Hello and welcome to NHK Newsline. I'm Ross Mihara in Tokyo with the stories at this hour.
A South Korean court has sentenced former President Yoon Suk-yeol to life in prison.
It's for leading an insurrection by declaring martial law.
00:00:26 話者 2/Ji Gwi-yeon / Seoul Central District Court presiding judge
(Korean)The defendant, Yoon Suk-yeol has sentenced to life in prison.
00:00:30 話者 1
Yoon had been charged after issuing the declaration and sending the military to the National Assembly with the aim of detaining lawmakers in 2024.
In previous trial sessions, the special counsel team demanded the death penalty for Yoon for destroying the constitutional order of liberal democracy.
Yoon said the martial law declaration was a peaceful message to the people and that he instructed the military to avoid clashes with civilians.
On Thursday, the Seoul Central District Court recognized the charge of colluding in the insurrection.
It pointed out that Yoon tried through violent means to prevent the Assembly from exercising its functions and fundamentally undermined the core value of democracy.
The court has also handed down a 30-year prison term to former Defense Minister Kim Yeon-hyeon.
NHK World's Kim Chan-ju is standing by on the scene. Chan-ju, what's the latest?
00:01:34 話者 3/Kim Chan-ju
The judge delivered a summary of his decision over about an hour and allowed local media to deliver the news live from the courtroom.
Hundreds of Yoon's supporters who gathered near the court condemned the ruling as it was read out and began chanting that he was innocent.
Yoon's own lawyer said it seemed that the trial was unnecessary and said the conclusion had already been decided before arguments were even made.
Life in prison is less harsh, however, than the sentence prosecutors demanded.
They wanted Yoon to get the death penalty.
00:02:17 話者 1
As a refresher, can you walk us through the chain of events that led to today's conviction?
00:02:28 話者 3
The crime Yoon is now convicted of all happened within just several hours in December of 2024.
President Yoon sent the military to the National Assembly, tried to seal it off, and then tried to arrest some of the lawmakers inside.
The judge concluded that he intended to paralyze the legislature for a long time and infringe on the authority of the National Assembly.
The judge says that undermined the core value of democracy and had an enormous social cost. He also denounced Yoon's attitude during this trial.
Yoon has not apologized for his crime and has also missed some court hearings.
But they were also mitigating factors.
The judge noted his age, his clean criminal record and career as a prosecutor.
He added Yoon's insurrection attempt was not well-planned and did not directly involve physical violence.
That seems to be why the judge sentenced the former president to life in prison, rather than handing down the death penalty.
00:03:45 話者 1
And Yoon wasn't alone in that courtroom today, right?
00:03:53 話者 3
No, there were eight people in total facing insurrection-related charges.
That includes the former defense minister and high-ranking police and military officials.
Six of them, including Yoon and Kim, were found guilty, but two others were acquitted.
Today's ruling is not likely the end, but rather the opening chapter of a prolonged legal battle.
It's likely to continue through the appeals process and ultimately land in the Supreme Court.
00:04:29 話者 1
Thank you for that, Chan-ju.
That was NHK World's Kim Chan-ju reporting from Seoul.
N.KOREA TO STEP UP VIGILANCE AFTER DRONE INCURSIONS FROM SOUTH
The sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un says the country will step up vigilance along the inter-Korean border following drone incursions from the South.
Kim Yo Jong made the comment in a statement released on state media on Thursday.
This comes a day after Seoul confirmed that South Korean civilians had sent drones to the North and expressed regret over the incident.
Kim Yo Jong said the North's military leadership will increase its monitoring and warned of terrible consequences if another violation of sovereignty occurs.
But she also said she appreciates the South's acknowledgement of the incidents, as well as its willingness to prevent a recurrence.
South Korea's response comes as Seoul is now seeking to resume dialogue with the North.
REPORT: TRUMP'S TAIWAN ARMS DEAL 'IN LIMBO'
Washington's plan to sell weapons to Taiwan is reportedly in limbo.
The Wall Street Journal says it has to do with a major upcoming trip by the US leader.
President Donald Trump is set to travel to Beijing in April.
The newspaper reported Wednesday there are concerns in his administration that greenlighting the weapons deal would derail the visit.
The paper also says the administration wants to avoid antagonizing China.
Chinese President Xi Jinping had warned Trump over the arms sale to Taiwan in a phone conversation earlier this month.
Xi reportedly told him that Taiwan is the most important issue in China-US relations.
He added that the US should handle the matter of arms sales to Taiwan with prudence.
Last December, Trump approved an arms sales package valued at more than $11 billion.
British media also reported this month that the US, in addition, intends to sell as much as $20 billion in arms to Taiwan.
