00:00:29 話者 1
We continue the program with the latest news this hour.
DIET SESSION ENDS WITH BUDGET MEASURES
Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae has wrapped up her first stint in the Diet.
The extraordinary session closed on Wednesday.
One of its last acts was passing a supplementary budget bill for economic measures Tuesday. It's worth 18.3 trillion yen or about $118 billion.
The main goal is to cushion the impact of rising prices.
It includes energy bill subsidies and local funding for measures such as food costs.
As Liberal Democratic Party leader, Takaichi also took time to meet with her coalition partner. Yoshimura Hirohumi, the leader of Japan Innovation Party, sat down with her on Tuesday. The two discussed political reform.
Namely, they agreed to keep working towards reducing the number of seats in the diet.
They said they'll do that during the next regular session.
ANALYSIS: LOOKING BACK AT TAKAICHI'S FIRST DIET SESSION
To help us break down this busy diet season earlier, I spoke with NHK World's political correspondent Igarashi Jun.
So, Jun, how have things changed in the Diet since Takaichi took office?
00:01:39 話者 2
For starters, the ruling coalition's framework has drastically changed.
Earlier this year, they had a minority in the lower house.
Then, in October, the long-standing coalition between the LDP and Komeito broke down.
Takaichi then formed a new coalition with the JIP.
Three independent lower house lawmakers also agreed to work with the LDP.
It brings the coalition up to 233 seats, a majority in the lower house.
But the same can't be said for the upper house, where they're still in the minority.
00:02:16 話者 1
Right.
So what issues dominated this session?
00:02:21 話者 2
I think there were two major themes.
The first was that supplementary budget bill you mentioned.
Tackling rising prices has been a major issue nationwide.
Since taking office, Prime Minister Takeichi has made that a top priority.
The bill obviously passed with coalition support, but also with some opposition parties.
The Democratic Party for the People and even Komeito voted in favor.
They both said it reflected what they've been asking for.
But the largest opposition party, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, opposed the bill. It argued there wasn't enough support for low- and middle-income households.
00:03:08 話者 1
And you said there were two themes, so what is the other one?
00:03:11 話者 2
Political reform. When Takeichi and Yoshimura formed a coalition in October, they signed a document covering a wide range of policies.
It includes reducing the number of lower house seats by 10%.
That was a non-negotiable condition with the JIP insisted on.
In December, they jointly submitted a bill towards that goal.
True to their word, the LDP is working in step with the JIP, but that bill hasn't been deliberated on yet because the opposition doesn't agree with it.
The CDP and the DPFP say there's more important issues to tackle.
For example, the recent political funding scandals that rocked the LDP.
They say new restrictions on corporate and organizational donations should come first.
So, as you said, they'll come back to it next session.
00:04:10 話者 1
So each of these parties have their own priorities, but how do you think Takaichi's administration is doing so far?
00:04:18 話者 2
It's holding steady.
So far, there have been no major scandals or resignations to rock the boat.
Her image as a hard-working, strong leader seems to be working to some extent.
Let's look at the numbers. NHK conducted a telephone survey from December 5 to 7.
About 1,200 people responded. It found the cabinet's approval rating is at about 64%.
Among LDP supporters, it's even higher, over 80 percent.
But even when you just look at opposition supporters and independents, the majority feel positive about Takaichi's administration.
With such high approval ratings, there's mounting speculation among lawmakers about an early lower house election.
But last month, Takaichi said she isn't keen on the idea.
Senior LDP officials say despite those numbers, party support isn't necessarily strong.
So, the question is whether or not she can keep this momentum going forward into the new year.
JAPAN GOVT. PLANNING TO SEEK RECORD-HIGH DEFENSE BUDGET
00:05:35 話者 1
Well, looking ahead at national spending, the government is planning to request more than $58 billion toward defense for the fiscal year starting next April.
It's set to be Japan's biggest defense budget ever.
It's part of plans to ramp up spending on coastal defense and counter-strike capabilities.
Some of the funds also address realigning with the US military, which is reorganizing the command of its Japan-based forces.
Over a billion dollars is earmarked for upgraded surface-to-ship missiles. They're being developed domestically and designed to strike targets from outside enemy range.
Another roughly one billion dollars is being allocated toward developing next-generation fighter jets.
The Defense Ministry also plans to request spending on a drone-based coastal defense system named SHIELD. A decision on that program's cost is in the final stages.
