Hello. A very warm welcome to NHK Newsline. I'm Yamamoto Miki in Tokyo.
TRUMP: VENEZUELA TO HAND OVER SANCTIONED OIL TO US
US President Donald Trump says Venezuela will turn over between 30 million and 50 million barrels of sanctioned oil to his country.
It comes days after the US military went to Venezuela and captured its president.
Trump announced the move online Tuesday. The amount is equivalent to several dozen days of oil output for Venezuela, which produces about a million barrels of oil daily.
He says it will be sold at the market price. He also says he will control that money to, quote, ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States.
Trump has accused the Nicolas Maduro administration of using oil revenue to fund drug trafficking and terrorism.
And he ordered a blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers into and out of Venezuela.
Last month, the US seized the targeted tankers.
On Tuesday, Trump said he plans to hold talks with oil company executives.
He says there's a lot of oil to drill, and that will decrease oil prices.
Reuters news agency reports that Trump will meet with the executives at the White House late this week to discuss ways to revive Venezuela's oil sector.
VENEZUELA SAYS 24 MILITARY PERSONNEL KILLED IN US OPERATION
And Venezuelan military has confirmed that at least 24 of its security officials were killed in the US operation to capture President Maduro.
The Associated Press reports that the Cuban government has also announced that 32 of its military personnel were killed in the operation.
Cuba is a long-standing ally of Venezuela and had reportedly been supplying Maduro with a personal security detail.
Meanwhile, Venezuelan opposition leader and 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Marina Corina Machado has called for the release of all political prisoners.
There are reportedly over 800 political detainees in Venezuela.
Machado appeared on the Fox News Channel's Hannity Show to criticize interim president Delce Rodriguez.
She described Rodriguez as one of the main architects of persecution and drug trafficking.
G7 FOREIGN MINISTERS AGREE TO COLLABORATE ON VENEZUELA
Now that, the foreign ministers of the Group of Seven Nations have agreed to maintain close communication and collaborate on the Venezuelan situation.
The top diplomats, including Japan's Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu, held talks by phone for about 45 minutes early on Wednesday, Japan time.
Motegi said it is important for democracy to be restored in Venezuela as soon as possible.
He emphasized that Japan has always respected fundamental values and principles, such as freedom, democracy and the rule of law.
He also called on G7 members to work together to ensure the safety of their nationals in Venezuela.
Japan's foreign ministry said US Secretary of State Marco Rubio gave his G7 counterparts an overview of the latest developments and the outlook for Venezuela on the call.
♪
CHINA STEPS UP EXPORT CONTROLS ON JAPAN
China says it is getting stricter about some of the goods it sells to Japan.
Dual-use items serve both commercial and military needs, and Beijing now wants stronger controls over those exports. Tokyo is pushing back.
China's commerce ministry says it is banning exports to what it calls Japanese military users.
It also says it will ban their sale for military purposes and for other uses that could enhance Japan's military capabilities.
China previously announced separate export regulations, with a list including rare-earth metals. The latest move may also cover these.
The ministry says the ban, effective Tuesday, aims to safeguard the country's national security and interests.
It also referred to what China calls wrong remarks about Taiwan made by Japan's leader.
Last year, Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae said a possible Taiwan emergency involving the use of force could be considered a situation threatening Japan's survival.
The remarks sparked ongoing diplomatic tension between the two countries.
In response to the new export controls, a Japanese foreign ministry bureau conveyed a protest.
It was directed at the deputy chief of mission who works at the Chinese embassy in Tokyo.
The bureau says the measures which only target Japan deviate significantly from international practice.
It adds that they are absolutely unacceptable, deeply regrettable and need to be withdrawn.
FORMER TAIWAN PREMIER TO HEAD LIAISON BODY WITH JAPAN
Former Taiwan Premier Frank Hsieh has been appointed head of an organization that serves as a liaison with Japan.
The Taiwan-Japan Relations Association says Hsieh assumed the post on Tuesday.
The 79-year-old veteran politician is a founding member of Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party and served as its head.
He ran in the 2008 presidential election but lost to Ma Ying-zhou of the Kuomintan Party.
Hsieh studied in Japan and is widely regarded as well-versed in Japanese matters.
He previously served for eight years as the head of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan.
Hsieh wrote on social media that he aims to raise Taiwan-Japan relations to a new level and develop them into an example for world peace.
His appointment is believed to reflect the importance that Taiwan President Lai Ching-ta places on relations with Japan.
IRAN PROTESTS CONTINUE, TRUMP THREATENS TO INTERVENE
Protests in Iran over the surging cost of living show no signs of abating.
There have been reports of fatalities in clashes between demonstrators and security forces.
People began taking to the streets in late December to demand the government try to curb high inflation brought about by US and European sanctions.
