at 18:00 (JST), April 05

20260405180000_english_1.mp3

 00:00:09 (Yuko Fukushima)

Glad to have you with us on NHK Newsline. I'm Yuko Fukushima.

IRAN CONFLICT
TRUMP: SECOND DOWNED CREWMEMBER RESCUED

US President Donald Trump says the second crew member of a US fighter jet that was shot down in Iran has been rescued.

US media earlier reported that one of the crew had been rescued, but the other was still missing.

Trump said in a social media post on Sunday, We got him.

He also wrote that the man is safe and sound.

Multiple media outlets quoted US government officials as saying the second crew member of the F-15 fighter jet had been rescued.

US news site Axios said the rescue operation was conducted by a specialized commando unit with a high volume of air cover.

Trump said the crew member was behind enemy lines in the treacherous mountains of Iran being hunted down by our enemies who were getting closer and closer by the hour.

He said US military officers diligently planned for the rescue and sent dozens of aircraft to retrieve him.

Trump noted that US forces were able to pull off the rescue operations without a single American being killed or wounded.

He said this proves the US military has achieved overwhelming air dominance and superiority over the Iranian skies.

IRAN CONFLICT
IRAN: NEW AIR DEFENSE SYSTEM DOWNED US AIRCRAFT

The Iranian Military Central Command says a new air defense system introduced by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has downed a significant number of US military aircraft.

An Iranian central headquarters spokesperson issued a statement on Saturday that said a US fighter jet and another military plane had crashed after Iranian attacks.

He called the day a black and humiliating Friday for the United States and Israel.

The official said the IRGC's new air defense system targeted a highly advanced US

fighter and other aircraft.

The official added, quote, We will certainly gain full control over our country's skies and will prove the humiliation of the defeated enemy to the world more than ever before.

IRAN CONFLICT
US MEDIA: LATEST EFFORTS TO START CEASEFIRE TALKS AT 'DEAD END'

A leading US newspaper reported that the latest efforts by Pakistan to negotiate a ceasefire between the US and Iran have hit a dead end.

Well, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araji hit back with a response saying Tehran's position is being misrepresented.

The Wall Street Journal on Friday quoted sources as saying Iran told the mediators that US demands were unacceptable.

The newspaper said Iranian officials were not willing to meet with their American counterparts in the coming days in Islamabad.

A Pakistani newspaper on Saturday also quoted a senior official as saying the talks are a non-starter because Tehran has yet to formally respond.

The report said the official noted that Pakistani leaders still hope to revive talks and they remain in contact with Araji as well as Iran's president.

Araji wrote in his post that Iranian officials have never refused to go to the Pakistani capital.

He said, quote, What we care about are the terms of a conclusive and lasting end to the illegal war that is imposed on us.

Iran apparently demands that its conditions for a ceasefire be discussed in the talks.

In the meantime, US President Donald Trump repeated a warning he has issued for Iran to act.

Trump wrote in a social media post on Saturday, "Remember when I gave Iran 10 days to make a deal or open up the Hormuz Strait."

Time is running out 48 hours before all hell will rain down on them.

Trump has previously said Iran has until this Monday at 8 p.m. Eastern Time or its energy infrastructure would be destroyed.

IRAN CONFLICT
ISRAEL VOWS TO CONTINUE ATTACKS

The Israeli military announced that it has bombed an Iranian petrochemical complex.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel will continue to attack Iran.

The Israel Defense Forces said on Saturday it struck the complex in southwestern Iran, where Israel says a critical component for ballistic missiles was produced.

00:04:32 話者 2/Benjamin Netanyahu

I promised you we would continue to crush the terrorist regime in Tehran, and that is exactly what we are doing.

After we destroyed 70% of their steel production capacity, which serves as raw material for their weapons, today we struck the petrochemical plants.

00:04:48 (Yuko Fukushima)

As we just reported, President Trump had earlier said the US has given Iran until Monday before his country attacks Iranian energy facilities.

A Reuters news agency cited a senior Israeli defense official who says Israel is preparing to attack such targets, but is awaiting a green light from Washington.

IRAN CONFLICT
SECOND JAPAN-LINKED SHIP PASSES THROUGH STRAIT OF HORMUZ

Now, amid the ongoing de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, a Japanese shipping firm says a second Japan-affiliated vessel has exited the Persian Gulf.

Green Sanvi is an Indian-flagged liquefied petroleum gas tanker owned by a subsidiary of Japan's Mitsui OSK Lines.

The company says the vessel safely made the crossing by Saturday Japan time.

The vessel's crew and its cargo is now heading towards India.

The tanker was among 45 Japan-linked ships that became stranded in the waters after the launch of the US-Israel military operation against Iran.

♫～

STARTING SALARIES FOR NEW RECRUITS ON THE RISE

In Japan, April is the hiring season when companies welcome new employees who are recent graduates.

But amid a labor shortage, companies are trying to lure competent workers by raising starting salaries.

Last week, more than 500 new employees joined this leading electric appliance retailer.

By custom, new hires would receive same starting salary.

But under a new scheme to recruit talented workers, this company is providing a higher salary to 25 of them.

They'll get up to the equivalent of around $2,500 per month, while the starting salary for others is roughly $2,100.

Now, these new hires, as regular employees are eligible because they have worked part-time for the company for at least one year.

They have experience in store operations and have deep knowledge of products that the company sells.

Tanaka Shoma is one such talented employee.

He was a part-timer for the four years he attended university.

His job was to manage an outlet shop and instruct staff.

00:07:27 話者 11

I will do all I can to overcome challenges and respond to the changing business environment.

00:07:34 話者 1

The scheme also aims to keep staff from seeking employment at the company's competitors.

Japan's labor ministry says many companies are eager to recruit new employees.

Its survey shows last year's average monthly salary for new graduates was about $1,640.

That was up more than $220 from 2020.

The smaller firms are facing difficulty in recruiting such staff.

Ministry officials say they will continue to work with job placement services to address Japan's labor shortage problem.

HIDA OBSERVES SLIPPERY SPRING TRADITION

With spring stretching its legs here in Japan, residents of Gifu Prefecture have carried out one of Hida City's most charming traditions, escorting hundreds of carp from their cozy winter pond back to the Sanal Canal.

But out 50 people teamed up to catch roughly 1,200 carp and carried them back to their warm-weather home. Not all the fish cooperated.

One was about 80 centimeters long, weighing about 10 kilograms, and put up a spirited fight.

00:08:41 話者 21

The carp were full of energy and hard to catch, but I was surprised when other people caught them.

00:08:47 話者 1

The fish are moved to the pond every autumn. That's so snow can be pushed into the canal to melt without disturbing any unsuspecting carp.

Those were the main stories for this hour. This is NHK Newsline.

♫～　3-DAY FORECAST　～♫

And that's it for this hour on NHK News Line.

I'm Yuko Fukushima. Thanks for joining us.

NHK World

00:10:01 話者3 2

This is NHK World Japan English Radio Service.

Here's a frequency notice.

The broadcast at 14 hours UTC for Southeast Asia is on 11.800 MHz.

Once again, the broadcast at 14 hours UTC for Southeast Asia is on 11.800 MHz.

For more details of our programs, please check our website at nhk.jp/rj. nhk.jp/rj.

We're always pleased to receive your comments and suggestions through our website.

checked.

at 18:00 (JST), April 04

20260404180000_english_1.mp3

 00:00:09 (Yuko Fukushima)

Glad to have you with us on NHK Newsline. I'm Yuko Fukushima.

WAR IN UKRAINE

ZELENSKYY: RUSSIA HAD 35,000+ CASUALTIES IN MARCH

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russia suffered the highest level of losses in March since launching its invasion of Ukraine.

Zelenskyy made the comment in a social media post on Friday.

He said in March alone, Ukrainian drone, artillery and other strikes killed or seriously wounded more than 35,000 Russian troops.

He also said 274 Russian air defense systems were destroyed in March.

Zelenskyy said Ukraine's defense and security forces have essentially denied Russia the ability to dictate the situation on the frontline.

Russia's presidential spokesperson Dmitry Peskov spoke to reporters the same day.

He insisted Ukraine must withdraw its forces from the Donbas region if it wants Russia to end its military operation.

high-ranking officials from Ukraine, Russia and the United States have met three times this year to negotiate a peace plan.

But the talks have been paused due to the Iran conflict.

Both Russia and Ukraine have indicated that they do not intend to give up any territory.

IRAN CONFLICT
US MILITARY AIRCRAFT REPORTEDLY DOWNED IN IRAN

Iranian troops have reportedly downed a US military fighter jet.

Media cite US officials are saying one of two crew members has been rescued.

Iran's Tasnim news agency released photos on Friday purporting to show some of the wreckage of the aircraft.

The White House has yet to comment, but American media quote US officials as saying it was an F-15.

This is reportedly the first case of a US fighter jet being shot down over Iran since the conflict began.

In a separate case, The New York Times says a US military A-10 attack plane has crashed near the Strait of Hormuz. It adds the sole crew member has been rescued.

IRAN CONFLICT
MEDIA: FRENCH-OWNED SHIP PASSES STRAIT OF HORMUZ

A French-owned container vessel flying the Maltese flag has reportedly passed through the key waterway.

It is believed to be the first known passage of the strait by a major European shipping group during Iran's effective blockade.

And the Wall Street Journal said on Thursday that Tehran is launching a mass recruitment drive in light of a possible ground operation by the US military.

IRAN CONFLICT
LAW EXPERTS SAY US-ISRAELI STRIKES VIOLATE UN CHARTER

More than 100 international law experts have signed an open letter condemning the US-Israeli strikes on Iran as a breach of the United Nations charter.

The letter, signed by the US-based experts, was released online on Thursday.

It said the strikes launched by the United States and Israel on February 28 clearly violated the UN charter that prohibits the use of force.

It noted that countries may only use force in self-defense or when authorized by the UN Security Council.

The experts said they are seriously concerned about strikes that have hit schools, health facilities and homes.

They highlighted the attack on a primary school in southern Iran on February 28 that Iranian officials have said killed more than 160 people.

Experts said the strike was likely a violation of international humanitarian law.

They added that if evidence showed that those responsible were reckless, it could also constitute a war crime.

The experts stressed the importance of equal application of international law, including what they called countries that hold themselves out as global leaders.

The letter points out that all states have a legal obligation not to aid or assist the US, Israel, or Iran in breaching international law.

And it called on all countries to cooperate to bring the violations to an end through lawful means.

IRAN CONFLICT
HUMANITARIAN SITUATION WORSENS IN LEBANON

The humanitarian situation in Lebanon has been worsening as fighting continues between the Iran-backed Shia Muslim group Hezbollah and Israeli forces.

The Lebanese government said 1,345 people have died and 4,040 people have been injured in the latest round of hostilities.

The United Nations said more than a million people have been displaced.

Hezbollah and Israel have repeatedly clashed.

The recent fighting was sparked when the militant group attacked northern Israel on March 2 after the killing of Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Israel has stepped up its offensive with airstrikes on Hezbollah facilities and other targets across Lebanon.

It has also launched ground operations in the south on the border with Israel.

In central Beirut, many people are sheltering in tents made of scrap material and tarpaulins.

A man whose home and shop in southern Beirut was destroyed in an airstrike has been living in a tent with his family.

00:05:21 話者 2

When the fighting ends, I don't know how I can work or what I'm supposed to do.

00:05:27 (Yuko Fukushima)

He said his young children were frightened by strong winds, thinking they might be airstrikes.

