It's 6 p.m. and on Wednesday here in Japan. I'm James Tangan in Tokyo.
This is NHK Newsline.
CRANE HITS TRAIN IN THAILAND, KILLING AT LEAST 22
A construction crane has fallen onto a passenger train in Thailand.
Authorities say at least 22 people are dead, with more than 60 others injured.
The accident occurred on Wednesday in the northeastern province of Nakhon Rachasima.
The train was traveling from Bangkok with about 200 people on board.
Authorities say none of those killed or injured are foreign nationals.
Firefighters were seen tackling a blaze where the train derailed.
The crane was working on an elevated high-speed railway line.
Authorities have launched a probe into why it collapsed.
UNICEF: OVER 100 CHILDREN KILLED SINCE OCT. CEASEFIRE BEGAN
The United Nations agency UNICEF says more than 100 children have been killed in Gaza since the ceasefire began in the territory last October.
UNICEF announced the death toll on Tuesday as it renewed calls for the truce to be upheld.
Israeli forces continue their attacks in Gaza even after the ceasefire took hold, claiming violations by Hamas. A winter storm is adding to people's misery in the enclave.
An NHK crew on Tuesday found multiple tents destroyed by strong winds in northern Gaza City. A woman and children huddled in what little shelter they could find.
00:01:42 話者 2
Children are shivering in this freezing weather.
We have no blankets, no mattresses, no tents to protect us from the harsh winter.
We need some shelter to survive and blankets and winter clothes to keep out the cold.
00:02:00 話者 1
Local health authorities say three people were killed when wind toppled a building that was damaged by a military strike.
They also say a one-year-old child died from extreme cold.
REPORTS: DEATH TOLL RISES TO ABOUT 3,000
The death toll is still rising in Iran as protests continue to rock the country.
According to the New York Times, a senior Iranian official says, about 3,000 people have been killed.
That figure has been echoed by a US-based human rights group.
It reports over 2,500 deaths.
An Iranian government official told local media that more than two-thirds of the victims were martyrs. But the government hasn't released the exact number of casualties.
It has also restricted internet access in the country.
An Iranian government spokesperson says it restricted the internet due to security concerns, and she indicated this will stay in place until the situation stabilizes.
She also blames the US and Israel for inciting the violence in the country.
US President Donald Trump is continuing to keep up pressure on Iran.
He's encouraging Iranians to keep protesting, and he warns that those who have killed protesters will pay a very big price.
He also says he's canceled all meetings with Iranian officials.
TRUMP CALLS IRAN PROTEST KILLING 'SIGNIFICANT'
Trump appears to be mulling his next move. He's previously suggested he could take military action in response to Iran's deadly crackdown on the protests.
The US president told reporters on Tuesday that Iran is on his mind.
00:03:38 話者 10
We'll get some accurate numbers as to what's happening with regard to the killing.
The killing looks like it's significant, but we don't know yet for certain.
I'll know within 20 minutes. And we'll act accordingly.
00:03:52 話者 1
News website Axios reported on remarks made by Secretary of State Marco Rubio during a closed-door meeting.
According to sources, Rubio said, the US is looking at what he called non-kinetic responses to help the protesters.
UN WATCHDOG SAYS CIVILIAN CASUALTIES INCREASE
A UN human rights watchdog says 2025 was the deadliest year for civilians in Ukraine, with more than 2,500 people killed amid Russia's invasion.
The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission in Ukraine said on Monday that conflict-related violence killed 2,514 civilians and injured over 12,000 in 2025.
It said the total number of killed and injured last year was 31 percent higher than in 2024, and 70 percent higher than in 2023.
The head of the mission said the rise was driven not only by intensified hostilities on the front lines, but also by the expanded use of longer-range weapons, which exposed civilians across the country to heightened risk.
The Ukrainian Air Force reported Russian attacks in several locations in Ukraine during nighttime through early Tuesday.
It said 18 ballistic missiles and more than 290 drones were used.
The Russian Defense Ministry said its forces delivered a massive strike against energy infrastructure facilities used by Ukrainian forces and their defense industry.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that four people had been killed by a Russian missile attack on the postal terminal in the eastern region of Kharkiv.
He condemned the attack, saying it had no military purpose whatsoever.
THE CHANGING FACE OF JAPAN'S COMING OF AGE
Change has come to Japan's coming-of-age day.
Ceremonies to celebrate people entering adulthood are seeing more and more new faces.
We'll delve further into that in just a moment. First, the latest celebrations.
