Welcome back to NHK Newsline. I'm Kanako Sachno.
POLICE: BROWN UNIVERSITY SHOOTING SUSPECT FOUND DEAD
US police say the suspect in the deadly mass shooting at Brown University has been found dead in an apparent suicide.
They also say the man could be linked to the killing of a Massachusetts Institute of Technology professor that took place two days later.
The shooting at Brown University in Rhode Island occurred last Saturday just as students were taking final exams.
The attack left two people dead and nine others injured at the prestigious Ivy League school.
Police say the man who they believe was responsible was found dead in a storage facility in New Hampshire, about 90 kilometres away from the university.
They say firearms thought to have been used in the shooting were found near his body.
Investigators had previously released a video of a masked man walking near the campus before the attack.
They say they located the suspect by piecing together information, including details on a rental car.
The man was said to be a 48-year-old Portuguese national and a former PhD student at Brown.
He's said to have attended classes more than 20 years ago in the building where the shootings took place.
Police are looking into his motive. They're also investigating his possible involvement in the fatal shooting of a Portuguese MIT professor at his home on Monday.
PANEL GIVES REVISED DAMAGE ESTIMATE FOR POSSIBLE TOKYO QUAKE
A Japanese government panel estimates a powerful earthquake hitting directly below Tokyo could kill 18,000 people.
It would also cause damage of about 83 trillion yen, or roughly $533 billion.
The panel submitted a new estimate to Disaster Management Minister Akamajiro on Friday.
The members reviewed the previous estimate from 12 years ago, taking into account progress made in counter-disaster and other measures during that time.
The latest assessment studied scenarios of 24 possible quakes with different focuses located in and around the Tokyo metropolitan area.
The scenario they presented is based on a magnitude 7.3 quake striking the southern part of central Tokyo.
It envisions a wide area, including Tokyo and its neighboring prefectures of Saitama, Chiba and Kanagawa, experiencing jolts measuring lower 6 or more on the Japanese seismic intensity scale of 0 to 7.
In a worst-case scenario where the quake occurs on a windy winter evening, the death toll could rise to 18,000, with 400,000 buildings destroyed or burnt down.
The assessment added that about 70% of the damage could be caused by fire.
The latest estimate on both deaths and damage to buildings is about 20 to 30% lower than the previous one.
That's due to progress in building quake-resistant homes and other disaster prevention measures.
Still, the impact could be devastating. Up to 24 million people could suffer from power failures, and up to 8.4 million may be unable to return to their residences.
Furthermore, the economic damage could be felt both in Japan and abroad.
That's if the resulting reduction in the labour force and damage to production leads to business failures.
00:03:24 話者 2
We must take this estimate of massive damage seriously and work hard to reduce it.
It should be reflected in the government's various plans, especially those to provide emergency responses and other measures.
BUSINESS
00:03:48 話者 1
Now for more business stories, here's Gene Otani.
00:03:52 話者 3
Kanako, thanks at our top business story this hour.
BOJ RAISES BENCHMARK INTEREST RATE TO 0.75%
The Bank of Japan says it will raise its benchmark interest rate to around 0.75%, the highest level in 30 years.
The central bank's policymakers voted unanimously to raise the rate from the current 0.5% at a two-day meeting that ended on Friday.
The bank has said the wage increases are a key factor in its interest rate discussions.
BOJ policymakers are set to have more confidence that salary hikes will continue.
This is based on targets by labor unions and companies for spring wage negotiations.
The BOJ says in its statement that it judged it appropriate to adjust monetary accommodation to sustainably achieve its price stability target of 2%.
BOJ Governor Ueda Kazuo signaled the bank's readiness for further hikes during a news conference after the meeting.
00:04:53 話者 2
With real interest rates remaining at significantly low levels, even after the increase in the policy rate and maintenance of the accommodative monetary environment, the current situation will continue to facilitate economic activity.
The BOJ will continue raising the policy rate in accordance with the improvement in economic activity and prices and will adjust the degree of monetary accommodation.
00:05:15 話者 3
The bank last raised its interest rate in January this year and had left it and changed at around 0.5% for the past six monetary policy meetings.
ECONOMIST: BOJ RATE HIKE PART OF EXIT FROM MONETARY EASING
Kyuichi Takahide, a former BOJ policy board member, says the central bank's rate increase is part of an exit from monetary easing, not a tightening.
00:05:37 話者 2
At its October policy meeting, the BOJ said that uncertainty stemming from Trump tariffs remained, but this time around, the bank said that it has eased.
Also, the bank said that the likelihood of prices rising in line with its outlook increased when wages looked set to rise as much as the year before.
The bank has raised the key rate to three-quarters of a percent, but it is still within the accommodative range. The bank is just winding down its monetary easing rather than shifting to monetary tightening.
