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The Brief with Jim Sciutto
CNN International: Trump Sending Border Czar Tom Homan to Minnesota; Outrage After Another U.S. Citizen Killed in Minneapolis; Sources: Top Border Patrol Official to Leave Minneapolis; Trump Says Minnesota Governor Called to "Work Together"; Takaichi's Ratings Slip as Campaign Season Kicks Off; Japan's Economic Outlook; Trump Raises Tariffs on South Korea; How Japan is Preparing for Military Threats. Aired 6-7p ET
Aired January 26, 2026 - 18:00 ET
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.
[18:00:00]
JIM SCIUTTO, CNN ANCHOR, "THE BRIEF": Just ahead this hour, all the latest from here in Tokyo. We'll be looking at Japan's snap election now that
campaigning is underway. Also, the Japanese economy, including speculation that the U.S. and Japan might step in to support the yen. I'll speak to a
drone maker taking advantage of Japan's growing focus on defense. Also joining us, the general manager of Tokyo Gendai, an international art fair
bringing together artists from all around the world.
We do begin with a shakeup in the leadership of Donald Trump's immigration crackdown in Minnesota. President Trump sending Border Czar Tom Homan to
Minneapolis to oversee operations there following another deadly shooting involving federal agents. Sources tell CNN that top Border Patrol official
Greg Bovino and some of his agents are now expecting to leave Minneapolis imminently.
The president said on social media that Governor Tim Walz called me with a request to work together with respect to Minnesota. It was a very good
call, and we actually seem to be on a similar wavelength. He also just posted that he had, quote, "a very good" telephone conversation with
Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey, and that, quote, "lots of progress is being made." It's a big change.
The Minnesota governor says the president agreed to consider reducing the number of federal agents in his state. White House Press Secretary Karoline
Leavitt still, however, blaming Democratic officials for the shooting tragedy.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
KAROLINE LEAVITT, WHITE HOUSE PRESS SECRETARY: For weeks, Governor Waltz and the mayor, Jacob Frey and other elected Democrats were spreading lies
about federal law enforcement officers who are risking their lives daily to remove the worst criminal illegal aliens from our streets. They have also
used their platforms to encourage left-wing agitators to stalk, record, confront and obstruct federal officers who are just trying to lawfully
perform their duties.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SCIUTTO: This all comes after Border Patrol officers shot and killed 37- year-old nurse Alex Pretti on Saturday. It is the second such incident in Minneapolis just this month following the death of Renee Good.
Kristen Holmes is live for us at the White House. And Kristen, something of a contradictory message there. The president certainly sounding more
conciliatory, describing those phone calls with Minnesota leaders, but Karoline Leavitt still placing the blame for all this at the foot of
Democrats. What is the way forward?
KRISTEN HOLMES, CNN SENIOR WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENT: Well, Leavitt has intended here to give a message that none of this would have happened if it
was just President Trump's immigration agenda. That, of course, this has to be blamed on someone. And according to Leavitt, it is these Democratic
leaders. And I actually heard that from a number of Republicans today.
But the other thing I heard from these Republicans, and that includes lawmakers, advisers, allies of President Trump's, was that they wanted an
independent investigation, that this certainly did not look good. And the reaction to it when we saw these various officials, including Greg Bovino,
up there on the screen saying that Pretti at one point was intending to commit a massacre.
At another point, we saw Kristi Noem calling him a domestic terrorist. All of these things, of course, without evidence. And now, you're seeing this
kind of softening in the rhetoric when it comes to Walls and Frey. It seems as though they are looking for somewhat of an off-ramp. And what we are
told here is that Bovino will be out of Minnesota, out of Minneapolis as of tomorrow. He's taking some of his agents with him. There will still be a
Customs and Border Patrol presence on the ground in Minneapolis. They'll be there to support ICE, to support the ICE operation. But this is clearly a
tide change here.
And I will tell you that there are a number of Republicans who are happy to see Tom Homan there. He has decades of law enforcement experience. One
Republican lawmaker actually saying he was a grownup in the room. And, of course, Homan has actually been the face of some of President Trump's most
controversial policies.
But there was a lot of frustration in the way that the administration handled the aftermath of the shooting of Alexander Pretti, as you
mentioned. And Bovino himself was on the airwaves, really adding to that frustration with his language, with his rhetoric, President Trump watching
the coverage and clearly frustrated and aware of how the administration was looking with this kind of rhetoric.
Now, one of the most interesting things that came out of that briefing with Karoline Leavitt was her distancing the president from some of those
remarks, saying at one point, dodging questions on why people were so quick to blame Pretti to say he was a domestic terrorist, and also saying that
President Trump hasn't used that language behind closed doors, that President Trump believes there should be an investigation, not answering
the question about whether or not the shooting should have occurred.
[18:05:00]
So, clearly, he is reading the political climate around both his immigration agenda and what happened in Minneapolis, as so many have
started to push back on this immigration crackdown in light of this most recent shooting as well.