00:06:00 話者 2
Over the weekend, municipalities across the country put on events for people who turned or will turn 20 this fiscal year. The legal age was lowered to 18 a few years ago.
But seijin-no-hi, as it's known in Japanese, is generally considered a milestone for 20-year-olds becoming self-reliant members of society.
In Kyoto, maiko, who themselves have come of age, performed for their fellow new grown-ups.
And in Ishikawa Prefecture's noto, An extra layer of reflection for those who lived through the devastating New Year's Day earthquake in the region two years ago.
00:06:46 話者 11
Our society has suffered major disasters, including earthquakes and heavy rains, as well as the effects of the pandemic.
It has had to undergo major changes, and we have dealt with fears and concerns.
We pray for NOTO's recovery, and we'll think about what we can do to help.
00:07:04 話者 2
Many participants often use the occasion to share their gratitude toward their families and their goals for the future.
00:07:14 話者 12
I want to boost my potential as a human being so I can play a greater role in society.
00:07:21 話者 2
These events have seen a change in demographics.
The number of Japanese nationals aged 20 stands at about 1,102,000.
a drop of more than 100,000 over the past decade.
But over that time, the number of foreign nationals of that age has more than doubled, to close to 100,000. In Tokyo's 23 wards, they make up one in every six people.
Shinjuku Ward has the highest proportion, at 49 percent.
The area has many Japanese-language schools and hosts a large number of foreign students attending colleges and universities.
(Japanese)
00:08:06 話者 1
There are several factors behind this trend. Earlier, I spoke with NHK World's Ohashi Kanako about what this change means for Japanese society as a whole.
Kanako, thanks for joining us. Tell us what you've found.
00:08:43 話者 4/Ohashi Kanako
Thanks, James. Well, you can probably guess one of the factors, the declining birth rate.
It's been low for years, and it fell to a record low in 2024.
The number of children a Japanese woman is expected to have during her lifetime is 1.15.
In Tokyo, the rate is 0.96.
So then the number of people entering adulthood naturally sees a decline.
Meanwhile, the Japanese government and universities have been working to increase the number of foreign exchange students.
Those account for about 70 percent of foreign nationals aged 20 in Tokyo.
We are also seeing more foreign technical interns in the country to support the shrinking domestic workforce.
00:09:39 話者 1
As we mentioned earlier, coming-of-age ceremonies are a huge milestone here in Japan, and it's nice to see foreign nationals taking part in that cultural experience.
Kanoko, tell us what measures are being taken to make them feel welcome.
00:09:53 話者 4
Generally, these ceremonies are pretty welcoming.
They are open to 20-year-old residents, regardless of nationality.
But it's worth highlighting something being offered in Tokyo's Toshima world.
Take a look at these.
As you know, the kimono is a staple at Coming of Age Day events.
A non-profit organization there lends out kimono and other attire to foreign students.
The service is free of charge. It has been going on for six years.
But recently, Toshima has seen false information and criticism spreading online.
People are claiming that foreign nationals are getting special treatment.
Officials say they've received about 80 complaints from people who say there are also Japanese nationals who can't afford to dress up.
00:10:55 話者 4
It's important that people know the world actually offers similar services free of charge to anyone, regardless of nationality.
We spoke with a professor who researches multiculturalism.
He says Japan must have more discussions to find better ways for people to live together.
00:11:18 話者 3
Foreign nationals will grow into skilled people who can act as bridges between Japan and their home countries. And in the long run, everyone benefits.
It's vital to provide more opportunities for dialogue and exchange at the community level.
00:11:35 話者 4
We saw the ceremony in Shinjuku earlier. One young woman I spoke with there said she was happy to be part of an official event like that in this country.
I think that probably speaks to something many of us can relate to regardless of age or nationality, inclusivity.
And with our changing demographics, this topic will continue to be relevant for years to come.
BUSINESS
00:12:07 話者 1
Now for the latest on the business and financial fronts, here's Gene Otani.
00:12:12 話者 3/Gene Otani
James, thanks in our top business story this hour.
NIKKEI 225 SETS ALL-TIME CLOSING HIGH ABOVE 54,000
The benchmark index of the Tokyo Stock Exchange set another all-time high on Wednesday, closing above the 54,000 mark for the first time.
Many investors believe the stimulus policies of Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae will support the Japanese economy and boost investment in growth sectors.
The Nikkei 225 finished at 54,341, up nearly 1.5%.
