at 18:00 (JST), March 27

20260327180000_english_1.mp3

 00:00:09 話者 1

It's a Friday evening here in Japan. I'm James Tengan in Tokyo.

Welcome to NHK Newsline.

IRAN CONFLICT
TRUMP AGAIN SUSPENDS ATTACKS ON ENERGY FACILITIES

There's more contradictory information about the conflict in Iran.

US President Donald Trump says he is for the second time suspending attacks on Iran's energy facilities. It's for 10 days.

He says Tehran requested it and he approved it because several oil tankers have been allowed to pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

But Iranian officials reportedly say they did not ask for it.

00:00:38 話者 10/Donald Trump

They are begging to make a deal, not me. They're begging to make a deal.

And anybody that saw what was happening over there would understand why they want to make a deal.

00:00:49 話者 1

Trump held a cabinet meeting Thursday. He says the US side includes his son-in-law, Jared Kushner, Special Envoy Steve Witkoff, and Vice President J.D. Vance.

CNN reports that Tehran told Washington through informal channels that it wants Vance to lead the talks.

Witkoff confirms that the US presented a 15-point action list that would form the framework of a peace deal.

00:01:14 話者 2/Steve Witkoff/US Special Envoy

I can say this.

We will see where things lead, and if we can convince Iran that this is the inflection point with no good alternatives for them, other than more death and destruction.

We have strong signs that this is a possibility.

00:01:33 話者 1

The Wall Street Journal reports Iranian officials have told mediators that they're interested in negotiations. But the country's leadership has yet to deliver a final decision.

Iran's Tasnim news agency reports that Tehran sent a formal response through mediators.

It reportedly demands an end to attacks, compensation for losses, and a reaffirmation of sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.

Despite the pause, the Trump administration appears to be thinking about what could come next.

It's reportedly preparing additional military options for a so-called final blow in Iran.

US news website Axios reports that the Pentagon is discussing scenarios including invading or blocking Kharg Island. Iran's main oil export hub.

But Axio says White House officials describe any potential ground operations as hypothetical.

WOMAN FATALLY STABBED IN TOKYO'S IKEBUKURO DISTRICT

A 21-year-old woman is dead after being stabbed while working at a pokémon store in Tokyo on Thursday. The man who attacked her is also dead after stabbing himself.

The police have identified the assailant as 26-year-old Hirokawa Taiki, who was the victim's ex-boyfriend.

At the pokémon Center Mega Tokyo shop in the Ikebukuro district, a notice of the shop's temporary closure has been posted.

00:02:55 話者 11

We woke up earlier to actually visit on the opening time.

The reason why it's closed is kind of horrible, so yeah, we were shocked about that.

00:03:06 話者 1

The woman worked at the shop as a part-time clerk.

Police say the victim and Hirokawa started dating two years ago, but broke up.

The police also say the woman had asked them for protection in December last year after reporting Hirokawa had been stalking her.

He was arrested on suspicion of violating the anti-stalking law.

At the end of January, the police issued a prohibition order to Hirokawa.

The following day, he was summarily indicted for violating the anti-stalking law and on other charges, but was later released.

Police say they implemented protection measures as effectively as they could.

These included relocating her to her relative's home and asking her to set up a security camera at her house.

SUICIDES BY SCHOOLCHILDREN IN JAPAN HIT RECORD IN 2025

While the total number of suicides in Japan fell to a record low last year, the number of schoolchildren in the country who took their own lives reached a new peak of 538.

Health and welfare ministry statistics show 356 high school students, 172 junior high school students, and 10 elementary school children took their own lives.

Suicides by school children hit the highest since comparative figures became available in 1980.

Suicides by female junior high and high school students have been increasing since suddenly rising in 2020. Health problems such as depression appear to be growing causes.

The government says it will discuss introducing new approaches such as AI-assisted counseling sessions in tackling increasing cases of suicides by minors.

Meanwhile, the total number of suicides last year was 19,188, falling below the 20,000 mark for the first time since recordkeeping began in 1978.

Health problems were cited as the cause in the largest number of suicides, but the number of such cases has recently been declining.

By contrast, economic and livelihood issues that include financial hardship and having multiple debts have been increasing since the current calculation method was introduced in 2022.

Those factors have also been cited in a soaring number of cases involving people in their 20s.

Ministry officials say measures must be implemented to support people in need, while noting that the reasons behind suicides are diverse and complex.

