Welcome back to NHK Newsline. Here's the latest we have for you at this hour.
THAI GIRL FORCED TO WORK AT TOKYO MASSAGE PARLOR TO RETURN HOME
Sources say Japanese authorities will soon send home an underage Thai girl who was forced to provide sexual services at a massage parlor in Tokyo.
She's been under their protection since the case was uncovered in September.
Investigators believe the girl's mother brought her to Japan in late June before abandoning her and leaving the country. The girl is believed to have then been forced to work at the massage parlor. She was 12 years old at that time.
The parlor owner has been arrested on suspicion of breaching the Labor Standards Act and operating an adult entertainment business in a prohibited area.
The case was uncovered when the girl sought help from the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau. She reportedly told immigration officials she wants to return to Thailand and attend junior high school.
The mother is now detained in Taiwan. Thai police have obtained an arrest warrant for her.
Taiwanese investigators have indicated they will extradite her to Thailand this month unless Japanese officials request that she be brought to Japan.
Tokyo police believe the girl is a victim of human trafficking involving her mother.
They say they will continue working with her counterparts in Thailand to uncover more details.
JAPAN'S KEY BOND YIELD RISES TO HIGHEST SINCE 1999, YEN WEAKENS
The yield on Japan's benchmark government bond has risen to the highest since 1999 amid concern about the pace of future interest rate hikes.
Meanwhile, the yen weakened in Tokyo trading.
The 10-year bond yield rose to 2.1 percent on Monday.
Last week, the Bank of Japan decided to raise its key rate.
Expectations the central bank will keep hiking rates have been pushing bond prices lower, causing yields to rise.
The Japanese currency weakened to the 157 yen level against the dollar.
Investors judged after BOJ Governor Ueda Kazuo's news conference following the rate hike decision that it would take time for the next rate hike to come.
The Japanese currency weakened by about 2 yen at one point compared to before the rate hike announcement.
Vice Minister of Finance for International Affairs Mimura Atsushi gave this warning.
00:02:33 話者 2
The market's movement was one-sided and rapidly moving in one direction.
We will take appropriate measures if this trend goes too far.
00:02:43 話者 1
The benchmark Nikkei 225 stock index rose more than 1,000 points at one point on Monday morning, led by semiconductor-related shares.
This follows a rally of all three main indices in New York on Friday.
Some market participants said there was buying of export-related shares on the yen's weakening.
JAPAN COMPILES DRAFT PLAN TO BECOME LEADER IN AI
Japan's government wants to become a leader in the race to develop artificial intelligence. Officials have earmarked billions of dollars in support for the private sector.
The government has set out its aims in a new draft plan.
00:03:19 話者 3
AI is directly linked to industrial competitiveness and national security, and will determine our national strength.
Now is the time to launch a counteroffensive through public-private collaboration.
00:03:33 話者 1
The industry ministry is expected to provide about $6.3 billion to the private sector over a five-year period for developing homegrown AI systems.
The ministry plans to request almost $2 billion for related costs in the budget for fiscal 2026. Officials could also fund the plan by issuing special bonds.
WAR IN UKRAINE
PEACE PROSPECTS UNCLEAR AFTER TALKS IN FLORIDA
US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has held a series of peace talks with Ukraine and Russia.
But the delegates have since made no mention of territory, leaving the prospects for a breakthrough unclear.
Witkoff met top Ukrainian negotiator Rustem Umirov for three days in Florida.
The agenda covered Washington's 20-point peace plan, including US and multilateral security guarantees.
Witkoff also insists Moscow remains fully committed to realizing peace after two days of talks in Florida with a Russian special envoy.
But there appears to have been little progress on the contentious issue of Ukrainian territory and just how much the embattled country may be required to surrender.
US ENVOY DISCUSSES 2ND PHASE OF GAZA PEACE PLAN
Witkoff also has met with officials from Egypt, Qatar and Turkey to discuss a transition to the second phase of the American-led peace plan for the Gaza Strip.
Witkoff said on social media the representatives expressed support for an early establishment of the Board of Peace.
