Latest news with #YomiuriShimbun
Yomiuri Shimbun
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yomiuri Shimbun
‘Go! Go! Chuggington' Marks 15 Years on Terrestrial TV in Japan; Actor Navigates Children Through World of Chuggington
The Japanese version of the British CG-animated series 'Chuggington' is celebrating its 15th anniversary on Fuji TV. The series focusing on the adventures of anthropomorphic trains called Chuggers has been enjoyed in more than 170 countries and regions. The Yomiuri Shimbun recently interviewed actor Takeshi Tsuruno, who serves as the 'navigator' of Japanese program 'Go! Go! Chuggington,' and producer Mei Ando about its charms. Chugging along steadily The series was first broadcast in Japan on the BS Fuji satellite channel in 2009 but was moved to Fuji TV's terrestrial channel since 2010. Chuggington refers not to a character but the name of the town in which both the human and train characters live. The lead characters are a trio of young trains: Wilson, who is always full of energy but can be a bit careless; Brewster, who is powerful and whom everyone relies on; and Koko, who is very fast and loves adventure. Other train characters include Action Chugger, who always comes to the aid of those in trouble; Frostini, who makes ice cream and is beloved by all in Chuggington; and Jackman, who is brave and has a strong sense of episodes tell stories of friendship in which the three lead characters grow through adventures while being supported by senior trains, while occasionally experiencing failure. As navigator, Tsuruno introduces viewers to the Chuggington world at the beginning of each episode. He said that did not think too much about it when he first took on the role. 'I never imagined this series would continue for such a long time,' Tsuruno said. 'I feel that the 15 years have passed very gradually,' he said. 'I don't feel that I've done anything outstanding, more that I've chugged along for 15 years like a train that stops at every station. 'The starting time of 6:15 a.m. on Sundays is also perfect. It's like a reward for children who wake up early.' Tsuruno may have turned 50 this year, but he definitely looks sprightly dancing in his red and yellow costume on the program. 'I feel that my personality changes a little bit on the program. I get very motivated,' Tsuruno said. 'It makes me feel really alive. I think the persona [of navigator] has been really important for me.' Relatable characters 'For the Japanese broadcasts, scenes are prepared where Mr. Tsuruno teaches keywords and important information at the beginning, so there won't be anything preventing children joining in who are watching the program for the first time,' Ando said. The scenes are unique to each episode, rather than the same one reused time and time the end of many episodes, a song and dance are performed, and children are encouraged to join in. The key to the popularity of the series is the Chuggers themselves with their unique personalities. In the Japanese version, about 30 have appeared to date. 'Wilson and all the other characters have unique personalities,' said Ando. 'So, children who watch the series may find characters whose personalities are very similar to their own and empathize with them.' Ando has a 5-year-old child who she says is being positively influenced by the program. 'In the Chuggington stories, the characters repeatedly face difficult situations and receive help from others to overcome them, teaching children that they can move forward,' Ando said. Both Tsuruno and Ando chose Pete, a 150-year-old steam locomotive, as their favorite character. Pete often calls Wilson and his friends by the wrong names. 'He has built a reputation in which he is celebrated by others even after 150 years,' Tsuruno said. 'He says, 'I will work hard so that I will still be celebrated when I turn 200.' I think about what an energetic old man he is.' Even though the show just marked its 15th anniversary of being broadcast on the Fuji Television channel, Tsuruno said he already has a dream about the 20-year mark. 'I think it would be great if there were original Japanese Chuggington characters,' he said. 'For example, it would be cool if Enoden [a local train in Kanagawa Prefecture] could make an appearance. If it happens, there could be good opportunities for collaboration, such as the release of related merchandise or wrapping trains with a design featuring characters from the show.' Recently, the series also began streaming on Netflix and other platforms, leading to an increase in the number of viewers. 'It is important for us to continue in an earnest manner. If we do that, our dreams will also get bigger,' Tsuruno said. He said that he will make public appearances and encourage children to pursue their dreams. The series is broadcast on Fuji TV and elsewhere from 6:15 a.m. on Sundays. The series can also be streamed on platforms including FOD, TVer and Netflix.