The ministry says a counseling service is available on the Yorisoi hotline at 0120-279-338.

For consultations in languages other than Japanese, press 2 after the initial message.

The number is not accessible outside Japan.

JAPAN TO REQUIRE 10 YEARS OF RESIDENCY FOR CITIZENSHIP

The Japanese government is making it harder to get citizenship.

Starting next month, applicants will need to have lived in Japan for at least 10 years in order to fulfill one of the requirements.

The Justice Minister said on Friday that foreign nationals will also have to be well integrated into society to be granted Japanese citizenship.

The current required residency period is five years.

The government and ruling parties had been discussing extending it, as one method of getting permanent residency requires double that number.

00:06:32 話者 4/Hiraguchi Hiroshi/Japanese Justice Minister

There have been criticisms that acquiring Japanese nationality is easier than obtaining permanent residency.

The government will continue to conduct strict screenings on a case-by-case basis under the new operational rules.

00:06:52 話者 1

The government will also extend the period for checking that candidates have paid taxes to confirm their good conduct and ability to make a living.

BUSINESS

Now for the latest on the business and financial fronts with Gene Otani.

00:07:08 話者 5/Gene Otani

James, thanks.

IRAN CONFLICT
JAPAN TO PAUSE MEASURE TO LIMIT COAL-FIRED ENERGY

The Japanese government says it will pause a measure aimed at limiting the operation of coal-fired power plants.

This comes as the conflict in Iran threatens the supply of liquefied natural gas, or LNG, used mostly in power plants.

Coal-fired power generation emits more greenhouse gases than other types of thermal energy, including LNG. Japan receives about 11 percent of its LNG from the Middle East.

The government has been withholding some subsidies for operators of coal-fired plants when the operation rate tops 50 percent, but the government says it will suspend the measure throughout fiscal 2026 starting in April.

The move goes against the government's policy of decarbonization, but it apparently places priority on ensuring stable power supply.

MAGLEV LINE CONSTRUCTION MAY START IN SHIZUOKA IN 2026

A significant hurdle blocking Japan's first intercity high-speed maglev train line appears to have been cleared.

Officials in the central prefecture of Shizuoka have approved technical plans by a major railway operator to start building the line within their jurisdiction.

00:08:28 話者 24/Hiraki Sho/Shizuoka Vice Governor

If Central Japan Railway meets the conditions that we have requested, construction could begin in Shizuoka Prefecture by the end of the year.

00:08:40 話者 5

Work has been underway on other parts of the line between Shinagawa in Tokyo and Nagoya in central Japan.

But construction has not started in Shizuoka due to environmental and biodiversity concerns.

Members of a government panel have been holding discussions with the rail operator.

Their endorsement indicates that all 28 categories of concern put forward by the prefecture have been addressed by the company.

Japan's transport minister welcomed the progress.

00:09:13 話者 5/Kaneko Yasushi/Japanese Transport Minister

It is deeply impressive that the two sides have reached a major milestone in their dialogue.

I feel that there is finally a prospect for the early start of construction in Shizuoka, which is a serious issue affecting the opening of the section between Shinagawa and Nagoya.

00:09:35 話者 5

Kaneko is scheduled to inspect construction work on a station in Kanagawa Prefecture near Tokyo on Saturday.

FOREIGN WORKERS IN RESTAURANT INDUSTRY TO SOON HIT LIMIT

The number of foreign workers allowed to work in Japan's restaurant industry under a special government program is expected to soon reach its limit.

Over 800,000 people in 19 industrial fields are slated to come from abroad through the specified skilled worker system by March 2029.

Each sector has a cap on recruitment. Officials said on Friday that the food service industry will surpass its limit of 50,000 workers as soon as May.

They will temporarily stop issuing the Certificate of Eligibility needed to enter Japan from April 13.

This will be the first suspension since the government revised the system in January.

The Agriculture Ministry says that restaurants face a dire shortage of workers amid an increase in inbound visitors. Many are turning to the program to secure staff.

The Immigration Services Agency says that it will discuss resuming the issuance of certificates when the number of foreign workers drops to a certain level.

BIZ PICKS

Next, NHK World's Yanaka Marie is here with BizPicks.

00:11:04 話者 3/Yanaka Marie

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

On Tuesday, China's National Bureau of Statistics will announce the Purchasing Managers' Index for March.

It's a gauge of sentiment in manufacturing and service industries.