Japan's government is aiming to spend a total of more than 277 billion dollars between 2023 and 2027.
Lawmakers within the ruling coalition have been debating raising income tax to meet that target. Discussions are set to continue in the new year.
BUSINESS
And now let's see what's happening in the world of business.
Here's Gene Otani from The Biz Desk.
00:06:54 話者 3
Minori, thanks. In our top business story this hour,
MIZUHO FINANCIAL GROUP TO BUY INDIAN INVESTMENT BANK
Mizuho Financial Group plans to acquire a leading Indian investment bank to strengthen its business in the fast-growing South Asian country.
The group said Wednesday that its Mizuho securities unit agreed to acquire more than 60 percent of shares in Avendus Capital Private.
Mizuho plans to increase its Avendus stake to as much as 78 percent, bringing the total investment to more than 80 billion yen, or over $517 billion.
Avendus has strengthened mergers and acquisitions advice.
Mizuho aims to bolster its network and boosts demand for financial services, the group's president and CEO, Kihara Masahiro, told reporters that Avendus has been a driver of India's growth through merger and acquisitions.
00:07:55 話者 4
More Japanese firms are keen on making inroads into India.
Avendus will provide Mizuho great strength, as it is a reliable partner that knows the Indian market and entrepreneurs.
00:08:10 話者 3
Other major Japanese financial institutions are also working to secure footholds in India.
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group has acquired a stake in a private commercial bank in India.
Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group is considering investing in an Indian non-banking firm.
SBI SHINSEI BANK DEBUTS ON TOKYO STOCK EXCHANGE
SBI Shinsei Bank traded on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Wednesday after an initial public offering in one of Japan's largest market debuts this year.
The bank's president and chief executive officer, Kawashima Katsuya, marked the occasion at the stock exchange.
The company's initial market capitalization was 1.3 trillion yen, or more than $8 billion.
SBI Shinsei has its roots in the long-term Credit Bank of Japan, which failed in 1998 when the country was facing a financial crisis.
Proceeds from the IPO will help SBI Shinsei expand financial services while working with regional banks. The lender faces challenges, including escalating competition among financial institutions.
JAPAN MAY END SUPPORT FOR MAJOR SOLAR-POWER PROJECTS
Japan's government is considering ending support for new major solar power generation projects from fiscal 2027. This comes amid growing concerns about the impact such plants have on the natural environment.
The proposal was compiled by the main ruling Liberal Democratic Party.
It calls for the review or abolition of the renewable energy charge collected from electricity users every month.
The revenue raised is earmarked for large solar power projects.
The proposal argues that such projects no longer need government funding because of lower solar panel prices and installation costs.
However, the government will maintain support
for installing solar panels on residential properties, Japan's Basic Energy Plan aims to raise the proportion of solar energy to the country's overall power generation from the current 9.8 percent to as much as 29 percent by fiscal 2040. To reach that goal, government officials plan to back the development and use of perovskite solar cells.
These can be installed on walls and other places because they are thin, light, and flexible.
IBM JAPAN PRESIDENT PICKED TO HEAD BUSINESS LOBBY
A top Japanese business association picked IBM Japan President Yamaguchi Akio as chairperson after his predecessor resigned.
00:11:04 話者 4
I want to steadily proceed with passion about what I think is right.
And I also want to attach my mind to the outcome.
00:11:14 話者 3
The Japan Association of Corporate Executives said Tuesday that Yamaguchi is set to assume the post on January 1. Yamaguchi is 61 and joined IBM Japan in 1987.
He was an executive assistant at IBM's US headquarters before returning to the company's Japan business.
His predecessor at the association, Ninami Takeshi, quit after stepping down as chair of beverage maker Suntory Holdings in September.
EU REVERSING PLANNED BAN ON GASOLINE, DIESEL VEHICLES
The European Union is backing away from plans to ban the sale of new vehicles running on gasoline and diesel from 2035. The move follows lobbying by the bloc's auto industry amid fierce competition from low-priced Chinese electric vehicles.
The European Commission announced the decision on Tuesday. It says automakers can still sell new international combustion engine cars and hybrids from 2030.
It says automakers can still sell new internal combustion engine cars and hybrids from 2035, but manufacturers will need to cut tailpipe carbon dioxide emissions by 90% from 2021 levels. The proposal includes increased use of biofuels.
Industry groups and member nations, like Germany, argued for the change.
