hello and welcome to this edition of "newsline." it is wednesday, june 13th. 9:00 a.m. in tokyo. i'm katherine kobayashi. president hamid karzai is asking and calling for an end to international air strikes in afghanistan. he says the operations must stop

to protect civilians. but nato commanders don't entirely agree. this report from kabul. >> reporter: karzai told the news conference on tsday that afghan and the united states have agreed to prevent a recurrence of such a tragedy. >> no bombardment of civilian homes for any reason. it is completely banned. absolutely banned. absolutely. >> reporter: the announcement comes in the wake of last week's air strikes by u.s. and other international forces in logar province that killed 18 civilians, mostly women and children. the international forces said the international forces said they believed that militants were hiding there. but the u.s. lieutenant general,

second in command in afghanistan, said u.s. forces can carry out air strikes in self-defense, even in residential areas, if they think that they are at risk. u.s. military officials are concerned that militants may try to hide among civilians if air strikes on houses are completely banned. hideki yui, nhk world, kabul. afghanistan is appealing for continued international support. afghan leaders say they need 5$5 billion a year for -- after multi-national troops pull out in 2014. the afghan government has compiled a report on its development plan ahead of the donors conference that will be held in july in tokyo. a copy of the report obtained by nhk lists important projects such as building five international airports railways and other infrastructure and naturalesouesdevelopment. the government also plans to provide education to help

eliminate rampant corruption. a senior afghan finance ministry official told nhk that the country needs international support for a ten-year period from 2015 but the official also expresses hope that afghanistan will become less dependent on foreign aid. japan has invited 70 nations and international organizations to the donor's conference to discuss ways to support afghanistan after multi-national troops withdraw. the united nations is accusing syria of ill-treating children in the ongoing violence between the government and opposition forces. the u.n. said in its recent annual report that children under the age of 10 have become victims of the violence that began last year. the report says syria's government ordered troops to shoot protesters without distinction. soldiers were aware that women and children were among the demonstrators.

the report quotes witnesses as saying government forces rcibly took children aged between 8 and 13 from their homes. the children were reportedly used as human shields on buses carrying military personnel for raids on opposition groups. the eurozone debt crisis is never far from investors' minds. it seems like every day there's something new to digest. >> it sure does. on monday investors had some good news just a day later seems like their hopes were crushed. the focus of their concerns right now is spain. we know investors are pessimistic because the interest rate on spanish government bonds hit the highest level since the country adopted the euro. the yield on spain's benchmark ten-year bonds rose above 6.8% in tuesday trading, a higher yield means the bond price is lower. on monday the yield had dropped

as investors reacted positively to spain's decision to ask for financial aid from the eu. the funds would be used to help the country'struggling commercial banks. but market players later became skeptical because the conditions for the eu support are unclear. but despite uncertainties about the spanish economy, u.s. and european markets recovered most of their losses on tuesday. that is on hopes that major central banks will move to stimulate their economies. let's see how tokyo stocks are kicking off wednesday. chin lee is at the tokyo stock exchange. quite some see-sawing in the markets already this we. that's right. u.s. and european markets enjoyed a good run-up yesterday. as they put aside thoughts of greece and spain instead to pin their hopes on the higher powers at the central banks instead. u.s. recovered all of its losses since monday and that's on hopes that the situation has gotten so bad, so serious now,

that the central banks simply have to sit up and take action. let's see how that's moving markets in tokyo this morning. as you can see, the nikkei is up 0.54% at 8,582. the topix at 246. the imf has said any moves by the bank of japan to weaken the yen would be understandable and in fact that the yen was moderately overvalued. that's raising hopes of more monitoring easing measures by the bank of japan after its policy meeting ends on friday and the meeting kicks off tomorrow. >> speaking of central banks, we've got several meetings lined up in the coming weeks. >> that's right. we have the u.s. federal reserve meeting next week and the ropean central bank meeting in early july. all that is feeding hopes in to the markets right now. now the -- let's take a look at currencies. as you can see, the dollar yen

at 79.50 to 55. while the dollar-yen is almost un and the euro has back down from the 100 levels that's keeping steady and that's as pressure on the dollar and yen is weighing on those gains. from today we'll have a string of key u.s. economic data feeding into the markets that's retail sales, manufacturing, weekly jobless claims and inflation data. all of that will give traders an idea of whether the federal reserve will be taking further measures to ease the dollar and stimulate the economy. but for now we have a market trading on hope if nothing at all. so we'll be keeping an eye on all that. back to you. >> lot to watch for. thanks a lot for that update from the tokyo stock exchange. speaking of upcoming events -- greece is now counting down to the fresh parliamentary

elections in the country's leftist leader insists that greece will remain inside the eurozone but that the austerity measures should be dropped. >> translator: we will scrap current austerity measures and adopt new policies in our own way. >> reporter: the head of the coalition of the radical left told reporters on tuesday that his party will implement a new reconstruction plan that will lead to economic growth. the party has gained wide support for its staunch opposition to debt cutting measures. it says the austerity policies have resulted in lower salaries and pensions higher taxes, and the loss of public sector jobs. concerns are growing among conservatives that if greece drops its austerity mesh shirsasures, the european union will stop its financial support and the

