Welcome to NHK Newsline. I'm Morishita Erika in Tokyo.
M7.2 Quake Strikes Northern Japan
And, the 7.2 earthquake has struck northern Japan.
Authorities say people in areas that saw the strongest shaking should be alert for similar jolts over the coming week or so.
00:00:27 話者 2/Ebita Ayataka/Japan Meteorological Agency
In areas struck by strong tremors, there is a risk of houses collapsing and landslides.
Please be on full alert for future earthquakes and rain.
We advise people not to enter dangerous places. Please watch out for earthquakes with a maximum intensity of upper 6 for the next week or so, especially for the next two days.
00:00:49 話者 1
The JMA says the strong quake occurred off the coast of Iwate Prefecture at 7:30 a.m.
Its focus was estimated to be at a depth of 44 kilometers.
The agency says there could be slight changes to the tidal level in coastal areas, but there is no risk of tsunami.
Officials say the quake did not meet the criteria for issuing an advisory about the potential mega-quake off the coast of Hokkaido and the Sanriku region.
The hardest-hit areas were in Aomori Prefecture, where the quake had an intensity of upper six on the Japanese scale of zero to seven.
Local officials say four people in the prefecture suffered minor injuries.
00:01:38 話者 13
The shaking was scary. It came out of nowhere and it gradually died down.
But then there was another bang. I started panicking.
00:01:49 話者 12
It was so strong and it lasted a long time. More things fell down this time.
The shutter got stuck.
00:02:02 話者 1
Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae held a news conference on Thursday morning.
She said the government set up a task force at the crisis management center in the prime minister's office in response to the earthquake.
00:02:18 話者 10/Takaichi Sanae
I instructed relevant ministries and agencies to determine the extent of damage as soon as possible and closely.
Coordinate with local governments and make utmost efforts to take emergency measures, such as saving and rescuing disaster victims under the government's policy of putting human lives first, and also provide information on evacuation and damage to the people in an appropriate manner.
Nuclear Power Plants Report No Abnormalities
00:02:44 話者 1
The operators of multiple nuclear power plants across northeastern Japan have reported on the status of their plants following the earthquake.
So far, no abnormalities have been reported at the Fukushima Daiichi and Daini plants.
The Onagawa plant in Miyagi Prefecture and the Higashi Dori plant in Aomori Prefecture also reported no abnormalities.
All facilities report that radiation levels around their plants remain unchanged.
Recent Series of Strong Earthquakes in Tohoku Region
Multiple strong earthquakes with a magnitude of around 7 have been occurring off the coast of Tohoku this past year.
On April 20, a magnitude 7.7 quake struck off the coast of Sanriku and triggered a tsunami measuring 80 centimeters in Iwate Prefecture.
In early December, a magnitude 7.5 earthquake hit coastal areas of Aomori Prefecture.
Authorities say that earthquake caused injuries across Aomori Prefecture, as well as further north in Hokkaido.
Venezuela Quakes Leave 32 Dead, Hundreds Injured
Meanwhile, in South America, a pair of powerful earthquakes has struck Venezuela, leaving at least 32 dead and 700 injured.
Rescue operations are underway, and the government has declared a state of emergency.
The US Geological Survey says two strong quakes struck northwestern Venezuela in quick succession shortly after 6 p.m. local time Wednesday.
Both jolts had matches over seven.
00:04:31 話者 25
An earthquake just shook the entire building minutes ago.
It's the heaviest quake felt in Venezuela, and these glasses fell to the floor, as you can see behind me.
00:04:53 話者 1
The epicenters were about 160 kilometers west of the capital, Caracas.
The USGS classified tremors near the epicenters as violent, which is just below the highest category of extreme.
Japan's foreign ministry says about 200 Japanese citizens are currently in the country.
So far, it has received no reports of injuries involving them.
Heavy Rain Hits Southwestern Japan
Elsewhere in Japan, heavy rain is battering the southwest.
with weather officials issuing the second-highest landslide warning for parts of Kyushu.