SCIUTTO: Yes, an independent investigation is something, of course, they resisted with Renee Good. We'll see if this is a substantive change moving
forward. Thanks so much.
Well, friends and family are rejecting what they call the sickening lies being told about Alex Pretti. Pretti was an intensive care unit nurse at a
Minneapolis Veterans Hospital. Neighbors describe him as a good and decent person. He was legally permitted to carry a firearm. Videos do not show him
holding any weapon at the time of the incident other than his cell phone. Sara Sidner has more on Alex Pretti in the words of those who knew him.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
SARA SIDNER, CNN ANCHOR AND SENIOR NATIONAL CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): 37-year-old Alex Pretti was an ICU nurse. His job involved treating
critically ill patients at the Minneapolis Veterans Medical Center.
ALEX PRETTI, ICU NURSE: May we never forget and always remember our brothers and sisters who have served so that we may enjoy the gift of
freedom.
SIDNER (voice-over): That's him giving tribute to a veteran who died. A chaplain who worked alongside him for 10 years at the VA hospital spoke of
him in a Sunday service.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: He was known for his kindness and gentleness.
SIDNER (voice-over): Border Patrol agents shot Pretti multiple times, his body slumping dead on the pavement on Saturday. Friends say, and video
shows, he was trying to protect a woman agents were shoving as Border Patrol agents came to the neighborhood hunting someone else.
UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: Absolutely, he was standing up for someone.
SIDNER (voice-over): Pretti's friends and neighbors say he began protesting ICE actions after an ICE agent killed Renee Good during her
encounter with ICE.
UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The Alex that I want the world to remember was out on the streets yesterday with 50,000 people on general strike and a mass non-
violent protest.
SIDNER (voice-over): Pretti grew up in Green Bay, Wisconsin. He was a Boy Scout, sang in the Green Bay Boys Choir and played football, baseball and
ran track at Preble High School.
PATRICK STUMBRAS, FORMER CLASSMATE OF ALEX PRETTI: A lot of people had a lot of respect for him. An attack on Alex feels like an attack on all of
us.
SIDNER (voice-over): His former high school classmate described him as someone with a zest for life.
STUMBRAS: I don't have words to describe the amount of rage that I have when he's described as a domestic terrorist, but he was there to help
people. He was there to spread a message of warmth and love in this in this country.
SIDNER (voice-over): He graduated from the University of Minnesota in 2011 with a degree in biology, society and the environment. He was a research
scientist before he became a registered nurse. He was an outdoorsman who also loved the theater and the arts. His parents released a statement
describing their son.
Alex, they said, was a kind hearted soul who cared deeply for his family and friends and also the American veterans whom he cared for. Alex wanted
to make a difference in this world. Unfortunately, he will not be with us to see his impact. A former teacher recalled he was a good student who
loved helping people. I'm not one bit surprised that his final act on this earth was to help a woman who'd been viciously thrown to the ground.
CHRISTOPHER DISALVI, FRIEND OF ALEX PRETTI: This is a guy who's trying to serve others, too. He was genuine. He was kind. He was friendly to
everybody that I know.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SCIUTTO: Our thanks to Sara Sidner for telling the story of Alex Pretti in the words of those who knew him best.
Well, here in Japan today, campaign season officially kicks off ahead of the country's upcoming general elections. Next month's vote will decide the
makeup of the lower house of Parliament. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi says she will step down immediately if her ruling coalition does not win a
majority. The snap elections are considered a major political gamble for the new prime minister, who's only been in office, we should remind you,
since October. Her approval ratings have slipped somewhat in recent polls, but they're still quite high.
Joining me now, Hanako Montgomery, who, of course, covers Tokyo for us. So, I wonder why the prime minister, I mean, by U.S. standards, her approval
ratings are extremely high, although I know they've come down a bit in recent days. Why does she feel now is the right time?
HANAKO MONTGOMERY, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Yes, so Takaichi's taking a very calculated gamble, even though her personal approval ratings are quite
high, as you mentioned, that they have slipped somewhat in recent polls. Her party at large, the Liberal Democratic Party, is not doing as well.
And right now, she actually is in control of a minority government. So, it's actually taking quite a bit of effort to push through her policies, to
push through any bills that she has suggested with her -- really with her electorate.
So, she's trying to get that majority government back under her control so that when the diet session begins, she's able to push forth the policies
that she really intends for the Japanese public.
[18:10:00]
SCIUTTO: So, tell us what her economic focus is here. I know there's a lot of talk now about the U.S. and Japan jointly trying to strengthen the yen.
Tell us what she plans.
MONTGOMERY: Yes, so she hasn't said a whole lot on her economic policy yet. She's been a bit scant on the details. But one policy that has been
coming up quite a bit in the Japanese media and also during debates with politicians is consumption rate tax, right?