That's the international body set up to oversee reconstruction and security in the enclave.
He noted they also discussed infrastructure development, cooperation on resources, and other matters essential to Gaza's recovery.
The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas took effect in October, led by US President Donald Trump.
It is set to enter the second phase after the Islamic group hands over the body of the last remaining deceased hostage.
Turkish media reported on Saturday the country's intelligence chief and a Hamas delegation exchanged views on conditions needed to move the plan forward.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu plans to visit the United States to meet with Trump next week.
The second stage includes items both sides want to avoid, including the disarmament of Hamas and an expansion of areas for withdrawal by Israeli forces.
JETRO, TEHRAN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SIGN MEMORANDUM
A Japanese government-related organization has signed a memorandum of understanding with an Iranian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
The aim of the move is to increase business opportunities between firms in the two countries.
The two sides will work jointly to hold seminars and other events designed to promote exchanges between the nation's firms. US economic sanctions on Iran remain in effect.
Sanctions imposed by the UN over Tehran's nuclear development program were reinstated in September.
Iran is rich in natural resources. It has the world's second largest reserves of natural gas.
But the trade value between Tokyo and Tehran has declined sharply.
00:07:04 話者 4
We need to think about what we will do in the future, when the sanctions are lifted.
So, it was worthwhile to sign the Memorandum of Understanding with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Tehran.
00:07:17 話者 1
Jetro says it wants to create an environment that will enable Japanese firms to do business smoothly after the Iran sanctions are withdrawn.
The Japan External Trade Organization held a signing ceremony with the Commerce Chamber in the Iranian capital of Tehran on Sunday.
The aim of the move is to increase business opportunities between firms in the two countries.
The two sides will work jointly to hold seminars and other events designed to promote exchanges between the nation's firms. US economic sanctions on Iran remain in effect.
Sanctions imposed by the UN over Tehran's nuclear development program were reinstated in September.
Iran is rich in natural resources. It has the world's second largest reserves of natural gas.
But the trade value between Tokyo and Tehran has declined sharply.
00:07:04 話者 4
We need to think about what we will do in the future, when the sanctions are lifted.
So, it was worthwhile to sign the Memorandum of Understanding with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Tehran.
00:07:17 話者 1
Jetro says it wants to create an environment that will enable Japanese firms to do business smoothly after the Iran sanctions are withdrawn.
The Japan External Trade Organization held a signing ceremony with the Commerce Chamber in the Iranian capital of Tehran on Sunday.
TAIWAN MOURNS VICTIMS OF STABBING RAMPAGE
People in Taiwan are mourning the victims of the stabbing rampage that occurred on Friday in central Taipei. Many have laid flowers at the sites and offered prayers.
A commercial building resumed operations on Sunday, two days after the attack.
Police officers stood guard.
Large numbers of people turned up and expressed their condolences.
00:07:56 話者 5
I still haven't sorted out my feelings.
00:08:01 話者 6
After feeling down for two nights, I was finally able to come here.
I want to quiet my emotions as much as possible.
00:08:14 話者 1
A 27-year-old unemployed man threw smoke bombs and stabbed people at Taipei Main Station and an area near a subway station. At least three individuals were killed.
Eleven others were injured.
The suspect then jumped from a commercial building. He was later confirmed dead.
Investigators believe the attack was premeditated.
They also believe the man visited the area beforehand and acted alone.
Those were the stories for this hour.
WEATHER
♫～ 3-DAY FORECAST ～♫And that brings us to the end of this edition of NHK Newsline.
We'll have more for you soon. Thanks for joining us.
checked.
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Easy Japanese
00:10:09 話者 7
Hi there. It's time for NHK World Japan's Easy Japanese. I'm Erika Kojima.
00:10:16 話者 8
And I'm Michael Reese.
Let's have fun learning Japanese together.
Today we bring you lesson 39 on describing a mistake you've made.
Tam, a student from Vietnam, hurries back to the share house where she's living.
She lost her wallet on her way back from the station.