ANALYST: IRAN CONFLICT DARKENS MOOD AT JAPANESE COMPANIES

On Wednesday, the Bank of Japan will release its quarterly Tankan survey of business sentiment, and that's what we're focusing on this time.

Nakamura Kanako, an economist at the Daiwan Institute of Research, gave us her forecast for the March survey.

She expects business sentiment to recover for manufacturers and worsen for non-manufacturers.

00:11:48 話者 6/Nakamura Kanako/Economist, Daiwa Institute of Research

For manufacturers, improving revenue on the back of a weak yen, as well as steady AI and semiconductor-related demand, will likely push up business sentiment.

The machinery industry, in particular, is expected to benefit hugely from the weaker currency due to its high percentage of exports.

At the same time, strong demand for semiconductors will boost business for chemical and electric machinery makers that supply materials and equipment for chip production.

00:12:21 話者 3

But Nakamura's outlook beyond March is not so rosy.

She says escalating tension in the Middle East and deteriorating Japan-China relations are likely to have an adverse impact on a wide range of industries.

00:12:41 話者 6

For manufacturers, there are concerns over the rising price of crude oil, as well as procurement costs due to supply constraints.

Companies that depend on oil, coal products, and chemicals affected by raw material costs are most at risk.

Moves by China to restrict exports of rare earth elements to Japan and uncertainty over Trump's tariff measures are likely to cause automakers and other industries to be more cautious in their business outlook.

00:13:12 話者 3

For non-manufacturers, Nakamura believes the decline in Chinese tourists coming to Japan will hit accommodation, food, and beverage industries in the March report.

Weak demand from incoming travelers will also hurt revenue at airlines and railway companies.

Looking further ahead, the analyst points to another cloud handing over Japanese companies.

00:13:38 話者 6

Business sentiment is expected to worsen for the construction and real estate industries due to a serious labor shortage.

Meanwhile, surging crude oil prices could re-accelerate inflation and push up costs for a wide range of industries.

This is likely to impact small and medium-sized companies more than large corporations.

00:14:03 話者 3

Nakamura says prolonged conflict in the Middle East will further squeeze supply chains.

She cautions companies need to start restructuring to avoid operational risks.

I'm Yanaka Marie, and that wraps it up for this week's Biz Picks.

00:14:20 話者 5

Marie, thanks.

MARKETS

All right, let's have a look at the markets.

♪

And that's it for Business News.

♫

JAPAN DESTROYER GETS UPGRADE TO LAUNCH TOMAHAWK MISSILES

00:15:20 話者 1

A ceremony has been held to mark the completion of modifications to a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer to enable it to launch US-made Tomahawk missiles.

Chokai, stationed at Sasebo Base in southern Japan, is the first Japanese destroyer to undergo upgrades to launch Tomahawks.

The American cruise missile, with a range of about 1,600 kilometers, will be part of Japan's counter-strike capabilities.

About 200 people, including crew members, took part in the ceremony on Thursday.

It was held on the ship's deck at a naval base in San Diego, California, where the modification work was conducted.

00:16:03 話者 24/Vice Adm. Goka Yoshihiro/MSDF Fleet Surface Force Commander

The acquisition is critically important to strengthen the overall deterrence and response capabilities of the Japan and US alliance under the increasingly severe security environment.

00:16:14 話者 1

Officials say Chokai will conduct firing tests using tomahawks by August this year and return to Japan in mid-September.

JAPAN, EU TO STRENGTHEN DIALOGUE ON SECURITY, DEFENSE

Japan and the European Union have agreed to further strengthen cooperation and dialogue in a wide range of areas related to security and defense.

Japan's Foreign Minister Moteki Toshimitsu and EU Foreign Policy Chief Kaya Kallas talked for over an hour in France on Thursday on the sidelines of a G7 foreign ministerial meeting.

00:16:46 話者 31/Kaja Kallas/EU foreign policy chief

In this very difficult geopolitical environment, our cooperation is increasingly more important.

00:16:56 話者 34/Moteki Toshimitsu

In addition to economic and trade, I hope to take the relationship to new highs in the fields of politics and security.

00:17:06 話者 1

Moteki conveyed Japan's intention to deepen strategic coordination with the EU and its member countries.

Areas include the defense industry and strengthening supply chains, particularly those for critical minerals.

Moteki and Kallas also discussed the situation in the Indo-Pacific region.

They focused on how to respond to North Korea as well as Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

They also exchanged views on the conditions in the Middle East and agreed to continue close cooperation.