So, right now, Japan's consumption tax for food is around 8 percent. And she's proposed cutting that for two years, so a temporary cut. And the
reason for doing that is because she wants households in Japan to have less of a financial burden. Right now, in Japan, we're seeing extremely high
inflation rates, inflation rates we haven't seen in decades. And also, it's just very, very expensive. I mean, food, rent, everything has gotten more
expensive in Japan, like the United States. So, that's one of her economic policies.
And then also, she is hoping for looser fiscal spending. She does want more government spending to, again, alleviate some of those concerns that many
households and the public have.
SCIUTTO: Yes, listen, the affordability issue, certainly here in the States, in Europe as well, that seems to be almost universal. Hanako
Montgomery, thanks so much for joining.
Well, whoever wins the next elections here in Japan will be expected to maintain healthy diplomatic relations with the United States, of course.
President Trump called Prime Minister Takaichi, quote, "a delight" when he met her last October during his tour of Asia. Takaichi is a longtime China
hawk who has criticized Beijing's military expansion and its economic coercion. Her hard-line stance dovetails neatly with Trump's America first
worldview.
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)
DONALD TRUMP, U.S. PRESIDENT: We are an ally at the strongest level, and it's a great honor to be with you, especially so early in what will be, I
think, one of the greatest prime ministers.
SANAE TAKAICHI, JAPANESE PRIME MINISTER (through translator): I highly value President Trump's unwavering commitment to world peace and stability.
I myself have been deeply impressed and inspired by you.
(END VIDEO CLIP)
SCIUTTO: Joining me now is Ichiro Fujisaki. He's president of the American Japan Society and former ambassador to the United States. Ambassador,
thanks so much for joining us.
ICHIRO FUJISAKI, PRESIDENT, THE AMERICA-JAPAN SOCIETY AND FORMER JAPANESE AMBASSADOR TO THE U.S.: Thank you very much for having me. It's nice to
see the real Jim Sciutto.
SCIUTTO: Well, it's good to be here, certainly back in back in Japan. Let me ask you first, as voters consider the prime minister's party here, how
important is it to them the relationship between the Japanese leader and the U.S. leader in terms of managing U.S.-Japan relations?
FUJISAKI: It's very important. However, I have to say that no matter who is the leader of the United States or Japan, our relations are pretty
stable and good. Because one, two people like each other, 80 percent of Americans, 80 percent of Japanese like each other.
Secondly, we are in a very different situation from Europe. We are surrounded not only by neighbors, Russia. We are surrounded by Russia,
China and North Korea. And that makes Japan's geopolitical situation very important for the United States to sort of have deterrence of power over
those countries. And for Japan, which decided not to have nuclear arms, to have the American nuclear umbrella is so important as well. So, that's the
second reason.
And economically, we are interdependent. For example, semiconductor, the United States is by far the top in design. But as for material and we are
number one. And as for equipment, America is number one, but we are number two as well.
SCIUTTO: I spent time yesterday with Japan's self-defense force, and we're going to be airing that story shortly in the broadcast. And they described
exactly the conditions you talk about, threat from China, from Russia and from North Korea. As you know, in Europe, there are quite public questions
now about the strength of the U.S.-NATO defense partnership and some doubts about it from the European side. Is there any doubt in Japan about the
strength of that defense partnership?
FUJISAKI: Of course, there are some people who would say that, although I don't think so, because NATO as is an alliance of more than 20 countries.
But here it's only bilateral. So, -- and as I said, America needs Japan. Japan needs the United States. So, I think there's an interdependence.
SCIUTTO: How about with the trade relationship? Of course, Japan now subject to the U.S. Japan trade agreement has 15 percent tariffs on most of
most of its imports to the U.S. Is that a major burden for the Japanese economy?
FUJISAKI: I think Japan was not -- is not singled out like in '80s or '90s. So, it's a little different. But as you know, we are now not the
biggest American trade deficit maker.
[18:15:00]
One time, it was 70 percent. Now, it's down to 6 percent because we're the number one investor into the United States. And we've been top for since
2019 and making most -- millions of jobs in the United States. So, that I think relations are so not really appreciated that much.
And I think -- all in all, I think to use tariff as a tool of diplomacy, I think is not really appreciated. That has to be said. And I think one day
we hope that everyone honors WTO more.
SCIUTTO: Understood. Do you believe that that day will come during the Trump administration or do you in effect have to wait for the next leader,
whoever that might be?
FUJISAKI: I think we have to be continuously speaking to the Trump administration or next administration that for the world, and not for only
for the world, for United States in the long run, I think that's very important as well.
SCIUTTO: You mentioned the nuclear umbrella, the U.S. nuclear umbrella here, as you know, there's been some public discussion in South Korea of
possibly discussing the acquisition of nuclear weapons due to their own concerns and even some public discussion here in Japan. Is that something
that you would see as a realistic consideration if the U.S. were to withdraw further?
FUJISAKI: I don't think U.S. would withdraw. And I think Japanese people are committed to non-nuclear policies. So, there are some people who would
advocate that. But overall, Japanese people are quite determined not to have nuclear.