It surged right after the opening and kept rising, but later trimmed some of the gains on profit-taking. The Nikkei index has set record highs two days in a row.
It added 3.1% on Tuesday to exceed 53,000 for the first time.
Meanwhile, the broader topics also closed at an all-time high of 3,644.
EVs ACCOUNT FOR 1.6% OF JAPAN'S CAR SALES IN 2025
Electric vehicles accounted for just a tiny fraction of the cars sold in Japan last year.
Industry data show only about 1.6% of sales were EVs.
Auto industry groups say a total of around 3.8 million passenger cars were sold.
Of these, a little over 60,000 were EVs, nearly the same as in the previous year.
The groups point out the number of models in the market is small and their prices are relatively high. They also say the charging infrastructure is still lacking.
Still, China's BYD and Japan's Suzuki motor are both planning to start selling their light EVs sometime this year or next.
But it remains unclear whether an attractive lineup of light models that are low in price and easy to maneuver on narrow streets will spur greater demand.
JAPAN BUSINESS HEAD REGRETS CHINA'S 'ECONOMIC COERCION'
The head of Japan's biggest business lobby has voiced strong regret over China's decision to step up controls on exports of goods to Japan for both military and civilian use.
Tsutsui Yoshinobu, Chair of the Japan Business Federation, or Keidan, spoke to reporters on Tuesday.
Tsutsui said China is only targeting Japan with the export restrictions on dual-use goods.
He called them an obvious act of economic coercion. Tsutsui said he's worried that wider export controls could have a big impact on a number of industries.
But he suggested there are many uncertainties that need clarifying through public-private cooperation.
00:14:41 話者 2
The relationship between Japan and China is one of our important bilateral ties.
I hope both governments will engage in dialogue toward mutual understanding.
00:14:54 話者 3
Tsutsui added that Keidanren intends to seek common ground through dialogue with China's political and business leaders in a bid to improve relations.
NUCLEAR PLANT SCREENING HALTED AFTER FALSE DATA ALLEGATIONS
Japan's nuclear regulator is halting its screening of a nuclear power plant for possible restart. This comes after allegations the plant's operator fabricated data on the risk from earthquakes.
Chubu Electric Power has been seeking permission to restart two reactors at its Hamaoka nuclear plant in central Japan.
The Nuclear Regulation Authority outlined on Wednesday how it will respond to the allegations. It said it will also suspend checks related to radioactive waste.
It added that the allegations had undermined the credibility of Chubu Electric's data.
The authority says it will order the company to report by the end of March exactly what happened and why.
It says it will carry out inspections at the firm's head office and other locations.
00:15:57 話者 13
I want to make completely sure that a detailed and thorough inspection is carried out into Chubu Electric Power in its entirety.
00:16:09 話者 3
The operator said last week it may have intentionally selected data to underestimate the maximum jolt an earthquake could inflict on the reactors.
MARKETS
All right, let's have a look at the markets.
♪
That's it for business news.
WASEDA UNIV. CANCELS ENROLLMENTS OVER ENGLISH TEST CHEATING
00:16:54 話者 1
Japan's Waseda University has cancelled the enrollment of five graduate students.
It says they cheated on English proficiency tests.
The university also revoked the admission of three people who had passed the graduate school entrance exam but had not yet enrolled.
And an undergraduate who had failed the exam was indefinitely suspended.
Last year, the organizer of the Test of English for International Communication, or TOEIC, nullified the scores of 803 examinees.
They were involved in organized cheating by Chinese graduate students and others.
Waseda University says 52 of those invalidated scores belong to its entrance exams.
The school says it would impose strict penalties whenever misconduct comes to light.
Other Japanese universities have also canceled enrollment or admission offers for students who cheated on the test.
The test organizer plans to step up measures against cheating.
MINAMATA AND VIETNAM: SHARED SCARS OF CHEMICAL EXPOSURE
She was born in Japan, her life altered before birth by industrial pollution.
He was born in Vietnam, as the US was spraying toxic substances over his homeland.
Now, 38 years after their first meeting, Two people whose lives were forever changed by chemical exposure are reconnecting and sharing their stories.
00:18:21 話者 2
Sakamoto Shinobu is visiting Ho Chi Minh City for the first time in nearly four decades.
She's a certified patient of fetal Minamata disease, poisoned by mercury in factory wastewater before she was born.
On her first trip, Sakamoto met two 60-year-old boys, Viet and Duc, twins born conjoined at the lower body.