US MEDIA: TRUMP ADMINISTRATION MAY SOON STRIKE IRAN
An American media outlet says the US president's administration may soon launch a massive military operation against Iran.
The news website Axios said on Wednesday the administration is closer to a major war in the Middle East than most Americans realize.
The report quoted sources as saying a US operation in Iran would likely be a massive, weeks-long campaign.
It said that within the past 24 hours, an additional 50 combat aircraft have been sent to the Middle East.
The report also says it would probably be a joint offensive with Israel that is much broader in scope than their attack on Iranian nuclear facilities in June last year.
CBS News reported that top national security officials have told Trump that the military is ready for potential strikes on Iran as soon as Saturday.
However, the report adds that the timeline for any action is likely to extend beyond this weekend.
The officials said on condition of anonymity that Trump has not yet made a final decision whether to attack.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Wednesday that there are many arguments for a strike against Iran.
00:07:43 話者 4/Karoline Leavitt
The president has always been very clear though with respect to Iran or any country around the world diplomacy is always his first option and Iran would be very wise to make a deal with President Trump and with this administration.
00:07:57 話者 1
Leavitt also spoke about Tuesday's high-level talks between the US and Iran.
She said the two sides are still very far apart on some issues.
Leavitt said Tehran is expected to present more detailed proposals in the next few weeks, adding that Trump will continue to watch how this plays out.
Meanwhile, Iranian media say Iran and Russia will conduct a joint naval exercise on Thursday in the Gulf of Oman and the northern Indian Ocean.
US AGAIN CLAIMS CHINA CONDUCTED NUCLEAR TEST IN 2020
A senior US government official is claiming China conducted a nuclear explosive test six years ago. He cited detected tremors as evidence.
Christopher Yeaw was speaking at an event at a Washington think tank Tuesday.
He is a former intelligence analyst who holds a doctorate in nuclear engineering.
He now works at the US State Department.
00:08:49 話者 5/Christopher Yeaw
On June 22nd, 2020, we are aware that China conducted a nuclear explosive test.
The probable explosion occurred right near the Lot Nur nuclear test site.
That's China's nuclear test site.
00:09:11 話者 1
Yeaw says an observatory in neighboring Kazakhstan detected a magnitude 2.75 quake.
He said a data analysis of those tremors is consistent with a nuclear test.
He also claims China used a method called decoupling to decrease the effectiveness of seismic monitoring.
At an international disarmament conference in Geneva earlier this month, the US
alleged China carried out the test.
The Chinese foreign ministry denied the allegations.
Last week, it called the idea completely groundless and accused Washington of fabricating a pretext for its own tests.
The Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty Organization has now weighed in.
In a statement released Tuesday, it says the seismic events were small and that it is not possible to assess the cause of these events with confidence.
Yeaw pointed out that US President Trump said Washington would return to testing on an equal basis.
It suggests America may carry out its own nuclear tests at the same scale as China and Russia.
BUSINESS
Now, for more business stories, here's Ramin Mellegard.
00:10:27 話者 6/Ramin Mellegard
Thank you very much indeed.
JAPAN INVESTMENT DEAL WITH US MAY INCLUDE NUCLEAR REACTORS
Now, NHK has learned that next-generation nuclear reactors may be part of Japan's commitment to invest $550 billion in the US.
Now, the spending plan was agreed in tariff talks between both countries last year.
Sources say working-level talks continue on the next round of investment targets.
Tokyo and Washington announced the first set of projects this week.
Several ventures related to energy and critical minerals are set to be on the table, with advanced reactors among them.
Sources say if the nuclear project materializes, it would offer export opportunities to Japanese companies.
Copper refineries are also part of the latest discussions. Surging demand for the metal used in electrical equipment and wiring has strained supply worldwide.
Plants to manufacture battery materials are another option in the talks.
Now, the talks to identify projects come ahead of a meeting between the leaders of both countries.
Japan's Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae is scheduled to visit the US and meet President Donald Trump next month.
TOKYO USED CONDO PRICES HIT RECORD HIGH IN JANUARY
The average price of used condominiums in central Tokyo surged 34 percent year on year in January to set an all-time high.
Real estate research firm Tokyo Kante says the average price of a 70 square meter unit in Tokyo's 23 wards hit 121 million yen or $780,000.
Prices are much higher in the six most central wards, where the average cost of a condo jumped around 27% to over $1.2 million.
These prices for upscale properties are said to have pushed up the overall average for all 23 wards.
In Shinagawa, Setagaya, and four other southern and western wards, the average price stood at about $640,000, up around 26%.
The firm says the overall uptrend in valuations continues, but some pressure is starting to build for price reductions, especially in central districts.