EARTHQUAKE IN NORTHERN AFGHANISTAN KILLS 8

An earthquake in northern Afghanistan has left eight people dead and one injured after a house collapse. The magnitude 5.8 quake struck on Friday evening.

The US Geological Survey said the quake occurred at a depth of 186.4 kilometers shortly after 8:30 p.m.

Authorities say the collapsed house was located on the outskirts of the capital, Kabul, and that other homes were also damaged.

Authorities are trying to verify the extent of the damage.

Afghanistan is prone to deadly earthquakes. Last August, a magnitude 6.0 tremor struck the eastern part of the country, killing more than 2,200 people.

MAN ARRESTED AFTER STARTING FIRE AT SHIBUYA CROSSING

Tokyo police have arrested a man on suspicion of obstruction of traffic after he started a fire at the iconic Shibuya Scramble Crossing.

Police say no injuries have been confirmed so far.

The police received a report shortly after 9 p.m. on Friday that someone had poured a flammable liquid from a plastic bottle at the crossing and lit it on fire.

00:06:51 話者 12

It happened suddenly. He quickly set the fire and ran off somewhere.

I was very surprised.

00:06:57 (Yuko Fukushima)

The fire spread across about a square meter of the intersection.

Police officers and other people ran to the site and put out the flames using fire extinguishers.

The suspect left the scene but later turned himself in and was arrested.

He said he had just caused a fire at the crossing.

The suspect, in his 50s, is from Nagoya, Aichi Prefecture and claims to be a painter.

A piece of cardboard with a written message was left behind at the scene.

Tokyo police continue to investigate the incident.

KAMAKURA SHRINE PRETTY IN PINK FOR CHERRY BLOSSOM SEASON

People in Kamakura City, south of Tokyo, are soaking up a sea of springtime pink.

The cherry blossoms on the famous approach of Tsurugaoka Hachiman-gu Shrine are in full bloom.

More than 170 cherry trees line the post. It always draws a crowd when they're blooming.

The Dankazura walkway is 500 meters long. Minamoto no Yoritomo, who founded the Kamakura shogunate in the 12th century, made it to pray for his child's safe birth.

00:08:04 話者 13

They're in bloom and very beautiful.

00:08:07 話者 14

I didn't expect them to be fully blooming. I'm glad I dressed my baby in pink.

00:08:14 (Yuko Fukushima)

The shrine says the blossoms are expected to be in bloom through the end of next week.

And those were the main stories for this hour.

This is NHK Newsline.

WEATHER

♫～　3-DAY FORECAST　～♫

00:09:16 話者 15

00:09:40 (Yuko Fukushima)

And that's it for this hour on NHK Newsline. I'm Yuko Fukushima. Thanks for joining us.

NHK World

00:10:01 話者 6

This is NHK World Japan English Radio Service.

Here's a frequency notice.

The broadcast at 14 hours UTC for Southeast Asia is on 11.800 MHz.

Once again, the broadcast at 14 hours UTC for Southeast Asia is on 11.800 MHz.

For more details of our programs, please check our website at nhk.jp/rj nhk.jp/rj

We're always pleased to receive your comments and suggestions through our website.

checked.

at 18:00 (JST), April 03

20260403180000_english_1.mp3

 00:00:09 話者 1/Kanako Sachno

Welcome back to NHK Newsline. I'm Kanako Sachno.

IRAN CONFLICT
SERIOUS DAMAGE TO MIDDLE EAST ENERGY FACILITIES

It's been almost five weeks since the United States and Israel launched their military operation against Iran.

The conflict has led to severe damage to oil and natural gas facilities throughout the region.

NHK has analysed reports about attacks on energy facilities since the conflict began on February 28. It has plotted the sites on a map.

As of Friday, at least 26 major facilities have reportedly been affected.

These sites have either suffered damage from attacks and suspended operations, or scaled back production due to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran has reportedly launched attacks on facilities in Gulf nations, including the Sitra refinery in Bahrain and the Ruwais refinery in the United Arab Emirates.

Oman was thought to be less susceptible to the effects of the closure of the Strait of Hormuz because of its location.

But a fuel tank and other facilities at a port in the country's south were reportedly attacked last month.

Meanwhile, in Iran, refineries and other facilities in the Tehran area have reportedly been hit by Israeli strikes.

An energy research firm estimates that the total cost of rebuilding damaged energy facilities throughout the region will be at least $25 billion.

TRUMP, IRAN TRADE THREATS ABOUT STRONG ATTACKS

US President Donald Trump says American forces are nearing completion of their objectives in Iran, but Tehran is warning the US to prepare for broader and more destructive attacks.

This footage was posted by Trump on social media on Thursday.

He claimed it was Iran's biggest bridge, saying it is never to be used again.

He told Tehran to make a deal before there is nothing left.

The Post didn't say where or when the bridge collapsed, but Iranian media reported that an attack on a bridge in Karaj near Tehran killed eight and wounded 95 others.

00:02:13 話者 10/Donald Trump

We're going to bring them back to the stone ages where they belong.

00:02:19 話者 1

That speech triggered sharp words from the commander-in-chief of the Iranian army.

According to state-run media, he warned the US against any ground operations.

He said if the enemy attempts one, there will be no survivors.

Turning to Israel, the military there says it's intercepted 4 waves of Iranian missiles.

It said the attack took place around the time of Trump's speech.

Israeli media said four people near Tel Aviv were injured and that cluster munitions may have been used.

The Israeli military said it's conducted large-scale strikes on Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps bases and ballistic missile storage facilities in Tehran.

IRAN CONFLICT
CNN: ABOUT HALF OF IRAN'S MISSILE LAUNCHERS STILL INTACT

As for Iran's missile launchers, CNN says roughly half of them are still intact, and it says thousands of one-way attack drones are still in Tehran's arsenal.

CNN reported on the numbers Thursday.

Its sources say they're from recent US intelligence assessments. 

The documents allegedly suggest many of Iran's coastal defence cruise missiles are also intact. It's a stark contrast to President Trump's recent claims.

In his address on Wednesday, he said the Iranian Navy and Air Force had suffered significant losses.

In the past, he's even claimed they knocked out about 90% of its missiles and launchers.

NHK reached out to US defence officials for comment.

Spokesperson Sean Parnell claims CNN sources are completely wrong. He went on to describe the operation as a resounding success and called the report shameful.

IRAN CONFLICT
UK HOSTS TALKS ON STRAIT OF HORMUZ

Britain hosted a meeting to discuss how to secure the freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Representatives from more than 40 countries, including Japan, attended the virtual event.

British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper hosted the gathering.

She says Iran's blockage of the waterway holds the global economy hostage.

00:04:24 話者 12/Yvette Cooper

We've come together as foreign ministers and officials from across the world today.

So those who joined in the leader's statement on restoring safe passage through the strait and more, and many more, coming together in our collective determination to secure freedom of navigation and to reopen the strait.

00:04:43 話者 1

A Japanese Foreign Ministry official says the participants continued to criticize Iran's effective closure of the strait.

And Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu called on other countries to make efforts to ensure a stable global energy supply.

The British government released a statement after the meeting.

It says they discussed boosting diplomatic pressure on Iran over the issue, and they rejected the use of tolls.

They also addressed possible sanctions, and they talked about working with the International Maritime Organisation on releasing the thousands of ships and sailors trapped in the strait.

The meeting came after Trump lashed out at other countries on Wednesday for not doing enough to secure the strait.

He said European and Asian nations get a lot of oil from the strait.

He named France, Japan, South Korea, and China, and he said, let them do it.

BUSINESS

Now for more business stories, here's Ramin Mellegard.

00:05:43 話者 3/Ramin Mellegard

Thank you very much indeed.

TRUMP IMPOSES 100% TARIFFS ON IMPORTED PATENTED DRUGS

Now US President Donald Trump is imposing an additional tariff of 100% on non-generic drugs entering the country.

Trump on Thursday signed the executive order for the levy based on Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act.

However, the US will honor lower drug tariffs agreed in deals with trade partners, including 15% for Japan and the European Union.

The tariff will be applied to patented pharmaceuticals and associated ingredients.

It will take effect in 120 days for large companies and 180 days for smaller ones.

The rate will be reduced to 20% for four years for firms that have plans to produce these items in the US.

Now, companies that agree to lower prices for the US will be exempt from the tariff until January 2029.

MICROSOFT TO INVEST $10 BIL. IN JAPAN'S AI INDUSTRY

And Microsoft has unveiled its plan to invest $10 billion by 2029 to improve the artificial intelligence environment in Japan.

Microsoft Vice Chair and President Brad Smith met Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae in Tokyo on Friday and explained the objectives.

Takaichi said she was very happy with the plan and said her administration is following a responsible, proactive fiscal policy.

The aim is to raise growth potential by boosting domestic investment while raising companies' predictability.

00:07:20 話者 30/Takaichi Sanae

We welcome the plan, because it will raise. Japan's growth potential, deal with the issue of data sovereignty, and boost human resources.

00:07:36 話者 3

The $10 billion will cover improving the data centers necessary for AI development and fostering specialists.

The tech giant plans to establish an environment in which advanced AI technology can be developed while managing data in Japan.

Japanese telecom giant SoftBank and data center operator Sakura Internet will be co-participants.

Microsoft also aims to cultivate 1 million engineers and other human resources by 2030 in the country by working with NTT Data Japan and electronics firm NEC.

00:08:13 話者 21/Brad Smith/Vice Chair and President, Microsoft

We also shared and discussed with the Prime Minister the work that we're doing to strengthen the cybersecurity protection of the nation and to provide skilling to enable more opportunities by people across Japan.

00:08:26 話者 3

Meanwhile, the number of businesses and municipalities that fall victim to cyber attacks has been on the rise.

Microsoft aims to bolster measures against such attacks in cooperation with the Japanese government's National Cyber Security Office and the National Police Agency.

The government plans to proceed with the secure domestic development of AI amid heated global competition.

BIZ PICKS

Okay, next, NHK World's Gene Otani is here with Bizpicks.

00:09:03 話者 4/Gene Otani

Here's a look at key business and economic stories in the week ahead.

Two major Japanese retailers released earnings reports on Thursday.

And on Friday, the US Labor Department will report the latest Consumer Price Index.

ANALYST: OIL PRICE SURGE MAY REIGNITE US INFLATION

American CPI rose 2.4% from a year earlier in the first two months of the year.

Market participants are concerned the impact of the Middle East conflict may accelerate inflation. We talked to an expert for his insight.

A senior researcher at Daiwa Institute of Research, Yasaku Daisuke, estimates the index increase to 3% in March.

00:09:40 話者 24/Yasaku Daisuke/Senior Researcher, Daiwa Institute of Research

Higher crude oil prices due to the Middle East situation are the reason.

They started to rise at the end of February and continued through March.

I expect that pushed up the entire CPI.

Meanwhile, the index excluding energy is believed to have risen at roughly the same pace as in February.

So I think oil prices drove up the overall rate by around 0.6 percentage points.

It explains the uptick from February.

00:10:11 話者 4

Oil moved significantly after the start of US-Israeli strikes on Iran.

The benchmark WTI crude futures were trading around the $67 per barrel level on February 27, but they spiked all the way up to the $119 level.

Prices retreated somewhat, but they remained above $100 toward the end of March.

Yasaku says a sustained period of high crude oil prices could have a serious impact on the American economy.

00:10:42 話者 24

Looking at past trends in crude oil prices, when WTI rose more than 50% year-on-year for about eight straight months, that significantly pushed down the overall economy.

