Welcome to NHK Newsline. I'm Morishita Erika in Tokyo.
US Says It's Completed Latest Round of Strikes on Iran
The US Central Command says US forces have completed their latest round of strikes on Iran.
US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that he's not looking for a long-term conflict.
CENTCOM announced on social media that they struck approximately 90 military targets, including missile and drone storage sites and air defense systems.
It says US forces remain vigilant, lethal, and prepared to execute operations directed by the commander-in-chief.
Multiple Iranian media outlets are reporting that port facilities were damaged in Chavahar in the southeast and fragments fell on the hospital.
They also say a railway bridge in the north was attacked and explosions were heard in Bandar Abbas and Sirik in the south.
Trump told reporters that he had spoken to Iranian officials over the phone.
00:01:19 話者 12/Donald Trump
A little while ago, they want to make a deal so badly.
I just don't know if they're worthy of making a deal.
I don't know that they're going to honor the deal.
00:01:27 話者 1
Iran's parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagheil Gharibath, said on a social media Thursday that the US still hasn't learned bullying and breaking.
Its commitments no longer come without a cost.
He advised the US not to struggle in vain, saying it would only sink deeper.
He declared the Strait of Hormuz would be reopened only under Iranian arrangements.
Meanwhile, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary God Corps said in a statement that it carried out strikes against US military bases in Kuwait and Bahrain.
It said that if the US continues to attack Iran,
Its crushing response will be expanded to include other American bases across the region.
Kuwait's military announced on Thursday that its air defense system responded to a missile and drone attack.
Also on Thursday, authorities in Burdain urged citizens to evacuate following an alarm.
Earthquakes in Venezuela: Death Toll Climbs Amid Recovery Efforts
The death toll from devastating earthquakes that hit Venezuela last month has passed 3,800.
The government released new numbers as it renewed vows to help those affected.
Many still remain unaccounted for after two quakes with magnitudes over seven struck the country on June 24.
Seven reportedly died when an apartment building collapsed in the capital Caracas.
Residents were seen searching through the rubble.
One says she survived because she left the building just before the earthquake.
She's currently living in an acquaintance's house and waiting for help.
00:03:19 話者 13
We're waiting and seeing what kind of support will be provided, if we can build our house or whether we can receive some kind of loan to rebuild our lives.
We don't know any specifics yet.
00:03:36 話者 1
The government says about 18,000 people have lost their homes.
Many of them are living in temporary camps.
Interim President Delsey Rodriguez is calling for greater recovery efforts by developing employment programs and rebuilding infrastructure.
The United Nations says almost $300 million will be needed over the next six months to support humanitarian and recovery efforts.
It is urging the international community to provide assistance.
European NATO Members to Spend More on Defense
Trump has been urging other NATO leaders to take on more of a role in defending Europe.
Now they've confirmed that they'll assume a greater burden.
The leaders met for two days of discussions in Turkey.
00:04:29 話者 23/Mark Rutte/NATO Secretary General
This summit has shown that the alliance is stronger than ever, an alliance that is united and ready to defend every inch of our territory.
00:04:41 話者 1
Trump welcomed the move, saying there was tremendous unity.
He called for members to accelerate their plan to increase defense spending to 5 percent of GDP.
The leaders released a declaration saying they are unanimous in support of Ukraine.
They announced a package of military assistance worth about 80 billion dollars in 2026 and at least that amount in 2027.
Trump to Allow Ukraine to Make Patriot Missiles
Trump also met one-on-one with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
He said he will allow Kyiv to begin producing Patriot air defense missiles.
Zelenskyy has previously sold access to the US system to better protect Ukraine against Russian missile attacks.
00:05:31 話者 2/Donald Trump
We're going to give a license to you to make Patriots. That's pretty cool, right?
This way you can't complain that we're not giving them enough.
00:05:41 話者 1
Trump suggests Ukraine's recent long-range strikes on oil refineries and other targets in Russia are an escalation, but one that could help end the war.
Zelenskyy thanked Trump for access to the Patriot anti-ballistic system, saying it's currently the world's best.
Japan to Help Australia, NZ Acquire New Ships
Japan's defense minister met with his counterparts from Australia and New Zealand on the summit sidelines.
He said Tokyo will help them obtain new ships based on a Japanese frigate.
Koizumi Shinjiro held talks with Pat Conroy and Chris Peng in Turkey on Wednesday.
00:06:24 話者 32/Koizumi Shinjiro
Coming just after a Chinese submarine launched a missile, it was very timely that we were able to gather in this format and share our understanding of the regional situation as we do with NATO. I'd like to express my heartfelt appreciation for the cooperation.
00:06:41 話者 1
He spoke about Japan and Australia's joint development of the new ships.
They're based on the Mogami-class frigate used by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.
Koizumi says New Zealand is also considering using the ship.