Iran's Tasnim news agency, which is linked to the country's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, reports 10 people have died in the clashes.
But a US-based human rights group puts the death toll at 29.
Last week, US President Donald Trump suggested his country would intervene, saying it will come to the rescue of protesters if they are killed.
But reaction has been mixed to Trump's threat.
00:07:06 話者 2
Foreign countries will not help us, and we don't want any intervention because it is not in anyone's interest.
00:07:15 話者 1
The Iranian government stresses that it will implement necessary economic measures.
Meanwhile, its security authorities warn it will step up crackdowns on violent acts.
BUSINESS
Now, let's see what's happening in the world of business.
Here's Ramin Mellegard from The Business. Ramin.
00:07:34 話者 3
Thank you very much indeed.
SONY HONDA MOBILITY TO SELL ELECTRIC VEHICLE IN JAPAN IN 2027
Now, a joint venture set up by Sony Group and Honda Motor will start selling a US-made electric vehicle in Japan in the first half of next year.
Sony Honda Mobility says the sedan type EV will come with an AI agent that can converse with the driver and handle functions like proposing destinations.
The company announced the release at the CES Technology Fair in the US.
The maker says the car will have entertainment offerings like backseat gaming.
It'll be available in the US this year.
Now, the company president says Sony Honda Mobility is positioning AI at the core of vehicle evolution.
00:08:17 話者 11
Advanced vehicle AI will deliver user experiences and two-way communication that go beyond the traditional vehicle OS.
00:08:30 話者 3
Release of the vehicle reflects intensifying competition among carmakers.
China's BYD plans to start sales of a light electric vehicle in Japan this year.
AI AND HUMANOID ROBOTS SHOWCASED AT CES
And the CES trade show also saw a number of firms showcase AI-powered technology, including humanoid robots.
Over 4,100 businesses and other organizations are taking part in the event that opened on Tuesday. It's one of the world's largest technology fairs.
A Chinese company is showing a robot that's capable of doing housework.
It can pick up used clothing and put it in the washing machine.
It can even grab a pot and pour a cup of tea. There are also more lifelike robots.
These humanoids made by a US firm can act as receptionists.
They blink and make facial expressions.
The robots can also read people's faces to help communicate.
Now, other companies demoed tech that integrates seamlessly into daily life.
A Japanese company showed an AI system that can adjust the brightness and coloring of room lights based on a person's mood.
CES runs through Friday. More than 120,000 visitors are expected.
ANALYSTS EXPECT NEW TOKYO CONDO PRICES TO STAY HIGH IN 2026
Prices for new condominiums in Tokyo are expected to stay aloft in 2026.
Analysts say steady demand amid shrinking supply is likely to help offset headwinds.
The Real Estate Economic Institute research firm says the market's appetite will likely remain strong this year.
Meanwhile, the number of new condos going on sale in Tokyo's 23 wards will fall to a 10-year low of roughly 8,000 units.
The Institute expects condo prices to stay high, but a decline in the number of high-end units in central Tokyo is likely to prevent major price increases.
Last year, numerous new luxury high-rises near stations hit the market.
Developers also passed on greater construction and labor costs to buyers.
Now, those factors help push prices nearly 20% higher during the January to November period compared to all of 2024.
The average price exceeded 133 million yen or over $850,000.
Many analysts expect prices to remain elevated in 2026.
00:10:51 話者 12
Costs are likely to only go up, forcing developers to raise prices. New condo sellers will probably continue to target buyers who can afford higher price tags.
00:11:09 話者 3
Takahashi Masayogi, a senior analyst at real estate research firm Tokyo Kante, says rising mortgage rates could dampen demand, but he believes that the moderate pace of interest rate increases will help limit the impact.
NUCLEAR REGULATOR: QUAKE DATA FABRICATION EXTREMELY GRAVE
The head of Japan's nuclear regulator has criticized Chubu Electric Power for alleged falsification of earthquake data. He called the incident extremely grave and serious.
00:11:38 話者 13
This is a case of fabricated inspection data that directly relates to safety.
I think it is clearly misconduct.
00:11:48 話者 3
The comments came at a meeting of the Nuclear Regulation Authority on Wednesday.
The incident involves two reactors at the Hamaoka Nuclear Power Plant in Shizuoka Prefecture.
Chubu Electric Power has been seeking the regulator's permission to restart them.
The company said on Monday it may have intentionally selected data that underestimated the projected maximum jolt of a quake.
The regulator said at the meeting that it was tipped off about the alleged misconduct last February. The plant operator later reported the case in December.
The body plans to decide how to deal with the incident at its regular meeting next Wednesday.
MARKETS
Okay, let's check the markets.
On the Tokyo Stock Exchange, the benchmark Nikkei 225 retreated 1% from Tuesday's close.
Now, reinvestors shied away from stocks over concerns about China's export restrictions on Japan.
