7:00 p.m. on a friday. welcome to "news line requests. he spoke of international relations. the disaster and economy pledging to create a new path for growth in both japan and the world. that is challenged by weaker momentum in emerging countries.

>> translator: we must tackle and e resolve various challenges including economic growth, the low birth rate and longevity as well as a deteriorating national security situation. i will face any issue boldly no matter how challenging they are. >> abe will pursue growth through the free trade pact and by helping all japanese people participate in the job market. he also plans to discuss the future of the world economy and launch new initiatives for growth at this year's g-7 summit in japan. on international relations, abe mentioned working to strengthen ties with south korea, china and russia and called the alliance with the u.s. a lynch pin of the country's diplomacy. he promised he would use that strong relationship with the u.s. to do his utmost to reduce the burden of hosting u.s. bases. the at same time, he would ensure that military deterrence is maintained.

abe also touched on the 2011 disaster saying the next five years will see continued assistance to rebuild and restore affected areas. he hopes the communities can become self-sustainable once again. after abe's speech members of six opposition parties stormed out of the chamber. it was to protest the following address for the free trade deal. the party has criticized for failing to answer allegations. he didn't report all his political donations. a. >>ranslato i'm ver sor for caung confusi over a report in a weekly magazine. i'll have a thorough investigation to check the facts. i will make a full explanation at the right time.

to clear the suspicious about the matter. >> a construction firm gave cash to his office. . it was returned for helping negotiate compensation from a government-backed agency. the weekly said he personally received a portion of the money. ahmadi said he will explain the case within a week. japanese stocks rebounded on friday with the strongest gain so far this year. let's turn to gene otani for the latest on the markets and other business headlines. >> thank, james. tokyo stocks rallied on friday. the nikkei average had the biggest one-day gain in four months. investors were cheered after the bank's president hinted at more monetary easing. for details we go to our business reporters at the tokyo stock exchange. >> global markets rallied after the president hinted that

further stimulus may be announced in march. so this really boosted sentiment and here in japan the nikkei soared from start to finish. let me show you the rally we saw. it closed up 5.9%, which is the biggest one-day gain since last year. but despite the surge, the nikkei ended the week slightly lower by 1.1% following the recent stock route and extended weekly losses into the third week. however, the situation totally changed on friday as we saw 99% on stocks close in the positive. comments also led to speculation that the bank of japan may implement additional measures at its meeting next week. while energy stocks rallied after the crude oil hit $30 a barrel. major real estate firm development and oil distributor

inpex were among them. it soared 11% after a $5.5 billion bailout plan may be decided by next weekend. comments boosted sentiment, however, some analysts say we can't be too relieved. there's still worries over the global economic, but still the rally e we saw on friday may help japanese stocks recover from the bare market level. reporting from the tokyo stock exchange. other benchmarks also climbed across can the asia-pacific region. in china the shanghai composite rebounded 1.25% after two days of losses. investors look positively on the efforts to stabilize the market. shares in malaysia were up 1.5%. sentiment improved after the central bank unexpectedly decided to cut the rash for banks to improve lending. the sharpest one-day rally since early september.

the hong kong index climbed. extended gains to a second day following a rebound in comodty prices. business and political leaders are gathering in switzerland for the world economic forum. many participants turned their attention to south asia and the serious agenda got some lighter relief with a feast of japanese food and drink. nhk world joins them live. >> the party has become sober in recent years, but it's still going strong. organizers of the world economic forum hosted a special event on thursday called japan night. the japanese government and private sectors bolstered the promotion of special cuisine. this year brewers from fukushima

prefecture. fukushima experienced a sharp fall after the 2011 tsunami and nuclear accident. but brewers say their exports are recovering thanks to the growing popularity of japanese food. on a more serious note, business people are worried by the global market turmoil and china's slowdown, but countries in south asia are maintaining momentum. regional, political and business leaders met to discuss economic conditions. a business executive from india said growth of the country's manufacturing sector should give rise to 90 million jobs over the next ten years. >> we are shifting from being only services for goods to getting manufacturing and innovation and technology focused. >> the prime minister spoke about china's $46 billion plan

for pakistan's infrastructure. she said the economic corridor will boost the economy. >> this is not only going to benefit pakistan or china, this is going to benefit the entire region. i think pakistan is on the right track. >> development bank president said south asian countries should strengthen their economic ties and then extend them to other parts of asia. >> translator: but also south asia and central asia and in terms of trade how to connect to the east asia. >> countries of southern asia could set up a new framework for further growth taking out their model south asia's creation of the economic block.