The officials say rain clouds are developing due to warm, moist air flowing toward a low-pressure system.
Goto City in Nagasaki Prefecture recorded 465 millimeters of rain over a 48-hour period.
That exceeds the average amount for all of June.
The torrential rain has triggered a level 4 urgent warning for landslides in parts of Fukuoka, Saga, and Nagasaki prefectures.
In Sasebo City in Nagasaki, a hillside collapsed next to a residence, and mud flowed onto the property.
The main building was unaffected and nobody was injured, but a shed and cars parked nearby were reportedly damaged.
And in Yufu City in Oita, A section of a riverbank collapsed near a city hall branch office.
Downpours are likely in areas across the Kantoko-shin to Kyushu regions over the next few days.
Up to 200 millimeters of rain are expected in the 24-hour period through Friday noon in the northern Kyushu, Kinki and Shikoku regions.
Weather officials are also warning of flooding in low-lying areas, swollen rivers, lightning, and strong winds.
Severe Tropical Storm Approaches Okinawa
Meanwhile, severe tropical storm Mekkhala is moving north and is expected to approach Okinawa Prefecture by Friday. Winds are expected to strengthen in the prefecture.
Some could reach up to 90 kilometers per hour, with gusts of up to 126 kilometers per hour. Officials are urging residents to be on the alert.
Let's turn now to our meteorologist, Yoko Komagata, for more details on the heavy rain in Japan.
00:07:38 話者 6/Yoko Komagata
Heavy rainfall has been increasing, especially in the northern parts of the Kyushu region due to the rainy season front.
Parts of Nagasaki Prefecture have already received more than 560 millimeters of rainfall in the past three days.
On top of that, an additional rainfall of up to 200 millimeters is still possible in the next 24 hours.
The rainy season front, combined with severe tropical storms, typically brings torrential rainfall to Japan at this time of the year.
In fact, warm, moist air from severe tropical storm Maikala and tropical storm Higos will enhance the rainy season front stretching across Japan, producing more heavy rainfall.
People in the Okinawa region should watch out for stormy conditions due to severe tropical storm Maikala.
Meanwhile, heavy rainfall will be the major concern rather than the strong winds and high waves cross western and eastern Japan.
People in the Tokai, Kanto, and Kinki regions may have up to 630 millimeters of rainfall in the next 72 hours.
Bursts of showers could sharply increase the risk of rain-triggered disasters, such as river flooding and dangerous landslides.
If you must travel, have your emergency kit and let someone know where you are going.
Make sure you have enough food and water, and ensure your cell phones is fully charged.
Be prepared and stay informed.
Iran Conflict: Trump: Strait of Hormuz Toll Collection 'Unacceptable'
00:09:17 話者 1
US President Donald Trump has stated again he would not accept a collection of fees on shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Iran has suggested it may impose a toll.
The Memorandum of Understanding the US and Iran, signed earlier this month, sets a 60-day period for discussions toward a final agreement.
Matters to be discussed include nuclear issues, the Strait of Hormuz, and the lifting of sanctions on Iran.
Iran has agreed to make arrangements for toll-free passage through the strait for the 60 days.
But it has indicated it will discuss future control of the waterway with Oman, another coastal state.
Trump said at the White House on Wednesday, any kind of fee on shipping would be unacceptable.
00:10:12 話者 37/Donald Trump
It would be unacceptable to me, because we have numerous straits, and if you did that for them, you'd have to do it for other people. It would be a game changer.
00:10:22 話者 1
Trump also posted a social media message about the matter.
He wrote, Iran has informed the US that there are no tolls and no insurance costs.
He added, There are no other charges of any kind being sold or received by Iran.
Trump noted, If this is false, negotiations will end immediately.
A spokesperson for the Foreign Ministry of Pakistan, which is mediating the US-Iran talks, said on Wednesday working-level discussions could resume next Tuesday.