SCIUTTO: Are you optimistic about the U.S.-Japan relationship going forward?
FUJISAKI: I think so, yes, because of the reasons I said, economic independence and geopolitical situation and people-to-people relations. And
some people would say that U.S. is pushing others, Japan too, on security issues as well. But I've read the NSS and NDS as well. But here, Minister
Koizumi has clearly said that with his meeting with Secretary Hegseth, they said, let's do our part, and U.S. will not demand something specific to
Japan, because they know that Japan is really doing its work now.
SCIUTTO: Yes, there were a lot of reaction to that national security strategy when it came out. Ambassador Fujisaki, we do appreciate you
joining and hearing your views.
FUJISAKI: Thank you very much.
SCIUTTO: It's nice to have you. Well, still ahead, Japanese stocks began this trading week with sizable losses. One reason, a rally in the Japanese
yen. We're going to discuss the Japanese investment outlook right after the break.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[18:20:00]
SCIUTTO: Welcome back to "The Brief" coming to you live from Tokyo. In today's Business Breakout, a solid start to the trading week on Wall Street
as investors brace for big tech earnings and the first Fed meeting of the year. Gold making headlines yet again. Its price has now surpassed $5,000
an ounce for the first time ever. Precious metal getting a boost from global political uncertainty as well as a weakening dollar.
The U.S. dollar index fell on Monday to a four-month low. It's a measure of the dollar against other major currencies. One of those currencies, the
yen, gained Monday on hopes the U.S. and Japan will attempt to stop its slide. Stronger yen, however, weighed on shares of Japan's major exporters
Monday with the Nikkei falling more than one and a half percent.
We're joining us now to discuss the larger economic picture here. Kathy Matsui, she's a general partners at MPower Partners. Thanks so much for
joining.
KATHY MATSUI, GENERAL PARTNER, MPOWER PARTNERS: Hello. Thanks for having me.
SCIUTTO: So, first of all, you frequently noted that Japan needs to be more resilient in an uncertain global economic environment. Can you
describe what that means in practice?
MATSUI: Well, I think it's fair to say that where Japan is geopolitically situated with China, North Korea, Russia, there's a lot of uncertainty
surrounding the archipelago here. And whilst Japan has historically relied on the U.S. as its number one security ally and I think continues to do so,
there's just a lot going on. Let's just put it that way.
SCIUTTO: Of course.
MATSUI: And so, I think as a nation, Japan is looking ahead and saying, OK, should we just continue to assume that somebody will come to our rescue
in the event something terrible happens, or should we bolster our defenses? And if you think about Japan really is a resource poor nation, it has human
capital. But other than that, natural resources, energy, it has none of it. So, it's importing a massive amount of stuff to basically maintain itself.
So, I think that is causing the government to focus on how to bolster national resilience for the economy. So, in whatever situation it finds
itself in, it can be sustained.
SCIUTTO: I speak to a lot of European officials and leaders. And as you know, some of these have been public comments that their trust in the U.S.
security umbrella is weakening, not disappearing, but weakening. Do you have any erosion of Japanese trust in the U.S. Japan Security Alliance and
the U.S. security umbrella?
MATSUI: Well, I think at the highest political levels, people are still very, very confident that that relationship is still intact. But if you
look at surveys and polls of normal people, I think there are raising -- there are greater concerns or question marks about the sustainability of
that relationship going forward. They still know that the U.S., you know, will be, you know, there will be reliable, but to what degree is another
question, I think, in comparison, I think, 10 to 20 years ago. So, there are some increasing question marks.
SCIUTTO: How do you think China views that? Do they, do they view that? I don't want to quite say separation, but perhaps growing distance between
the two as making Japan weaker or more vulnerable?
MATSUI: You could, you could say that because it's naturally if -- you know, you're talking about game theory, that would be kind of natural
consequence. We also have to remember there's a complicating factor and that is China is at least as large as the United States, if not larger as a
trade partner for Japan. And Japan actually has a massive trade deficit with China. So, it really relies on China for a lot of things.
And so, while at that sort of political level, words can get exchanged, but at the concrete, pragmatic, private sector level, if you ask a lot of CEOs
here how they feel about the relationship with China, they'll say it's crucial for their businesses long-term. So, it's a bit complicated. So, I
think for Japan, and under the new administration, they're really trying to forge new friendships and relationships with more partners in the region to
be able to secure it.
SCIUTTO: That's quite a consistent phenomenon, because it's something I hear similarly from Europe. And you see that, for instance, the EU deal
trade deal with Mercosur, or, or Canada, resolving the trade dispute with China that they say they -- of course, they're not going to end trade with
the U.S., its biggest economy in the world, et cetera.
[18:25:00]
But they do have to diversify to some degree. Is that a consistent strategy?
MATSUI: Exactly. I think that it's risk diversification. And it's, again, taking a pragmatic and realistic approach to this new normal.
