Welcome back to NHK Newsline. I'm Kanako Sachno.
Japan's Kanto Region Hit by Heavy Rain
Tokyo and the surrounding Kanto region were pelted by heavy rain on Friday afternoon, along with lightning strikes and localised hail storms.
The Japan Meteorological Agency said an unusually strong cold air mass above northern and eastern Japan led to extremely unstable atmospheric conditions.
Between noon and 1pm, Hanno City in Saitama Prefecture recorded 43 millimeters of rainfall. Footage taken in the city shows what appears to be hail.
Tokyo's Fuchu City logged 50 millimeters of rainfall between 1 and 2pm.
The JMA issued a rainfall warning for some areas in the Kantor region affected by the storm.
They're warning of possible flooding in low-lying areas and sudden swelling of rivers.
They're also advising people to be on alert for landslides, lightning strikes, hail, sudden gusts of wind or tornadoes.
The agency says sunny conditions in the region could change suddenly.
They're advising people to seek shelter indoors if there are signs of an approaching storm, such as thunder or sudden cold winds.
Japan's Space Agency Successfully Launches H3 Rocket
Japan's space agency has successfully launched its flagship H3 rocket.
The H3 blasted off from the Tanegashima Space Center in the southwestern prefecture of Kagoshima shortly before 10am on Friday.
According to JAXA, the rocket flew as planned and reached its target orbit about 15 minutes after takeoff.
It says the rocket ascended steadily and reached orbit at an altitude of about 580 kilometers.
It was the first launch since the previous H3 rocket failed to complete its mission last December.
00:02:06 話者 12
It was so tremendous and thrilling.
00:02:11 話者 13
This is the result of the efforts of everyone involved. As a resident, I'm very happy.
00:02:18 話者 1
The latest version of the rocket is equipped with three main engines.
It was carrying six small satellites that were released into orbit.
An official said this launch's success resulted from utmost efforts to thoroughly investigate the cause of December's failure.
00:02:37 話者 4/Yamakawa Hiroshi/President, JAXA
We will continue to work sincerely so that Japan's base transportation system will become more reliable and internationally competitive.
00:02:47 話者 1
The launch is seen as evidence that the country's flagship rocket program is back on track.
Govt. Approves Plan to Reduce Deaths From Tokyo Quake
Japan's government has approved a 10-year plan aimed at cutting the projected death toll from a major Tokyo earthquake by more than half.
Officials say the goal is to reduce fatalities by more than half from an estimated 18,000 through a range of preventative measures.
The plan is expected to be achieved by the year ending March 2036.
One of the goals is to cut structural damage by more than half.
A major quake could flatten or burn over 400,000 buildings according to current estimates.
The plan includes efforts to prevent fires which are expected to cause roughly 70% of both deaths and the destruction of buildings.
One measure involves installing quake-sensitive circuit breakers that automatically cut electricity when a strong tremor is detected.
The plan calls for the devices to be put in most buildings in designated parts of 10 prefectures including Tokyo and three surrounding prefectures.
This represents a much higher goal than was previously set.
The plan also aims to make almost all homes quake resistant.
PM Takaichi Heads to Europe for G7 Summit, Meetings
Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae is heading to Europe this weekend.
She'll attend next week's G7 summit in France with stops in the UK and Italy.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara Minoru explained the itinerary on Friday.
He said the Prime Minister will leave Tokyo on Saturday and will remain in Europe until June 18.
During the trip, she'll meet with her British and Italian counterparts, Keir Starmer and Giorgia Meloni.
Takaichi is expected to discuss issues like economic security.
The summit itself will kick off Monday in the French town of Efia.
Kihara said the Prime Minister will focus on the energy crisis triggered by the conflict in Iran.
00:04:44 話者 5/Kihara Minoru
Japan is the G7's only Asian representative and the region is among those most affected by the Middle East conflict.
We hope to lead G7 discussions towards stabilizing global energy security, especially the crude oil market.
00:05:01 話者 1
He said it would be a three-point proposal. It includes opposition to unjust restrictions of oil exports and support for boosting stockpiles.
Kihara also says he hopes the summit will show the G7 is taking the initiative to tackle global challenges.
Japanese Cinema Captivates Crowds Around the Globe
Japan is well known for award-winning cinema on the international stage.
Films from famed directors like Koreeda Hirokazu and Kitano Takeshi have riveted audiences around the world for decades.
But recently, a new crop of directors across more diverse genres has joined the ranks and they've been receiving critical acclaim at film festivals in the past year.
NHK World's Takaya Natsuko has that story.
00:05:49 話者 3/Takaya Natsuko
The Cannes Film Festival is one of three major film festivals in the world.