They said efforts to combat global warming need to be balanced with measures to keep the EU auto sector competitive. One European Commission official says the measures are a commitment to restoring Europe's industrial leadership.
The proposal requires the approval of member states and the European Parliament.
MARKETS
All right, let's have a look at the markets.
♪
That's it for Business News.
TRUMP ORDERS BLOCKADE OF OIL TANKERS INTO, OUT OF VENEZUELA
00:13:47 話者 1
US President Donald Trump has ordered a blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers into and out of Venezuela.
The move marks a sharp escalation in Washington's pressure campaign against the administration of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
Trump posted on social media on Tuesday that the Venezuelan regime has been designated a foreign terrorist organization.
He also accused the Maduro administration of using oil revenue to fund drug trafficking and terrorism.
The Venezuelan government slammed the move in a statement.
It said the US president is trying to impose a naval blockade to take away the country's assets in a completely irrational way.
Earlier this month, US authorities seized an oil tanker off Venezuela. Washington also announced that it imposed fresh sanctions on six oil tankers and six shipping firms.
It accused them of providing financial resources to the Maduro government.
The Trump administration has also been ratcheting up military pressure on Venezuela.
It launched strikes in the Caribbean on vessels it says were trafficking drugs.
JAPANESE MEDICS RETURN FROM CYCLONE-HIT SRI LANKA
A Japanese medical team has returned from Sri Lanka after treating victims of a devastating cyclone that caused more than 600 deaths.
About 30 team members were sent in early December to the badly hit western town of Chilao. They returned to Narita Airport near Tokyo on Tuesday after spending almost two weeks in the town.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency says they treated more than 1,200 patients there. Sri Lankan Ambassador to Japan, Pivithuru Janak Kumarasinha, welcomed or greeted the team at the airport and expressed his gratitude.
00:15:39 話者 1
Compassion, dignity, and a sense of solidarity that words can barely express.
00:15:47 話者 1
The team's deputy head, Professor Kurozumi Taketo of Teikyo University, said local medical institutions had been struggling to treat patients when the team arrived.
He noted that they conducted x-ray exams and blood tests to help as much as possible.
Foreign ministry official Iwase Kiichiro served as the team's leader
00:16:10 話者 5
It was heartwarming to see distressed patients going home smiling after seeing a doctor.
My team was able to meet the people's needs.
00:16:18 話者 1
The United Nations Development Program reported that floodwaters covered around 20 percent of the country and affected 2.3 million people.
IN FOCUS
00:16:18 話者 1
Now we turn to our colleague Shibuya Aki for Newsline in Focus.
She'll look at efforts in Indonesia to rescue children from the vicious cycle of poverty.
INSIDE THE FIGHT TO SAVE INDONESIA'S CHILD BEGGARS
00:16:45 話者 5
Indonesia, with its population of 280 million, has shown sustained economic growth.
But at the same time, it faces large regional disparities.
Millions of families are living in poverty, and many of their children end up on the street begging for money.
We meet a man at a local orphanage who's on a mission to change the situation by giving kids access to education and a chance to open up their future.
00:17:15 話者 4
In Aceh Province, an estimated 56,000 children cannot attend school amid a higher poverty rate than the national average.
Many children are forced by their parents to beg for money.
And here in Indonesia, where a Muslim tradition is giving alms to the poor, child beggars tend to generate more sympathy.
Michael Octaviano is struggling to protect and empower such children as the head of a provincial orphanage.
64 children from age 4 to 18 are living here and can also attend school.
Kids can meet their parents once a month, either in person or virtually, if they choose to.
00:18:14 話者 2
Children on the streets have no access to education.
We need to take them out of environments where they are forced to beg.
00:18:29 話者 4
Rizal is 11. He was taken into the orphanage last year with his younger brother.
His parents had sold him to a handler, and he used to beg on the streets dressed in a character costume.
He wasn't attending school and couldn't read or write.
But the facility enabled him to study and made him dream of his future.
...
Michael has been especially concerned about one particular family.
The mother, grandmother and children survive by begging.
Michael has repeatedly visited them, bringing diapers, food, and other supplies.
He's been trying to convince the mother of the importance of education.
After 2 years, she finally agreed to let three of her children stay in the orphanage.
...
The eldest daughter is 11. We'll call her Lena.
At the orphanage, she enjoyed her first shower in a long time and received new clothes.