nhk world. >> thanks. the japanese government wants to spend more on caring for the elderly and helping parents with young children. it has submitted a $820 billion package for 2016, the biggest budget ever. social security spending is tagged at about $270 billion. that's up about $3.7 billion from the current fiscal year ending in march as the government expands nursing care and support for child rearing. about $43 billion was budgeted for defense, a record amount. official assistance to developing countries is to rise for the first time in 17 years to $4.7 billion. government officials expect tax revenues to rise by about $25.5 billion to about $490 billion on the back of strong corporate earnings. the government also plans to issue new bonds worth about $290

billion. that's down about $17 billion from this year. but government bonds still account for more than 1/3 of the total revenue. here's a look at some of the other business stories we're following. japan's crude steel output fell in 2015. its first decline in three years. industry officials say domestic output stood at 105 million tons, down 5% from 2014. demand for automobiles and public works remained weak and officials say overproduction in china hit japan's exports to asia. new auto sales fell for the third consecutive annual decline. market leader toyota says sales by all auto makers down 9.3% from 2014. analysts blame china's slowdown. toyota forecast a 10% decline to

720,000 units. japan is experiencing a tourism boom. near ly 20 million foreign nationals visited last year, a record high. that's driving retailers to come up with more attractive aufr offerings. nhk world has more. >> reporter: many visitors from overseas are dazzled by the selection at the home appliance stores. but this one has gone beyond the usual range of choices. this customer is get iting a little something extra with her rice cooker. >> translator: there's a karaoke place upstairs. show this receipt and you'll get a discount. >> reporter: a short ride up in the elevator is a karaoke

restaurant. tourists fro the u.s. are singing their hearts out. the two businesses decided to team up in december 2015 to give their customers more options. >> translator: we offer a blend of uniquely japanese products and services. i think new kinds of partnerships like this are crucial. >> reporter: new business relationships are even more imaginative. behind this wall of book shelves is a rolo bed. overnight guests are invited to doze off while reading a good book. it's a joint project between a real estate firm and a book reader. the book shop has been a hit with young foreign tourists. the books and magazines keep them in touch with what's happening in the city. >> translator: by crossing over

into other sectors, i thought we could come up with a brand new approach that's not bound by existing hotel culture. and this collaboration has created a very nice place. >> reporter: some businesses in a nearby commercial area are taking this cooperative spirit a bit further. it's one of the liveliest and most diverse retail districts in japan. but foreign tourists rarely venture here. local business owners want to change that. the area is home to two large department stores that are known for their intense rivalry. now that relationship is being transformed. representatives of the major e retailers gathered to exchange ideas. they included managers from the two former rivals with an

aquarium, a commercial for young people and shop. the group is getting help from a consultant. >> translator: disappointingly, there's no mention of it in most guide books. there's absolutely no reference to the major department stores. >> reporter: the group is launching a special campaign for the new year in february where lots of chinese tourists visit japan. plans include a visitors information center and regional guide book. >> it offers a diverse array of service and attraction. that's what's most appealing. we want to focus on lending all the element into a single identity. >> reporter: japan's business managers are learning to think beyond all the ways of operating and breaking down barriers. they are beginning to realize

something this karaoke lovers seem to understand. it can be better if everyone sings the same tune. nhk world. >> that's itor business news. i'll leave you with the markets. . . the pain of china's economic slowdown is being felt in areas

of the world that produce raw materials. copper makes up more than 70% of its exports is one of them. nhk world reports. >> reporter: zambia, their economy has traditionally relied on the copper mining industry and in recent years investment from china. roads are being constructed by chi can these companies. and a huge stadium was also built by a chinese firm. but things are changing drastically in the region. this copper mine is owned by a chinese company. some production line have stopped recently. as china demands for raw materials, the international price of copper has dropped by near ly 20% since last may. that companies that own this

mine recently laid off more than half its workers. it was temporarily laid off. he's now forced to get by on 30% of his regular pay and he has three daughters to raise. in order to survive, he started growing vegetables at home. >> translator: i can only afford to buy soap and detergent with this little income. life has become really tough. >> reporter: some people are increasingly critical of the government for not providing for the economy. >> that use the tools to support the operations of the mines have also been negatively affected. therefore the people, they've now got no income at all. >> reporter: china like the

united states has a trading partner in 2009 but as china demands for commodities have diminish diminished, other countries are facing bigger challenges. the international atomic energy agency says japan's nuclear regulator has improved, but still needs better screening and expertise and it needs to allow more access for inspectors. >> at any time and for any plan inspectors should be allowed to go where they want and there is a comprehensive frame for inspection, but it didn't give enough freedom for the

inspectors to react immediately and to provide with results. >> the international body also ges japan's authority to hire more competent and experienced staff as many offline nuclear plants will soon resume operations. the organization's experts did commend the authority for being transparent and independent of nuclear plant promotors. it noticed the regulator has tightened safety measures. the japanese organization was established one year after the 2011 nuclear accident at the fukushima plant. the comments came after it conduct conducted review of the regulator. it plans to complete a full report in april. in most cities around the world, chances are you're being watched. security cameras are in banks and even people's apartment buildings. people may realize they are being filmed, but do they know