Of the 22 films entered in the competition section this year, three were from Japan.
It was the first time that had happened in 25 years.
While the top prize The Palm Door went to another film, actress Okamoto Tao made history by becoming the first Japanese woman to win the Best Actress award.
She stars in director Hamaguchi Ryusuke's drama All of a Sudden.
At last year's Berlin International Film Festival, Mizushire Yoriko's animated film Ordinary Life came runner-up in the short film category.
And it's not just actors and directors gaining attention.
At this year's Oscars, kabuki-themed film Kokuho became the first Japanese work to be nominated for best makeup and hairstyling.
Experts point out that the reason for the recent rise of Japanese films could be twofold.
First, producers are increasingly making films with the global market in mind from the outset.
And second, there has been a change in how international audiences view Asian works.
00:07:12 話者 24/Tokuriki Motohiko/Japanese entertainment writer
I think a major factor is that thanks to the global success of South Korean films and dramas, works featuring Asian actors are now being seen all over the world.
I think it's incredibly significant that audiences have become more accustomed to Asian content.
The fact that works featuring Japanese actors are now receiving proper international acclaim is a significant visible phenomenon.
00:07:40 話者 3
Now, that reach is expanding even further. Last month, a Japanese film was highly phrased during one of South America's largest international film festivals.
Brazil's Fantaspor focuses on styles like horror, sci-fi, and experimental films.
In a category showcasing the most extreme and original films, Mad Mask became the first Japanese film to win the Best Midnight Film Award.
A famous Japanese comedian, known as Nagano, acted in and directed the indie film.
The low-budget project, which was not as popular within Japan, became a fan favorite at the festival.
(Japanese)
00:08:56 話者 3
In addition to films, anime, games, music, and visual works are collectively referred to as the content industry in Japan.
Surprisingly, it is now second only to the country's well-established automobiles industry when it comes to earning overseas revenue.
00:09:20 話者 24
With anime, live action films, and Japanese music, as Japanese content is being discovered in various ways around the world, and an incredible synergy is taking place.
For example, someone might become interested in Japanese music, then get hooked on anime, and as a result of watching that anime with Japanese subtitles, they'll eventually be able to watch live action Japanese films with subtitles as well.
I think it's extremely important for the government to really put its weight behind this trend and work together to make it grow even bigger.
00:09:50 話者 3
Japan's content industry has grown approximately three-fold over the past decade, reaching 5.8 trillion yen as of 2023.
The government has designated it a key industry and is devoting significant resources to support it over the next several years.
NHK World, Takaya Natsuko.
♪
Iran Conflict : Unclear if Tehran Agrees to Potential Deal With US
00:10:32 話者 1
US President Donald Trump called off planned strikes on Iran, saying its leaders have agreed to the terms of a deal. But so far, Tehran hasn't said they're on board.
00:10:42 話者 32/Donald Trump
We just made a great settlement of the war with Iran, and we're going to be subject to finalization of documents, which should get done over the next few days.
We probably have a signing maybe in Europe.
00:10:58 話者 1
Trump says he believes Iran's supreme leader has approved the agreement, and he says the US will lift its naval blockade once it's signed.
But Tehran has yet to corroborate the news.
Iran's Tasnan news agency is linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
In a report, rather, it acknowledged the US president's claims.
But it pointed out Trump has said that 38 times over the past two months.
It says short of an announcement from Tehran, any news from Trump should be seen in the same light as his previous claims.
Officially, a spokesperson for Iran's foreign ministry says Tehran has yet to reach a conclusion on an agreement.
He says the US side continues to change positions, and he says issues seen as red lines won't be compromised.
Meanwhile, the Iranian state-aligned Fars news agency quoted what it called informed sources.
They say no text for an initial memorandum of understanding has been approved.
The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a reaction.
It says he spoke with Trump and welcomed the conditions of the deal.
They include removing Iran's enriched nuclear material, dismantling enrichment facilities, and limiting missile production.
China Sanctions Philippine Defense Secretary
China has imposed sanctions against the Philippines defense secretary for repeatedly making what it calls irresponsible remarks on Beijing.
The two countries have long-standing territorial disputes in the South China Sea.
The announcement comes in response to remarks made by Philippines Secretary of National Defense Gilberto Teodoro to Reuters last month.
00:12:32 話者 5/Gilberto Teodoro
For countries like the Philippines, though, which is under severe threat, territory wise and politically too by China we have no choice but really to be resilient and to stand up against Chinese aggression.
00:12:54 話者 1
China's foreign ministry said on Thursday Teodoro's comments undermine Beijing's legitimate interests and sabotage relations between the two countries.