She even went for a second and third helping. Lena looked excited about her new life.
...
But 5 days after Lena was taken in, her mother and grandmother broke into the facility, armed with a knife, and took their children back.
Lena and her sister were later found begging again in restaurants.
Michael paid another visit to the family.
...
Michael believes the family took the kids back because it wanted them to make money.
He had no choice but to initiate legal procedures to protect the children's rights.
He feels the authorities should have intervened earlier.
00:21:18 話者 9
To reduce and eliminate this problem, all agencies need to work together, not work alone.
00:21:31 話者 4
Michael regularly visits towns and villages, encouraging them to provide support from an early stage.
...
Some progress is being made.
This village has built a system to monitor the situation of all children living there.
It has also secured donations from a local bank of about $3,000 a year to provide meals to kids from poor families.
00:22:09 話者 9
I will continue to fight, involving everyone, so they can regain their childlike smiles.
00:22:20 話者 5
Michael says he wants to create a community where the well-being of every child is secured. One factor hindering government support for these children is that often families are not registered as residents and they move from place to place.
Soraya Kamaruzaman, who specializes in women and children's rights, points out that local governments tend to prioritize developing infrastructure over caring for poor households, as they want quicker, more visible results.
She says the national government must be more proactive in combating poverty.
00:22:59 話者 8
Indonesian law stipulates that securing children's rights is a national responsibility.
It covers everything for them, including access to education, health, protection, opportunities to play, participation, and development.
If it is properly enforced, all children will be able to attend school.
00:23:20 話者 5
Building a comprehensive system to protect children's rights, as well as assisting their parents, including with employment,
may be key to Indonesia's sustainable development.
And that's all for me.
HOT SPRING MAKES A SPLASH WITH YUZU FRUIT BATH
00:23:37 話者 1
A hot spring in northern Japan is letting visitors try a refreshing winter custom.
It's giving guests a chance to soak in baths filled with yuzu citrus fruits.
The bath in Hokkaido's Hokuto City offers the service every year around the winter solstice. People believe that yuzu baths promote circulation and warm the body.
Enjoying a soak with the fruit on the solstice is also a traditional way of warding off colds.
WEATHER
And it is time for us to check the world weather. Here's our meteorologist, Jonathan Oh.
00:24:22 話者 6
Hello, it still looks like that winter is a big part of the story. In the northern areas of Japan, we have been dealing with this northwesterly flow spreading through Hokkaido.
We have another push of moisture coming across the Sea of Japan that could add to the rain and the snow for the mountains of Japan up toward the north.
So be on the lookout for that as we go throughout the day on Thursday.
Back toward the west, high pressure is the big story. So we're really not talking much in terms of moisture, though it looks like that for those over in Mongolia, we'll
We see a drive of moisture coming on through, and in Limbaatar might be dealing with some snow coming up on Thursday.
Stays cold. Highs will be 8 degrees below freezing.
Beijing, Seoul, Shanghai, all looking at partly cloudy to sunny skies here. Tokyo looking at partly cloudy skies as well, with a high of 13 as we go through the day on Thursday.
Meanwhile, a double trouble when it comes to snow across the northern portions of the United States. One low that's moving across the border between Canada and the United States toward the Great Lakes. other ones still being pumped by the atmospheric river.
And so as it continues to churn and bring all this moisture, areas like Washington state and into portions of British Columbia dealing with major flooding problems.
And it doesn't look like we're going to be seeing much in terms of relief as we go forward for the foreseeable future, in fact, because we see this pattern continuing.
And we go through Wednesday into Thursday and another push of moisture coming in from the Pacific. And so that will continue to be of some concern.
Thunderstorms possible as we go through Wednesday into Vancouver with a high of eight, snow into Winnipeg, down toward the south, looking at temperatures into the mid-teens in Oklahoma City and Denver. I kind of probably forgot the fact that it's winter, 20 for the high coming up, with sunny skies coming up on Wednesday.
Across Europe, we have this low moving from the south, and as that moves on through, a bit of a messier pattern, not exactly the most wet type of situation, but still cloudy and cool, single-digit highs from Berlin into Vienna and Warsaw as we go through the day on Wednesday.
Hope you have a good day wherever you are.
♫～ 3-DAY FORECAST ～♫
00:27:36 話者 1
And that wraps it up for the news for this hour. We'll have more for you soon.
Thank you very much for joining us.
checked.
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