So in the current situation, if high crude oil prices continue until around October of this year, I think that could have a major negative impact for the US.

00:11:09 話者 4

Inflation pressure from the situation in the Middle East is also affecting monetary policy decisions by the US Federal Reserve.

00:11:19 話者 24

I think the US economy is slowing down or advancing only at a moderate pace.

High Kudola prices have the potential to stoke inflation, making it difficult to cut interest rates. On top of that, if energy prices rise, companies will have to cut costs.

So the employment picture would probably worsen along with that.

00:11:44 話者 4

Uncertainty about the job situation and rising inflation are likely to complicate the Fed's next policy decision.

I'm Gene Otani, and that's this week's Biz Picks.

00:11:57 話者 3

Thank you very much for that, Gene.

JAPAN SETS 10-YEAR BOND COUPON AT 2.4%, HIGHEST SINCE 1997

Now, Japan's finance ministry has raised the coupon rate on newly issued 10-year government bonds to 2.4%, the highest in nearly 29 years.

The move comes as the conflict in Iran has driven crude oil prices markedly higher, which could accelerate inflation.

The coupon, or the interest rate, paid to bondholders will increase to 0.3 percentage points from the 10-year debt issued in March.

This brings the rate to a level not seen since July 1997.

Bond market yields have been rising.

That's on speculation the Bank of Japan could raise its policy rate earlier than expected to deal with the impact of the prolonged Iran conflict.

The benchmark 10-year yield briefly hit 2.395% on Friday, the highest in 27 years.

The ministry has earmarked a record 13 trillion yen, or around $81 billion, for interest payments on government bonds in the fiscal 2026 budget.

It set the amount assuming a long-term interest rate of 3%.

MARKETS

Okay, let's get a check on the markets.

♪

And that is it for Business News. I'm going to hand it back to you.

00:13:42 話者 1

Thanks, Ramin.

MYANMAR'S FORMER JUNTA CHIEF ELECTED PRESIDENT

Myanmar's parliament has elected former junta chief Min Aung Hlaing as the country's president.

He's set to launch an administration that's expected to be heavily influenced by the military.

Lawmakers of both houses voted on Friday to choose the president from among three candidates.

Min Aung Hlaing received 429 out of 584 votes.

He'd headed the junta since leading the 2021 coup that ousted the elected government.

Min Aung Hlaing stepped down as commander-in-chief of the armed forces on Monday as he was nominated for the presidency.

Pro-military camps hold more than 80% of Myanmar's parliamentary seats.

That's after a recent controversial general election that excluded pro-democracy parties.

The military has claimed the country is returning to civilian rule, but it's expected to effectively maintain a grip on power.

Fighting with pro-democracy forces and armed ethnic minorities continues with no end in sight.

ARTEMIS II MISSION CAPSULE EXITS EARTH ORBIT, HEADS TO MOON

A spacecraft carrying four astronauts has successfully left Earth's orbit to begin its historic journey toward the moon.

The rocket carrying the Orion spacecraft for the Artemis II mission lifted off on Wednesday evening.

The capsule spent about a day orbiting Earth, testing, docking and other operations.

00:15:08 話者 35/Reid Wiseman / Commander of NASA's Artemis II mission

The views of planet Earth, we've circled it completely and we forgot how beautiful it is to look down on Earth.

00:15:16 話者 1

On Thursday night, the spacecraft executed a thruster firing that placed it on a pathway to the moon.

00:15:23 話者 36/Lori Glaze/NASA Deputy Associate Administrator

I am so, so excited to be able to tell you that for the first time since 1972, during Apollo 17, human beings have left Earth orbit.

00:15:35 話者 1

The US-led international mission will last for about 10 days.

The capsule is scheduled to enter the moon's gravitational sphere in about 3 days and circle the moon before returning to Earth.

The Artemis program, under US space agency NASA, aims to land astronauts on the moon in 2028.

US ATTORNEY GENERAL TO EXIT POST AFTER EPSTEIN PROBE FALLOUT

US President Donald Trump has announced that Attorney General Pam Bondi is leaving her post. The president is said to be frustrated over her job performance.

Trump made the announcement in a social media post on Thursday.

He said Bondi will be transitioning to a much-needed and important new job in the private sector. He did not specify what her new role would be or why she's exiting.

Trump did note that Bondi had served faithfully.

He named Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche as acting attorney general.

US media say a major issue was her handling of the Jeffrey Epstein file.

The financier died after being indicted on sex abuse charges.

Trump was also allegedly discontent with how few successful cases were mounted against his political enemies.

Bondi is the second federal department chief to be replaced under the current Trump administration.

In March, Kristi Noem was removed as Secretary of Homeland Security.

On the same day, US Defense Department officials confirmed Army Chief of Staff General Randy George would step down and retire.

CBS News said this was at the request of Defense Secretary Pete Hexeth.

US media describe it as an extraordinary step coming in the midst of the ongoing military campaign against Iran.

CHINESE SHIP LEAVES JAPAN'S EEZ AROUND SENKAKU ISLANDS

The Japan Coast Guard says a Chinese ship has left Japan's exclusive economic zone around the Senkaku Islands.

Officials suspect the vessel was conducting a maritime survey.

Japan controls the islands in the East China Sea. China and Taiwan claim them.

The Coast Guard says the ship was seen extending what appeared to be a pipe and wire into waters within Japan's EEZ at around 1.30pm on Monday.

It says the area was about 69 kilometres west-northwest of Uotsuri Island in the Senkaku Islands.

The Coast Guard says it repeatedly told the vessel by radio to halt the operation, as surveys in the waters were unacceptable without permission from Japan.

But the ship did not respond. The vessel sailed away after 4 p.m. on Thursday.

The Coast Guard says this is the first time since last October that a Chinese marine research vessel has been confirmed to have operated in Japan's EEZ.

The Japanese government maintains the Senkaku Islands are an inherent part of Japan's territory in terms of history and international law.

It says there is no issue of sovereignty to be resolved over them.

JAPAN-UK-ITALY FIGHTER JET PROGRAM INKS FIRST UNIFIED DEAL

The organisation formed by Japan, Britain and Italy to build the next generation of fighter aircraft has signed its first unified contract with an industrial joint venture.

The Trilateral Global Combat Air Program, or GCAP, was launched in 2022.

Its executive body is known as the GCAP International Government Organization, or GIGO.

On Thursday, GIGO announced the deal worth 686 million pounds, or around $907 million.

It was awarded to Edgewing, a joint venture comprised of companies from each of the three countries, for key design and engineering activities.

GCAP aims to develop fighters that can collaborate with drones and perform better than the current state-of-the-art models. It has set the goal of 2035 for delivering aircraft.

Jaigo Chief Executive Oka Masami is a former Japanese Vice Minister of Defense for International Affairs. He called the New Deal an important moment for GCAP.

He also said activities previously conducted under contracts from each nation will now be carried out as part of a fully-fledged international programme.

SPILLING THE BEANS ON A COFFEE ALTERNATIVE

For many people, mornings aren't complete without that first cup of coffee, so it may come as a jolt that the coffee belt, a critical growing region around the equator, could shrink significantly due to climate change.

With global supplies at risk, Japan, the world's fourth largest coffee consumer, is getting a head start brewing up a homegrown alternative.

BEANS AND BEYOND

00:20:07 話者 5

Yamagata's Shonai Plain is one of the main rice-producing regions in Japan.

Yet here, one company has decided to use high-quality local rice to create a very unique product, a coffee alternative. Today, they're working with Tsuyahime,

Premium varieties celebrated for its perfectly balanced flavor.

Just like coffee beans, the unpolished rice grains are roasted.

But because they're so much smaller, they can burn in the blink of an eye if left unattended.

(Japanese)

After countless trials, they discovered the secret.

They had to take a much different approach to coffee roasting.

They developed a slow roasting method that takes over 3 hours, nearly 10 times the duration required for beans.

00:21:12 話者 46/Ozawa Naohiro/Managing Director, MNH

The important thing is to ensure the heat penetrates all the way to the core of the rice.

If you rush the roasting, the center will remain undercooked, while the outside becomes charred. So recognizing that critical point right before it burns is the real challenge.

The roaster needs to spot the exact fleeting moment and remove the rice.

00:21:32 話者 5

Ozawa Naohiro employs a drip brewing method to extract the flavor from the roasted rice.

Because it's naturally caffeine-free, it can be enjoyed by a wide range of people.

He's taken his coffee alternative concept even further by offering 12 distinct types, including one made from Kame Nol, another famous variety of local rice.

00:22:00 話者 46

You get a sense of joy from being able to choose the origin and variety of the roast.

I think that's what gives such depth to coffee culture.

Since that's where the real intrigue lies, I want to pay respect to and follow that approach by applying it to rice.

00:22:18 話者 5

His products are now available in local retail shops and online.

He's also expanding his sales channels overseas with a strong focus on the Asian market.

Currently, he's converting an old irrigation facility into a new production plant, aiming to scale his operations even further.

00:22:45 話者 46

Japan has a tradition of making sake with our delicious rice, but never a coffee alternative.

I hope our rice brew will be yet another way of sharing Japan's glorious grains with the rest of the world.

♫～

WEATHER

00:23:44 話者 1

Now it's time for a look at the world weather. 

The Mediterranean has been affected by a storm. 

Our meteorologist Yumi Hirano has the details.

00:24:09 話者 7/Yumi Hirano

A slow-moving storm has been bringing thunder showers to Italy and the Balkans this week.

People in Athens saw over 130 millimeters of rainfall in just one day, which is more than four times the monthly average.

The downpours caused severe flooding in southern Greece.

The storm hit Greece in the middle of the week.

The Attica region was the hardest hit, with firefighters there receiving over 750 emergency calls.

They pumped water out of homes, rescued people, and cleared roads of fallen trees.

According to Reuters, police say the one victim died after he was swept away and trapped under a car.

The storm is expected to weaken gradually. However, more rain is still possible, so people there should watch out for additional flooding.

Another system is developing near the UK, bringing stormy conditions.

Gusts of up to 145 kilometers per hour are possible, potentially affecting traffic and transportation over the Easter holiday weekend.

With weather will continue in Athens and Istanbul.

The high in Berlin will be only 9, but will jump to 15 on Saturday and almost 20 on Sunday.

Moving to Japan, a high-pressure system is bringing calm and dry conditions on Friday, but the next storm is approaching.

Intense rain is expected in western and eastern Japan on Saturday.

In addition, Kyushu may see gusts of over 120 kilometers per hour.

Wet weather is likely in many cities on Saturday, but sunny skies are expected to return on Sunday. After the rain, the high in Tokyo will jump to 24.

That's it for now. Have a nice weekend.

♫～　3-DAY FORECAST　～♫

00:27:35 話者 1

That wraps up this edition of NHK Newsline.

I'm Kanako Sachno in Tokyo. Thanks very much for joining us.

NHK World

00:28:01 話者 99

This is NHK World Japan English Radio Service. Here's a frequency notice.

The broadcast at 14 hours UTC for Southeast Asia is on 11.800 MHz.

Once again, the broadcast at 14 hours UTC for Southeast Asia is on 11.800 MHz.

For more details of our programs,

please check our website at nhk.jp/rj nhk.jp/rj We're always pleased to receive your comments and suggestions through our website.

checked.

at 18:00 (JST), April 02

20260402180000_english_1.mp3

 00:00:09 話者 1/Moroshita Erika

Welcome to NHK Newsline. I'm Moris Dairika in Tokyo.