He said Tokyo intends to work proactively on those two projects.
South Korea Bets Big on Building New AI Sector
Nations around the world are rushing to get the foothold in the artificial intelligence industry. That goes for South Korea, too.
The government hopes to make AI a major engine of growth.
NHK World's Kim Chan-ju in Seoul walks us through it.
00:07:31 話者 4/ Kim Chan-ju
The government unveiled its national strategy for the AI era last week.
President Lee Jae Myung has made it a priority, saying the country cannot afford to fall behind.
00:07:44 話者 44/Lee Jae Myung
We must secure the core AI elements faster than any other nation.
The public and private sectors must unite to build a Korean-style AI ecosystem.
00:07:56 話者 4
To that end, the government is focusing on three key areas.
The first is semiconductors, already a major industry in South Korea.
Two manufacturers have pledged to invest more than 800 trillion won, or $530 billion, on 4 new factories, well beyond the country's annual budget.
The other two areas are data centers and so-called physical AI, the ways AI can exist in our physical environment.
The thinking is that while the US and China focus on developing AI models, South Korea can work on the AI's needs by making the things critical to the industry.
The government hopes these projects can drive economic growth well into the future.
Right now, the plan is to build many of these facilities outside of the greater Seoul area.
The government already has plans to turn a military airport in the southwestern city of Gwangju into a new semiconductor mega-complex.
While it all sounds good on paper, South Koreans are mixed on the idea.
00:09:15 話者 45
I have high hopes. Since it's a government priority, I think it will create new jobs and communities in those regions.
00:09:24 話者 46
I think AI can be beneficial, but if it becomes widespread, many could lose their jobs.
We need to consider those risks when we introduce it to make sure it goes well.
00:09:37 話者 4
Another big concern, infrastructure.
Local media say these massive projects will need equally massive amounts of electricity.
Estimates suggest they would need 20 nuclear power plants just to power these new facilities. but it will take 10 to 15 years to build them.
Even so, the government is going full steam ahead.
As an aging society, South Korea is facing a potential economic slowdown.
Lee's administration sees AI as the industry that can help keep the country's economy afloat. As for the private sector, they say the demand for semiconductors isn't going away.
00:10:22 話者 47/Lee Jae-yong/Chairman, Samsung Electronics
Despite aggressive investments by semiconductor companies, including ours, the market is still not meeting the explosive demand.
00:10:31 話者 48/Chey Tae-won/Chairman, SK
The semiconductor industry is experiencing severe shortages, and they will only get worse.
00:10:38 話者 4
The government is trying to speed things along.
Next month, the Special Semiconductor Act will come into effect, alongside a special committee to accelerate implementation.
The question now is whether South Korea can turn these ambitious plans into tangible results.
Kim Chan-ju, NHK World, Seoul.
Business
00:11:02 話者 1
Now, let's see what's happening in the world of business.
Here's Ramin Mellegard from The Business Desk.
00:11:08 話者 2/Ramin Mellegard
Thank you very much indeed.
Nikkei 225 Rebounds on Buying of AI, Chip-Related Shares
Now, Tokyo's Nikkei 225 stock index rebounded on Thursday after a three-day losing streak.
Investors bought back shares related to AI and semiconductors that had been falling recently. The benchmark rose about 1.4% at the end of the day at 67,743.
The index rose 2.4% at one stage in the morning session, but later in the afternoon, it trimmed some of its gains.
More than half of shares on the index fell. Concern about inflation grew as crude oil futures prices rose on the back of the situation in Iran.
Investors are also watching Japan's long-term interest rates.
The yield on the benchmark 10-year Japanese government bond hit the highest in over 29 years.
Some investors are worried about the impact of rising borrowing costs on domestic companies.
Company Bankruptcies Hit 14-Year High in 1st Half of 2026
The number of corporate bankruptcies in Japan hit a 14-year high in the first half of 2026.
Now, the increase in failures continues a trend seen in the same period last year.
Credit research firm Teikoku Databank says 5,335 businesses went under in the January to June period. That's up 332 from last year, and the highest since 2012.
They had debts of at least 10 million yen, or about $61,500.
Most failures were in the service sector, followed by retail and construction.
Inflation was cited as one of the main reasons for the increase, with businesses struggling to pass on higher fuel and material costs.
The research firm says the bankruptcy trend may continue in the second-half, when businesses will face higher borrowing costs due to a rise in interest rates.
China Producer Inflation Near 4-Year High on Iran Costs
China's producer inflation in June hit the highest in almost four years.
Energy and petrochemical products became more expensive due to the Iran situation.
The National Bureau of Statistics says the producer price index rose 4.1 percent from a year earlier. It's the fastest pace since July 2022.
The PPI measures costs for goods at the factory gate.