Iran Conflict: Trump Repeats Disappointment With NATO
Trump has again expressed disappointment with several European allies over their positions during the conflict.
He singled out Italy, Britain, Germany, France, and Spain in talks with the chief of NATO.
00:11:14 話者 37/Donald Trump
I just want their loyalty. We don't need their money.We don't need anything.
We have the most powerful military in the world by far.
But I just want loyalty.You know, we're so loyal to them.
We're always fighting for them.
00:11:28 話者 1
Trump met NATO's Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House on Wednesday.
He suggested that the meeting was only taking place with Rutte because of the relationship.
The Trump administration has criticized some NATO member nations for not allowing US forces to use their bases in Europe for operations in Iran.
Rutte pointed out that thousands of US planes have taken off from Europe during the conflict.
Trump is expected to attend the NATO summit in Turkey next month.
The talks will likely address the conflict in Iran, as well as increase defense spending by members of the alliance.
Business
Now, let's see what's happening in the world of business.
Here's Ramin Mellegard from The Biz Desk.
00:12:15 話者 8/Ramin Mellegard
Thank you very much indeed.
Nikkei 225 Sets Record High on Chip Optimism
Now, Tokyo's Nikkei 225 stock index surged to a record close amid optimism that the chips sector would lead growth. The benchmark rose 4.6 percent to end the day at 72,366.
The index finished with its fourth largest gain ever, more than 3,100 points.
Semiconductor-related shares led the way after US memory chipmaker Micron Technology reported earnings the previous day.
Investors interpreted the announcement as evidence that robust demand for chip-related products will continue.
Analysts say investors bought back shares after the index had fallen consecutive days.
They also say the Nikkei gained momentum as crude oil prices fell in New York on Wednesday, easing supply concern.
WTI oil futures dipped below $70 per barrel for the first time since March 2.
Japan Govt. Panels Propose ¥370 Tril. Investment in Key Sectors
Two Japanese government panels have announced a plan for massive investments into key growth industries, such as artificial intelligence and semiconductors.
They envision public and private sector spending of more than 370 trillion yen, or about $2.3 trillion, by fiscal 2040.
The plan was put together by the Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy and the Council for Japan's Growth Strategy.
Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae attended their joint meeting on Wednesday.
00:13:51 話者 10/Takaichi Sanae
We need to raise Japan's potential growth rate, which has been sluggish for a long time.
The government will do all it can to support efforts to develop new markets.
00:14:03 話者 8
The funds will target a total of 62 products and technologies.
They were chosen from among 17 so-called strategic fields that include not only A.I. and chips, but also shipbuilding.
Next-generation solar cells are one of the technologies.
A manufacturer based in Kyoto is developing Perovskite solar cells that are thin, light and flexible.
The -- its products can be attached to the wall of a building.
The company aims to start production next fiscal year, but it will first need considerable investment.
00:14:40 話者 42/Kato Naoya/CEO, EneCoat Technologies
Our products made in Japan will face competition coming from China, for example.
Whether we can get support from the government is a factor.
I think its support will be indispensable.
00:14:51 話者 8
The government's plan is expected to call for about $25.5 billion to be invested in the technology. That is estimated to produce an economic impact of over $140 billion.
An expert says where the government decides to direct the money is crucial.
00:15:12 話者 43/Kobayashi Shinichiro/Principal Economist, Mitsubishi UFJ Research and Consulting
When the government is engaged in this scale of investment, it raises the fiscal burden.
So the government will need to be responsive to the situation by deciding which fields really need the investment and which one should be given up.
00:15:28 話者 8
Takaichi has indicated that more flexibility may be needed in the way budgets are allocated.
00:15:37 話者 10
The budget compilation method should be fundamentally changed to overcome the restrictions of conventional policies.
We need to develop effective plans based on new ideas and viewpoints, including those from the private sector.