IRAN CONFLICT
TRUMP SAYS OBJECTIVES NEARLY MET

US President Donald Trump addressed Americans Wednesday about the situation in Iran.

He reiterated why the operation is important and said they're close to accomplishing their goals.

00:00:27 話者 10/Donald Trump

Tonight, I want to provide an update on the tremendous progress our warriors have made in Iran and discuss why Operation Epic Fury is necessary for the safety of America and the security of the free world.

As I stated in my announcement of Operation Epic Fury, our objectives are very simple and clear.

We are systematically dismantling the regime's ability to threaten America or project power outside of their borders.

And I'm pleased to say that these core strategic objectives are nearing completion.

00:01:03 話者 1

Trump went on to say the US has seen significant success.

00:01:09 話者 10

In these past four weeks, our armed forces have delivered swift, decisive, overwhelming victories on the battlefield. Victories like few people have ever seen before.

00:01:22 話者 1

And he reiterated the two- or three-week timeline he'd laid out before.

00:01:29 話者 10

We're going to hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks.

We're going to bring them back to the stone ages where they belong.

00:01:39 話者 1

He also said negotiations between Washington and Tehran are ongoing.

He emphasized that regime change was not his goal.

But he also threatened Iran, saying if there's no deal, the US will target their power plants very hard.

Regarding gas, Trump tried to assure Americans that the price at the pump would come back down.

00:02:04 話者 10

When this conflict is over, the strait will open up naturally. It'll just open up naturally.

They're going to want to be able to sell oil because that's all they have to try and rebuild.

It will resume the flowing and the gas prices will rapidly come back down.

00:02:21 話者 1

A news agency linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reported on Trump's speech. It says it was in his usual style, using exaggerated praise.

It also says he didn't acknowledge how the operation failed to achieve its initial objectives.

Here in Japan, the government says the address underscored the importance of Washington's latest moves.

00:02:49 話者 3/Kihara Minoru/Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary

President Trump recently mentioned talks with Iran. 

I hope those will move in the right direction.

The Japanese government will continue diplomatic efforts to seek an early de-escalation of the situation, while coordinating closely with the international community.

MIXED REACTION TO TRUMP'S SPEECH ON IRAN

00:03:07 話者 1

For more on Trump's speech, earlier I spoke with NHK World's Ebizuka Megumi in Washington. She was following the reaction to Trump's speech.

00:03:18 話者 4/Ebizuka Megumi

Trump claims military success but offers no clear timeline to end fighting.

Headlines like that are making the rounds on US media following the president's speech.

One person I spoke to here in Washington said it wasn't clear whether the war is ending or whether the strait of home moves will reopen, and asked, what was the point of the speech?

A lawmaker from the Democratic Party criticized the address, posting on social media, no clear plan, and that Trump was way over his head.

By contrast, Secretary of State Mark Rubio praised it, saying it was a powerful speech and that the president was clear about objectives in Iran.

00:04:09 話者 1

But did the president say anything that would suggest what might happen going forward?

00:04:15 話者 4

In his speech, Trump argued that strategic objectives are nearing completion.

At the same time, he insisted that the United States would hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks.

Amid growing domestic concerns of a prolonged military operation, Trump emphasized how long past wars involving the US had lasted.

He made no mention of deploying ground troops.

The market was quick to react as well following a speech.

Futures rise for WTI, the international benchmark, lows on the New York crude oil market.

Overall, White House officials said they are pleased with the address.

They hope it will convince Americans to trust the President at a time when post shows he is losing confidence.

Critics, however, will be keeping a close eye on what military action the US will take going forward.

ANALYSIS: WHAT'S BEHIND INDONESIA'S PUSH TO BEFRIEND JAPAN?

00:05:20 話者 1

Amid the turmoil in the Middle East, world leaders are turning their sights toward alternatives to oil. Japan is no exception.

Prime Minister Takai Ji Sanae met with Indonesia's leader in Tokyo earlier this week and confirmed the two nations will work closely on energy security going forward.

Earlier, I spoke with NHK Jakarta Bureau Chief Yoshimoto Akinori for a debrief on the visit.

Akinori, can you tell us a bit more about how President Prabovo Subianto spent his time in Japan?

00:06:01 話者 5/Yoshimoto Akinori

He was in Tokyo to build up Indonesia's economic relationship with Japan and figure out a way to navigate the unpredictable oil markets.

Takaichi and President Prabowo confirmed this week that they have a strong interest in working together to achieve that.

Indonesia gets about a quarter of its oil from the Middle East.

It has been providing subsidies in order to keep gas prices stable for domestic consumers.

But that comes at a major cost for the government, and ultimately, for the Indonesian people.

00:06:38 話者 1

So, what are President Prabowo's plans for ensuring a stable energy supply?

00:06:46 話者 5

He's making renewable and nuclear energy a priority, and that was a major reason for his visit to Japan. He made that clear at a Tokyo business conference this week.

He has his eyes on green energy, such as thermal and solar power, and is looking to work with the Japanese government and Japanese companies to secure that.

Prabal's speech was that combining Japanese technology and experience with Indonesian resources would be beneficial to both countries.

00:07:19 話者 6/Prabowo Subianto/Indonesian President

All our projects must be viable, must be bankable, must deliver real benefits, real return on investment. That's why we are very open to Japanese active participation.

00:07:44 話者 5

As you can hear from his speech, he is definitely hoping to attract significant investment from Japan.

00:07:52 話者 1

Akinori, how is Indonesia's weathering the oil crisis as an up-and-coming economy in the Global South?

00:08:02 話者 5

Traditionally, Indonesian policy is to avoid forming an alliance with any particular country.

President Prabowo is sticking to this policy, but he's also actively forming relationships with other world leaders.

His visit to Japan is part of that effort to raise Indonesia's profile as a powerhouse of the Global South.

Last year, Indonesia joined the BRICS group of emerging economies, which includes China and Russia.

China is Indonesia's largest trading partner, and President Prabowo has been stoking that relationship, even taking part in a Chinese military parade.

But even as Indonesia grows closer to Beijing, it's also making deals with the US.

Indonesia signed the trade pact with Washington in February.

It will buy over $30 billion worth of US products under that deal.

A diplomatic source told me it seems like Indonesia is playing the field and tried to strike a balance in its international relationships.

And in fact, we heard as much from Pervo this week in Tokyo.

He told business leaders that even a thousand friends are too small, and even one enemy is too many.

He's doing a lot of work to frame Indonesia as a friendly country, and one that's good to do business with.

BUSINESS

00:09:31 話者 1

Now, let's see what's happening in the world of business.

Here's Ramin Mellegard from The Business Desk.

00:09:37 話者 7/Ramin Mellegard

Thank you very much indeed.

Now, let's see how the markets reacted to the president's address.

Our business reporter Yuko Fukushima is at the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

00:09:48 話者 8/Yuko Fukushima

Tokyo share prices fell following Trump's comments. They prompted investors to sell.

I'm concerned that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed and prolong higher energy prices.

The benchmark Nikkei 225 index rose from the opening bell on Thursday, but reversed direction when Trump's address began.

It extended the decline in afternoon trading and closed about 2.4 percent lower at 52,463.

Trump's remarks drove the price of crude oil up sharply.

Benchmark WTI futures rose to the $105 range per barrel in New York.

They were trading at around $98 per barrel before his speech began.

Economists we spoke to say investors are more interested in when oil tankers can freely pass through the Strait of Hormuz than when the conflict in Iran will end.

They say there was nothing in Trump's address that suggested the strait would reopen.

Instead, the president said fighting will intensify in the coming weeks, indicating the shipping route will be closed longer than many managers hoped.

One analyst told us market's next focus will be on what the Iranian authorities say about the conflict and allowing passage through the Strait of Hormuz.

Yuko Fukushima, NHK World, from the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

FRANCE SEEKS CLOSER ECONOMIC, TECHNOLOGICAL TIES WITH JAPAN

00:11:05 話者 7

Now, French President Emmanuel Macron has called for deeper economic relations with Japan.

He says both countries would benefit from broader technology ties rather than dependence on global superpowers.

Macron is on a three-day visit to Japan and spoke at an economic forum in Tokyo on Wednesday.

The event focused on cooperation in fields such as critical minerals, artificial intelligence, and energy.

Macron says the strategic autonomy promoted by France aligns with Japan's economic security policy.

00:11:45 話者 13/Emmanuel Macron/French President

Amid global uncertainty marked by crisis and war, and as the situation has deteriorated in recent weeks, we both believe in an agenda of de-escalation, multilateralism, international law and innovation.

00:12:00 話者 7

Both sides agreed during Macron's visit to secure raw materials for a rare earth factory in France.

Japan's Industry Minister Akazawa Ryosei and French Finance Minister Roland Le Secure also signed an agreement on sourcing critical minerals.

SPACEX REPORTEDLY FILES CONFIDENTIALLY FOR IPO

Several American media have reported that Elon Musk's SpaceX has confidentially filed for an initial public offering with the US Securities and Exchange Commission.

Bloomberg reported that the rocket, satellite and AI company is aiming to raise up to $75 billion by going public.

Reports said that would make it the biggest ever IPO. surpassing the $29 billion raised by Saudi Arabia's state-run oil company, Saudi Aramco, in 2019.

SpaceX was established by Musk in 2002 and has been involved in rocket launches and offering Starlink satellite internet services.

The company acquired Musk's artificial intelligence startup, XAI, which operates the X social media platform in February.

Bloomberg reported that the filing SpaceX could be listed as early as June.

'OSHIKATSU' FANS DRIVE LUCRATIVE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

Now, have you ever heard of oshikatsu? It's a Japanese word that means enthusiastic support for idols, athletes, even anime characters.

These superfans are often eager to spend on related products and services, creating some very lucrative business opportunities.

NHK World's Koga Takashi has the story.

00:13:51 話者 9

This cafe in Tokyo offers order-made cakes for Oshikatsu, including this one, dedicated to a popular rock band. This woman is a huge fan.

She says posting on social media and connecting with other supporters means a lot to her.

00:14:12 話者 10

I can't always get to live events. And even if I was able to go, sometimes I can't get tickets.

So I come to cafes like this to let others know how disappointed I was to miss the event.

It lets me show them how strongly I feel.

00:14:27 話者 9

The Oshikatsu Market is valued at around Around $25 billion, the sector has kept on growing, even as inflation has undercut overall consumption in Japan.

The oshikatsu effect is spilling into other industries like music.

This music store in Tokyo's Shibuya district recently underwent a major renovation.

Shelf space for CDs and records was shifted around.

There are now areas where fans can take photos with displays of their favorite artists.

So it's no longer just a place to buy stuff. It's a place to make memories.

00:15:11 話者 13/Matsumoto Sota/Deputy Manager, Tower Records Shibuya

A large physical space is needed if you want customers to be able to take photos with displays of their favorite artists or see special products dedicated to them.

It is something that's unique to this Shibuya location.

We renovated it so visitors can have that experience.

00:15:28 話者 9

Companies are finding other ways to turn passion into profit.

Oshikoko was founded five years ago to offer goods and services related to oshikatsu.

It's now seeing interest from clients in sectors beyond entertainment.

00:15:47 話者 11/Tada Natsuho/CEO, Oshicoco

In the past year or two, we've received inquiries from industries like finance, as well as automobile and electronics manufacturers, companies seen as traditional Japanese corporations.

They are turning their focus to fan engagement and to the growing oshikatsu community.

00:16:09 話者 9

One Oshikoko project involves teaming up with a financial firm to develop insurance to cover accommodation and transport costs if a concert is canceled.