european country will end up abondening the euro. he also said if greece leaves the euro the european financial crisis will deepen and no one will benefit. i have more stories from for you next hour. i'll leave you with a check on markets. myanmar's president has

declared a state of emergency in the western province. speaking on sunday, armed forces were ordered to contain violence. recent unrest threatens to complicate the president's efforts to distance himself from myanmar's powerful military. >> reporter: the president agreed cease-fire between government forces and armed ethnic groups since myanmar's former military leaders relinquished power in march 2011. his government efforts to promote peace and democracy received warm regard. western leaders will be watching

how this test of leadership is handled and how they can continue on parts toward national reconciliation. 90 prgs of people in myanmar are buddhists. it seems unlikely the clash will spread with large muslim population. population. one in the south, china is drilling wells and constructing pipelines. invement projects such as those may be negatively affected if the violence escalates. in taiwan landslides and

floods triggered by heavy rain have left at least five people dead. thousands have had to flee their homes. torrential rain has been falling over wide area of the island since saturday. total rainfall has disrupted traffic and flooding homes. taiwan's central weather bureau says heavy rain will continue in southern and central parts of the island until the weekend. officials have evacuated nearly 5,000 residents from some areas because of possible mudslide. workers are looking for another way to find the source of leaks at fukushima daiichi. radioactive water has seeped out of a reactor at the nuclear plant. crews failed in their latest attempt to find the holes. official at tokyo electric power company say the workers used an infred examcamera to search for leaks. they hoped temperature

differences between water and air would show up as different colors in the pictures. the photos reveal the temperature was 38 degrees celsius in the upper part of the chamber -- and about 35 degrees in the lower part. but the difference was not big enough to allow them to identify the leaks and the camera was unable to give them a more precise reading. the workers need to block the leaks so they can proceed with the process of decommissioning the plant. they say they'll try to come up with another method. people in jan liv on some of the most unstable land in the world. thousands of earthquakes shake it every year. those tremors can trigger devastating tsunami like the ones last year on march 11. since then authorities have been trying to better protect citizens but some people say it's taking too long. >> reporter: this couple loves the beach. that's why they live just west

of tokyo. waves -- the sand the eeze they fd it all beautiful and calming, but they're also aware of the dangers. >> translator: i couldn't believe the ocean could be so destructive. >> translator: to me it was unbelievable. it was like a wall. >> reporter: they're talking about this. march 11th, 2011. the earthquake and tsunami that devastated northeastern japan left nearly 20,000 people dead or missing. scientists say this disaster won't be the last. a worry for millions of people including this family. they live alone but their granddaughter often visits. they fear they won't be able to care for her during an emergency. so they began searching for a solution and found -- this. a life saving pod called noah. >> translator: inside the

shelter we always keep an emergency kit. it has a radio, flashlight and portable oxygen tanks. when the disaster hits we'll all get inside close the door and we're set. >> reporter: noah's named after a tale from the bible. noah's arc saved humans and animals from a great flood so they could repopulate the earth. the idea is the same only much smaller. noah can seal up to for people off from the tsunami. ceiling holes provide air and there's a small window. people could get out once the waters recede. >> translator: we're not getting any younger. if a disaster hits and we're told to run up the hill we might not be able to. but having this at least it gives me a better sense of security. >> reporter: they and more than

2,200 other families have ordered their own noah since last september at a cost of more than $6,000. the supplier is struggling to keep up with the demand. this is the man that invented noah. he says it all started with a simple idea. never again. >> translator: if another disaster hits our goal is to have zero victims. i can't do it alone, but if everyone has this goal in mind i think we can achieve this. >> reporter: noah went through several trials. it can now withstand ten tons of pressure so even if the house collapses on it the 120-centimeter 120-centimeter enhansd fiberglass body should protect the people inside. these yellow vessels are designed to hold individuals or small families. but government officials are thinking bigger. they are in the early stages of creating their own life saving

vessels. the design will be based on an emergency lifeboat like this one which can fit up to 50 people. a joint government panel from western japan started drafting a plan after scientists predicted a tsunami higher than 30 meters could swamp the region. >> translator: we will listen to opinions from people who would actually have to use them. they have to feel comfortable during an evacuation. otherwise, it will be useless. >> reporter: the hope is to place thousands of these vessels at schools and nursing homes across the area. government officials plan to finalize the design in the coming months and make a prototype but the end of the year. those who can't wait are buying their own. this pod is giving them and ousas of families peace of mind. they all want to be prepared for

the next big disaster. because they say it is not a matter of if but whether. nhk world. many people in china are wealthier than they've been in years. so when it comes to entertaining themselves they've got many more options from 3-d films to slick car shows to stadium concerts. that has people who work in traditional performing arts fearing for the future of their craft, including the owner of a shadow puppet troupe based in a rural area. he's managed to hang on at least for the time being. >> reporter: the people ven joyed this shadow you puppet for

nearly 300 years. th's me and crafted into original shapes. performing troop is recognized as part of the cultural village. what stands out of the shadow plays is the energy of the puppets. they are modeled after famous people in history. for example, the characters in one of china's most famous taels. >> translator: i really like it. my child also loves it. >> reporter: in may, the wild puppeteering festival took place. about 60 troups from more than 40 countries participate.