SCIUTTO: And does it also include -- I mean, you mentioned this to some degree in terms of self-defense, greater self-reliance, could you make the
same point about Japan's economy that it has to be more self-reliant, forthright, et cetera?
MATSUI: Exactly. Exactly. And if you think about some of the macro headwinds facing the economy and society, you know, they're fierce, right?
Very large fiscal deficit, aging population, et cetera. However, those can also be turned into, particularly the demographic piece, into a weapon. And
what I mean by that is, while the population is shrinking, or because the population is shrinking so rapidly, it's precisely why or what's driving
investment into A.I. and productive enhancing solutions.
We're a venture capital fund. We're finding many, many startups that are emerging in this space because they see this pain point very deep and wide.
And there are a lot of solution providers out there.
SCIUTTO: I'm glad you brought up A.I. because that was going to be my next question. I mean, the U.S., as you know, I mean, the amount of money that's
being rolled into A.I., it's certainly driving the stock market, the chip makers, et cetera. And to some degree, the economic, the strong GDP
numbers, it's almost the only thing you hear folks talking about there at a big level. Do you have a similar rush to A.I. here?
MATSUI: Yes.
SCIUTTO: And do you think that Japan can create world contenders in that space?
MATSUI: Yes. It is regarded as, you know, sort of behind the United States and China when it comes to A.I. development. But if you look at this
overall landscape, it's not as if like the first always win, right?
SCIUTTO: Right.
MATSUI: You can leapfrog in certain cases. And I think Japan has the ability to do that. For example, we're invested in companies like Sakana
AI, which in a very short period of time has become a multi unicorn in terms of valuation. But it's because they're recruiting A.I. engineers not
just from Japan, but actually from outside Japan to work in Japan. And they're developing practical solutions on how enterprises can actually
incorporate A.I. to provide greater efficiency for their businesses. It's not just like, let's build an LLM and, you know, do whatever you want with
it.
Another company is FastLabel. It's the scale A.I. of Japan. It's data labeling, data annotation, a huge need in Japan, but it's a very labor-
intensive process. And this company is also emerging. So, really exciting.
SCIUTTO: It's if you look back to sort of the early days of the internet, right? I mean, there were a lot of companies that were world beaters at the
start, and we never heard from again, right?
MATSUI: That's right.
SCIUTTO: But there are others that are still around and, you know, only got bigger the say the Amazons of the world. Well, Kathy, thanks so much
for walking us through the economy here. We appreciate your thoughts.
MATSUI: My pleasure.
SCIUTTO: Well, President Trump has announced within just the past few hours, new tariffs on South Korea. The president says in a truth social
post that he is raising tariffs on Seoul from 15 to 25 percent. He says he is doing this because the country's legislature has not yet passed the
trade agreement reached with the U.S. last year. Trump says products affected include autos, lumber, and pharmaceuticals.
Just ahead, another U.S. citizen. Killed by federal agents. We're going to bring you the latest from Minneapolis.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[18:30:00]
SCIUTTO: Welcome back to "The Brief." I'm Jim Sciutto here in Tokyo. And here are the international headlines we're watching today.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz says U.S. President Donald Trump agreed to consider reducing the number of federal agents in his state. The two
leaders spoke by phone Monday, two days after the fatal shooting of intensive care nurse Alex Pretti. Following the call, Trump said that he
and the governor are on a similar wavelength.
For the first time in years, there are no Israeli hostages remaining in Gaza. The IDF says that the remains of the final hostage, police officer
Ron Gvili, have now been recovered. Gvili was killed responding to the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. His father was on hand as police escorted
his coffin back into the state of Israel.
Well, a huge winter storm has killed at least 15 people across the U.S. Snow fell in more than half of the continental United States, while 18
states saw at least 30 centimeters or more of snow. Some 630,000 homes and businesses are still without power. More than 5,000 flights in and out of
the U.S. were canceled just on Monday.
And returning now to our top story, Minneapolis reeling once again after federal immigration agents shot and killed another U.S. citizen. Alex
Pretti was an ICU nurse at a local Veterans Hospital. His killing follows that of another U.S. citizen, Renee Good, earlier this month.
Sources say top Border Patrol official Gregory Bovino and some of his agents are now expected to leave Minneapolis tomorrow as President Donald
Trump sends his border czar Tom Homan to take over those ongoing immigration operations there.
Sara Sidner. She's been covering the protests in the shooting. She joins me now from Minneapolis. Sara, I wonder, as people there get news of this
change in leadership in effect of these operation, the removal of at least some of those agents, do they see a substantive change here?
SIDNER: I guess the straight answer is no. Some agents leaving isn't enough for the folks who have been out here on the ground. Because when you
think about what happened here, you had ICE agents in one instant, you have Border Patrol agents in another.
