Here in Japan, it's a Thursday evening. I'm James Tengan in Tokyo.
Welcome to NHK Newsline.
CDP, KOMEITO TO FORM NEW PARTY FOR SNAP ELECTION
Opposition parties in Japan are gearing up for a possible snap election next month, and two of them have agreed to form a new party in the lower house.
The move comes after Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae conveyed her plans to dissolve the lower house.
during the upcoming diet session, which starts next week.
The Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, or CDP, is the country's largest opposition group.
President Noda Yoshihiko met with Saito Tetsuo.
He's the chief representative of Komeito, which was, until last October, partnered with the Liberal Democratic Party in its ruling coalition.
The two leaders now say they're seeking to rally forces that support centrist policies.
This is a chance for centrist forces to become centered in politics.
We need to consolidate our power to put forward pragmatic policies that are grounded in people's daily lives and can raise them up, instead of a style of politics that is based on fiery rhetoric.
In the midst of division and conflict around the world, as well as the rise of the ultra-right and extreme left, it's important to unite those who stand in the middle.
In Japan, we're also seeing signs that politics is leaning to the right.
Their decision comes after Takaichi met with her party's secretary-general and the leader of junior coalition partner, the Japan Innovation Party, on Wednesday.
Takaichi told them she's seeking a public mandate for her new coalition.
The LDP parted ways with Komeito and formed a new partnership with the JIP last year.
Members of the ruling coalition are making preparations on the assumption that official campaigning will start on January 27. Voting will likely take place on February 8.
ONE KILLED IN TOKYO SLASHING INCIDENT, SUSPECT ARRESTED
One man is dead after a slashing incident near an apartment in a residential area on the western side of Tokyo.
Police arrested a man on suspicion of attempted murder after two men were slashed when they came to carry out an eviction.
The incident took place in the middle of the morning on Thursday in Tokyo's Siginami Ward.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Police said the victims, both in their 60s, are a court bailiff and the employee of a rent guarantee company.
Police said the rent company employee has died.
The room's occupant, a man believed to be in his 40s, was arrested near the apartment.
The police say he admits to the charge.
He had apparently accumulated unpaid rent.
The man is also believed to have started a fire during the eviction, but it was soon extinguished.
TRUMP AND RODRIGUEZ HAVE FIRST PHONE CONVERSATION
Turning now to Venezuela, US President Donald Trump says he's spoken by telephone with the interim president.
He described her as a terrific person.
Trump was referring to a conversation he had Wednesday with Delsey Rodriguez.
The United States captured President Nicolas Maduro in a military operation earlier this month.
This is the first time Trump has since revealed direct talks with interim President Rodriguez.
We discussed a lot of things, and I think we're getting along very well with Venezuela.
He wrote on social media that he and Rodriguez had discussed topics including oil, minerals, trade, and national security.
Rodriguez also posted on social media.
She mentioned a productive and courteous conversation.
She did not say whether she had asked the US to release President Maduro.
Meanwhile, the White House said Trump had brokered an energy deal with Venezuela.
The first sale of crude oil is valued at $500 million.
The White House says more sales are expected in the coming days and weeks.
The US earlier stated it would control the sale of Venezuelan-produced crude oil indefinitely.
FBI SEARCHES WASHINGTON POST REPORTER'S HOME IN LEAK PROBE
Federal investigators in the United States have raided the home of a Washington Post reporter as part of a probe into a government contractor accused of leaking classified information.
A press group says the move threatens journalistic freedom in the country.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation said it executed a search warrant at the reporter's home on Wednesday.
She allegedly obtained and reported classified sensitive military information from a Pentagon contractor who has been arrested.
US Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a social media post, The search was carried out at the request of the Defense Department.
She added, The Trump administration will not tolerate leaks of classified information that pose a risk to national security.
The Washington Post says federal agents seized a phone, two laptops, and a smartwatch belonging to the reporter.
It says she has not been accused of any wrongdoing.
The paper says the reporter covers the federal workforce and has been part of its most high-profile and sensitive coverage during the second Trump administration.
The National Press Club said searching a journalist's home is a significant escalation in investigative tactics and crosses a line.
It added it will continue to monitor this matter closely.
BUSINESS
Here with business and financial news is Gene Otani.
00:05:43 話者 2
James, thanks. In our top business story this hour,
TOKYO'S NIKKEI 225 FALLS FROM ALL-TIME HIGH
Tokyo's Nikkei 225 stock index fell on Thursday.
The decline came after record highs two days in a row.
The benchmark edged 0.4% lower to end at 54,110.