The Star
2 days ago
- Business
- The Star
Ishiba denies talk of resignation
Eye of the storm: A staff member distributing an extra edition of the 'Yomiuri Shimbun' newspaper in Tokyo, with the headline reading 'Prime Minister Ishiba towards resignation'. — AP PRIME Minister Shigeru Ishiba denied discussing his resignation with party elders, as media speculation about his future intensified after a weekend election debacle. Ishiba's coalition lost its majority in the upper house in elections on Sunday, just months after suffering the same fate in the lower house, forcing him into a minority government. Late Sunday, Ishiba insisted that he would remain in office in order to 'fulfil my responsibility' as Japan sought to agree on a trade deal with the United States. US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that a deal had been struck that included lowering threatened tariffs of 25% to 15%, and cutting auto tariffs to this level. News reports followed yesterday saying that Ishiba would discuss his resignation, potentially in a meeting later that day with senior members of his Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). But Ishiba told reporters after that gathering: 'There was no discussion of whether I should stay on or resign. Media reports suggest that I made a remark to this effect, but never once did I say such a thing. 'Everyone (in the meeting) shared a strong sense of crisis, and we agreed that the party having infighting must not happen,' the 68-year-old told reporters. Some media interpreted his comments as quashing any speculation that he would throw in the towel, while others said that he still intended to step down soon. The Yomiuri newspaper said Ishiba wanted his tariffs envoy Ryosei Akazawa to return from Washington and brief him on the US trade deal. He would then review the latest political calendar and decide when to announce his resignation and his last date, Yomiuri reported, without giving a source. These and other reports said calls for Ishiba to depart had grown louder within the LDP since the results of the upper house election on Sunday. The result was a humiliation for the LDP, which has governed Japan almost continuously since 1955. Voters angry at inflation turned to other parties, notably the 'Japanese first' Sanseito, whose 'anti-globalist' drive echoes populist movements elsewhere. The LDP and its junior partner Komeito fell three seats short of retaining a majority. It came after Ishiba's coalition in October was forced into a minority government in the more powerful lower house, in the LDP's worst result in 15 years. After years of stagnant or falling prices, consumers in the world's fourth-largest economy have been squeezed by inflation since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine. In particular, the price of rice has doubled, while resentment has also lingered over an LDP funding scandal. 'I really hope things will get better in Japan, but the population is declining and I think living here will get tougher and tougher,' said Naomi Omura, an 80-year-old from Hiroshima. Tetsuo Momiyama, an 81-year-old Tokyo resident, said Ishiba 'is finished already'. 'It's good timing for him to go,' Momiyama said. — AFP
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Business
- Newsweek
Trump's Japan Trade Deal Explained: What To Know
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. President Donald Trump announced that the United States and Japan reached a major trade deal that is "perhaps the largest deal ever made. Japan agreed to invest $550 billion in the U.S., which will tax Japanese goods sold to America at 15 percent—lower than the 25 percent tariff Trump had threatened. Japan will also open its economy further to American cars, trucks, rice and agricultural products, Trump announced on Tuesday night. Why It Matters The agreement signaled a substantial shift in America's trade relationship with one of its most important Asian allies. The trade pact not only averted a significant escalation of tariffs that risked destabilizing markets but also promised to generate investment and reshape sectors such as manufacturing and automotive, which remain vital to the U.S. economy. The U.S. Census Bureau reported a $69.4 billion trade deficit with Japan in 2024, underlining the economic stakes for both countries. A staff member distributes an extra edition of the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper reporting that U.S. President Donald Trump announced a trade framework with Japan, on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in Tokyo. The headline reads "U.S.,... A staff member distributes an extra edition of the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper reporting that U.S. President Donald Trump announced a trade framework with Japan, on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in Tokyo. The headline reads "U.S., a 15 percent tax on goods imported from Japan." More AP What To Know Trump's new framework levies a 15 percent tax on all goods imported from Japan, including automobiles and key industrial products, in contrast to the 25 percent tariff that had been on the table. He wrote on Truth Social: "We just completed a massive Deal with Japan, perhaps the largest Deal ever made. Japan will invest, at my direction, $550 Billion Dollars into the United States, which will receive 90% of the Profits. "This Deal will create Hundreds of Thousands of Jobs — There has never been anything like it. Perhaps most importantly, Japan will open their Country to Trade including Cars and Trucks, Rice and certain other Agricultural Products, and other things. Japan will pay Reciprocal Tariffs to the United States of 15 percent. "This is a very exciting time for the United States of America, and especially for the fact that we will continue to always have a great relationship with the Country of Japan. Thank you for your attention to this matter!" The new, lower tariff rate comes after earlier U.S. proposals led to market turbulence in April. U.S. automakers and other industry groups voiced concerns about the impact of such tariffs. Japan also agreed to drop extra safety tests for imported U.S. cars and to expand the share of U.S. rice it imports. However, the agreement does not include reciprocal tariff reductions by Japan on American goods, and details remain unclear concerning the tariff status of some specific sectors, such as steel and aluminum exports from Japan. Who People Are Saying Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba: (15 percent is) "the lowest rate ever applied among countries that have a trade surplus with the U.S." Matt Blunt, president of the American Automotive Policy Council: "Any deal that charges a lower tariff for Japanese imports with virtually no U.S. content than the tariff imposed on North American-built vehicles with high U.S. content is a bad deal for U.S. industry and U.S. auto workers." Shigeto Nagai, head of Japan Economics at Oxford Economics: (The deal) "will be a huge boost to restore the U.S., fitting in with Trump's story of reviving U.S. manufacturing with more jobs." What Happens Next The new tariff rates are scheduled to take effect on August 1, per Trump's earlier letter to Japanese authorities. The administration is continuing negotiation efforts with other global trading partners, including the European Union, which faces a threatened 30 percent tariff if no agreement is reached. The U.S. also maintains ongoing deliberations with China, with tariffs and trade deficits expected to remain focal points in future talks.