00:15:53 話者 8
The Prime Minister expressed her intention to create an investment bracket for a strong and prosperous Japan based on plans for several fiscal years.
Japanese Startup Employs AI to Fight Malaria in Africa
Now, malaria remains a growing threat around the world, with about 280 million cases annually and over 600,000 deaths. Africa is especially hard hit.
A Japanese startup is trying to help by using AI to predict outbreaks and stem their spread.
NHK World's Hirata Miu has the story.
00:16:29 話者 4/Hirata Miyu
Umeda Masaki is an executive with Japanese startup Solar Technology.
He recently explained at a UN forum how his firm is using artificial intelligence to pinpoint places prone to flooding and disease spread.
00:16:47 話者 55/Umeda Masaki
Our AI identifies high-risk hotspots not only linked to climate disasters, such as flooding, but also for climate-sensitive infectious diseases, such as malaria, dengue, cholera, and others.
00:17:03 話者 4
Malaria is transmitted through the bites of some female mosquitoes. The most common defense is to prevent bites with nets and spray when the mosquitoes come.
But the measures have failed to stop the spread of the disease.
Umeda says countries in Africa are desperate for a solution.
00:17:25 話者 55
They are struggling a lot.
They are looking for a great innovation to improve cost-effectiveness.
So that's why we decided to focus on malaria.
00:17:35 話者 4
The startup aims to take the fight to the source, water bodies where larvae develop.
Its technology uses satellite data to analyze terrain and vegetation.
High-risk areas are highlighted in orange.
This fixed-wing drone is fitted with cameras and sensors.
As it flies above the terrain, an AI system analyzes data to detect puddles where the mosquitoes breed.
Drones capture detailed images so AI can determine the size and origins of water bodies.
Water that was previously difficult to see is uncovered.
Workers can then proceed to precise locations and apply larvacide.
The drones are also used to spray from the air across wide areas.
This reduces both chemical use and labor costs by nearly half.
The system has been introduced in more than 10 African countries, including Ghana and Mozambique.
Umeda also sees challenges. He says Japan and Africa are not only geographically distant, but also differ in business practices.
00:18:58 話者 55
One of the very important principles that we have in our team is localization.
00:19:06 話者 4
The firm trains local staff and cooperates with governments. It also works to build trust with community leaders, as many are still unfamiliar with its technologies.
Umeda now wants to take this business model to areas such as Southeast Asia and Latin America. He says mosquito-borne disease is threatening more parts of the world.
00:19:33 話者 55
A mosquito doesn't care about the borders. It can easily fly into the developed world in the near future by climate change, so it's much important to consider this global health matter as global public goods so that all the stakeholders can commit strongly to eradicate malaria and other diseases right now.
00:20:01 話者 4
Umeda sees this as a case where AI technology is not a threat, but a tool to protect lives.
Hirata Miyu, NHK World.
Markets
00:20:13 話者 8
Okay, let's get a check on the markets.
♪
And that is it for business news.
Hooking a New Fisheries Workforce
00:20:46 話者 1
Anglers enjoying a pleasure trip at sea can arrive back on land with more fish than they can handle. One coastal area south of Tokyo sees that as a business opportunity.
Officials there have created a unique tourism initiative to help bolster the local economy.
A Fish Tale With a Twist
00:21:07 話者 9
5.30 A.m. A charter boat full of anglers leaves the harbor. Each of the 8 passengers has paid about $80 for the opportunity to enjoy a half day of fishing.
While poor weather leading up to today has made the fish a bit slow to bite, the waters off of Izu remain bountiful.
What's more, the fish caught here today aren't just personal trophies.
They can also be sold to the local market.
Anglers are taught how to bleed and ice their catch to lock in peak freshness.
00:21:52 話者 62/Yamada Ryuya/Captain
Since there'll be commercial products, it's important to ensure the fish are kept fresh.
00:21:57 話者 9
Once back on land, the catch is taken to the local market, where prices are determined by variety and size.