They sold shares of semiconductor firms and automotive companies, among others.
Now, a quick look at other indices in the Asia Pacific region.
♪
And that is it for business views.
00:13:27 話者 1
All right.
Thank you very much, Ramin.
ANALYSIS: HOW WILL JAPAN'S ECONOMY FARE IN 2026?
With the new calendar year comes a fresh economic outlook, and those with skin in the game are weighing in on what they expect for 2026.
To break everything down for us, I earlier spoke with NHK's deputy chief commentator, Iida Kaori.
Kaori, let's begin with the stock market. It started the air on a positive note for Japan.
00:13:54 話者 4
It certainly did. Market participants can be surprisingly superstitious.
On the first trading in January, they often talk about the zodiac sign.
This year is the year of the fire horse, a symbol of bold leaps and breakthroughs.
00:14:12 話者 5
We expect the market to rise as Japan moves toward a stronger economy.
This should be backed by robust performance at Japanese companies, a recovery in private consumption, a rise in corporate investment, and the government's stimulus measures.
00:14:32 話者 4
There's a kind of prophecy in Japan that because a horse's tail points downward, the market will drop.
But I'm hearing that investors are hoping for an upward trend in the market despite this year's zodiac. And that sentiment isn't just found on trading floors.
At Kanda Myojin, a shrine in Tokyo known for bringing prosperity to businesses, visitors were seen buying decorative rakes called kumade, which symbols gathering good fortune.
Among Japanese business people, it's a tradition to visit Kanda Myojin with colleagues at the start of the work here.
For journalists covering the business sector, it's customary to attend the New Year's reception hosted by Japan's economic organizations to gauge the mood and hear what corporate leaders have to say.
00:15:21 話者 6
It will be important to keep an eye on how business is conducted in the coming year and see whether the usual process can be redefined and revamped.
00:15:32 話者 2
Geopolitical risks can change how customers and cargo move around.
We like to monitor those risks closely.
00:15:43 話者 4
Miki, I've attended this event almost every year for the past two decades.
And even though we heard some trepidation about international politics, this year still felt more vibrant than last, with a greater presence of women.
00:15:57 話者 1
Hmm, okay. And what will you be looking into this year?
00:16:01 話者 4
In the United States, the buzzword seems to be affordability.
And I'd say the same applies here in Japan.
With the weak yen, everyday prices have climbed while wages haven't kept pace.
Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae acknowledged this in her first press conference of the year.
00:16:20 話者 14
It's important that people feel the impact of our measures to tackle high prices and support the economy. We are working hard to take on these immediate challenges.
00:16:35 話者 4
Japan's consumer price index hovered around 3 percent last year, high for a country long accustomed to deflation.
The average forecast from 37 economists for the coming fiscal year is 1.81 percent, down from 2.74 percent. That means price increases are expected to slow.
Government measures to curb high prices, including cuts in electricity and gas bills starting this month, will likely help consumers.
It's also expected that food prices for staples such as rice will stabilize.
But one term I'm hearing more often from my sources is bifurcation.
The splitting of the Japanese economy.
00:17:18 話者 1
So that means the rich becoming richer and, of course, the poor becoming poorer.
00:17:23 話者 4
That's correct. And it's not just as stark-- it's not as stark as the US, but concerns are growing, I'd say.
Household financial assets rose 4.9% year-on-year to a record 2,286 trillion yen, or about $14 trillion, largely thanks to higher stock prices.
And on the other hand, personal bankruptcies are up nearly 10 percent, with no sign of slowing.
00:17:54 話者 1
And of course, assets will be affected by interest rates.
00:17:57 話者 4
Absolutely. Last month, the Bank of Japan decided to raise its policy rate to around 0.75 percent, which is the highest level in 30 years.
BOJ Governor Ueda Kazuo said this week that the fire horse is considered a zodiac sign that signals transformation and turning points in time.
He noted that wages and prices are likely to continue to rise gradually and confirmed the BOJ would consider further rate hikes if economic conditions call for it.
00:18:30 話者 5
We will continue to raise the interest rate and adjust the degree of monetary easing, depending on whether the economy improves or not.
00:18:40 話者 1
Now, what are the expectations from Japanese business leaders on the trade front?
00:18:46 話者 4
I'd say all eyes are on the US Supreme Court's decision regarding IEEPA, or the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
According to the US Customs and Border Protection, what President Trump calls reciprocal terrorists are collected under IEPA.
Those terrorists brought in over $80 billion, with over $2 billion paid on goods from Japan.
And if the court rules the act is unconstitutional, there could be a wave of refund claims.
Japanese companies such as Sumitomo Chemical, Toyota Tsusho, and Ricoh, through their US subsidiaries, have filed suits with the US Court of International Trade in New York, seeking full reimbursement of tariffs should the Supreme Court strike down the law.
