Here's Gene Otani from The Biz Desk.
00:07:24 話者 5
Erika, thanks in our top business story this hour.
ASAHI: 1.9 MIL. CASES OF PERSONAL INFO LIKELY LEAKED
Japanese beverage maker Asahi Group Holdings says nearly two million pieces of personal information may have been leaked in a recent cyberattack.
The breach in September forced a widespread suspension of company operations.
00:07:47 話者 3
We sincerely apologize for causing a great deal of inconvenience to so many customers and everyone involved.
00:07:58 話者 5
Asahi disclosed the findings of an internal probe at a news conference on Thursday, its first since the attack.
The firm says the data could have included the home addresses, phone numbers and e-mail addresses of workers and customers.
Asahi has reported its findings to the government's Commission on Personal Information Protection.
A hacker group calling itself Qilin said in October it had broken into the company's network and stolen data that included personal information.
CEO Katsuki Atsushi said the hackers are believed to have stolen passwords to access Asahi's data center and repeatedly broken into its servers.
Katsky said he can't reveal further information until security measures are completed, but it's obvious that password management was lax.
He said measures have already been put in place to fix vulnerabilities that could allow for unauthorized entry.
Asahi said it will gradually start resuming order and shipment processing through its systems from December.
It aims to have these systems fully restored by February.
Katsuki said the company will likely suffer a financial loss this year due to the attack.
3 JAPANESE AUTOMAKERS SEE CHINA SALES FALL
Three of Japan's five major car makers operating in China saw unit sales in the country fall in October from a year earlier.
They say intensifying price competition is largely to blame.
Toyota Motor sold roughly 160,000 vehicles in China during the month, down 6.6% from the year before.
Honda Motor sold just over 60,000 units, down by about 20%.
Subaru sold 209 vehicles, down about 40%.
It was a different story for two other Japanese makers.
Nissan Motor increased sales to nearly 68,000 vehicles, up about 11%.
Mazda Motor sales remained nearly flat at a little over 7,000 units.
The local industry group says overall new vehicle sales were up 5.8% in China from a year earlier. But the situation for Japanese makers remains tough.
The Chinese authorities have been reacting sharply to a remark by Japan's prime minister on a possible emergency over Taiwan.
Japanese companies say they are closely watching the impact of deteriorating relations on their business in China.
'INCLUSIVE PLAY' EQUIPMENT BENEFITS ALL CHILDREN
This equipment is designed to break down the barriers for children requiring daily medical care and allow them to enjoy a real playground experience.
It's known as inclusive play.
We spoke to the Japanese designer to find out his motivation.
00:11:30 話者 6
At a park in Fukui City, children try out the equipment. It's meant for kids of all abilities, and efforts are underway to install it in more parks nationwide.
When these children play with this equipment, other kids often move up close.
They can get to know about those with medical issues.
Even if it's just for a short time, their faces change when they go outside.
Some might not like bright light at first, but I like them to play outside as much as possible.
Inclusive play equipment has been installed at around 150 locations across the country over the past several years, including Tokyo's Meiji Park and other commercial facilities.
Designer Tajima Hiroyuki has been developing a variety of such products with a playground equipment maker.
00:12:24 話者 7
By starting with designing equipment for children with medical issues, who cannot access ordinary playgrounds, or solving obstacles these children face, I believe I can create an environment where all children can play together.
00:12:43 話者 6
He was first motivated by a study meeting five years ago with the theme of design and healthcare. He learned that there are few playgrounds or parks where such kids can play.
00:12:58 話者 7
I wondered how I could create an environment where children can go out to parks and play like those without disabilities do, and make friends.
That was the start of the project.
00:13:09 話者 6
With safety in mind, Tajima tried to come up with universal designs through a process of trial and error. He asked children to play with his creations and listen to their parents.
It took him about two years to complete the first one.
Last year, he won the top Good Design Award for his efforts to enrich people's lives and society with his playground equipment.
00:13:39 話者 7
When seeing more children with disabilities playing with the equipment just like others,
I realized their parents' outlook has been changing. Even those who first thought their children could never play outside because they could not run or see.
00:13:58 話者 6
Tajima is now working on a slide. He believes that making ordinary playground equipment will spread the inclusive play idea.
It's said it's difficult for children in greater need of medical care to play on a slide, as balancing is difficult.