Komiyama Shuntaro is a business analyst who has studied oshikatsu.

He says cross-industry collaborations tapping fund psychology are set to keep growing.

00:16:34 話者 12/Komiyama Shuntaro/Consultant, Nomura Research Institute

There are dedicated fans who want to feel close to their favorites in everyday life, even during activities like grocery shopping.

Firms that collaborate with the figures these fans support will probably get the same customer loyalty through that connection.

00:16:56 話者 9

The oshikatsu phenomenon appears to be gaining strength with related businesses set to benefit.

That raises the question of how much this can contribute to Japan's economic growth.

Koga Takashi, NHK World.

MARKETS

00:17:14 話者 7

Okay, let's get a check on the markets.

♪

And that is it for Business News.

I'm going to hand it back to you.

00:17:46 話者 1

Thank you, Ramin.

4 PEOPLE NOMINATED FOR UN SECRETARY-GENERAL

Next. The United Nations is in the process of choosing its next Secretary General.

Thus far, it has four nominees.

Antonio Guterres is serving his second five-year term that ends December 31.

The General Assembly President asked member nations to nominate successors by Wednesday.

The nominees include International Atomic Energy Agency Director-General Rafael Grossi and former Chilean President Michel Bachelet.

They also include UN Conference on Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebecca Greenspan and former Senegalese President Marquis Salle.

Three are from Latin America and the Caribbean.

That's in accordance with the custom that UN Secretaries-General come from different regions in turn.

Two nominees are women. The General Assembly president asked for female candidates, as all secretaries-general have been men.

The candidates will participate in an open debate starting in the week of April 20.

The permanent members of the Security Council have great influence in the choice of secretary-general.

That's because the council's endorsement is necessary before the person can be appointed by the General Assembly.

The new secretary-general is due to be appointed around fall this year.

More candidates may be nominated.

POLICE RAID 3 CRIME SYNDICATES LINKED TO TOKYO HEIST

Tokyo police have raided the headquarters of three different organized crime groups in Japan over suspected links to a robbery early this year of more than 400 million yen in cash.

The investigations were conducted on Thursday. Police searched two locations in Tokyo, the offices of the Sumiyoshi Kai Syndicate and the Kyokuto Kai Syndicate.

They also searched the subordinate organization of the Sixth Generation Yamaguchi Gumi Syndicate in Sapporo City, Hokkaido.

Last month, Tokyo police arrested seven men for their suspected involvement in the case.

Among them were Kano Jindu from the sixth generation Yamaguchi Gumi and Ito Yuto from Sumiyoshikai.

Cash worth more than 420 million yen, about $2.6 million, was stolen in Tokyo in January.

The funds were being transported in three suitcases by a group of Japanese and Chinese nationals. Most of the money remains missing.

Police suspect that plans to transport the cash may have been leaked.

They are working to clarify how gang members allegedly learned of the plans and recruited suspects from multiple crime organizations to carry out the theft.

DEEPENING JAPAN-S.KOREA TIES THROUGH CULTURAL EXCHANGES

Recent cultural exchanges have been helping improve relations between Japan and South Korea. Our next report looks at cooperation between the countries that stems from shared interests in traditional architecture.

00:21:18 話者 11/Narrator: Soga Michiko

Kamakura City, south of Tokyo, is famous for the Great Buddha.

Until two years ago, Gangetsu-do used to be preserved behind the massive statue.

The prayer hall was originally built on the Korean Peninsula around the 18th or 19th century.

The hall is believed to have been donated to a businessman from Japan in 1924 during Japanese colonial rule, and then moved to the country.

Last June, against the backdrop of improving bilateral relations, the hall was handed over to South Korea.

The wooden structure was dismantled into about 5,000 parts for transport.

Work to reassemble it is underway near Seoul.

The South Korean government plans to complete the reconstruction by 2028 and open it to the public.

00:22:16 話者 12/Sato Takao/Japanese chief priest, Kotoku-in

I hope the hall becomes a symbol of continuing good relations.

00:22:28 話者 13/Park Seon-mi/Overseas Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation

I hope many people see the hall, remember it, and take the opportunity to share the value of this cultural heritage.

00:22:39 話者 11

Appreciation of Japanese-style buildings in South Korea is also gaining momentum.

During colonial rule, about 10,000 Japanese people lived in the city of Gunsan in western South Korea. More than 100 Japanese buildings remain.

In the past, these structures were often regarded as enemy assets. Many were torn down.

Son Seong-jing is promoting urban revitalization by repurposing historic Japanese-style buildings.

00:23:16 話者 13/Son Seong-jing/CEO, ShareWe LC.

Many of us used to feel pain just looking at Japanese structures, and they were targeted for demolition.

But now I think there's a growing sense of accepting them as modern architectural heritage.

00:23:30 話者 11

These are the restaurants and jazz bars produced by Son. Visitors are drawn to the warmth of the century-old woodwork in the traditional courtyard.

00:23:41 話者 14

I feel like I came to a small Japanese city. Great atmosphere.

00:23:47 話者 11

In March, Seong opened a new accommodation facility as a joint Japanese-Korean project.

Construction was carried out in collaboration with Japanese carpenters and lumber dealers.

Lumber was mainly sourced from Ehime Prefecture in western Japan.

00:24:08 話者 14/Nishishita Kenji/Chairman, Kyoei Lumber

They have preserved Japanese culture, and by creating something new for the next generation, they are deepening our ties in many ways.

I'm truly grateful and happy.

00:24:22 話者 13

I think culture is the most important thing in the process of building a friendship between the two countries.

I would feel happy if the power of culture can help South Korea and Japan take their relationship one step further.

00:24:36 話者 11

Seong says he hopes these exchanges between South Korea and Japan last, and continue from generation to generation.

WEATHER

00:24:46 話者 1

Now it's time to check out the world weather. The Mediterranean has been affected by a storm. Our meteorologist Yuni Hirano has the details.

00:24:56 話者 34/Yuni Hirano

You can see a circulating system on the satellite. The storm near Italy and the Balkans brought not only thunderstorms, but also dust from the Sahara.

A storm front passing through the Mediterranean brought unstable weather to the region this week.

Strong winds pushed sand and dust over the island of Crete on Monday.

The sky turned almost orange, with visibility drastically reduced.

According to local media, many flights going through the island were sent to nearby airports.

The storm is moving slowly, and more dust is expected in southern Greece and parts of Turkey. It could cause additional disruptions to traffic and transportation.

Isolated thundershowers and mountain snowfall are also possible.

Showers are likely in Athens and Istanbul, but sunny skies are expected in Lisbon and Madrid. The temperature in Moscow will be 17, which is over 10 degrees higher than usual.

Moving to Asia, a low-pressure system is bringing showers and snowfall to northern Japan, while a stationary front is lingering along southern China.

Up to 130 millimeters of rainfall is possible in Jiangxi and Funan provinces by Friday afternoon, leading to potential flash flooding.

The system will eventually arrive in Japan by Saturday.

On Friday, showers are likely in Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Taipei.

Sunny skies are expected in Tokyo with a high of 20.

It might be a perfect day to enjoy the charry blossoms.

That's it for now. Have a nice day.

♫～　3-DAY FORECAST　～♫

00:27:40 話者 1

That's all for this edition of NHK Newsline.

I'm Morishita Erika in Tokyo. Thank you for watching.

NHK World

00:28:01 話者 12

This is NHK World Japan English Radio Service.

Here's a frequency notice.

The broadcast at 14 hours UTC for Southeast Asia is on 11.800 MHz.

Once again, the broadcast at 14 hours UTC for Southeast Asia is on 11.800 MHz.

For more details of our programs, Please check our website at nhk.jp/rj nhk.jp/rj. We're always pleased to receive your comments and suggestions through our website.

checked.

at 18:00 (JST), April 01

20260401180000_english_1.mp3

 00:00:09 話者 1/Takao Minori

Welcome back to NHK Newsline. Here's the latest we have for you at this hour.

IRAN CONFLICT
TRUMP SUGGESTS ENDING CAMPAIGN WITHOUT DEAL

US President Donald Trump says he has prevented Tehran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and suggested the campaign may end soon without a deal.

The White House announced Trump will give a speech at 9 p.m. Wednesday, Washington time. That's Thursday morning in Japan.

This comes after he said the campaign would end very soon.

00:00:37 話者 10/Donald Trump

I had one goal. They will have no nuclear weapon.

And that goal has been attained. They will not have nuclear weapons.

00:00:45 話者 11

They will be the US will be gone or done with the war.

00:00:47 話者 10

I think two or three weeks. We'll leave.

00:00:52 話者 1

Trump also said potential talks wouldn't affect his decision.

00:00:57 話者 10

No, they don't have to make a deal with me. Whether we have a deal or not, it's irrelevant.

00:01:04 話者 1

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqi gave an interview to Al Jazeera Tuesday.

He confirmed Tehran has exchanged messages with Washington, but he said that doesn't mean they're negotiating.

He reiterated that rather than a ceasefire, Iran wants an end to all attacks in the region.

The conflict has had a huge impact on the world economy.

Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has been slowed to a trickle.

Now, Iranian media say officials have approved a plan to impose tolls on vessels passing through.

It would also include regulating navigation and prohibiting ships linked to the US and Israel.

IRAN CONFLICT
CHINA, PAKISTAN PRESENT 5-POINT PEACE PLAN

China and Pakistan are calling for an immediate ceasefire in Iran.

Their foreign ministers met in Beijing and presented a five-point plan for peace.

Wang Yi and Ishaq Dar held talks on Tuesday.

Pakistan is serving as a mediator between the United States and Iran.

Wang said Beijing wants to work with Islamabad to achieve an end to the fighting and create opportunities for peace.

Dar said his country hopes to coordinate with China to push for talks to restore regional peace as soon as possible.

The five-point initiative calls for an immediate stop to fighting and the start of peace talks as soon as possible.

It urges parties to the conflict to stop attacking civilian and non-military targets, including energy infrastructure.

The plan also calls for steps to ensure the security of the Strait of Hormuz and other shipping lanes.

WAR IN UKRAINE
ZELENSKYY: RUSSIA DEMANDS PULLOUT FROM DONBAS

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russia has told the United States it will capture the eastern Ukrainian region of Donbas in two months and is demanding that Ukraine withdraw.

Zelenskyy posted details on social media on Tuesday of his news conference in the city of Bucha near Kyiv.

He quoted Russia as saying that Ukraine has two months to withdraw, after which the war will end, but it will take the region and impose different terms if there is no withdrawal.

He expressed concern that Russia aims to control Donbas and also expand the territory it occupies in Ukraine.

Zelenskyy added that he has proposed a ceasefire for the duration of the Easter holidays in April.

COURT HALTS CONSTRUCTION OF TRUMP'S WHITE HOUSE BALLROOM

A US federal court has issued an order to halt construction on a ballroom at the White House unless Congress approves the plan.

President Trump immediately indicated his intention to appeal the decision.

Trump has been working since last October to build a ballroom capable of holding large-scale events after demolishing the east wing of the White House.

A federal district court in Washington, D.C., issued the preliminary injunction on Tuesday.

The court said the president is not the owner of the White House.

It said no statute comes close to giving him the authority he claims to have to construct his ballroom project.

Trump, speaking to reporters at the White House, indicated he will appeal the decision.

He claimed the construction costs are covered by donations from companies and individuals.

He said there is no need to obtain congressional approval since no taxpayer funds are being used.

JAPAN SETS NEW FINES FOR RECKLESS CYCLING

New rules for reckless cyclists go into effect on Wednesday across Japan.