This man caught 11 fish, including sea bream and horse mackerel.
In return for his haul, he receives payment in the form of digital coupons.
00:22:25 話者 62
I got about 1,800 yen worth today. Last time, I earned 10 times that.
I use them to buy things like meat and sake.
00:22:36 話者 9
The coupons can be used at local shops, lodging facilities, and restaurants.
The fish caught by tourists this morning are immediately packaged and placed on the market's shelves.
00:22:50 話者 63/Omasa Yuta/Hanbata Market
We're delighted to be able to deliver seafood caught off the waters of Izu directly to our customers.
This initiative has been really well received by everyone, including local inns and restaurants.
00:23:05 話者 9
Despite its natural bounty, the town's seen its fishing industry decline rapidly.
In the last decade, the number of fishermen has plummeted by half to just 112, with many now in their 70s and 80s, forcing the town to search for a way to breathe new life into the industry.
00:23:25 話者 64/Matsuura Jotaro/Nishiizu Town Industrial Promotion Dept.
Until recently, most of the seafood caught in this area was shipped off to places like Tokyo, leaving almost no local fish for the community.
Yet we also noticed that tourists often caught more than they could handle and didn't know what to do with it all.
00:23:41 話者 9
It was around that time that Matsuura first met Nakagawa Megumi.
She runs a company dedicated to regional revitalization through fishing.
00:23:56 話者 65/Nakagawa Megumi/CEO, Uooo
In regions where the fishing industry is in a crisis, even a helping hand, like having tourists catch and sell fish locally, is incredibly valuable.
We are also promoting relocation programs through a hybrid lifestyle where people can combine fishing with other professional work.
Slowly but surely, we're seeing an increase in young fishermen, which is very encouraging.
00:24:23 話者 9
Launched in 2020, Nakagawa's initiative has seen 2,000 tourists participate and serve as a new type of workforce to bolster the town's economy.
Weather
00:24:38 話者 1
Western and eastern Japan are currently bracing for persistent heavy rain with the threat of flooding.
Our meteorologist, Yoko Komagata, has more details in this World Weather Update.
00:24:50 話者 6/Yoko Komagata
We're expecting downpours from both the rainy season front and a couple of tropical storms in the Pacific.
The first wave of heavy rain will develop along this frontal boundary, stretching from the northern Kyushu region all the way toward the country region on Friday, with more arriving on Saturday as severe tropical storm Maikala and tropical storm Higos approach.
People in the northern Kyushu region may see up to 200 millimeters of additional rainfall in the next 24 hours, with the high possibility of flooding.
Flash flooding cannot be rolled out in Shikoku, Tokai and the Kanto regions, where up to 630 millimeters of rain is expected over the next couple of days or so.
Again, the risk of flooding and landslides will be the major concerns for the next couple of days. If you plan to travel this weekend, please pay close attention to the latest forecast.
For the rest of Northeast Asia, a strong high-pressure system will produce much drier conditions across Beijing, Shanghai, and so rising temperatures into the 30s.
Speaking of hot weather, people in the US Southwest are dealing with scorching weather.
In addition to the heat, strong winds and low humidity could trigger wildfires.
Finally in Europe, a massive heat dorm has created unusually high temperatures across the UK all the way down to southern Europe.
The intense heat in Europe is not only having an impact on humans, but on animals too.
On Wednesday, stable workers in Plague took horses out to rivers for some cool down time.
Meanwhile in Brussels, popular sightseeing spots were closed down for the day.
On Wednesday, the mercury hit 40.6 degrees in Paris and the weather conditions will persist throughout the weekend.
London may break the June temperature record on Friday with highs in the mid-30s.
That's all for now. Stay safe.
♫～ 3-DAY FORECAST ～♫
00:27:36 話者 1
So for this edition of NHK News Slide, I'm Morishita Erika in Tokyo.
Thank you for joining us on NHK World Japan.
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NHK World
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