Teodoro and his family are banned from entering China.
Organizations and individuals in the country are also not allowed to engage in any transactions or other activities with them.
Last month, the Philippine leader came to Japan and started formal negotiations to delimit the maritime boundary between their countries.
The China Coast Guard said earlier this month, this move seriously infringes upon China's territorial sovereignty and maritime rights and interests.
Fukushima and Chornobyl Communities to Cooperate
A shared experience of nuclear disaster is uniting 2 distant communities.
NHK has learned that a Ukrainian city near the former Chernobyl nuclear plant is preparing to enter a cooperation agreement with a Japanese town in Fukushima prefecture as early as this month.
The city of Slavutich in Ukraine's Kyiv region was built for survivors and personnel of the Chernobyl plant after the catastrophic explosion 40 years ago.
The Japanese town of Futaba is one of two municipalities straddled by the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant.
The town was badly affected by the nuclear disaster after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.
Under the agreement, the two municipalities are expected to share information on reconstruction efforts and lessons from the accidents and promote interaction between their residents.
Slavutic Mayor Yuri Fomichev told NHK of his hopes for the deal and exploring how both sides can support each other.
He says he's been hoping to coordinate with Fdaba since he visited the town about seven years ago.
World Cup 2026 : Opening Match Kicks Off in Mexico City
The Men's Soccer World Cup has officially kicked off.
The US, Canada and Mexico are hosting this year's tournament, the biggest ever.
And Mexico faced off against South Africa for the opening match.
00:14:52 話者 41
Let him go! Let him go!
00:14:55 話者 1
It took place at Mexico City Stadium, known as Estadio Azteca, and big crowds gathered outside hours before kickoff. The 60-year-old stadium has undergone major renovations.
It now holds around 85,000 spectators.
Many roads in the capital are closed due to expected traffic.
Mexico defeated South Africa. The score was 2-0. 48 teams are competing at the event.
They'll play in 104 matches at 16 locations spread across the three countries.
The final will be held on July 19 in a stadium outside New York City.
Yokozuna Wrestlers to Show Sumo's Appeal in Paris
Two Yokozuna grand champions say they're eager to demonstrate the allure of sumo wrestling abroad. They'll be taking part in an upcoming tour in Paris.
Yokozuna Hoshoryu and Yokozuna Onosato spoke to reporters.
About 120 people are scheduled to take part in the exhibition tournament on Saturday and Sunday, including top division wrestlers and referees.
(Japanese)
It's the first tour in the French capital in 31 years.
Business
Now for more business stories, here's Ramin Mellegard.
00:16:39 話者 5/Ramin Mellegard
Thank you very much indeed.
Nikkei 225 Trims Gains Amid Caution Over Iran Peace Deal
Now, Japan's Nikkei 225 stock index trimmed some of its gains on Friday after an initial surge on renewed hopes for a US-Iran peace deal.
The benchmark ended the day at 2.8% higher at 66,020.
Earlier in the session, it jumped more than 4%, led by semiconductor-related shares.
The broader topics index also rose to end more than 1.3% higher.
President Trump on Thursday said a pact to end the conflict with Iran is close, but investors later turned cautious as Tehran said a final agreement has yet to be reached.
Peace talks aside, tech-related equities powered the day's gains on bullish expectations for the AI industry.
Japanese chip and flash memory giant Kyoxia Holdings saw its shares jump.
It closed the session as Japan's most valuable publicly traded company, surpassing Toyota Motor.
Rapidus to Work With UK, Italian Institutions on Chip Development
Japanese chipmaker Rapidus says it expects to sign agreements with British and Italian public institutions to cooperate in semiconductor development.
Rapidus President Koike Atsuyoshi made the announcement during a meeting with Prime Minister Takeichi Sanae.
Koike said the signing will coincide with Takeichi's visit to Europe starting Saturday.
00:18:09 話者 55/Koike Atsuyoshi
We want this signing to be the first step as we work together to create a new world and technologies.
00:18:21 話者 53/Takeichi Sanae
Global chip demand is expected to rise. I'd like to promote Rapidus chips not only to the UK and Italy, but also to other like-minded countries.
00:18:34 話者 5
Koike said the memorandums of understanding will help develop sales channels with local businesses.
Rapidus plans to start mass production of cutting edge semiconductors next year.
Biz Picks
Next, NHK World's Gene Otani is here with Biz Fix.
00:18:57 話者 6/Gene Otani
Let's take a look at the key business and economic stories for the week ahead.
Two major central banks will be holding monetary policy meetings.
On Wednesday, the US Federal Reserve will announce its policy decision with new chair Kevin Warsh at the helm.