Police can now issue fines to riders for relatively minor violations like holding an umbrella while cycling.

00:04:50 話者 3

These Tokyo police officers are handing out brochures hoping to teach people about the dozens of new offenses they'll be watching for from now on.

The nationwide legislation will allow police to issue what they're calling blue tickets.

On this busy street, they even caught a few rule breakers and handed out 16 warnings to cyclists over the course of an hour on Wednesday morning.

Campaigns have started this week across the country to inform riders about the new system.

Accidents involving bikes can cause lasting damage.

That's what one Tokyo woman found out the hard way.

She was riding to work on the street when she was hit by a high school student on a bicycle who flew out of an alley.

She says the teenager ignored the stop sign and rushed into the intersection without slowing down. They crashed. The woman fell off her bike, dislocating her left shoulder.

Two and a half years later, she still suffers from pain and numbness in her arm and shoulder.

00:06:10 話者 4/Cycling accident victim

There are a lot of people riding bikes dangerously. 

If they're a little more conscious about how risky their behavior is, I think it'll make for a safer and more comfortable environment for everyone on the road.

00:06:23 話者 3

She's one of thousands of people involved in cycling collisions annually.

Police counted over 67,000 accidents last year alone.

70% of those cases were caused by cyclists not following the rules.

Over 3,000 of them involved pedestrians, a record high.

Police are hoping that the new fines will bring those numbers down.

Among the offenses that could garner you a blue ticket?

Wearing earbuds, ignoring traffic signs and red lights, and riding in the wrong direction.

Riding on the sidewalk is also banned, unless signs say otherwise, or the street is too narrow or congested to ride on safely.

Cycling while holding a smartphone carries the highest fine at 12,000 yen, or about $75.

That's why this cycling shop set up a special corner to respond to rising demand because of the new fines.

The manager says even raincoats are flying off the shelves for those worried about the new fine for using an umbrella on the road.

But some cyclists who spoke to NHK said they weren't aware of the new rules and still had questions.

00:07:45 話者 31

It's hard to know which sidewalks are okay to ride on. It's confusing.

00:07:51 話者 3

Another says she'll have to change her riding habits.

00:07:56 話者 32

I usually run stop signs. I should probably be more mindful of the signs as I ride.

00:08:04 話者 3

The new system is a big change.

Until now, only red tickets were handed out for serious offenses, like drunk cycling.

But the National Police Agency says officers may still let offenders off with a warning, depending on the seriousness of the violation.

And the rules only apply to those 16 and older.

BUSINESS

00:08:39 話者 1

And now let's see what's happening in the world of business.

Here's Ramin Mellegard from the Biz Desk.

00:08:45 話者 5/Ramin Mellegard

Thank you very much indeed.

JAPAN'S NIKKEI 225 HAS BIGGEST GAIN OF YEAR ON IRAN HOPES

Now, Tokyo shares rose across the board on Wednesday, driven by hopes of a de-escalation in the Middle East conflict.

The Nikkei 225 stock index surged more than 2,600 points for the largest gain so far this year.

The benchmark climbed more than 5% to finish at 53,739.

Remarks by both the US and Iran suggested the hostilities may soon end.

President Donald Trump on Tuesday said the war could finish within two or three weeks.

Media reports cite Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian as saying Iran was willing to end the war if it gets guarantees against further attacks.

Analysts say attention has shifted to President Trump's address to the nation on Wednesday.

Investors are looking for further signs of the conflict's direction and what that means for crude oil prices.

IRAN CONFLICT
INPEX PRIORITIZES JAPAN FIRMS FOR ITS AUSTRALIAN CRUDE OIL

NHK has learned that Japanese energy giant INPEX will prioritize selling crude oil from Australia to Japanese companies as the Iran conflict continues to disrupt supplies.

Government-backed INPEX is Japan's top developer of oil and gas.

It produces a type of crude called condensate, along with natural gas, at two gas fields off the coast of northwestern Australia. INPEX holds the rights for these reserves.

INPEX has supplied some of the Australian condensate to Japanese businesses, but it plans to increase the amount sold preferentially to Japanese firms, including oil wholesalers.

Condensate can be refined into gasoline as well as naphtha, a raw material for a wide range of products such as plastic.

INPEX  sources say it also plans to give Japanese firms priority access to crude oil from Central Asia.

JAPAN'S MAJOR AIRLINES TO HIKE INTL. FUEL SURCHARGES IN JUNE

And Japan's two biggest airlines are set to sharply raise fuel surcharges for international flights from June.

The move reflects a surge in crude oil prices and could dampen travel demand.

The surcharge on All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines one-way flights to North America and Europe will jump 72 percent in June and July.

That's compared with the rate set for April and May.

For ANA passengers, that translates into a surcharge of 55,000 yen, or $346.

People flying with JAL will pay 50,000 yen. The fuel levy for routes linking Japan with China and Taiwan will rise 52 percent for ANA and 67 percent for JAL.

Both carriers will hike the fuel fees on flights from Japan to South Korea and Russia's Far East by 90%.

Now, the airlines review surcharges every two months to cope with fluctuations in fuel prices and currency exchange rates.

The higher fees in June and July reflect fuel costs in February and March.

TANKAN: MOOD IMPROVES SLIGHTLY AT JAPAN'S MAJOR MANUFACTURERS

A closely watched survey of business sentiment in Japan shows slight improvement among major manufacturers for the fourth straight quarter, but respondents expect conditions to worsen in the next three months as the Iran conflict clouds the outlook.

In the Bank of Japan's latest Tankan survey released on Wednesday, the sentiment index for large manufacturers came in at plus 17. That's up one point from the previous poll.

A positive number indicates that more companies are feeling optimistic about business conditions than pessimistic.

The central bank polled about 9,000 companies. 

The impact of developments in the Middle East is not fully reflected in the survey because the BOJ obtained responses in mid-March.

Sentiment improved in the production machinery and non-ferrous metal sectors on the back of higher semiconductor demand.

Meanwhile, the sentiment index for large non-manufacturers is unchanged at +36.

Looking three months ahead, many companies were cautious amid rising prices of crude oil and petroleum products.

Confidence at major manufacturers is forecast to decline three points, while it's projected to fall seven points at large non-manufacturers.

TSMC APPROVED TO MAKE 3-NANOMETER CHIPS IN KUMAMOTO

The world's biggest contract chip maker will soon be producing 3 nanometer chips in southwestern Japan. Taiwan's economic ministry gave the project the green light.

It's expected to be significant for Japan's economic security.

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, or TSMC, is planning to manufacture the chips at its second plant in Kumamoto Prefecture.

The plant is currently under construction.

Upon completion, it is expected to be able to create 15,000 chips per month, with large-scale production scheduled to start in 2028.

The company has been making chips for automobiles and industrial equipment at its first plant in Kumamoto.

Competition for three nanometer chips is heating up around the world as they're used for AI data centers and self-driving vehicles. Demand is expected to increase.

MARKETS

Okay, let's get a check on the markets.

♪

And that is it for Business News.

♫～

IN FOCUS

00:15:55 話者 1

This year, the United States marks the 250th anniversary of its founding.

ICE CRACKDOWN SPARKS INDIGENOUS BACKLASH

US history is largely about immigration, but Native Americans have roots that stretch back to before the nation's birth.

Now the Trump administration's crackdown on people it calls illegal immigrants is taking a toll on some of the country's indigenous people.

00:16:22 話者 6/Narrator: Bill Sullivan

In February, thousands of Native Americans took part in a demonstration march in Minneapolis, Minnesota, calling for protection of their rights and safety.

More than 4,000 people were detained in the Midwestern state due to the Trump administration's large-scale measures carried out by agents of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE.

But the crackdown brought a series of incidents involving indigenous people, who were mistaken for illegal immigrants because of their appearance.

And the backlash from indigenous communities is growing.

00:17:05 話者 53

So I'm glad to see, you know, many are coming out.

All of our brown lives are coming out, and we're not scared of ICE.

But ICE does need to go. They are terrorizing families. They're abusing people.

00:17:16 話者 54

Now it's starting to get more extreme with him killing people and, taking people off of the streets. And actually right here in Little Earth, they took three Lakota men from here.

00:17:27 話者 6

Human rights group Vice President Rachel Dionne Thunder is one of the indigenous people who have been stopped by ICE agents.

00:17:36 話者 55/Rachel Dionne-Thunder/Vice president, Indigenous Protector Movement

He had a window breaker in his hand and he was literally about to break my window.

If like my husband and others hadn't been there that day, they would have broken my window out and they would have arrested me.

00:17:51 話者 6

During the crackdown, many children in the region were too scared to go to school and studied at home for months.

Minneapolis was the center of Native Americans' civil rights campaigning in the late 1960s.

The city also has a history of protests against unlawful arrests by police officers.

The recent intensifying ICE activities forced Native Americans to take measures to defend themselves.

Rachel's husband, Vinny Dion, went on daily patrols with his friends during the ICE operation.

00:18:33 話者 56/Vinny Dionne/Rachel's husband

We need the drone out for the Eagles now.

00:18:41 話者 6

They recorded the activities of armed ICE officers to protect against unfair treatment.

They also used whistles to warn others about the presence of the agents.

00:18:57 話者 57

Get the out of here.

00:18:58 話者 58

I'm gonna stay right here.

00:19:04 話者 56

If you come harass one of the community members out here, you'll get 50 to 100 people out here blowing whistles.

And when you blow whistles at them, they get scared of you and with you usually get them to leave.

I never thought where we're at in life now.

where I got to be scared, or my family members got to be scared, or my children have to be scared because of their skin color?

00:19:30 話者 6

They are also taking another measure.

A rapidly increasing number are applying for tribal identification cards, indicating that they are indigenous people.

On this day, four tribes set up a temporary branch office in Minneapolis so that people living in urban areas could receive tribal IDs.

Each tribe is recognized as having a degree of sovereignty based on treaties and other agreements, allowing them to issue the cards on their own.

Many indigenous people say they were targeted in the ice crackdown because of their physical appearance.

Some were unable to feel at ease outside without their tribal IDs.

00:20:27 話者 59

It's very sad that it feels like we've gone backwards and it feels like the human kindness has left a lot of the politicians, especially the Republicans and our president.

It's very sad.

00:20:48 話者 6

Many Native Americans say ICE activities are based on deep-rooted discrimination against them.

They also say some cases of serious crimes, such as murders of indigenous people, are not sufficiently investigated. 

They add that one example has to do with missing persons. Native women account for less than 1% of Minnesota's population, but 5.6% of it's missing.

Organizers of this rally say the issue is an extension of discrimination against Indigenous people.

00:21:33 話者 51/Nicole Matthews/CEO, Minnesota Indian Women's Sexual Assault Coalition

They're looking at the colour of your skin. They're looking at facial characteristics.

They're looking at hair, texture, and color, and they're just taking people.

Make America great again is code for make America white again.

And you know what? America was never white.

We were always, this land belongs to the native people.

We are the indigenous people of this land. This is not about immigration.

I think we have to look deeper to understand what this really is.

00:22:05 話者 6

President Donald Trump named Markwayne Mullen to replace Kristi Noem as the Secretary of the Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE.

The move came amid growing criticism of the heavy-handed crackdown.

Mullen is the second Native American in US history to serve as a Cabinet Secretary.

00:22:28 話者 1

Some Native Americans have welcomed the decision to place Mullen in this role.

There is also attention on whether he will change how ICE is managed.