00:06:14 話者 3
Kyuichi added that the rate hike will have limited negative impact on the economy.
He said that the BOJ will keep raising the policy rate, but that is from an extremely low level.
00:06:26 話者 4
Inflation has risen sharply around the world in recent years.
Prices in Japan, in particular, have gone up to surpass those in other major countries.
It will take some time before this upward trend ends, so I believe the BOJ will have to raise the policy rate till it reaches around 1.25 percent.
00:06:44 話者 3
Kyuchi says he expects the central bank will raise the policy rate in stages through to 2027.
10-YEAR JGB YIELD TOPS 2% TO 26-YEAR HIGH
The BOJ rate hike sets the yield of the benchmark 10-year Japanese government bond to a 26-year high on Friday.
The yield briefly rose to 2.02 percent. Expectations the central bank will keep raising rates has been pushing bond prices lower, causing yields to rise.
Yields have been trending higher since the middle of last month.
Concerns are rising that the expansive fiscal policy of Takeichi Sanae's administration will lead to more bond sales
Meanwhile, Tokyo's Nikkei 225 stock index rose after the BOJ decision.
Buy orders were placed for banks and other financial shares.
The benchmark ended on Friday at 49,507, up 1%.
The Japanese currency weakened to the mid-156 yen level against the dollar in Tokyo trading hours.
BIZ PICKS
Next, NHK World's Yanaka Marie is here with BizPicks.
00:07:56 話者 5
Let's look at the business and economic stories we'll be tracking in the week ahead.
On Tuesday, US officials will finally announce GDP figures for the July to September period. This is nearly two months late following the government shutdown.
EXPERTS: JAPAN'S STOCK MARKET SEEMS HEADED FOR NEW HEIGHTS IN 2026
In this last installment of Bizpix this year, we look at what Japan's stock market did, as well as the outlook for 2026.
The equity market this year enjoyed a strong rally.
Tokyo's benchmark Nikkei 225 gained 20 percent.
That's despite a setback in April when US President Donald Trump announced tariffs.
The index trended upward, and in late October, surpassed the 50,000 mark for the first time.
Analysts expect the coming fiscal year will bring solid corporate earnings, which could drive up share prices.
But views vary on just how much.
Ide Shingo, chief equity strategist at NLI Research Institute, projects that by the end of 2026, the Nikkei will reach around 53,000.
00:09:05 話者 6
At this point, market analysts forecast corporate profits will gain 12 to 13 percent in fiscal 2026. If risks don't arise, especially those of a US economic slowdown, growth will expand to around 15 to 20 percent. Stock prices could rise in line with that.
00:09:25 話者 5
AI-linked stocks drove much of this year's rally. But Itae foresees greater caution over the sector's large capital inflow and thinks investors will be more selective.
00:09:41 話者 6
It's unclear whether companies can really make a profit with services utilizing AI.
It will depend on the company.
The market will eventually make clear which companies are winners or losers.
00:09:56 話者 5
Other experts are more optimistic. Matsumoto Fumio, chief strategist at Okasan Securities, predicts that by the end of next year, the Nikkei could move close to 60,000.
He says more capital flowing into the economy under the policies of Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae could boost Japanese equities.
00:10:18 話者 2
The Takaichi administration wants to put inflationary pressure on the economy with proactive measures.
It hopes that companies will make capital investments.
With price pressure rising, the Japanese economy could see a significant rise in the nominal growth rate. It will be a tailwind for the market.
00:10:36 話者 5
Matsumoto notes that with government debt rising, the Bank of Japan has limited room to raise interest rates, making its accommodative stance likely to continue.
But, he cautions, this could change under certain conditions.
00:10:52 話者 2
Even with the yen weakening beyond 1.55 to the dollar, import prices have not risen.
That's because, at present, crude oil prices remain subdued.
However, if rising oil prices and other factors spur import inflation, it will be impossible to continue monetary easing indefinitely. That could become a risk factor.
00:11:14 話者 5
Both experts say a key risk is the headwind in the US labor market.
If the world's largest economy weakens, that would hit Japanese equities.
I'm Yanaka Marie, and that wraps up this year's final Biz Picks.
00:11:30 話者 3
Marie, thanks.
Japan's consumer inflation stayed high in November, led by surging food costs, though it has been slowing in recent months.
JAPAN'S CONSUMER PRICES RISE 3% IN NOVEMBER
The Internal Affairs Ministry says the consumer price index, excluding fresh food, posted a gain of 3 percent, unchanged from the month before.
The price of food, excluding perishables, rose 7%. That was still relatively high, though the trend has been slowing over the past four months.
Rice was up by around 37%, with the recent autumn harvest fueling the increase.
As for other food items, coffee beans shot up more than 51%, and chocolate was up nearly 27%.
And that's it for business news.