Investors offloaded shares such as semiconductor-related companies.
The index gained back part of its early losses before the close.
The Nikkei 225 had added more than 3,200 points, or 6.3 percent, over the three trading days ending Wednesday.
That was on expectations for the stimulus policies of Japan's Takaichi administration.
The weaker yen was also a factor.
Meanwhile, the broader topics rose nearly 0.7 percent, with auto and financial shares leading the way.
It has set a record high for the third straight day.
TRUMP ORDERS TRADE TALKS ON CRITICAL MINERAL IMPORTS
US President Donald Trump told trade officials to address concerns about the country's reliance on imports of processed minerals linked to national security.
The White House said Wednesday that Trump ordered US Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick and US Trade Representative Jameson Greer to negotiate to possibly include price floors on imports of processed critical minerals and their derivatives
These include rare earths.
The step aims to diversify and stabilize supply chains of the minerals.
The White House said the minerals are indispensable to almost every industry, including national defense programs and infrastructure.
Chinese processors and miners have dominant market shares in some critical minerals.
The US administration is aiming to counter that.
US APPROVES ADVANCED NVIDIA AI CHIP SALES TO CHINA
The US has approved exports to China of certain advanced AI chips made by Nvidia and others.
Such semiconductors will first be imported to the US and subject to tariffs.
The Commerce Department on Tuesday unveiled the new rules for Nvidia's H200 AI processor and a similar chip from AMD called the MI325X.
It says export applications to China will need to meet security requirements.
President Donald Trump on Wednesday signed an order to impose a 25% import tariff on the chips, but it excludes those to be used in the US
00:08:14 話者 1
China wants them, but other people want them, and we're going to be making 25% on the sale of those chips, basically.
So we're allowing them to do it, but the United States is getting 25% of the chips.
in terms of the dollar value and I think it's a very good deal.
00:08:31 話者 2
Most advanced AI ships imported to the US come from Taiwan.
RETHINKING TRADITION AT JAPANESE HOT SPRINGS
Hot spring towns across Japan are rethinking a long-standing practice.
For decades, the operators of traditional inns, known as ryokan, have provided Japanese cuisine for dinner and breakfast, along with overnight stays.
Now, amid growing labor shortages and changing tourist expectations, some establishments are dropping meals from their offerings.
00:09:04 話者 3
Kinosaki Onsen is a historic hot spring resort in Hyogo Prefecture along the Sea of Japan coast.
In a town famous for its ryokan, a new type of establishment opened in 2024.
The main focus is accommodation without meals.
The target market is overseas tourists and business travelers who are happy to eat elsewhere.
I can just go out and have meals outside.
There's a lot of food here, a lot of really good food that I like.
By having guests dine at local restaurants, there is no burden on inns to prepare or serve meals.
Around 10 establishments in the area now specialize in room-only stays.
The owner says the approach brings big cost benefits.
00:09:59 話者 1
Our work is mostly cleaning and front desk duties, so we can keep labor costs very low.
00:10:05 話者 3
I think this model carries less business risk and makes it easier for us to continue.
The new business model is also affecting communities around traditional hot springs.
Kinogawa Onsen in Tochigi Prefecture is one such town.
This hotel converted some of its rooms to Western-style last November.
meals are now optional, and visitors can book a room-only stay.
We're seeing more guests from Europe and North America choosing to stay without meals, so we're adjusting our services to meet those preferences.
But local eateries are feeling the challenge of catering to visitors who prefer to dine out.
While the streets around Kinugawa Onsen Station are lively during the day,
They quieten down in the evening.
Only a few restaurants serve dinner.
That's because, until now, guests have been accustomed to eating at their inns.
We get a steady crowd at lunch, but at night we're empty about three days a week.
But as the business environment changes, hotel and restaurant operators have held discussions on ways to adapt.
We should push a separation of meals from lodgings.
This could increase occupancy and help us cope with staff shortages.
The separation won't work unless there are dining options in the evenings.
Last September, organizers held a night market to bring more people into the streets.
More than 20 hotels and dining businesses served food and drink, attracting both tourists and locals.
It's important for visitors to enjoy the area while giving local restaurants a chance to thrive.
That helps energize the entire community.
Changing hospitality model that's been in place for decades is no easy task.
But by working together, businesses and communities can achieve a shared vision that will be key to tourism in the future.
MARKETS
00:12:34 話者 2
All right, let's have a look at the markets.
That's it for business news.
♪
00:13:08 話者 1
And that was Gene Otani from our BizDesk.