HONDA UNVEILS ELECTRIC SCOOTER TO MEET NEW EMISSION RULES
Japan's motorcycle makers are going electric to meet stricter emissions regulations introduced last year.
Market leader Honda Motor is set to launch its Icon e-electric scooter on March 23.
Honda on Thursday said the vehicle can run up to 81 kilometers on a single charge, thanks to a larger battery. It comes with a charger for use at home.
The makers are phasing out production of gasoline models with 50cc or smaller engines.
00:13:12 話者 5/Tsuruta Ryuji/Honda Motorcycle Japan
We hope to first win over customers in rural areas with this new EV.
Its travel range is shorter than gasoline models, but we believe we can show customers that it's enough to meet their needs.
00:13:26 話者 6
Other makers are targeting this market in Japan. Suzuki Motor plans to introduce a model, and a Chinese manufacturer released a low-price electric scooter in November last year.
INNOVATIVE PROSTHETICS HELP PETS WALK AGAIN IN JAPAN
Now, the number of animals in Japan with disabilities caused by accidents or illnesses has been increasing amid a pet boom.
An expert in limb replacement and support devices is utilizing new technology to save them, creating highly precise prosthetics that were previously impossible.
00:14:00 話者 4
This is Hana, a female Labrador Retriever.
Since she was a puppy, she's had a disability in her hind leg and cannot walk properly.
When going for walks, she wears a custom-made prosthetic leg.
It was made by Shimada Akio. A specialist in creating prosthetics and orthotics.
About 20 years ago, he launched an initiative to help animals like her.
00:14:39 話者 7/Shimada Akio
Animals that couldn't walk before can do it now.
It's not just about making and selling products.
It's work that improves the quality of life for these animals.
00:14:52 話者 4
Shimada made Hana's prosthetic leg five years ago.
Concerned about wear and tear, he still occasionally adjusts it.
He always observes the animal's gait to ensure the prosthetic is perfectly matched.
Because of the prosthetic, I can take her to the sea or the mountains now.
I'm truly happy and grateful to Shimada.
He was drawn into the practice after a friend's beloved dog was injured in an accident.
Shimada was licensed to make prosthetics and orthotics for people, but he discovered there were no such specialists to treat animals, so he decided to step up to the challenge.
00:15:45 話者 7
It was uncharted territory, and I might not make enough money to live, but I could create new environments for animals with disabilities and save them.
I wanted to take on that challenge.
00:15:59 話者 4/Narrator: Carolyn Miller
Shimada has been incorporating new technologies into prosthetic limb and support device fabrication. This Labrador Retriever is named Yuta.
Three years ago, a tumor was discovered in his shoulder.
As a result, his owner had no choice but to have part of his leg amputated.
Because no joint remained at the leg's base,
it was thought that even with a prosthetic limb, he wouldn't be able to walk properly.
However, Shimada gained a powerful ally, programmer Arakawa Yasuyuki.
Working together, they designed and 3D printed a special prosthetic leg that distributes Yuta's weight while walking.
After trial and error,
Yuta could go for walks with the prosthetic, placing minimal strain on his body.
Creating a world where all animals with disabilities can live more easily has been Shimada's lifelong goal, and new technology is helping make that dream become reality.
00:17:12 話者 7
There are still many cases where we don't know if prosthetics or orthotics can address this disability in animals. I want to find solutions for as many disabilities as possible.
MARKETS
00:17:26 話者 6
OK, let's get a check on the markets.
♪
And that is it for business news.
GREAT HANSHIN-AWAJI QUAKE SURVIVOR BREAKS SILENCE
00:18:00 話者 1
Next, we look at the emotional wounds left on a man who survived the Great Hanchinawaji earthquake in western Japan 31 years ago.
The magnitude 7.3 quake devastated the city of Kobe and surrounding areas, claiming more than 6,000 lives.
One survivor shared feelings that he kept locked up inside for the first time at an event held in Kobe.
NHK World's Shimada Koko reports.
00:18:32 話者 8/Shimada Koko
Chen Minbu lives in Kobe.
He tends to the flower beds almost every day in this park.
It has a monument to the quake's victims.
00:18:51 話者 5
This is a place to mourn precious lives, and my son is one of them.
00:18:58 話者 8
Che's home near here was destroyed by the quake.
His son, Sugun, had returned from Tokyo to attend his cunning-of-age ceremony.
Their house collapsed, trapping Sugun, and he lost his life.
Che is burdened by a deep sense of regret.
The day before the quake, Sugang was to return to Tokyo.
But Chae asked him to stay one more day, worried that Sugang was coming down with a cold.