Tajima aims to create a slide using a soft material that will support them.
00:14:27 話者 7
Children can't slide down with the current example.
It's easy to talk of a slide that kids can use while retaining their posture. I can even draw a picture of it. But when it comes to creating one, I realize how difficult it is.
00:14:43 話者 6
Tajima believes children's growth can be prompted by increasing playtime options, and he hopes to give them as many first experiences as he can.
NIKKEI 225 RECOVERS TO 50,000 MARK
00:14:56 話者 5
All right.
Tokyo's benchmark Nikkei 225 stock index extended its winning streak to three days on Thursday, ending above the 50,000 mark for the first time in seven trading days.
MARKETS
Let's check currencies and other equity markets.
♪
That's a look at business news.
Erika, I'm going to hand it back to you.
00:15:38 話者 1
Thank you, Gene.
EU LAWMAKERS BACK SOCIAL MEDIA RESTRICTIONS TO KIDS UNDER 16
Next, EU lawmakers have backed a proposal to restrict social media access to youngsters under the age of 16.
The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the proposal on Wednesday.
The lawmakers warned a so-called digital age limit of under 16 for free access to social media, video-sharing platforms, and AI companions, unless their parents or guardians consent. Those under 13 would be barred.
The parliament cited the need to protect minors from online addiction, cyberbullying, and inappropriate content.
The resolution is not binding, but it is expected to speed up discussions within the European Union on concrete measures to protect children when they go online.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said earlier this year she would form a panel of experts to study controls on minors' access to social media.
WSJ: TRUMP ADVISED TAKAICHI NOT TO PROVOKE CHINA OVER TAIWAN
A US newspaper says President Donald Trump advised Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae not to provoke China over the issue of Taiwan's sovereignty.
The Wall Street Journal reported on a phone call that took place between Trump and Takaichi on Monday.
Trump had earlier spoken by phone with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
The newspaper report cites people briefed on the matter.
It says Trump suggested Takaichi tempered a tone of her comments about Taiwan.
It also says Trump's advice was subtle and that he did not pressure Takaichi to retract a comment she'd made in a Diet debate earlier this month.
Takaichi had said a Taiwan emergency involving the use of force could be considered a situation threatening the survival of Japan.
That comment sparked an uproar in China.
A Japanese government official said Thursday there had been a sense in the talks between Takaichi and Trump that they would cooperate to de-escalate the situation.
The official also said Takaichi was not asked to exercise self-restraint.
The Wall Street Journal report also says a US-China trade truce and the issue of Taiwan have become inextricably linked.
It quotes a source as saying Trump was worried the friction over Taiwan could affect a deal the US and China reached last month.
That deal includes a Chinese promise to buy American soybeans and other farm products.
TAIWAN PLANS SPECIAL $40 BIL. BUDGET TO COUNTER CHINA'S THREATS
Taiwan's president has announced a special budget to fend off threats from Beijing.
Lai Chen-de said nearly 40 billion dollars will be allocated over eight years from 2026 for increased defense spending.
00:18:47 話者 3
Beijing aims to achieve unification with Taiwan through force by 2027.
It's been accelerating its military build-up for invading Taiwan and steadily stepping up drills around it for that purpose.
00:19:00 話者 1
Lai told reporters that Taiwan will enhance its military's capabilities by 2027 to effectively discourage China's threats.
He also said Taiwan will build a defense posture that provides comprehensive deterrence by 2033.
Lai said the special budget of 1.25 trillion New Taiwan dollars will include spending on upgrading air defense systems and developing AI-based operations.
The President also reaffirmed his policy of raising defense spending from over 2 percent of GDP at present to 5 percent by 2030.
TAIWAN EYES BETTER DEFENSES WITH UNMANNED BOATS
Strong maritime defenses make a lot of sense when you are surrounded by water.
And to counter China's relentless military pressure, Taiwan's military and private sectors are floating some novel ideas.
00:19:59 話者 4
The latest innovations in defense were on show recently in Taipei.
About 500 companies from more than 10 countries took part.
Unmanned boats drew a lot of attention. This one is made by a local firm.
A major Taiwanese shipbuilder is also entering what has become a rapidly advancing part of the defense industry.
The company typically makes large vessels and submarines for the Navy and Coast Guard.
But workers have recently been throwing their energy into this unmanned boat.