1News
2 days ago
- Automotive
- 1News
Trump announces trade deal with Japan, lowers threatened tariff to 15%
President Donald Trump announced a trade framework with Japan on Tuesday, placing a 15% tax on goods imported from that nation. 'This Deal will create Hundreds of Thousands of Jobs — There has never been anything like it,' Trump posted on Truth Social, adding that the United States "will continue to always have a great relationship with the Country of Japan". The president said Japan would invest "at my direction" US$550 billion (NZ$914 billion) into the US and would "open" its economy to American autos and rice. The 15% tax on imported Japanese goods is a meaningful drop from the 25% rate that Trump, in a recent letter to Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, said would be levied starting August 1. Early Wednesday, Ishiba acknowledged the new trade agreement, saying it would benefit both sides and help them work together. With the announcement, Trump is seeking to tout his ability as a dealmaker — even as his tariffs, when initially announced in early April, led to a market panic and fears of slower growth that for the moment appear to have subsided. Key details remained unclear from his post, such as whether Japanese-built autos would face a higher 25% tariff that Trump imposed on the sector. ADVERTISEMENT But the framework fits a growing pattern for Trump, who is eager to portray the tariffs as win for the US. His administration says the revenues will help reduce the budget deficit and more factories will relocate to America to avoid the import taxes and cause trade imbalances to disappear. The wave of tariffs continues to be a source of uncertainty about whether it could lead to higher prices for consumers and businesses if companies simply pass along the costs. The problem was seen sharply Wednesday after General Motors reported a 35% drop in its net income during the second quarter as it warned that tariffs would hit its business in the months ahead, causing its stock to tumble. A staff member distributes an extra edition of the Yomiuri Shimbun newspaper reporting that President Donald Trump announced a trade framework with Japan (Source: Associated Press) As the August 1 deadline for the tariff rates in his letters to world leaders is approaching, Trump also announced a trade framework with the Philippines that would impose a tariff of 19% on its goods, while American-made products would face no import taxes. The president also reaffirmed his 19% tariffs on Indonesia. The US ran a US$69.4 billion (NZ$115 billion) trade imbalance on goods with Japan last year, according to the Census Bureau. America had a trade imbalance of US$17.9 billion (NZ$29 billion) with Indonesia and an imbalance of US$4.9 billion (NZ$8.1 billion) with the Philippines. Both nations are less affluent than the US and an imbalance means America imports more from those countries than it exports to them. The president is set to impose the broad tariffs listed in his recent letters to other world leaders on August 1, raising questions of whether there will be any breakthrough in talks with the European Union. At a Wednesday dinner, Trump said the EU would be in Washington on Thursday for trade talks. ADVERTISEMENT "We have Europe coming in tomorrow, the next day," Trump told guests. The President, earlier this month, sent a letter threatening the 27 member states in the EU with 30% taxes on their goods to be imposed starting on August 1. The Trump administration has a separate negotiating period with China that is currently set to run through August 12 as goods from that nation are taxed at an additional 30% baseline. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he would be in the Swedish capital of Stockholm next Monday and Tuesday to meet with his Chinese counterparts. Bessent said his goal is to shift the American economy away from consumption and to enable more consumer spending in the manufacturing-heavy Chinese economy. "President Trump is remaking the US into a manufacturing economy," Bessent said on the Fox Business Network show Mornings with Maria. "If we could do that together, we do more manufacturing, they do more consumption. That would be a home run for the global economy."
Yomiuri Shimbun
5 days ago
- Politics
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Parties, Candidates Compete Fiercely on Social Media During Election; Baseless Information Rampant
Political parties and many candidates in the House of Councillors election engaged in fierce competition on social media, by posting many videos on YouTube, for example. The Yomiuri Shimbun has examined the view counts of each political party's official YouTube channel during the election campaign period from July 3 to 19. The view count of Sanseito's official YouTube channel surpassed 50 million in total, far more than the channels of other parties, including the Liberal Democratic Party, which had more than 40 million views. Meanwhile, on X (formerly Twitter), posts on various issues and policies from the consumption tax to foreign nationals were flying around, but false and inaccurate information was also rampant.