Tam asks the robot landlady, Haru-san, for advice.
00:10:40 話者 7
Listen to this kit for lesson 39.
00:10:55 話者 9
My master.
00:11:17 話者 7
Now let's go through the skit line by line.
00:11:20 話者 8
Tam tells Haru-san what happened.
00:11:28 話者 7
Haru-san, I lost my wallet.
00:11:31 話者 9
Haru-san suggests what to do.
00:11:38 話者 7
Oh my, you should go to the police box.
00:11:42 話者 8
Tam follows the suggestion and tells the police officer her situation.
00:11:46 話者 7
The officer asks, So what kind of a wallet is it?
00:11:53 話者 8
Tam explains, It's yellow.
00:11:57 話者 10
Then the officer says, Ah, yellow.
00:12:06 話者 7
Is this it?
00:12:07 話者 8
Tam seems happy.
00:12:11 話者 7
Yes, that's the one.
00:12:14 話者 8
Well, it's a good thing Tam found her wallet.
Police boxes can be found all around the country.
The officers posted there look after the safety and security of people in the neighborhood.
It's a system that originated in Japan.
Today's key phrase is, I lost my wallet.
00:12:38 話者 11
Saifu, dos teshi, my master.
00:12:41 話者 8
If you remember this pattern, you'll be able to describe a mistake you've made.
00:12:46 話者 7
Here's the meaning word by word.
Saifu is wallet.
The o that follows is a particle indicating the object.
Otoshite shimaimashita means happen to lose.
The te form of the verb to lose, otosu, is otoshite, and it's followed by shimaimashita.
Today's point is the use of shimaimashita after the te form of a verb.
It expresses remorse or regret about something that's happened.
So, when you want to talk about a mistake you've made, in this case losing a wallet, instead of saying otoshimashita, it's better to say otoshite shimaimashita.
00:13:33 話者 8
Listen and repeat.
00:13:37 話者 12
Otoshite shimaimashita.
Got it.
00:13:56 話者 8
Listen to a conversation in which a hotel guest tells a front desk clerk.
00:14:00 話者 13
That he forgot something.
Now, let's see what it means.
00:14:21 話者 8
Excuse me, I forgot my room number.
00:14:24 話者 7
Heya is room, and bango is number.
Wasurete is the te form of the verb to forget, wasureru, followed by shimaimashita.
It expresses the troubled feeling of the speaker.
00:14:40 話者 12
Onamae wa.
00:14:42 話者 8
Your name is...
00:14:44 話者 7
Namae is name.
Since it's a question directed to a guest, o is attached in front of the word for politeness, making it onamae.
00:14:54 話者 8
Give it a try.
Listen and repeat.
00:14:59 話者 12
Wasurete shima imashita.
Heia no bango wasurete shima imashita.
Sumimasen.
Heia no bango wasurete shima imashita.
00:15:24 話者 7
Now, try talking about other ways you may have messed up.
You've spilled some water from your glass at a restaurant.
Call the server and explain what happened.
00:15:36 話者 8
Spill water is...
00:15:37 話者 12
Mizuo kobosu.
00:15:40 話者 8
The verb to spill is...
00:15:42 話者 12
Gobosu.
00:15:43 話者 8
The te form is...
00:15:45 話者 12
Goboshite.
Goboshite.
00:15:49 話者 8
Okay, go ahead.
00:15:57 話者 13
Sumimasen.
Mizuo kobosu de shimaimashita.
00:16:14 話者 7
Here's Step Up.
Today, it's about the names of colors.
When Tam was describing her wallet at the police box, she said, Kiiroi saifu, yellow wallet, remember?
00:16:28 話者 8
Yellow?
is an i adjective other common colors are red akai white shiroi black kuroi and blue aoi listen and repeat.
00:16:47 話者 7
Red akai white shiroi black kuroi blue
Aoi.
00:17:05 話者 8
So are all the colour names e-adjectives?
00:17:08 話者 7
Well, now that you mention it, some are nouns.
For example, midori, which is green.
With nouns like green wallet, you add the particle no in between and say, midori no saifu.