All in all, the federal agents have shot three people in less than a month, killing two American citizens. The message that has been sent over and over
and over again is to have ICE leave this community, not just by the residents here, not just by people protesting here, but by the governor and
by the mayor. The message has been very clear, some is something, but all is what people want here because of what has happened, because people feel
that in some instances, ICE has, you know, gone and taken their constitutional rights. In other instances, they have taken lives. So, there
is no love lost for ICE here in any way, shape or form or any federal agency.
[18:35:00]
And there is a huge trust deficit, as you might imagine, because of the language and the way in which both DHS the DHS Secretary Kristi Noem
described what happened and what the commander in charge, Tom -- sorry Greg Bovino talked about. If you look at what they said and then you juxtapose
it with the videos that everyone could see, there is nothing that matches. In other words, DHS was lying. People can see that. They were able to see
all the videos from many different angles.
And so, here people feel very strongly that they need to be able to get back to some semblance of normalcy and not have any amount of this ICE
surge that was sent in by the Trump administration about a month or so ago.
And you are also seeing a growing memorial here to Alex Pretti. First it was to Renee Good who ICE officers shot after their altercation. And now,
you are seeing people here mourning the death of another American citizen and ICU nurse. You are seeing the remnants of that.
Renee's murder, you see here, people are saying, and Alex's murder, that's how they feel about what happened to both of those Minneapolis residents.
You're also seeing some poignant messages, candles, and from all different faiths, from all different backgrounds and creeds. That's who's been coming
out here, in a district, by the way, that is known as Eat Street is a happy place normally.
But I do want you to see one thing that is really striking and stunning because. He worked as an ICU nurse at the Veterans Hospital here in
Minneapolis. And if you look at the cross there that you're seeing behind the light pole, you see several stethoscopes hanging there as a tribute to
his work. Someone who believed in the American dream, who believed in the American Constitution, someone who loved life, somebody who clearly had
many things to live for, and someone whose patience have talked about the work that he did for them, how he cared for them.
Now, he has gone, his family devastated this community. Just boiling over both with sorrow and with anger towards what has happened at the hands of
federal agents here. Jim.
SCIUTTO: And of course, still an open question as whether there will be an independent investigation due to his killing and the killing of. Renee
Good, Sara Sidner there in Minneapolis, thanks so much.
Well, coming up just after the break, here in Tokyo, I see closeup how Japan's military is preparing to defend itself against major adversaries at
a time of heightened security concerns across the region. You'll get that look next.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[18:40:00]
SCIUTTO: Welcome back to "The Brief," live from Tokyo. In recent years, Japan has made a sweeping shift in its security posture. It is boosting
defense spending while navigating threats from three regional adversaries, China, Russia, and North Korea. Defending the country against armed threats
on land is the job of Japan's ground self-defense force. I visit a training camp, two of them, not far from here, to see exactly how troops are
preparing for a possible conflict.
(BEGIN VIDEOTAPE)
SCIUTTO (voice-over): At Camp Asaka in Tokyo, Japan's ground self-defense force troops are in training to defend their country. This is the SDF's
first division, the forces responsible for protecting the capital in the event of an attack. At nearby Camp Narima, Colonel Daisuke Shinobe,
commanding officer of the 1st Infantry Regiment of the 1st Division, tells me the potential threats come from multiple directions.
COL. DAISUKE SHINOBE, JAPAN GROUND SELF-DEFENSE FORCE (through translator): Not only China, but also Russia and North Korea. We are surrounded by
threats from three nations. The Japanese government recognizes that the current security environment is the most severe since the Second World War.
SCIUTTO (voice-over): Japan's new prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, made that clear in public comments soon after her election in October, stating
that Japan would consider a Chinese attack on Taiwan as an existential crisis, in effect, an attack on Japan itself.
TAKAICHI (through translator): If China were to deploy battleships and involve the use of force, I believe this could be deemed a situation
threatening Japan's survival.
SCIUTTO (voice-over): Those words enraged Beijing, which condemned them as crossing a red line for China, and soon imposed new sanctions on exports of
dual-use technologies to Japan and trimmed Chinese imports.
But the standoff did nothing to dent Takaichi's popularity. She just called snap elections, betting she can expand her majority in parliament. After
decades of being largely defined by limitations to its role and its size, the SDF is gaining confidence and support as well.
SHINOBE (through translator): As threats from neighboring countries are increasing, the Japanese public's understanding and awareness of national
defense are growing, and this is supporting us in the self-defense forces.
SCIUTTO: Like in Taiwan, it was Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine that led once distant fears of Chinese aggression in the region into a more
believable threat, and that has led many here to call not just for more resources for Japan's military, but also the possibility of an expanded
mission.
One growing concern and potential flashpoint, the Senkaku Islands, claimed by both Japan and China, where they are known as the Diaoyu. Following a
playbook, Beijing is employed in the South China Sea with the Spratly Islands, and on islands close to the Philippines, Chinese vessels
frequently conduct operations and harass Japanese ships there.
SCIUTTO (voice-over): To Japanese military commanders, the danger of escalation now requires training on multiple fronts.
