Here in Japan, it's a Saturday evening. I'm James Tengar in Tokyo.
This is NHK Newsline.
GERMAN LOWER HOUSE PASSES BILL ON POSSIBLE CONSCRIPTION
The lower house of Germany's parliament has approved a controversial plan that could restore compulsory military service if the number of voluntary recruits falls short of targets.
The Bundestag passed the bill with the majority vote on Friday amid security concerns prompted by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The legislation envisions boosting the number of active military personnel by roughly 80,000 from the current level of more than 180,000.
Germany's defense minister told parliament that if the threat continues to worsen, a conscription system is needed to protect the country.
00:00:56 話者 2
With the legislation, Germany is taking another decisive step towards strengthening its defense capabilities.
00:01:03 話者 1
The administration of Chancellor Friedrich Merz has been working to have the bill enacted as soon as possible.
The legislation is expected to be approved for enactment by the upper house later this month.
People throughout Germany took to the streets to demonstrate against the bill.
About 3,000 protesters, mostly young people, rallied in Berlin, calling for compulsory military service never to be reinstated. Germany suspended conscription in 2011.
00:01:39 話者 3
Conscription is the wrong approach to reinforce the military, because forcing people to enlist against their will isn't going to improve the situation.
00:01:48 話者 1
If the legislation is enacted, the system will start next month.
Men and women turning 18 years old will be surveyed about their willingness to serve.
From July 2027, 18-year-old men will be required to take a medical exam to evaluate their fitness for possible military service.
Those who serve voluntarily will be paid 2,600 euros, or around $3,000 per month, which is higher than the conventional standard.
UKRAINE URGED TO STICK TO LANDMINE BAN TREATY
Signatories to an international treaty banning anti-personnel landmines have urged Ukraine to stay engaged with the pact.
They've also expressed regret at plans by five countries to withdraw, in light of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The Ottawa Convention prohibits the production and use of anti-personnel mines.
Participating states adopted a report at the end of a meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, on Friday.
The three Baltic nations, as well as Poland and Finland, have decided to withdraw from the treaty. Their representatives called for understanding of the decisions.
They cited factors including the deterioration of the security environment.
Ukraine announced in July that it had decided to suspend the operation of the convention and did not attend the meeting.
The final report stressed the importance of what it called attracting the adherence of all signatory states to the treaty.
00:03:20 話者 4
We will continue to encourage countries that are able to join the treaty.
Another important issue is to create momentum so that new countries join when the international environment changes.
00:03:35 話者 1
Russia, China and the United States have not signed up to the convention.
And the withdrawal of a number of countries is increasing concern among those participating that the push to ban landmines will weaken.
NETFLIX TO BUY WARNER BROS. UNITS FOR $72 BIL.
A landmark deal has been announced in the US media industry.
Video streaming giant Netflix has agreed to buy some units of entertainment powerhouse Warner Brothers Discovery. Netflix released details of the deal in a statement on Friday.
It says it will acquire Warner Bros.
Film and TV Studios and its streaming division for $72 billion.
It calls the agreement definitive and says it will strengthen the entertainment industry.
Warner Bros. Discovery is one of Hollywood's leading studios best known for the Harry Potter series.
Netflix says the deal will give its members even more high-quality titles to choose from,
and it will allow the company to optimize users' plans, enhance viewing options, and expand access to content.
Warner Bros. has been restructuring its business operations.
It has disclosed a plan for splitting into two publicly traded companies.
One is a studio and streaming service, the other a broadcaster of TV networks like CNN.
Interest in the business has been growing among prospective buyers.
The Netflix deal won't be completed until it's approved by regulators.
That's expected to happen over the next year and a half.
JAPAN TO FACE NETHERLANDS IN MEN'S WORLD CUP 2026 GROUP STAGE
The draw to decide group stage match-ups for next year's Men's Soccer World Cup has placed Japan in Group F.
The Samurai Blue will face the Netherlands, Tunisia, and the winner of a UEFA play-off.
The United States, Canada, and Mexico will host the eagerly awaited quadrennial tournament in June and July next year.
The draw to divide a record 48 teams into 12 groups of four took place in Washington on Friday.
US President Donald Trump was among those picking out the balls bearing team names.
Others were drawn by icons of North America's four major professional sports.
Shaquille O'Neal, who won the NBA championship four times, drew the ball for Japan.
Japan, ranked 18th in the world, will open its tournament campaign against seventh-ranked Netherlands on June 14.
Its second match will be against Tunisia, which is ranked 40th.
In its third game, Japan will face the UEFA playoff winner, either Ukraine, Sweden, Poland, or Albania.
Japan head coach Moriyasu Hajime said it will not be easy to win the World Cup because his side is in a very tough group. But he said his players will do their best to defeat their opponents, as they have done so far.
Defending champion Argentina is in Group J with Algeria, Austria, and Jordan, which will make its World Cup debut.
The venues and kickoff times for all 104 World Cup games will be unveiled on Saturday.
S.KOREAN ENVOY: SEOUL CAN HELP MEND JAPAN-CHINA TIES
South Korea's ambassador to Japan has commented on political tensions between Tokyo and Beijing.
Lee Hyuk suggests that Seoul is well-positioned to serve as a potential mediator.
Lee spoke on Friday at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo.
He noted that Japan-China ties have deteriorated following comments about Taiwan by Japanese Prime Minister Takeichi Sanae.
Takaichi said in the Diet last month that an emergency over Taiwan involving the use of force could be considered a situation that would threaten Japan's survival.
00:07:35 話者 2
If relations between South Korea and China and relations between South Korea and Japan are to be developed in a very stable manner, that will naturally play a role of arbitration.
00:07:55 話者 1
The envoy also said that he's tasked with contributing as much as possible to building strong relations with Japan.
CHRISTMAS TREE LIT IN KYIV AMID THOUGHTS OF PEACE
A Christmas tree has been lit in the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv.
Many people gathered for the lighting ceremony on Friday and reflected on peace.
A Christmas tree has been installed each year around this time in the square in front of St.
Sophia Cathedral since the Russian invasion began.
This year's tree, measuring about 18 meters in height, is the tallest so far.
00:08:37 話者 4
We face difficult living conditions and war, but somehow the tree cheers me up and warms my heart. It's like magic.
00:08:50 話者 5
The Christmas tree is a little delight, as every city has been suffering from major destruction and loss.
00:09:05 話者 1
And those were this hour's main stories.
WEATHER
♫～ 3-DAY FORECAST ～♫
Hope the weather is looking good in your neck of the woods.
For all of us here on the program, I'm James Tangan in Tokyo. Thanks for watching.
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