during the festival, they attracted huge crowds. but up to now, one troupe has had a lot of ups and downs. one learned the craft from his grandfather. but when the country revolution reacted in 1966 his grandfather was oppressed. the shadow parades were condemned as communist. the family was not allowed to perform. >> translator: at that one no one talk to our family. i felt people were discriminating against us. >> reporter: when the revolution ended, life took an about-turn. starting in 1978 once family were allowed to perform again.

but as people started to watch tv at home many lost interest in shadow puppet theater. juan took over the troupe from his grandfather. he struggled to make a living and once he gave up performing. but 12 years ago he restarted his troupe. he couldn't bear ending the tradition he inherited from his grandfather grandfather. dancing puppets with disco music in order to attract audiences, he modernized some stories. he even lets audience members manipulate the. you pets. >> translator: it's very interesting. >> translator: it was a good opportunity for us to experience traditional culture. >> reporter: he now focuses on

training for his troupe. last year he hired six new members to ensure the tradition moves on to the next generation. this is one of them. after graduating for college, he work for a company. but when he heard the troupe was looking for staff, he quit his job. he says shadow puppetry is his childhood dream. although all he does is beat a gong, he hopes one day to manipulate. you pets in front of big audiences. >> translator: i will do my best to make traditional performing arts popular. >> translator: i would like to touch young members of my troupe that learning shadow puppetry is not just about making a living but conveying its traditional values to many people. >> reporter: his grandchildren show an interest in the craft,

but even though he's assured performances will continue he still has a lot of work to do to keep the tradition alive. >> quite beautiful there. the rain has finally cleared up in tokyo. rachel ferguson joins us now with the world weather forecast. >> hi there. yes, the rain has cleared up and it stays a little bit cloudy and overcast so far this moing. i want t go ahead and start as usual in eastern asia but draw your attention to the bottom of the jean. you can just about see an intense ball of cloud and that is a tropical storm. it is currently west of the carolina islands moving west at 15 kilometers an hour. winds are currently at 65 kilometers an hour with gusted at about 90. the system looks set for strengthening and looks like it is heading in towards the central to northern philippines where it should arrive toward

the end of the work week. this is just a system right now to keep a very close eye on. we'll keep you updated as we go through the next few days. this is the seasonal band that has been really dominating the weather news for this side of asia for the last several days. this is the same system that brought heavy rain in towards parts of japan yesterday. it started to move out though so should be a clear day across much of the country. the southern japanese islands still getting plenty of heavy rain from this very energized front. down into taiwan down further in towards the southern ast of china as well we'll see continuing heavy rain fop give you an idea in taipei, you had about 230 millimeters of rain in the last 24 hours. the previous 24 hours, about 300 millimeters of rain. that's why there is such a severe flooding situation here. the front will sag down towards the south so central portions of taiwan will be getting still

some showers but won't be quite as intense but down towards the still, still another 100 millimeters or so off of this front. guangdong province you could see up to 250 milmetersf rain. very heavy stuff and high risk of flooding and landslides. up towards the north we've got some heavy rain moving in towards the beijing area, heading into the korean peninsula intensifying on thursday. heavy rain being dumped on myanmar as well as bangladesh and northeastern india. heating up in shanghai 33 expected. 22 for tokyo. a little bit warmer but still on the cool side but it should be staying dry. let's head into north america. speaking of dry, it's also very hot in the southwest. fires have been raging from new mexico up through wyoming and it is in wyoming there will be the greatest fire risk on your wednesday. there is some rain coming in to the west but it is really going

to be relegated towards the north moving in to central cab today rather than dipping down into towards the southwest and four corners where we'd like to see it. severe severe thunderstorms from south dakota down into texas, overnight tuesday into wednesday and it will stay very unstable during wednesday daytime as well. drying out in the east. by the coast from the carolinas up to naend we'll take very wet, heavy rain coming your way on wednesday. it is a bit after split in terms of temperatures. cooler towards the north. but to the shot up to 34 in houston and 42 in phoenix. not much change here in europe ps it will stay very wet and unstable across much of the continent. thunderstorms could get nasty. short-time heavy rain could lead to flash floods as well as landslides. heat, however, will stay towards the southeast.

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that's all for this edition of "newsline." i'm katherine kobayashi in tokyo. thanks very much for joining us. -- captions by vitac -- www.vitac.com