♪

WEATHER

It's time to check the world weather with our meteorologist, Jonathan Oh.

So, Jonathan, signs of spring are popping up in parts of Europe, but then problems are also popping up. What can you tell us?

00:23:18 話者 9/Jonathan Oh

Hello, we're seeing the temperatures and the mercury starting to rise around Europe, and that's helping to bring some of the flowers out and about.

But at the same time, it's also leading to some issues on the ground.

And I want to show you some video coming out of Moscow, where it's certainly feeling like spring as temperatures are hitting new records this season.

The Associated Press reporting that highs rose above 17 degrees Celsius in the capital Tuesday, making March the warmest on record.

However, that's causing ice to melt rapidly, which is leading to rivers

flooding around Moscow.

The regional emergency services said over 100 settlements have been affected.

Forecasters are predicting that temperatures in the first few days of April could exceed the seasonal norm by 7 degrees or more.

So it looks like we're going to be talking about that warmer pattern as we go forward throughout the the next few days.

Now, in other parts of Europe, down toward the south, a couple of low pressure systems around the Mediterranean, bringing in some rain, even some thunderstorms into the region.

So that's going to be the story spreading from Italy over into Turkey as we go throughout the day on Wednesday.

15 in Rome, 16 in Athens, 17 in Istanbul. Sunny skies into places like Berlin, Vienna, Moscow topping up at 18 as we go through Wednesday.

Meanwhile, we saw a wave of rain on Tuesday. We're seeing another wave of rain moving through on Wednesday because of a couple low pressure systems rolling across Japan.

So you'll need to have the umbrellas nearby.

The winds are going to be a part of the story overnight into the day on Thursday.

And once this low just zips on toward the east, we're going to be seeing things clearing out.

So we'll have a window of about a day to a day and a half of sunnier conditions late Thursday in places like Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, a couple of days of dry weather.

The weekend shows up, and so does the rain.

I mean, more rain coming up into the picture on Saturday and Sunday.

So if you want to try to get a glimpse of the cherry blossoms, you want to try to get that through the window on Thursday into Friday, because by the time you're going to Saturday and Sunday, it's going to get wet once again.

That looks at your forecast. Hope you have a good day wherever you are.

NEW EMPLOYEES WELCOMED AT JAPANESE AQUARIUM

00:26:40 話者 1

And before we go, smartly dressed new employees of an aquarium in central Japan have made their debut in a large tank filled with fish and turtles.

Five new keepers at Toba Aquarium in Mie Prefecture were welcomed on Tuesday, the day before the start of the new fiscal year.

The aquarium head gave a speak from outside the tank.

He told them to work hard with gratitude because their dreams of becoming aquarium keepers came true, thanks to the help of many people.

One of the new hires spoke through an underwater microphone.

(Japanese)

That's one ceremony to remember.

And that wraps up this edition of NHA News and we'll have more for you soon.

Thanks for watching.

NHK World

00:28:01 話者 10

This is NHK World Japan English Radio Service Here's a frequency notice 

The broadcast at 14 hours UTC for Southeast Asia is on 11.800 MHz.

Once again The broadcast at 14 hours UTC for Southeast Asia is on 11.800 MHz.

For more details of our programs, please check our website at nhk.jp/rj. nhk.jp/rj.

We're always pleased to receive your comments and suggestions through our website.

checked.

at 18:00 (JST), March 31

20260331180000_english_1.mp3

 00:00:09 話者 1

Welcome back to NHK News Line. Here's the latest we have for you at this hour.

IRAN CONFLICT
WSJ: TRUMP MAY END OPERATION WITHOUT REOPENING STRAIT

US President Donald Trump is reportedly considering ending the conflict with Iran without reopening the Strait of Hormuz. That's according to a new Wall Street Journal report.

It cited unnamed administration officials who say Trump may leave reopening the Key waterway to a later date. The strait has been effectively closed due to the conflict.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Monday that negotiations with the Iranian side are ongoing, though Tehran previously denied that any direct talks have taken place.

00:00:50 話者 11/Karoline Leavitt

If the Iranians reject this golden opportunity, the greatest military in the history of the world continues to stand by to provide President Trump with every option available to ensure this regime continues to pay a grave price.

00:01:05 話者 1

She said the US timeline for the operation remains unchanged at four to six weeks.

The Wall Street Journal report suggests reopening the strait would take even longer.

It says that may be why Trump is opting for diplomatic pressure instead.

All this comes as the US has been ramping up in other ways.

It has deployed a rapid response force to the area.

Some observers believe Washington will try to seize control of Kharg Island, Iran's largest oil shipment hub in the Persian Gulf.

Iran's parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Bagheer Ghalibaf, has vowed to fight back.

He claims the US is passing off its desires as fact and threatening his nation.

He claimed that is a big mistake.

IRAN CONFLICT
JAPAN PM TELLS TASK FORCE TO SECURE STABLE OIL PRODUCTS SUPPLY

Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae has told a newly launched government task force to ensure stable supplies of oil-related products.

The government held a meeting of relevant cabinet ministers at the Prime Minister's office on Tuesday amid the continuing Middle East conflict.

00:02:11 話者 2/Takaichi Sanae

The government should secure the essential amounts of crude oil and oil products that will be needed across Japan. It should also diversify procurement sources.

00:02:22 話者 1

The task force is centered around Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Akazawa Yosei, who on Monday was assigned the responsibility of securing stable amounts of key materials.

The Prime Minister said that stable supplies of oil derivatives, including NAFTA, need to be guaranteed. NAFTA is widely used in health care, farming and packaging.

Takaichi also noted that medical-related products now sourced from Asia, such as plastic items used in dialysis, should be procured from across the world.

She says sufficient fuel should be delivered to the manufacturing, farming and fishing industries, as well as bus and ferry services.

Takaichi indicated that she hopes to cooperate with other Asian economies.

She also called for a thorough examination of the current supply situation for crucial materials and developing plans to ensure a stable supply.

JAPAN, INDONESIA AGREE TO WORK CLOSELY ON ENERGY SECURITY

Japan and Indonesia have confirmed that they will work closely on energy security in view of recent developments in the Middle East.

Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi met with visiting Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto at the State Guesthouse in Tokyo on Tuesday.

00:03:39 話者 2

I'm very pleased about progress in various efforts between Japan and Indonesia in economic and security fields.

I hope our two countries will make the region strong and prosperous to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific.

00:03:59 話者 1

Prabowo, meanwhile, said at the outset of the meeting that Indonesia and Japan are close friends and strategic partners.

He said that as the geopolitical situation around the world becomes more complex, Indonesia and Japan must promote stability and play a role in resolving problems.

In economic areas, they agreed to foster the development of personnel in the fields of artificial intelligence and energy and resources such as critical minerals and nuclear power.

They also plan to cooperate in the maritime sector, including the promotion of fisheries industries.

On security, Takaichi and Prabowo plan to strengthen cooperation through Japan's official security assistance.

The program provides the armed forces of like-minded countries with defense equipment and other items.

The two leaders confirmed they will cooperate to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific.

They also exchanged views on the South China Sea and North Korea.

PHILIPPINES GETS DIESEL FROM JAPAN AMID FUEL SHORTAGE

The Philippines government says it has received a shipment of diesel from Japan.

This comes as the Southeast Asian nation struggles with a severe energy shortage.

The Department of Energy announced on Monday that 142,000 barrels arrived on March 26. It said the diesel was purchased by a state-run oil company.

More than 90 percent of the Philippines' crude oil imports come from the Middle East.

Fuel prices have been rising since the start of US-Israeli attacks on Iran.

The situation prompted the Philippine government to declare a national energy emergency this month.

Officials have been in talks to secure supplies from other nations.

The Department of Energy said a combined total of around one million barrels of diesel has been secured for delivery through April.

Malaysia, Singapore and India are also among the sources.

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin told reporters that the government will work with the nation's embassies to make sure that supply contracts are honored.

BLOSSOMS HIT FULL BLOOM ACROSS MUCH OF JAPAN

Weather officials say cherry blossoms across Japan bloomed several days earlier than average this year. And sakura spots around Tokyo are now bustling with visitors.

That means a centuries-old tradition that takes people on boats to view the blossoms should be booming.

But industry leaders say the sudden rise in the price of oil is casting a shadow over this sakura season.

NHK World's Murata Riho tells us more.

00:06:44 話者 3/Murata Riho

It's one of Tokyo's most popular places to soak up the blossoms.

Sumida Park is busting, but a fair number of visitors are taking in the sights from a different vantage point.

They're aboard a yakata bune, a traditional pleasure boat.

which will take them down the river.

Boating trips like these date back to even before medieval times, when aristocrats enjoyed music and poetry reading.

Taking a ride on the yakata bune prospered as a leisure activity during the Edo period, when the boats became more decorative and the wealthy watched fireworks or held tea ceremonies. Eventually, the practice evolved into its modern-day form.

The cherry blossom season is one of the busiest times of year for those tour operators.

This one here already has about 5,000 reservations for the brief two-week period when the trees are in bloom.

(Japanese)

Today, Yakatabune ride are popular among tourists who want to see Sumida's blossoms dotting the riverside, while enjoying sashimi, tempura, and a good bit of sake.

00:08:11 話者 12

I heard that cherry blossoms will be in full bloom today, so I feel very comfortable.

But I might be enjoying this food more than I'm looking at the blossoms.

00:08:21 話者 13

I'm glad to be on the Yakata Bune boat.

I'm appreciative for the people that enable us to be here.

00:08:30 話者 3

But while it's a party on that boat, the company offices are a different story.

Gas prices have shot up suddenly, leaving this tour business in a bind.

The cruise company says it needs an average of 16,000 liters of diesel a month to operate its boats. 

With costs up by 30 yen, or 20 cents a liter, they're taking a major hit.

The company says its guests reserve tickets as early as two months before cherry blossom season.

Since customers pay at the time of booking, it's hard to pass on the increased costs.

And it's not just a raw fuel.

A tour company like this has to worry about food and drink prices, too.

In fact, all of his operating costs are at risk of going way up.

If the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed, sticker shock is a real possibility.

The head of the company says so far, the vendors he buys from are holding off raising prices. But if the situation in Iran drags on, they might have to.

And because of that, he says he could be forced to raise the costs of a cruise ticket.

00:09:46 話者 4/Yasuda Susumu/CEO, Harumiya

If the oil price keeps rising, it will put a strain on our business, so we hope the situation settles down soon.

00:09:53 話者 3

Boat tours along the Sumida River continue long after the flowers have fallen.

The cruises happen year-round, taking visitors across Tokyo to see the sights, no matter the season. But operators are now left waiting and watching the market.

The tradition of viewing cherry blossom from boats date back over a thousand years.

But if the surge in oil prices keep eating into profit margins, the future of the industry is uncertain.

Murata Riho, NHK World, Tokyo.

BUSINESS

00:10:29 話者 1

Now let's see what's happening in the world of business.

Here's Ramin Mellegard from The Biz Desk.

00:10:35 話者 5/Ramin Mellegard

Thank you very much indeed.

IRAN CONFLICT
NIKKEI 225 FALLS FOR 4TH DAY AFTER VOLATILE TRADING

Now, Japan's benchmark stock index fell for a fourth straight day on Tuesday after a volatile session. Investors see no clear sign of an end to the conflict in the Middle East.

The Nikkei 225 lost nearly 1.6 percent to close at 51,063.

Shares dropped sharply from the start of trading.

They briefly rebounded following a media report that US President Trump wants the military campaign against Iran to take four to six weeks.