It's 8.6 meters long, and with a top speed of 65 kilometers per hour, it moves at quite a clip. What's more, it fires torpedoes and holds explosives for ramming enemy ships.
00:20:54 話者 9
This is the control room. We can operate the unmanned boat from here.
00:21:02 話者 4
It's operated remotely. Large areas of the ocean can be monitored simultaneously.
The vehicle is relatively inexpensive without sacrificing performance.
Highly maneuverable unmanned boats could quickly detect attacks, making them useful in the face of China's formidable military might.
Company officials see a golden opportunity.
They've earmarked about $580 million to produce 1,300 unmanned boats.
00:21:38 話者 3
Taiwan's increased military budget is good for defense-related industries like ours.
I am confident we can increase our profits.
00:21:52 話者 4
Workers at this Taiwanese drone maker are also turning their attention to the sea.
And they're getting help from a university.
The unmanned boat they're developing is about two meters long, also with a top speed of about 65 kilometers per hour.
It can transport supplies, do reconnaissance, or even become a weapon.
The team has equipped the vessel with a high-performance camera.
It harnesses AI for automated tracking. Collaborations like this are a win-win situation.
The firm can reduce development time and costs, and the university can improve its own human resources.
00:22:43 話者 7
Ship design requires knowledge of materials and fluid dynamics. Taiwan is short of people in these areas. So this is an opportunity for students to deepen their expertise.
00:22:56 話者 4
The team has even established a China-free supply chain with 80% of the boat's parts made in Taiwan.
00:23:07 話者 8
We'll comply with government policies in our research and development and manufacturing. We want to create the best drones and unmanned boats.
00:23:14 話者 4
More people in Taiwan are recognizing the maritime threat on their doorstep.
And they no longer see defense as simply the government's domain.
WEATHER
00:23:27 話者 1
Now, let's check out the weather. People in parts of Japan are facing severe conditions.
Our meteorologist, Yuumi Hirano, has the details.
00:23:36 話者 8
A storm system is now approaching Japan with a list of lightning and gusty winds, especially along the Sea of Japan side.
In addition, stormy weather and intense rain will be a concern.
Hokkaido may see gusts of over 120 kilometers per hour, Hokuriku is likely to have downpours, and Kanto, including Tokyo, has the possibility of showers on Thursday night.
Behind the storm, another issue is approaching.
Yellow sand is expected to move into western and eastern Japan on Friday.
Lower visibility and hazy conditions are likely.
Speaking of haze, people in northern India are dealing with poor air quality driven by dry conditions. Homeless people in New Delhi are facing challenges from air pollution.
Officials said the city's air quality index reached a very poor 327 on Wednesday.
Many people who live on the streets or under bleaches are struggling as worsening air pollution causes breathing problems. The city is also cold.
It recorded its coldest November since 2022, with a minimum temperature of 8.3 degrees.
Unfortunately, hazy conditions are likely to continue in New Delhi and Varanasi on Friday.
But thunder showers are possible in Chennai and Colombo due to a deep depression near Sri Lanka.
The system is expected to intensify into a cyclonic storm on Thursday and will keep its strength over the weekend.
The highest level of heavy rain warning is in effect in Sri Lanka from Thursday and in southern India from Friday.
That's all for now. Stay safe.
♫～ 3-DAY FORECAST ～♫
KABUKI STARS MAKE CAMEO IN KYOTO AHEAD OF YEAR-END SHOWS
00:26:21 話者 1
Before we go, some of the biggest names in Japanese kabuki theater are seeing out the ear in Kyoto.
They don't take to the stage until next week, but they've already drawn quite a crowd.
The names of the performers were put up outside the Minamiza Theater on Wednesday.
Fans often gather for the annual tradition.
This year's cast includes Onoe Kikugoro the Eighth and his son, Onoe Kikunosuke the Sixth. They inherited their prestigious names in May.
Kikugoro's board was put up last. Theater officials offered a prayer and sprinkled salt to purify the venue. And the star of the show is optimistic.
00:27:24 話者 9
The boards mean we're getting ready to welcome the audience.
I'll do my best to entertain them on stage.
00:27:33 話者 1
The shows run from December 1 through 25.
That's all for this edition of NHK Newsline.
I'm Morishita Erika in Tokyo. Thank you very much for joining us.
0 件のコメント:
コメントを投稿