NO SIGN OF THAW IN JAPAN-CHINA RELATIONS
Tensions between Japan and China have continued into the new year.
They began last November after Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanai spoke in the Diet.
She said a possible Taiwan emergency involving the use of force could be considered a situation threatening Japan's survival.
Beijing pushed back hard and relations quickly worsened.
Earlier, I spoke with NHK World's Yoshida Mayu, who's in Beijing, to explore where things go from here.
00:13:41 話者 4
So right now, observers think the situation will likely stay the same.
It has been months, and the Chinese government and media are still criticizing Japan over what Takaichi said.
One of Beijing's biggest moves came just last week.
The Ministry of Commerce announced tighter
export controls on items to Japan that can be used for what it calls both military and civilian purposes.
The list includes rare earths, but China hasn't said how these rules will actually be enforced.
The Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry in China has responded.
It's calling on Beijing to reaffirm that the restrictions will not affect exports of civilian-used items.
If rare-earth exports from China slow down, it could hit a wide range of industries in Japan.
Companies are growing increasingly concerned.
Kanasugi Kenji is Japan's ambassador to China.
He gave NHK his take on where things stand between the countries.
From the Japanese side, there certainly are issues and concerns.
and our basic thinking is that it would be.
00:14:58 話者 1
In the interest of both sides to continue dialogue and put Japan-China relations on as stable a footing as possible.
Unfortunately, at this point, China shows no sign that it's interested in that, so I think it may take quite some time.
Well, Mayu, even if communications between the two appear strained, China has still been sending messages of its own.
Tell us about that.
00:15:28 話者 4
Recently, the rhetoric has become pretty extreme.
We have been hearing claims like Japan is pursuing a new militarism or even aiming to become a nuclear power.
Ambassador Konosugi says if Beijing presents false claims, Japan should continue to respond firmly and rebut them while also conveying a key message.
00:15:52 話者 1
We need to keep asserting on various occasions that Japan is open to dialogue.
And when opportunities for communication arise, Japan should make its positions clear and look for openings that could lead to stable Japan-China relations.
00:16:14 話者 4
It's worth mentioning that Chinese airlines have reportedly been canceled more flights to and from Japan.
That's affecting people-to-people exchanges.
Also across China, Japanese movie releases have been postponed.
Concerts by Japanese artists are being canceled, too.
00:16:34 話者 1
Delving back to Beijing's side, what's next on its diplomatic agenda?
00:16:41 話者 4
A big item on the list is set for April, a visit from US President Donald Trump.
Relations with Washington are Beijing's top priority right now.
China wants to stabilize ties with its biggest rival and reinforce its image as one of the two global superpowers.
To do that, it might offer deals that appeal to Trump ahead of the US midterm elections this fall, things like cutting the trade deficit or cooperating on drug control.
Then in November, China is set to host the APEC summit in Shenzhen.
Beijing is expected to use the event to showcase its status as a major power.
IN FOCUS
00:17:29 話者 1
Next, let's go to my colleague Shibuya Aki with Newsline In Focus.
She's spotlighting how the Southern Hemisphere views Japan-China relations.
AUSTRALIAN EXPERT ON JAPAN-CHINA SPAT
00:17:39 話者 5
On the second day of our two-part series on the ongoing Japan-China spat, an expert gives us Australia's perspective.
But first, let's take a brief look at the current state of Japan-Australia security cooperation.
00:17:55 話者 1
Australia and Japan have two things in common.
Both are long-standing treaty allies of the United States, and each views China as a growing security challenge.
For these reasons, Canberra and Tokyo have been strengthening their security cooperation in recent years.
Last August, Australia selected Japan's Mogami-class frigates to replace its aging naval fleet.
In early December, a Chinese fighter jet locked its radar onto Japanese Air Self-Defense Force aircraft over international waters southeast of Okinawa.
On the same day, Australian Defense Minister Richard Morales was in Tokyo meeting his Japanese counterpart.
He had this to say,
We are deeply concerned by the actions of China in the last 24 hours.
Australia and Japan work together to uphold a free and open Indo-Pacific.
00:19:02 話者 5
To find out more about how Canberra views the growing tensions between Tokyo and Beijing, we interviewed Dr.
Bryce Wakefield, Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Institute of International Affairs.
So Dr.
Wakefield, can you tell us more about the recent security cooperation between Australia and Japan, especially in dealing with the challenges posed by China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific?
00:19:31 話者 6
I see it as a development that has been increasingly visible for the last five years or so.
And I think the relationship between Japan and Australia is only going to become closer and closer.