SHINOBE (through translator): Training involves not only countering strong opposing forces, but also responding to complex situations such as
satellite surveillance, cyber-attacks, electromagnetic attacks, and intelligence gathering by drones.
SCIUTTO (voice-over): An expanding mission for the Japanese military at an increasingly harrowing time.
(END VIDEOTAPE)
SCIUTTO (on camera): As Japan expands its defensive capabilities, new opportunities are opening for homegrown startups, making new advanced
military technologies. That includes drones, some of them even made out of cardboard.
Some of them will soon be in the hands of the Ministry of Defense, with manufacturing set to begin in the summers. So, in the summer, engineers at
AirKamuy are debuting. Well, we have it right here with us to show you.
The CEO of AirKamuy, Takumi Yamaguchi, joins me now. I've been covering drone warfare for some time, particularly as its expanded in the war in
Ukraine. You see all shapes and sizes. I will say this is the first time I've seen one made out of cardboard. So, explain, why cardboard?
TAKUMI YAMAGUCHI, CEO, AIRKAMUY: So, we have many discussion with Japanese Ministry of Defense. So, they're --
SCIUTTO: I'll help you with it if --
YAMAGUCHI: Oh, thanks so much.
SCIUTTO: I just want to feel how light it is. Wow, it's very light.
YAMAGUCHI: Yes.
SCIUTTO: It's like a Amazon shipping box.
[18:45:00]
YAMAGUCHI: Exactly. So, their request is, of course, a low-cost drone. And also, the mass-producible drone and also, the long-range drone. Because we
are the island nation. So, that is our answer.
SCIUTTO: How much would this drone cost?
YAMAGUCHI: Now, $2,000 per unit.
SCIUTTO: And that compares to, say, when I think of, for instance, the quadcopters you see so often in Ukraine, what's the relative cost with
those?
YAMAGUCHI: Actually, this is similar cost. But the range is totally different.
SCIUTTO: I see. How long is the range?
YAMAGUCHI: This is now 80 kilometers, like 50 miles.
SCIUTTO: I see, got you. And can it -- does it go wireless? Can it also go tethered by --
YAMAGUCHI: Not tethered yet.
SCIUTTO: OK. Yes. And does it have both surveillance and potentially attack capabilities?
YAMAGUCHI: Of course, yes.
SCIUTTO: In which case, what, you would attach a bomb or a missile to the wings of this?
YAMAGUCHI: Yes, exactly. So, of course, we are thinking this both usage and also Japanese Ministry of Defense are using for a target drone for
counter-drone operation training.
SCIUTTO: I see.
YAMAGUCHI: Yes.
SCIUTTO: In the realm of drones, there's a lot of talk about certainly advanced technology, both in the air, on the sea, on the ground, but also
numbers, volume.
YAMAGUCHI: Exactly.
SCIUTTO: And I hear so often, I hear it in Ukraine, I hear it in Europe, I hear it in the States, that while they believe they can compete in the
technology, they cannot compete in the numbers. They just can't make as many as China. Is that part of the hope here that you can make more of
these more quickly?
YAMAGUCHI: Exactly. So, of course, many normal cardboard factory can make our drones, wings, and fuselage easily. So, that's completely connected to
the mass production.
SCIUTTO: I see. Now, in wartime, again, I'm just going to lift it up because I'm amazed at how light this is. It almost feels like a model
airplane or something like that. In wartime, is this any less durable or strong? You're flying around, there's a lot of gunfire, et cetera. Does
this have any disadvantages?
YAMAGUCHI: Of course, this is usually one-time use.
SCIUTTO: I see.
YAMAGUCHI: And also, the laying is a problem, but we can have the coating on it.
SCIUTTO: I see.
YAMAGUCHI: So, even laying, we can use it.
SCIUTTO: Understood. And you already have an agreement with the Japanese military for them to begin to experiment with these?
YAMAGUCHI: Yes, we have. And we have already some trial with them.
SCIUTTO: I see. If you were to look at Japan competing with China in the drone space, technology, both private sector and military, where does Japan
stay? Is it far behind? Is it catching up?
YAMAGUCHI: Actually, far behind. So, we have to use their components still now. So, that's the problem now.
SCIUTTO: I see. Oh, so this has still some Chinese-made components?
YAMAGUCHI: Exactly.
SCIUTTO: In what -- is it engine? Is it navigation?
YAMAGUCHI: So, like motors and batteries. So, of course, some Japanese company making motors, but if I say this is attacking drone, they defuse to
supply to us.
SCIUTTO: Of course. That's the issue. Even the most recent sanctions of China against Japan have involved dual-use technologies. So, I imagine that
might affect this.
YAMAGUCHI: Yes, yes, yes.
SCIUTTO: Now, is there interest outside of Japan?
YAMAGUCHI: Of course.
SCIUTTO: What kind of countries?