FINDING NEW WAYS TO FEED JAPANESE CHILDREN
00:12:16 話者 1
And the rising food prices are bad news for those struggling with the cost of living.
But as this next report shows, some grassroots initiatives are stepping in to help.
00:12:27 話者 7
This shed in Soka City, north of Tokyo, may not look like much, but it's playing a vital role for local families.
This is a community fridge.
All the food inside is donated, mostly by food companies, and it's available for free.
Eligible families can register and use an app to see what's in stock.
It also lets them pick what food they want and how much, 24 hours a day, no questions asked.
00:13:01 話者 9
I have two high schoolers at home and I make their lunches every day.
So we go through a lot of rise compared to the average household. Even a little bit helps.
00:13:13 話者 8
I just got some onions. I can't always buy vegetables because of the cost, so having them available here means my kids can eat them, so I'm happy.
00:13:25 話者 7
Right now, about 450 households are using the service.
That's a hundred more than last year, due in part to rising crisis.
There are now over 20 such fridges nationwide.
The local Chamber of Commerce, who runs this facility, says the initiative is also good for businesses. The donated food is usually about to go off.
00:13:56 話者 2
By solving the disposal problem for companies, We can source food for the fridge.
That's where the strength of the project lies.
So we're able to run this sustainably and keep it going.
00:14:12 話者 7
It's not the only initiative helping kids get their greens.
This cafeteria offers free meals to children in Yokosuka City, south of the capital.
Their ingredients budget depends on the donations and subsidies they get.
Take these radishes, for example.
They're from a farm almost 20 kilometers south, but they're funded by people across the country. It's thanks to Japan's unique hometown tax program.
Here's how it works. People across Japan can donate money to any town.
Once you spend more than 2,000 yen, or 13 US dollars, the rest of the donation is fully tax-deductible. As thanks, the town sends the donor a gift from a local business.
Municipalities can use those donations as they please, like buying local fish and vegetables, for example.
Those are then delivered to places like the children's cafeteria and...
Thanks to those donations, the cafeteria is able to keep feeding the city's smallest residents.
00:15:39 話者 10
We don't have a huge food budget, so when we get these vegetables, it means we can use that money to buy other ingredients instead.
We can offer a bit more variety, so we are really, truly grateful.
00:15:57 話者 7
Kitajima Yae runs a startup that helps manage this system.
She works with nine municipalities so far, but hopes to get another 11 on board by April.
00:16:12 話者 11
I think a lot of people only donate because they want a gift back. I hope in the future more people will donate because there's a cause they want to support or a region they want to help or because there are children in need.
ANALYSIS: FINDING NEW WAYS TO FEED JAPANESE CHILDREN
00:16:32 話者 1
For more on these initiatives, I spoke with NHK World's Takeda Tomonari.
Can you give us an idea of who's using these kinds of services?
00:16:41 話者 8
I spoke to a lot of people when I visited the community fridge.
One was a single parent.
They said they were struggling to raise their two kids alone.
The fridge meant they could provide at least one healthy meal a day.
But there is not always enough to go around.
As we said before, more and more people are using this service.
Some users told me the food runs out fast, the donations cannot keep up with demand, and food prices keep rising.
Take onions, for example. Their price is now 59% more than the usual five years average.
That affects everyone, spending time at the fridge.
I saw who was using it. The reality is a lot of people need its help.
00:17:47 話者 1
And how does that compare to other countries?
00:17:50 話者 8
They have the same struggles.
I looked into the situation in South Korea and spoke to Lee Yonsek of Taekyo University.
She is an expert on its food bank system.
She said the government is working to make sure these projects are sustainable.
For example, if there's a problem with the food, the company that donated it, it's granted immunity under certain conditions.
They also get tax exemptions.
But Lee said the user in different countries have different mindsets.
South Korean cultures encourages coming together in a crisis.
That has happened many times in its history.
For example, the 1997 Asian financial crisis. So some may shy away from asking for help.
But it's not shameful either.
In Japan, it's a bit different. Many are reluctant to ask for help.
They are scared of what people might say. There is a fear of judgment.
So reaching out and supporting those people is a major challenge.
00:19:15 話者 1
Now, Japan passed a supplementary budget earlier this week.
Does it look like that will help?
00:19:20 話者 8
Well, there's a lot in the bill, like power, subsidies, and child allowances.
There is also funding for local towns to help address food prices.
The government says tackling rising prices is a priority.
But there are still issues. Real salaries are not keeping up with rising prices.
And while these grassroots initiatives can help, they are also in a tough spot.
Many are facing labor and food shortages.
They say they need more support if they are to keep helping those who need them most.
EU DEFERS USE OF FROZEN RUSSIAN ASSETS FOR UKRAINE FUNDING
00:20:34 話者 1
Leaders of European Union member states have agreed to provide Ukraine with a massive interest-free loan, but have put off a decision on whether to use frozen Russian assets to finance it.