Analysts say a sharp rise in producer prices could be a blow to companies.
Meanwhile, the consumer price index for June rose 1 percent year on year.
It has remained in positive territory for nine straight months, but the pace of increase slowed by 0.2 points from May.
Gasoline prices surged 17 percent, but autos and rents fell, apparently reflecting weak personal spending.
Safeguarding Pets in a Warming World
Now, with no apparent let-up in global warming, businesses that make things aimed at keeping humans cool are turning their eyes toward a new market, keeping people's pets cool, too.
00:14:09 話者 6/Narrator: Simizu Risa/Reporter: Kasahara Nobuhiro
This is a fan made specifically for dogs.
It lowers their body temperature with a gentle breeze and refreshing mist.
This collar is made from a special material that freezes at 18 degrees Celsius or lower to gently cool a pet's neck.
This pet supply chain has about 80 stores around the country.
What's proving particularly popular this year?
00:14:35 話者 61
This is made of a cold sensory fiber.
00:14:38 話者 6
The material has a high thermal conductivity that dissipates heat quickly.
It has a cooling effect. The pet supply chain is a subsidiary of a major clothing company.
It has incorporated its technology and design expertise built up over the years into its pet products, earning widespread acclaim.
According to private sector surveys, the pet-related market is growing by the year and is projected to exceed $1.2 billion next fiscal year.
This company has implemented a strategy aimed at pet owners who visit its online store to buy summer clothing.
With a mere click on the screen, they can also purchase heat relief products for their pets on the same site.
00:15:26 話者 63/Yamazaki Keiko/Executive Officer, Onward Holdings
If prices continue to rise due to inflation.
There is a chance that the growth of the apparel industry may slow in the future.
But there is a high likelihood that clothing with strong functionality, such as heat countermeasures, will continue to sell well.
00:15:44 話者 6
A major electronics manufacturer is also applying the technology it develops for home appliances to help pets cope with the heat.
For example, the service uses a screen and voice alert to advise elderly people about heat stroke prevention.
The communication system has been modified to send updates about a pet's condition to the owner's smartphone. It's equipped with a heat sensor.
If the room temperature rises, it notifies the absent owner.
In addition, if the location of a water bowl is registered, the owner can see how often their pet hydrates.
This camera also features an anti-tip function that makes it resistant to falling over even if a pet bumps into it or plays with it.
It won't tip over even under extreme circumstances.
This is due to suction cups located beneath the camera.
The product uses patented technology designed to prevent television sets from falling over in the event of an earthquake.
00:16:54 話者 64/Matsuura Misako/Panasonic
Since many pet owners view their pets as a beloved part of the family, we want to strengthen our pet-related services.
Most pets struggle to regulate their body temperature, leaving them vulnerable to intense heat. The business of keeping them cool is expected to continue growing into the future.
Markets
00:17:16 話者 2
OK, let's get a check on the markets.
♪
And that is it for business news.
Typhoon Bavi Expected to Pound Okinawa Islands
00:17:49 話者 1
A large and very strong typhoon will likely soon hit parts of Okinawa prefecture in southwestern Japan.
Japanese weather officials are calling on people there to make early preparations for the storm. The Japan Meteorological Agency says Typhoon Bavi is moving northwest.
It was east of the Philippines as of noon on Thursday.
The storm is expected to come close to the Sakishima Islands, which include Miyakojima Island and Ishigakishima Island. It could make landfall as early as Friday.
Extremely strong winds are expected, strong enough to potentially destroy houses on the island. The typhoon will also bring heavy rain to the region.
Weather officials are also urging people to be vigilant against high waves, high tides and landslides.
They say even the Pacific coast side of western and eastern Japan may see high waves from the storm surge.
As of Thursday morning, Japan Airlines had canceled 48 flights for Friday.
Most of them were scheduled to depart from or arrive in Okinawa Prefecture.
Other airlines say their flights may also be affected by the typhoon.
They are asking passengers to check their websites for the latest information.
Japan Endures Summer Heat
Meanwhile, other parts of Japan are enduring summer heat.
The mercury hits 35 degrees in some areas Thursday.
JMA reported that daytime highs were 35.5 degrees in Oita Prefecture and 35 degrees in Fukuoka and Niigata.
People were advised to take precautions against heat stroke by using air conditioners and take adequate amounts of liquids and salt.
Japan Pushes to Raise Bluefin Tuna Catch Limit
Bluefin tuna has long been a staple of Japanese cuisine.
The country is the largest consumer of the fish and at one point contributed to the depletion of its population.
However, since stocks are showing signs of recovery, Japan is now aiming to increase its catch limits beyond the current levels.
00:20:14 話者 73
More tuna at lower prices. That would be welcome news for this sushi restaurant in Tokyo.
Bluefin tuna is this restaurant's specialty and is a favorite among the customers.