It's a relationship that has been nurtured to some extent behind the scenes before that.
But increasingly, Australians are becoming used to the idea that Japan is Australia's most important security partner in Asia.
00:20:05 話者 5
Obviously, Japan and Australia are both close allies to the US
Do you see this relationship changing or shifting in any way in light of what's been happening around the world?
00:20:16 話者 6
Well, obviously, Japan and Australia are right to be alarmed.
I think America's actions have more implications for the Western Hemisphere and Europe than they might have in East Asia.
The reason I say that is because the Trump administration has outlined in its national security strategy some very clear and towards those parts of the world, very antagonistic positions.
Whereas while the approach towards East Asia and the Pacific is not quite business as usual, it has made some reassuring statements, for example, about the strategic centrality and importance of Taiwan.
So if we look at the developments in Venezuela as a
an affirmation that the Trump administration is going to take its national security strategy seriously, we might view its actions in East Asia in that light.
00:21:18 話者 5
And now that you sort of brought up Taiwan, I'd like to talk about Japan's Prime Minister Takaichi's comments about Taiwan.
What did you think of her comments, and what is your reaction to how China has been taking that comment?
00:21:35 話者 6
Look, my personal reaction is that I think that China is overreacting.
I think it's doing it purposefully.
I think it is attempting to create a narrative, particularly with follow-up comments, for example, by the Chinese ambassador to Australia, that talk about this in light of Japan's wartime past.
I think what they're trying to do is delegitimize Japan as a regional security actor.
They're trying to kind of create the notion of an uncomplicated continuum between Japan's actions in World War II and Japan's actions today, which of course is nonsense.
So
The comments were an overreaction.
That's my take on it.
In terms of how you'll see Australia react to it.
00:22:31 話者 5
So now, do you have any advice for Japan on how the country might go about calming the recent flare-up between Beijing and Tokyo?
00:22:40 話者 6
I think in terms of how it acts in the region, it does need to engage in quiet diplomacy with its partners like Australia to make sure that Australia, Australians and others.
understand what the actual issues are and what Takaichi was referring to in the Diet when she talked about an existence-threatening situation, that that wasn't just something she plucked out of thin air but exists already as standing Japanese policy.
I think also, though, that
Japan, when it's talking about the issue of Taiwan in general, needs to approach it from a principles-based standpoint, that it discusses its relations with China from the basis of the agreements that Japan signed with China in the 1970s, which said it acknowledges that China has this claim on Taiwan, but doesn't necessarily agree with it.
00:23:48 話者 5
According to Dr. Wakefield, China's response to Takaichi's comments was an overreaction.
Even so, it seems certain that as the situation in the Indo-Pacific continues to pose challenges for countries in the region, the Japan-Australia relationship will surely strengthen and grow.
And that's all for me.
WEATHER
00:24:34 話者 1
Now for world weather, people in parts of Europe are reeling from severe cold.
Our meteorologist Yumi Hirano has the details.
00:24:43 話者 7
A cold wave is sweeping across Eastern Europe into Russia this week.
Kyiv experienced a daytime high of -9.8 degrees, which is about 10 degrees lower than usual.
A massive cold air mass is bringing bitterly cold weather to Ukraine.
Temperatures are expected to dip to around minus 12 degrees, while Belarus will hover at about minus 13 degrees by the week's end.
People could be seen walking children on slats on icy roads, while some children got ready for school.
Weather officials say snow depth reached 40 centimeters in some mountains, increasing the risk of avalanches.
The freezing temperatures in Kyiv are expected to continue on Thursday.
The high will be only minus 12.
But Palis is likely to see 12, which is average of March.
Now moving to Japan.
Low pressure and frontal systems are sweeping across the country.
Thunder showers, gusty winds and even tornadoes are possible on the Sea of Japan side.
After the systems pass, yellow sand is expected to flow from the continent into western and eastern Japan on Friday.
If the sand is absorbed in January, it would be the first time since 1999 in Osaka and the first time ever in Tokyo.
Finally, across the Philippines, you can see a circulating system on the satellite.
It's expected to intensify into the first tropical storm of the year in the western Pacific.
The storm is likely to approach the eastern Philippines, bringing downpours.
Up to 200 millimeters could hit the eastern Desayas by Saturday, leading to possible flash flooding.
That's all for now. Stay safe.
♫～ 3-DAY FORECAST ～♫
00:27:35 話者 1
And with that, we conclude this edition of NHK Newsline.
For all of us here on the program, I'm James Tengan in Tokyo.
Thanks for watching.
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