The Nikkei has declined 13 percent in March after setting an all-time closing high on February 27. That was the day before the United States and Israel attacked Iran.

IRAN CONFLICT
JAPAN GOVT. TO TAKE STEPS TO SECURE OIL-DERIVATIVES

The Japanese government is launching efforts to ensure stable supplies of oil-related products amid growing concern about the impact of the Middle East conflict on them.

The oil derivatives include NAFTA and are used in a wide range of industries such as healthcare and farming.

The government will seek to diversify procurement of medical-related products, including plastic items used in dialysis, syringes, gloves and aprons.

Japan currently obtains many of them from Asia, but will look for other sources around the world.

Plans are also being drawn up to ensure transport operators, manufacturers and farmers and fishers have sufficient fuel.

Now on Monday, Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae delegated responsibility for stably securing key materials to Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Akazawa Ryosei.

Akazawa said Japan has sufficient crude oil overall, but there have been imbalances in supply and clogged distribution.

He pledged to work to ensure supplies without disruption.

IRAN CONFLICT
PRICE SURGES HIT DAILY LIFE IN JAPAN

Now, the impact of higher prices for crude oil and other products caused by the conflict in Iran is increasingly being felt in Japan.

Public bus operators are struggling to procure fuel, and farmers expect fertilizer to get even more expensive.

Senior officials representing six cities, including Kobe, Kyoto, and Nagoya, visited the transport ministry on Monday.

They submitted a request to ensure stable fuel supplies and provide financial assistance to public transport operators.

Kobe Mayor Hisamoto Kizo said diesel prices in Kobe and Kyoto have doubled, and the local administrations do not have the means to resolve the problem alone.

00:13:22 話者 6/Hisamoto Kizo/Kobe Mayor

We hope the ministry will help secure enough diesel so that bus operations, a key means of transport, will not be disrupted.

00:13:29 話者 5

The National Federation of Agricultural Cooperative Associations said higher fertilizer prices for this fall's planting and beyond will be inevitable if the cost of raw materials remains high.

00:13:44 話者 6/Omoto Hideki/National Federation of Agricultural Cooperative Associations

We will negotiate to prevent a blow to the production costs of farmers, but it will be extremely difficult.

00:13:53 話者 5

Agriculture Ministry figures show international prices of urea, a key ingredient of fertilizers, rose more than 50 percent in March from February.

About 40 percent of global urea exports come from the Middle East.

KASHIWAZAKI-KARIWA NUCLEAR PLANT
TEPCO ASKS TO START COMMERCIAL OPERATION OF REACTOR IN APRIL

The operator of a nuclear power plant in Japan's Niigata Prefecture has formally asked for permission to bring one of its reactors online in April.

Tokyo Electric Power submitted the request to the Nuclear Regulation Authority on Monday.

It aims to start commercial operation of reactor number six at its Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant on April 16. That would be the first time since March 2012.

TEPCO reactivated the reactor in January. It has been conducting checks ahead of the start of commercial operation, which had been planned for March 18.

But the date was pushed back after a damaged component of an electrical leak detection device triggered an alarm earlier in the month.

TEPCO said it replaced the component and resolved the problem, the reactor has been running at full capacity.

The company said the resumption of commercial operations at the plant will bolster power supplies to users, including those in the Tokyo metropolitan area.

FOREIGN STARTUPS SET SIGHTS ON JAPAN

Japan's startup scene is relatively small by global standards, but the country is on its way to becoming the place to be for foreign entrepreneurs who see a growing demand for new ideas across many industries.

00:15:33 話者 22

Tokyo's Shibuya district is a world-renowned spot for visitors, but the vibrant area is attracting more than just tourists.

In February, 10 startups based outside Japan took part in an event there to showcase their technologies.

00:15:53 話者 25/Jia Shen/Co-Founder, Shisa.Al

Shibuya has technology, it has art, it has music, it has fashion.

We're able to intersect with so many other industries that we wouldn't be able to if we were in San Francisco.

00:16:04 話者 22

This Canadian firm develops artificial intelligence partners that can converse with humans. Shown on the screen is an avatar of a virtual person.

00:16:15 話者 27

Hello, I'm Companion.

00:16:17 話者 22

The avatar can read the emotions of people it interacts with. The company sees the system being used at tourist sites, museums and other locations in Japan.

00:16:29 話者 28/David Rouxel/CEO & Co-Founder, Renraku Dynamics

I know that you love robots, you love avatars, you love gaming.

So I think there's a good match.

00:16:37 話者 22

Overseas entrepreneurs are also eyeing Japan's regional areas.

00:16:42 話者 23

Welcome to Hokkaido.

00:16:44 話者 22

A business pitch event was held in Hokkaido, attended by companies from countries including the United States, Canada and South Korea.

00:16:55 話者 24

Hokkaido is described as a hotspot of Japan's social problems, facing population decline, aging communities and deteriorating infrastructure.

00:17:05 話者 22

The event was organized by a US venture capital firm. 310 companies from around the world offered to help resolve the challenges facing the prefecture.

Eleven were selected.

Worker shortages and rapidly aging communities are issues any country can face.

Being able to conduct experiments in real-life situations is a major draw for the participants.

Travis Peterson works for a Canadian firm that develops sensor technology to monitor elderly people.

The systems can be installed in the homes of seniors living alone.

Alerts can be sent to their families when something unusual, such as a fall, is detected.

Local businesses are beginning to take notice of such start-ups.

This elderly care facility has cooperated in the company's demonstrations.

00:18:09 話者 25

Thank you.

00:18:10 話者 22

The facility houses 34 people with just seven staffs, there are many challenges.

00:18:19 話者 26/Care manager

There is a limit to watching over the residents with a small number of staff, so a sensor like this can give us a feeling of security.

00:18:28 話者 22

Peterson hopes to set up a base in Japan and sell its technology in other countries as well.

00:18:36 話者 29/Travis Peterson/CCO, Pontosense

I think we want to understand if there's any unique challenges that maybe we aren't aware in terms of deploying the technology so that we can make those changes, those improvements.

So our goal is really to go across anyone in the world that needs it, especially in Japan.

00:18:52 話者 22

From innovation-driven urban centres to regional communities tackling social issues, Japan is emerging as a promising environment for overseas startups.

MARKETS

00:19:08 話者 5

Okay, let's go to check on the markets.

♪

And that is it for business news.

DISPLACED FUKUSHIMA RESIDENTS KEEP MEMORIES ALIVE

00:20:08 話者 1

Next, we look at how decontamination work after the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant has been affecting local residents.

A facility to temporarily store soil and waste removed during the work was built on land where homes once stood.

The residents may not be able to return until 2045, the deadline of taking the waste outside the prefecture for final disposal.

Faced with such a long wait, some are working to leave behind reminders that they once lived there.

00:20:44 話者 7/Narrator: Shimizu Risa

A memorial monument stands just outside the interim storage facility.

It was commissioned by 81-year-old Yamaguchi Mitsuyoshi, who used to live nearby.

Like other local residents, Yamaguchi was forced to evacuate after the nuclear accident.

The monument bears the names of those who died without being able to return.

00:21:10 話者 6/Yamaguchi Mitsuyoshi

We had to evacuate and couldn't come back.

I think everyone hoped to return, so I at least wanted to leave their names behind.

00:21:19 話者 7

The site where Yamaguchi's home once stood is now part of the interim storage facility.

00:21:30 話者 6

I can see where my house used to be. It's visible just between those houses over there.

00:21:38 話者 7

Wanting to get as close as possible, three years ago, Yamaguchi bought land near the monument.

He plans to build a new home and spend the rest of his days there.

00:21:53 話者 6

My old land won't be returned until 2045. I'll be 100 by then.

And realistically, I'm not going to wait around that long.

But when I'm here, it feels like I've already come home.

So I don't mind even if I'm by myself.

As long as I can still move, I'll keep at it, though I don't know how many years I have left.

00:22:21 話者 7

Some people continue to visit areas within the interim storage facility to keep the memory of their hometown alive.

77-year-old Watanabe Masakatsu is one of them.

Several times a year, he and other former residents apply for permission to return.

They have rebuilt a local shrine that was damaged by the earthquake in 2011 and continue to look after it.

Last November, Watanabe planted 8 wild cherry trees there, replacing ones that had been lost.

00:23:00 話者 4/Watanabe Masakatsu

For the past 15 years, many people have said they won't go back to the town because there's nothing left.

So if even a small part of the landscape from before the disaster remains and is preserved, I think that would be a good thing.

00:23:18 話者 7

There were traditional New Year bonfires and bon dances in summer.

The shrine was a focal point for the local community.

00:23:28 話者 4

We used to hold festivals along that road in front of the shrine. Around that area, with the green tarpaulin over there, people used to grow strawberries and asparagus.

00:23:44 話者 7

Nearly two decades remain until the material being stored here is finally disposed of outside the prefecture.

00:23:52 話者 4

We don't know what this area will be like 20 years from now, but I think we should do what we can now so we can pass it on properly to the next generation.

I hope the cherry trees will become a place for people to retrace old memories.

00:24:13 話者 7

Watanabe doesn't know if he will live to see the day people can live here again.

but he hopes the cherry trees will serve as a lasting reminder of those like him who once called this place home.

WEATHER

00:24:33 話者 1

It is time for us to check the weather with our meteorologist, Jonathan Oh.

So, Jonathan, it was a weird mix of warm, wet, windy Tuesday in Japan, but how are things looking for the rest of the week?

00:24:46 話者 8/Jonathan Oh

Hello, we did see temperatures on the warm side, but it was definitely on the wet side and windy as well.

We saw it in Tokyo, but also places like Hamamatsu saw rain of 107 millimeters in just 12 hours in the Ki Peninsula over in Cape Shiono, gusts reaching up to 92 kilometers per hour.

And the reason is because we have a low pressure system that is moving through the country.

And as it continues to do so, it will help to bring in the warm air from the south and wrap around that moisture. And so we'll see a wet Wednesday for at least part of the day.

But that's not the end of the story. We look back toward the West, where we saw that low originally coming from over near southern areas of China.

Another push of moisture will be coming through by the time we go into Thursday.

And so for those of you who are saying, we want a chance to look at the cherry blossoms.

It looks like it's going to be a little bit harder, at least if you want to stay dry for the next couple of days.

Then we look toward Friday. 

Thursday to Friday, we have a little bit of a window where we're going to see dry weather and temperatures some places in the 20s from Tokyo into Fukuoka.

And then the weekend comes and the rain comes back to the picture once again.

And also with the wind as part of the equation, some of the flowers, the blossoms may be flying through the air as well.

So a bit of a hit and miss situation for the next few days when it comes to the cherry blossom viewing.

Meanwhile, we're talking about some strong, severe thunderstorms taking place into the central areas of the United States.

Low pressure system with the cold front pushing on through, these white big dots popping up or these hot spots where storms are just popping up.

And some of these are severe or strong to severe rating possibilities as we go throughout the day on Tuesday.

So you want to be weather aware near the Great Lakes as that low pressure system pushes on through.

If you look back toward the west, low pressure system also bringing some wet weather into places like Denver as we go through Tuesday with a high of 15.

Thunderstorms from Toronto into Chicago, Atlanta looking at 28 with these thunderstorms as well.

And because of that system, very warm air ahead of it as the cold front pushes on through.

Hope you have a good day wherever you are.

00:27:40 話者 1

And that's all we have for this edition of NHK Newsline.

We'll have more for you at the top of the hour. Thanks for joining us.

NHK World

00:28:01 話者 9

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