00:19:37 話者 5
I said, Why don't you stay one more night?
That one sentence is something I will regret for the rest of my life.
00:19:48 話者 8
Chae's family had never spoken about their experience with each other.
00:19:56 話者 5
We never really talked about it. I avoided it.
00:20:02 話者 8
Chae's elder son, Subo, who survived the disaster, was invited to speak at the event.
He was living in Tokyo at the time as a college student.
On his way to Kobe, he feared that he might have lost his loved ones.
00:20:29 話者 2
What I saw on TV was Shin-nagata station collapsed and surrounded by fire.
I kept staring at the screen, and the thought crossed my mind that someone had died, maybe someone in my family.
00:20:46 話者 8
Subo's 20-year-old daughter was also present at the event.
Most of Subo's stories were new to her.
00:20:58 話者 2
On the way, I couldn't think about what to do next or what might happen.
I walked faster, and all I wanted to do was to get to my family as soon as possible.
00:21:14 話者 5
By listening to my eldest son's story today, I realized that for the first time that he had experienced the disaster that way.
00:21:25 話者 8
As the event was about to end, Su Bo had a personal message for his father.
00:21:34 話者 2
My father told me that he stopped my younger brother, Su Gan, from returning home on January 16, which led to his death.
He says that it was his responsibility, but that's not true.
It's time for him to put down the cross and be with my mother.
I think it must have been painful for him to live with those feelings for so long.
I don't want to say it's okay now, but I hope that he will spend the rest of his life in good health with my mother.
00:22:38 話者 5
My eldest son's words mean a lot to me.
Hearing them, I feel like something heavy from my heart has been lifted.
00:22:49 話者 2
I'm glad that by speaking in front of everyone, I was able to tell my father how strongly I really feel.
00:22:59 話者 8
I saw him crying for the first time while talking about the earthquake.
And I thought he might have been holding it in.
As his daughter, I think it was a good opportunity for him.
FAMILY OPENS UP ABOUT GRIEF 31 YEARS AFTER KOBE QUAKE
00:23:24 話者 1
For more on this, earlier I spoke with NHK World's Shimada Koko, who filed the story.
How do you feel after talking with Choi and his family?
00:23:37 話者 8
What struck me was the depth of the emotional scars left by the disaster.
Chae has been speaking in public and sharing what he went through with young people who don't know about the quake.
So it surprised me that he had never talked about it with his own family.
When I asked him why, he said he avoided it.
because the whole family shared the same pain of losing their loved one.
He said talking about it would not bring his son back. It would only reopen old wounds.
00:24:16 話者 1
Soo-bo told his father that it's time to put down the cross.
That's a powerful phrase. How did Chae react?
00:24:24 話者 8
Chae told me he felt as if a bit of the weight on his shoulders had been lifted.
But at the same time, he said he will never forget what happened.
I certainly felt the weight of what he had been carrying.
His second son, Soo-yeon, and his granddaughter, Jise, said Soo-bo shared feelings they all had but had been unable to say.
It felt as though those words carried even more meaning because they were spoken in front of the family and so many others who were there to witness them.
00:25:03 話者 1
We hope that from now on, Che can move forward.
Although 31 years have passed since the disaster, it seems that for many who lived through it, the pain remains fresh.
00:25:14 話者 8
Yes, I should note, it took more than three decades for Choi and his family to share their feelings with one another.
I think the timing at which people feel ready to talk is different for each person.
With infrastructure now rebuilt, it's hard to imagine that thousands of people lost their lives on this soil.
But chess words remind us that we should not let their memories fade away.
Going forward, I want to continue listening to the survivors and sharing their voices.
3 JAPAN UNIVERSITIES TO TAKE MORE FOREIGN STUDENTS
00:25:56 話者 1
Universities around the world are competing hard to attract foreign students.
Against that background, Japan's education ministry is letting three national universities enroll more.
The ministry says Japan had a record number of more than 330,000 foreign students in 2024. It aims to increase that to 400,000 by 2033.
So it's introduced a system to ease university quotas.
Tohoku University, the University of Tsukuba, and Hiroshima University meet the requirements.
Their proportions of foreign students are presently in the single digits.
Tohoku and Tsukuba plan to raise that to 20-something percent.
Hiroshima aims for an increase of 10 points.
In 2023, the OECD found the proportion of foreign undergraduates was over 10% in Australia, Britain, and Canada, but only 3% in Japan.
The Education Ministry hopes outstanding students from overseas will strengthen research and improve learning.
Those were the stories for this hour.
WEATHER
♫～ 3-DAY FORECAST ～♫
I'm Ross Mihara in Tokyo. We thank you for joining us on NHK Newsline.
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