YAMAGUCHI: Like Philippines or Singapore. So, they have the similar situation, like they are island nations. And also, for the Philippines,
some they have the conflict with China. So, that's why we are focusing on.
SCIUTTO: Understood. And is this the only model that you have? I mean, this name, origami drones. I love that idea, because of course we think of
origami as tiny little artistic works. But do you have other kinds of styles, models, sizes, et cetera?
YAMAGUCHI: Of course, we are developing numerous drones, like using carbon fibers. That way, of course, we have smaller one and also the vertical
takeoff landing one. So, this is a hand-launched aircraft.
SCIUTTO: I see. So, you --
YAMAGUCHI: Yes, exactly.
SCIUTTO: Like a paper airplane?
YAMAGUCHI: Exactly.
SCIUTTO: Yes. Well, Mr. Yamaguchi, thanks so much.
YAMAGUCHI: Thank you.
SCIUTTO: I imagine I'll get to take this one home, right? With me?
YAMAGUCHI: Yes, exactly.
SCIUTTO: Joking. It's nice to have you on. We appreciate you taking the time.
YAMAGUCHI: My pleasure.
SCIUTTO: Coming up next, a sneak peek into one of Tokyo's top art fairs, plus how the country's art market is handling a global debt.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[18:50:00]
SCIUTTO: My next guest is one of the leaders behind Tokyo Gendai. It's a major international art fair here in Japan. While the overall art market
has dipped somewhat, Japan's has actually grown, outperforming those of China and South Korea. The fair returns to Pacifico Yokohama next
September.
Joining me now is Reiri Kojima. She is the general manager of Tokyo Gendai. So, good to have you here.
REIRI KOJIMA, GENERAL MANAGER, TOKYO GENDAI: Good morning and thank you so much for having me here.
SCIUTTO: So, you're three years in. Tell me how the art scene has changed during that time.
KOJIMA: So, three years before, there was no international art fair, of course, but, you know, there was one 30 years ago. But there was no art
fair in this scale. And of course, things changed. Deregulation of the Custom Act was there. So, past three years, it's been exciting. There are a
lot of changes happening. Government is supporting so much. And I think art community is thriving so much.
So, past three years, I think the global market research says this country is only -- not really only, but the one of the country, that's actually
growing by 2 percent.
SCIUTTO: And how is that given that the global art market has been dipping? What's unique about what's happening in Japan?
KOJIMA: I think Japan has a very unique position. We're still growing market. I think everyone's still learning. But despite the fact that we
have the very, very, very rich cultural background, great museums, great galleries, and then great -- you know, the culture embedded in this
country.
So, we have -- we've been blessed to have this. So, I think finally, we -- the art market, as I think people are, you know, finding out that this is
something that we should be supporting more.
SCIUTTO: Sure. And how do you help specifically Japanese domestic artists to thrive in that environment?
KOJIMA: So, as an international art fair, we bring in international recognized galleries and we curate the presentation, of course. And for
that part, we actually focus on almost 40 to 50 percent of Japanese gallery to present in our fair. So, that international collectors come in Japan and
that they can actually discover the Japanese artists, Japanese galleries.
SCIUTTO: Are they looking to -- in the current market, to make money, right? Are they -- is it an asset? Because, you know, there was so much
excitement years ago about -- I mean, listen, every luxury item was just booming because there's a lot of money running around. Is that the main
motivator or are they seeing something new and different?
KOJIMA: I think people are still discovering Japan, the Japanese market. So, some people are, of course, looking into the sales, as some of the
galleries, some of the people are looking into investment and also the networking and the more of the personal relationship to the community and
to the people here.
SCIUTTO: Understood. Do you have a favorite? Well, I can't ask you for your favorites because that would be unfair, but do you -- well, tell me
what area of art? I mean, is it young people? Is it a certain medium that's becoming that's most exciting to you?
KOJIMA: This is personally, and also, I think we are very much -- as an art fair, we will try to include a lot of different medium, different
artists. And what our fair director, Eri Takane, is always focusing on is that something with the social issues. So, something underrepresented --
represented before. So, sometimes like female artists or, you know, female Japanese artists.
And last year alone, like we actually focus on the artist who uses the craft techniques, but then, you know, expressing as an art contemporary
art.
[18:55:00]
SCIUTTO: Understood. And is there American participation in this as well?
KOJIMA: Absolutely. Yes. You know, of course, you know, all the people from all over the world, like about like 30 countries are coming in to this
fair. So --
SCIUTTO: Well, we'll have to find a way to come ourselves as well.
KOJIMA: Definitely. Please.
SCIUTTO: Reiri Kojima, Tokyo Gendai, thanks so much for joining.
KOJIMA: Thank you so much.
SCIUTTO: Thanks so much to all of you for joining as well. I'm Jim Sciutto in Tokyo. You've been watching "The Brief." We'll be here in Tokyo again
tomorrow. Please do stay with CNN.
(COMMERCIAL BREAK)
[19:00:00]
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