And markets haven't fully priced this in yet, so a favorable ruling could deliver a positive surprise for both Japanese businesses and the broader Japanese economy.
The year of the fire horse signals momentum. Let's see how far this horse can run.
KEEPING JAPAN'S 400-YEAR-OLD LEATHERCRAFT HERITAGE ALIVE
00:20:02 話者 1
Now, the Japanese have long cherished koshu inden as a craft that combines practicality with aesthetic sensibility. It refers to deerskin goods adorned with lacquer patterns.
NHK World's Ono Mio explores a spirit that's been passed down for over 400 years and the unique techniques behind this traditional craft.
00:20:25 話者 6
Koshu inden is known for its smooth, durable deer leather used in wallets and bags.
Classic patterns, such as dragonflies and cherry blossoms, allow you to savor Japan's changing seasons. Koshu Inden is mainly produced in Kofu, Yamanashi Prefecture.
This company was founded about 400 years ago. Uehara Yushichi is the 14th president.
00:21:10 話者 2
We specialize in Koshu Inden, delving deeper into the craft. It's important to use technical techniques rather than just printing, while also striving to improve them.
00:21:25 話者 6
The charm of Koshu inden lies in its patterns, created through unique later-dying techniques. This is the most famous technique.
Stencils made of Japanese paper are placed over deer skin and lacquer is applied to create patterns.
00:21:50 話者 2
The main challenge is adjusting the lacquer's hardness and viscosity according to the weather.
Lacquer is a natural substance. So it's crucial for the artisan to adapt to its condition.
00:22:10 話者 6
The oldest technique is the smoked and dried method.
It's a special process made only to odor.
The deer skin is attached to a cylindrical frame.
By burning straw to smoke it, while the cylinder is rotated by hand, the color is applied evenly.
00:22:39 話者 5
It's about adjusting the smoke, rotation and sliding to achieve the colour.
The packing method also matters.
The straw must be packed just right to produce smoke without flames.
00:23:05 話者 6
After smoking, the straw is burned again, and the process is repeated.
Only veteran artisans have mastered this technique.
Cutting the thread that held the deer skin reveals the pattern.
This stunning vertical striped coloring was created entirely by smoke.
00:23:32 話者 2
We will continue to compete with Koshu Inden, constantly innovating and exploring this craft.
00:23:45 話者 6
Today, Uehara and his artisans are not confined to traditional patterns.
They continuously introduce new products to soothe modern lifestyles, striving to enhance the appeal of Koshu inden.
Ono Mio NHK World.
♪
WEATHER
00:24:31 話者 1
All right, let's bring in our meteorologist, Sayaka Mori, for weather updates.
So, Sayaka, we've been talking about the snow falling in parts of Japan the past few days.
What's the latest?
00:24:44 話者 7
Hello there. A winter storm is starting to pound the eastern flank of the nation once again.
We have a low pressure system near Hokkaido and the attached cold front swinging through the archipelago.
It is expected to bring a risk for thunderstorms along this front.
Now, Sukayu has over three meters of snow at this moment.
That's 40 percent higher than usual. But as the system moves through, much colder air will be moving in and snow will spread in a wider area.
So more snow is likely, maybe up to 70 centimeters likely for the next 24 hours.
Cold air is expected to pound the eastern flank as well. So Matsue had a milder day today.
However, as we're going through Thursday, it's going to be going down to 6 degrees, so about 5 degrees cooler compared to what we saw on Wednesday.
Tokyo, meanwhile, we'll see a double digits.
It was the coldest day of the season on Wednesday.
We have only 6 degrees, but finally warming up slightly.
In the southern hemisphere, it's a completely different story.
A dangerous heat wave is gripping the constant over Australia.
Onslow had nearly 50 degrees on Wednesday, and the opposite side, Melbourne, had the hottest day in six years for the spot.
Now, dangerous conditions will continue and also spread in the country.
So, for example, Sydney in the 30s into Friday, so that'll be bearable.
However, as we go into Saturday, it's going to be 42 degrees with strong sunshine.
And then on Sunday, you'll see a significant cooldown.
So temperatures will be up and down significantly. Stay hydrated.
Now in Europe, freezing temperatures and snow are blanketing many continents, a wide area of a continent, and some people are brave enough to dive into the cold water.
Take a look at this. The swimmers plunged into icy waters Tuesday to celebrate the Christian holiday of Etiphany.
The annual tradition drew people in Prague in their swimmers' swimsuits where the water temperature was only 2 degrees Celsius.
And people in Bulgaria also celebrated the events in the cold water.
That's it for me. Stay safe.
♫～ 3-DAY FORECAST ～♫
00:27:40 話者 1
And that's NHK Newsline for this hour. I'm Yamamoto Miki in Tokyo. Thanks for joining us.
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