The day before, the Bank of Japan will announce the results of its meeting.
BOJ to Mull Rate Hike, Bond Purchase Tapering
BOJ Governor Uida Kazu earlier this month indicated the bank's key rate may be raised despite the unclear situation in the Middle East.
Kato Izuru is the chief economist at Totan Research.
He says Ueda's remarks increased market expectations of an interest rate hike to more than 90 percent.
00:19:40 話者 62/Kato Izuru
No other country among major economies maintains such low real interest rates.
And that is why the Japanese yen tends to remain weak.
The currency's depreciation is adding to upward pressure on gasoline prices and then food prices.
To mitigate the impact, the government has been forced to give out subsidies and plan tax cuts.
The low interest rates have brought about problems, so it is about time they were raised.
00:20:10 話者 6
Kato also sees the possibility of another rate hike in October.
00:20:20 話者 62
Even if the BOJ decides to raise the key interest rate this time, it would not necessarily lead to a stronger yen.
So if the bank shows a cautious stance toward the next hike, the yen may remain on a downward trend.
If a view gains traction in the market that the US Fed may raise its rates this year, that could also keep the yen weaker.
All things considered, it is possible the BOJ will decide to go ahead with the next rate hike in October.
00:20:56 話者 6
Kato says another focus for the BOJ is its buying of Japanese government bonds.
The bank has been reducing its purchases as it tries to pull back from its massive monetary easing policy.
We asked him what kind of message the bank is expected to send on JGB tapering.
00:21:20 話者 62
I think the BOJ will decide it should keep the current pace of reducing purchases by about 200 billion yen every three months through March next year.
The question is what it will do after April next year.
The government apparently hopes that the BOJ will not reduce purchases so much because it does not want bond yields to rise.
I imagine that policymakers may be aiming as a middle ground to continue the reduction, but at a slower pace.
00:21:58 話者 6
Kato says that the central bank's communication with the government is becoming increasingly important in deciding its monetary policy.
I'm Gene Otani, and that's this week's Biz Picks.
Finance Minister: Ueda's Absence Won't Affect BOJ Meeting
00:22:12 話者 5
The BOJ governor is expected to miss the upcoming monetary policy meeting through illness.
But Finance Minister Katayama Satsuki says she does not expect his absence to affect proceedings. Katayama made the comments after a cabinet meeting on Friday.
Ueda was hospitalized with an infectious illness on Tuesday.
The bank earlier said he is expected to stay in hospital for about two weeks and will work remotely. The two-day policy meeting begins on Monday.
Sources say BOJ board members are heading toward raising their key interest rate to around 1% from the current 0.75%.
Now, Deputy Governor Himino Ryozo will chair the meeting instead, and another deputy governor, Uchida Shinichi, will host the news conference afterwards.
Katayama said this will ensure weather's absence has no impact in practical terms.
Markets
OK, let's get a check of the markets.
♪
And that is it for business news.
♫～
Weather
00:24:36 話者 1
It's time now for a check on the weather.
As we reported, parts of Japan have been facing intense rain.
Our meteorologist Yumi Hirano has the details.
00:24:53 話者 7/Yumi Hirano
People from Hokkaido to Kanto are experiencing sudden weather changes.
A high chance of thunderstorms will continue into Friday night.
This could affect the evening commute and lead to isolated power outages.
But conditions are expected to improve on Saturday in many cities, so sunny skies are likely in Tokyo with a high of 28.
Osaka may see 30, so the heat will be the next concern over the weekend.
In the bigger picture across Asia, a rainy season front is moving toward southern China and Japan's Okinawa bringing another round of downpours.
The total rainfall could reach 800 millimeters from Guangdong to Yunnan provinces over the next week, so people should prepare for severe floods and landslides.
Finally in the United States, June is still the tornado season.
There were 17 reports on Thursday, mainly from Illinois.
Severe storms swept through the Midwest on Thursday, knocking out power for hundreds of thousands.
According to Reuters, footage captured on Thursday showed a large tornado covering the sky as it moved through Illinois.
In Wisconsin, roofs were blown off buildings and many trees were broken in half while workers cleaned up debris.
Severe weather is expected to move eastward with the risk of thunderstorms and gusty winds. Showers are also possible in New York and Washington.
The highs will be 35, but the rain may ease the heat.
Sunny skies will return to Chicago with a high of 27.
That's all for now. Have a nice weekend.
♫～ 3-DAY FORECAST ～♫
00:27:34 話者 1
That wraps up this edition of NHK Newsline.
I'm Kanako Satno in Tokyo. Thanks very much for joining us.
checked.
NHK World
00:28:01 話者 99
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