Doctors believed they were victims of chemical herbicides sprayed during the Vietnam War.
Meeting people who, like herself, had been harmed in the womb changed Sakamoto's life.
She began speaking publicly about the consequences of toxic exposure.
To understand the situation today, Sakamoto returned to the hospital where she first met the twins.
Thu Zhu Hospital is home to more than 30 people affected by toxic chemicals.
During the Vietnam War, the US military sprayed massive quantities of highly toxic herbicides, mostly Agent Orange, for nearly a decade.
???
Then came a reunion after 38 years.
The twins were surgically separated at age seven. 19 years later, Viet died.
Even now, Duc says he feels his brother's presence within him and speaks publicly about their experience advocating for peace.
Sakamoto presented Duk with a photo book on Minamata disease and her message of encouragement.
00:20:48 話者 3
This meeting has helped me realize that there are people in Japan who went through the same thing we did, affected in the womb, just like us, toxic chemical victims.
Going forward, I want us to work together to warn the world about the dangers of chemical weapons.
00:21:20 話者 2
For Sakamoto, the visit reaffirmed her mission.
She hopes that one day she and Duk will speak together in public, conveying their shared message to the next generation.
♫～
WEATHER
00:22:34 話者 1
Okay, let's check on world weather with our meteorologist, Jonathan Oh.
So Jonathan, things are warming up slightly across parts of Asia, including Tokyo, but for how long?
00:22:43 話者 6
Hello, we've been talking about two very different conditions depending on where you are in East Asia.
Some places like northeastern Japan getting really hit a lot with snow and it's definitely feeling like winter.
But other areas, including Tokyo, feeling a little more like late winter, early spring because of how warm it gets during the afternoon under the sunshine.
And what we are are going to be expecting is a similar pattern to remain in place.
As high pressure is south of western Japan, that's going to help usher in some of the subtlety flow, not just for the Pacific side of the country, but also back toward north and South Korea and over into China as well.
So you'll be seeing temperatures that are slightly more elevated compared to Wednesday.
Thursday will be slightly warmer.
But I mentioned the snow along the sea of Japan's side of the country in the northeast.
And we'll see that pattern continuing as not only one, but two low pressure systems will be rolling on through.
So we'll be talking about some of that snowy weather as we go forward throughout the next day or so.
13 with partly cloudy skies in Tokyo coming up on Thursday.
So we're moving up to 8 with some rain after seeing temperatures that are close to freezing for daytime highs on Wednesday, 9 in Beijing.
Now down toward the south, I want to mention a bit of a tropical disturbance near the Philippines. So wet weather with a high of 20 as we go through Thursday.
Meanwhile, it's getting a lot colder along the eastern side of the United States and into Canada as well as a low pressure system.
Moving over the Great Lakes is going to be moving to the north and east and behind that, a northerly flow coming in.
So temperatures really dropping off and we're going to see the impact of that snow into the Great Lakes and the northeastern portions of the United States as we go from Wednesday into Thursday.
Toronto will see some snow. Chicago will see some snow. Winnipeg, you're topping off.
topping off at minus 12, and that frigid area will continue to move to the south and east as we go into Thursday.
Quick note on Europe. Central areas of the continent up to the north looking at precipitation with wet weather in place.
Snow into Stockholm with a high of 1 for Wednesday, but from Berlin into Paris, Madrid all looking at rain for the middle of the work week.
Hope you have a good day wherever you are.
♫～ 3-DAY FORECAST ～♫
JAPANESE TRADITIONAL HOUSES LIT UP AT WORLD HERITAGE SITE
00:26:39 話者 1
One more item before we leave you.
Traditional thatched roof houses at a UNESCO World Heritage Site in central Japan are taking on a different look once night falls at an annual winter event.
This year's illumination started on Monday in Gifu Prefecture's Shirakawa Village, a popular tourist destination with rustic gassho-style houses.
108 spotlights were turned on at 5:30 p.m., giving visitors a view of the steep, snow-covered roofs and trees standing out against the dark.
00:27:13 話者 13
The view is very good, it is very entertaining, and it feels so magical here. It's so beautiful.
00:27:22 話者 14
The atmosphere is wonderful.
It's impressive to see how beautifully these old houses have been preserved.
00:27:28 話者 1
The event will be held three more times on Sundays through February 1.
Reservations are needed to prevent overcrowding, and drivers may face a challenge as the local tourist association says parking lots have been completely booked.
Nevertheless, a winter wonderland.
I'm James Teng on. Bye for now.
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