The decision was made at an EU summit held from Thursday to Friday in Brussels, the Belgian capital.
Under the plan, the EU will borrow funds and provide Ukraine with a 90 billion euro interest-free loan, equivalent to about $100 billion over 2 years, starting next year.
The money is aimed at supporting Ukraine's defence efforts against Russia.
EU leaders initially discussed using frozen Russian assets as a funding source, but Belgium opposed the idea, citing potential legal risks, including large compensation claims from Russia.
A major financial clearinghouse holding a significant share of the frozen assets is based in Belgium.
Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic will not assume a financial burden under the loan scheme.
The three countries have been reluctant to provide aid to Ukraine.
00:21:37 話者 2
Today's decisions will provide Ukraine with the necessary means to defend itself and to support the Ukrainian people.
00:21:47 話者 1
With Russia's attacks continuing, Ukrainian officials warned that Kyiv could run out of funds as early as the first half of next year.
GOVT. REAFFIRMS NON-NUCLEAR STANCE AFTER OFFICIAL'S COMMENTS
The Japanese government's top spokesperson says the country maintains its long-standing 3 non-nuclear principles.
They stipulate Japan shall not possess, produce or permit the entry of nuclear weapons.
This comes after a senior official with the Prime Minister's office told a group of reporters that Japan should have nuclear weapons for deterrence.
00:22:17 話者 2
The government maintains the three non-nuclear principles as its policy.
Since the end of World War II, Japan has consistently contributed to the global peace and prosperity. That stance has not changed.
00:22:32 話者 1
Kihara says nuclear weapons cause immense devastation and must never be used again.
He says it's Japan's mission to lead the way to a nuclear-weapon-free world as the only nation to have experienced atomic bombings during war.
On Thursday, an official in charge of national security with the Prime Minister's office made off-the-record comments to reporters.
He referenced nuclear weapons, saying Japan must strengthen its deterrence amid an increasingly severe security environment.
Kihara said he's aware of the remarks, but would not comment on specific media reports.
He also refrained from saying whether the official will remain in the post or be told to issue retraction.
TOKYO POLICE: COUPLE WHO DIED IN SAUNA WERE LIKELY TRAPPED
Details are emerging in the death of a couple at a private sauna in central Tokyo earlier this week.
Tokyo police say the couple was apparently trapped and may have died of carbon monoxide poisoning or hypothermia.
36-year-old beauty salon owner Matsuda Masanari and his 37-year-old wife Yoko, a nail technician, died after a fire broke out on the third floor of a building in the Akasaka district on Monday.
Firefighters found the door closed when they arrived.
Doorknobs on either side of the sauna's door had fallen off.
They said the couple had collapsed near the door with the husband covering his wife.
The couple is believed to have become trapped in the room after they visited the sauna around 11am.
There was an emergency button inside the sauna, but it was not working because the power in the office was not turned on.
An employee called the fire department when a fire alarm sounded about one hour later.
Police say they believe the fire started when a towel touched heated stones.
They're looking into the details, including when the fire broke out.
♪
WEATHER
Now let's take a look at the world weather. Western Europe has been facing back-to-back storms. Our meteorologist Yumi Hirano has the details.
00:24:58 話者 9
An Atlantic storm is approaching France and Spain with wind gusts of over 120 kilometers per hour. Strong winds and isolated downpours are still possible in the area on Friday.
Further east, dry and calm weather is expected over the Balkans, but it's making air pollution worse.
Thick fog covered the capital of Bosnia on Thursday, causing flight cancellations and forcing people indoors.
The city often sees an increase in winter pollution as its very location traps dirty air in calm weather. An air pollution group said on Thursday the city's air was unhealthy.
The city's emergency hospital chief said 300 to 500 patients a day have been treated for pollution-related breathing problems over the last seven days.
As the high-pressure system covers eastern and central Europe, the conditions are not expected to improve soon.
Showers are likely in Paris, Lisbon, and Madrid, but sunny skies will come back to London with a high of 10.
In Japan, a high-pressure system is moving away from the country, and the low-pressure system is approaching. Downpours are expected in the Okinawa and the Amami regions.
The rain will spread to the mainland of the country over the weekend.
So showers are likely in many cities.
The system will also bring warm air, so well above average temperatures expected.
The high in Fukuoka may hit 21. Sapporo will see 12, which is a typical level for April.
So if you're in an area experiencing significant snow accumulation, please watch out for avalanches.
That's it for now. Have a safe weekend.
♫～ 3-DAY FORECAST ～♫
00:27:36 話者 1
That wraps up this edition of NHK Newsline. I'm Kanako Sachno in Tokyo.
Thanks very much for joining us.
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