With its bright red color, this high-end fish is often referred to as the diamond of the sea.
00:20:34 話者 75
Tuna is the ultimate sushi.
00:20:37 話者 74
I love it. I'll leave it right away. It's the best. It deserves to be in the Hall of Fame.
00:20:44 話者 73
Japan is proposing to raise catch limits at an international conference on the management of Pacific bluefin tuna stocks.
It kicked off Wednesday in the western Japanese city of Nagasaki.
Japan wants to increase the catch quota by 25 percent for bluefin tuna weighing 30 kilograms or more in the western and central Pacific, and lower the limit for tuna under 30 kilograms by 6 percent. But this will have to be agreed upon by participating nations.
The US agrees to a certain extent on the large size, but is expected to call for an even higher 20 percent reduction on the smaller tuna quota.
00:21:29 話者 76/Miyahara Masanori/Conference chairman
We need to decide how we will manage this in the long term.
Once this is decided, management will become more stable.
We are determined to achieve that, and I think we are moving in the right direction.
00:21:42 話者 73
The reason quotas were introduced in the first place was because by 2010, the number of adult fish capable of reproducing had fallen to historic lows.
That came as a result of years of overfishing and other factors.
Since then, the stock size has recovered rapidly and, as of 2021, has exceeded the internationally agreed-upon target.
But this is resulting in a new challenge.
Fishers are now forced to release bluefin tuna back into the sea, because their hauls are almost surging beyond their limits.
00:22:21 話者 77/Uratani Toshiharu/Chairman, Fukui pref. fixed-net fishing association
We're releasing them all. They eat squid and Spanish mackerel, too.
At this point, the tuna are nothing but a nuisance.
00:22:30 話者 73
With the international conference set to end next week, wholesalers are waiting to see if increased quotas will reflect cheaper prices.
Some believe costs could come down by 10 to 20 percent.
Many sushi restaurants say they will look forward to passing those savings on to customers.
00:22:52 話者 78/Hayatsu Shigehisa/Sushi restaurant owner
If the tuna quota increases, the volume of tuna landed will go up significantly, so prices will likely drop. That way, we can offer it to our customers at a lower price.
I want to make our customers happy.
00:23:04 話者 73
To ensure bluefin tuna can be enjoyed for generations to come, Japan is trying to find ways to balance catch volumes while prioritizing resource conservation.
Frog-Hopping Festival Held at Japanese Temple
00:23:19 話者 1
A Buddhist temple in western Japan has held a festival with a man dressed as a frog.
It happened in the town of Yoshino at Kimpusenji Temple, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. People carried a man in a full-body frog costume through the streets.
The event dates back to the Heian period, which ran from the late 8th to 12th century.
It recreates a religion where a man insulted a local deity and a priest turned him into a frog. The story goes that the man repented and was restored to human form.
When the man posing as a frog arrived at the temple, he knelt down and hopped toward the priest.
Then the frog costume came off to restore him to human form, to the delight of spectators.
It was fun to see the frog do its best to hop around.
The festival is held every year on July 7.
Weather
Now it's time to check out the weather.
Parts of western Japan are seeing intense heat following the end of the rainy season.
Our meteorologist, Yumi Hirano, has the details.
00:24:45 話者 7/Yumi Hirano
The temperature exceeded 35 degrees in Kyushu on Thursday, and it hit 31 degrees in Tokyo for the first time since June 1.
The heat is expected to continue on Friday.
The highs will be 32 in Tokyo and Osaka and 35 in Fukuoka under sunny skies.
But showers are expected in Sapporo and Naha.
Okinawa will also see stormy conditions due to a powerful typhoon.
The storm is moving toward the Sakishima Islands and Taiwan.
Gusts of more than 250 kilometers per hour are possible, which could potentially damage infrastructure and cause power outages.
Taiwan is also expected to get downpours of up to 700 millimeters by Saturday.
There is a high risk of floods and landslides.
The system is also intensifying monsoonal airflow along the western Philippines, so the thunder showers are possible in Manila.
Heavy rain is also expected in Seoul with a high of 29.
Now moving to India.
The monsoon has been affecting the country both in the south and the north.
The southwest monsoon caused deadly disasters and major disruption across many parts of India this week.
In a southern Indian state, monsoon rain caused a deadly landslide.
Rescuers continued searching for missing people and removing debris.
Meanwhile, in northern India, monsoon rain flooded the city just southwest of New Delhi.
The flooding slowed traffic across the city.
Moist southwesterly air will continue to bring more rainfall, so people should watch out for additional floods and landslides.
That's all for now. Stay safe.
♫～ 3-DAY FORECAST ～♫
00:27:40 話者 1
That's all for this edition of NHK Newsline.
I'm Morishita Erika in Tokyo. Thank you for joining us.
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NHK World
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