who is watching? nhk world has more. >> reporter: in tokyo's bustling neighborhood, cameras are everywhere. it doesn't seem to bother most people. >> translator: theare useful when an incident happens so they are better to have than not. >> translator: i don't really pay attention. >> reporter: but they might not realize just who is watching them. it turns out it's not only the owners of some of the cameras who can view them. it's anyone around the world. 30,000 security cameras from streets and buildings around the world are available on an overseas base website. they can be viewed any time. >> translator: there are more than 3 million surveillance cameras in operation injapa is webte clas imasaken by over 6,000 such cameras are

available o to the public. >> reporter: the website is raising concerns over safety and privacy. >> in parks or streets and you think you're alone but somebody could be watching. it does get a little scary u. >> translator: my privacy isn't protected. i can't go outside anymore. >> reporter: this building owner discovered her camera was hacked this week. she reported the incident to her security company immediately and then had it removed. >> translator: the images have been online without my permission. it's so scary. it's dangerous that the footage has been freely accessed from around the world and nothing has been done to stop it. >> reporter: available as well, this camera shows a waiting room in a hospital and this one is believed to be taken a at the dental clinic. it shows a patient on the chair

with tir mouth open. most of the footage is believed to have been captured by what are known as network cameras. they are capable of sending images over the internet. their footage can normally only be seen by the owner who needs a user i.d. and password, but the website shows it's possible for them to be hacked, especially if passwords are not made strong enough. security experts -- and advise being familiar with the technology to help protect everyone's privacy. nhk world, tokyo. a grim reminder that there's always the possibility of someone watching your every move. thanks. watching every move of an immense winter storm in the u.s. is jonathan oh. >> as we look forward in time during the next few days, we are talking about a serious wter

weather situation. we have been kooeping an eye on this system as it was developing over the past few days. now we're coming up right to the me where this storm is abo to make its impact. around washington, d.c. we are seeing the initial effects of the storm. let me show you the video and give you an idea of what's happening. you can see the roadways backed up with all of these cars because of the freezing temperatures and the slight snowfall that's fallen. really disturbing traffic on thursday. also five u.s. states under a state of emergency as an historic snowstorm is expected to batter the area not just on friday but through the weekend. already 5,000 flights are expected to be cancelled natiwide into surday. and the reason why is because a lot of the transportation that takes place over this area is actually expected to cause issues in terms of flights already some airlines have shut down operations out of

washington, d.c.'s two major airport asks more is expected. travel waivers have to be issued for a lot of flights because of that. there's the low pressure system bringing in the unstable weather. south of this right in the warm sector we're looking at the possibility of severe thunderstorms as we move forward in time. that includes portions of the carolinas, down toward florida, look out for the possibility of thunderstorms. then right to the north of that because the warm air is surging in with the cold air in place, the ground level is cold enough where water will freeze on contact. freezing rain concerns in effect for the carolinas. just t the nort blizzard conditions are what we're looking at. so here's the low down on what's happening. blizzard warning expected for d.c. in fact, in place right now blizzard watch for new york city because they are expecting to see the blizzard type conditions start iing on saturday through sunday. winter storm warning in effect for 15 plus states. freezing rain advisories in

place for the carolinas. looking at the forecast here, snow and blizzard conditions for washington, d.c. and also into pittsburgh and portions of pennsylvania lasting through saturday. new york and boston, saturday into sunday looking at that snowy weather and the possibility of also blizzard conditions as well. now we go on to the other side of the united states and we're watching out for another area of low pressure. active weather not as wintery, but heavy rainfall possible. some areas may see flash flooding concerns, but also along the coast of oregon and washington state. look at the possibility for heavy rainfall. once again looking at snowfall for the eastern side of the united states and thunderstorms toward miami and also into florida as we go throughout the day friday. as we look at the forecast for east asia, i want to point out it's been very cold in many areas. a big cold plunge is taking place and as we move forward in

time that northerly wind will affect japan and the korean peninsula as we go forward in time. through sunday that big batch of cold air will be moving southward. looking at snow possibilities into tokyo coming up on saturday as well. and then shanghai looking at chilly temperatures plunging into the negative territory for sunday and monday. stay warm and take care and hope you have a good day wherever you have. here's your extended outlook.

for future stories and special report, log on to our website. so stay with us here on nhk world.

molly: welcome to the "france 24 .newsroom i molly hall. dozens of asylum-seekers drowned in the aegean sea as three boats capsized in freezing waters. pressuring mounter for a solution -- germany looks to turkey for the help in the refugee crisis. a national curfew is put into place in tunisia as social unrest oils across the country. protesters are fed up with a lack of jobs and the high cost of living.