Loan words like pink or grey are also nouns.
00:17:30 話者 9
And with that in mind, listen to the.
00:17:54 話者 10
Skit one more time...
00:18:12 話者 8
Next up, Haru-san's bag full of advice and today's topic, police boxes or korban.
00:18:20 話者 7
So, Michael, have you ever been to a koban in Japan?
00:18:23 話者 8
Oh, yes, on a number of occasions.
When I'm looking for a particular place and I need help.
Also, when my bicycle tire is a little flat and I don't have a pump, I borrow theirs.
00:18:34 話者 7
Wow, that surprises me.
00:18:36 話者 8
Well, they're very useful.
And of course, their role there is to help the people.
So, yeah, they're very helpful people.
00:18:43 話者 7
At a koban, you can also ask for directions or file a report on something you've lost.
The officers also handle criminal investigations, neighborhood patrols, and traffic enforcement.
00:18:55 話者 8
Post boxes are public safety hubs.
They often show up in Japanese movies, novels, and manga because they are an integral part of daily life.
00:19:04 話者 7
Some people think the Koban system may be one reason why Japan's crime rate is relatively low.
Other countries have tried it out and, nowadays, you can also find aspects of the Koban system in such countries as the US, Singapore, and Brazil.
Well, we hope you enjoyed today's Easy Japanese.
00:19:33 話者 8
Tune in again!
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Great Buddha of Kamakura
00:20:19 話者 14
Japan has various kinds of landmarks that fascinate visitors.
They range from cultural and historic locations to modern buildings created with cutting-edge technologies.
What led to their creation and what were the challenges involved?
The Backstory of Japanese Landmarks brings you the stories behind these amazing places.
In this episode of The Backstory of Japanese Landmarks, we feature the Great Buddha of Kamakura.
Kamakura is a popular tourist destination located near Tokyo.
It's about a one-hour train ride from the capital.
One of Kamakura's landmarks is the Great Buddha.
As its name suggests, the Great Buddha is a colossal copper statue of Amitaba Buddha.
It was built as the principal deity of Jodo Sek Temple Kotokuin.
The Buddha is nicknamed Rozano Daibutsu, meaning the great Buddha sitting out in the open.
It's a national treasure of Japan.
From central Kamakura, the train ride and walk to Kotoku-in Temple takes about 15 minutes.
After passing through the temple's gate, the grand statue of Buddha comes into view.
The Buddha sits in a Zen meditation posture and is over 11 meters tall.
Kamakura was the seat of Japan's feudal government from the end of the 12th century to the early 14th century.
The construction of the Great Buddha began during this period in 1252, almost 800 years ago.
Today, the statue is covered with verde gris,
a bright green substance that forms on oxidized copper.
A closer look reveals slight traces of gold leaf, indicating that the statue was originally gilded.
The Great Buddha was made by copper casting.
It's a manufacturing method of melting copper and pouring it into a mold.
But creating a statue that's over 11 meters high wasn't easy at the time.
and it wasn't possible to melt over 120 tons of copper in one go.
So the metal was cast in 40 sections.
This is why joints can be seen on the statue's surface.
The Buddha is hollow.
The statue has two windows on its back.
After the statue was completed, the inner mold was removed through these openings.
Today, the windows let in light and air.
The Buddha was enshrined when it was first built, but over time the hall was damaged by earthquakes and typhoons.
A tsunami at the end of the 15th century swept it away, leaving the Buddha exposed to the open air.
The temple was also abandoned for a certain period, but was restored in the early 18th century.
After a period in which Japan secluded itself from the rest of the world,
The Yokohama Port near Kamakura was opened for foreign trade in 1859.
Following this, many foreigners are said to have visited the Great Buddha of Kamakura.
Built nearly eight centuries ago, the Great Buddha of Kamakura has a magnificence that continues to captivate people.
Thank you for tuning in to the backstory of Japanese landmarks.
We hope you have a chance to visit these landmarks and see for yourself what makes them so special.
00:25:00 話者 9
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