♫～

JAPAN LAYS OUT PLANS TO HELP PREVENT BEAR ATTACKS

The Japanese government has announced a bear control plan that aims to capture more of the animals.

The move follows a spate of bear attacks in many parts of the country last year.

A meeting of cabinet ministers, headed by Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihada Minoru, decided on the measures on Friday. They will stay in place through fiscal 2030.

The plan will bolster efforts to capture the animals in and near populated areas.

Each region will have its own target. The plan will nearly triple the number of local government officials engaged in efforts to capture bears.

It also sets targets for equipment and personnel deployment, including almost doubling the number of box traps to 10,000.

00:19:24 話者 41/Kihara Minoru/Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary

We will work urgently to capture the animals this spring, when bear activity is expected to increase after hibernation.

00:19:37 話者 1

Kihara says the countermeasures aim to separate human and bear habitats.

SUCKER FOR PUNCH

A baby monkey living at a zoo near Tokyo has become one of the year's biggest viral sensations so far.

People around the world fell in love with Punch and his toy orangutan after images spread online.

And as NHK World's Kurumadani Ikumi tells us, the little guy is still drawing big crowds.

SUCKER FOR PUNCH: VIRAL MONKEY DRAWS CROWDS AT JAPANESE ZOO

00:20:06 話者 7/Kurumadani Ikumi

Even when he's not with his staffed companion, Punch, Japan-sized Japanese macaque, is still a star.

Ever since he became famous, long lines form outside Ichikawa City Zoo each morning.

Vegetables from all over are flocking to Monkey Mountain to Sea Punch.

00:20:29 話者 71

It's my first time, so I'm so excited.

00:20:33 話者 72

It is really trending in Canada.

00:20:36 話者 7

Punch was born at the zoo last year, and he was abandoned by his mother shortly after.

Zookeepers gave him a stuffed ape as the kind of surrogate mother.

Images of Punch clinging to the toy took the internet by storm.

And now, he's developed quite the fan base.

Ichikawa Kaori travels two hours from Tokyo each week to visit him.

00:21:08 話者 73/Ichikawa Kaori

I saw him on X and wanted to see him in person because he's so cute.

00:21:17 話者 7

Ichikawa's videos of Panchi have also gained traction.

One showing Panchi,

Sound asleep on his staffed toy got almost 1 million views and about 60,000 likes.

00:21:36 話者 73

I casually posted the video because I thought the images were cute.

I was very surprised that my post received so many reactions.

00:21:47 話者 7

His misfit story has resonated across cultures. While posts are met with the hashtag #CheerUpPanchi or the Japanese equipment #GanBalePanchi.

As he grows older, Panchi is moving on from his toy, and starting to connect with others.

When our crew came to the zoo, he appeared to be bonding with the other monkeys in his exhibit. Fans like Ichikawa are proud of him.

00:22:25 話者 73

He's trying so hard to adapt to the group and it moves my heart.

It also makes me want to cheer him on and watch him grow up.

00:22:37 話者 7

Other fans have raised concerns over videos which appear to show Punchy being picked on. 

Somehow even correct the zoo, stuff have hard to explain. It's just a part of monkey life.

00:22:52 話者 74/Yasunaga Takashi/Ichikawa City Zoo official

In the world of Japanese macaques, it is natural that high-ranking monkeys in the group assert dominance over those with a lower rank.

00:23:06 話者 7

The officials acknowledge they have heard to separate Panchi from some of the other monkeys at times.

But they also say the macaques live mostly peaceful lives, and so visitors shouldn't worry.

00:23:22 話者 74

I think he's smoothly answering the flock, one step at a time.

00:23:27 話者 7

It's hard to say whether fame will fall or punch into adulthood. For now, he's captured the hearts of many, as a lonely little monkey who found comfort in his stuffed animal.

Kurumadani Ikumi NHK World.

♪

WEATHER

00:24:47 話者 1

Now it's time to check out the weather. 

It was a warm and sunny day here in Tokyo, but an umbrella might be needed tonight. 

Here with the details is our meteorologist, Yumi Hirano.

00:24:57 話者 8

Tokyo is getting cloudy with a chance of showers overnight Friday.

The rain will persist into Saturday early morning, but a high pressure system will cover much of the country on Saturday.

And then sunny skies are expected in many cities such as Fukuyoka, Osaka, and Sendai.

Tokyo will also see clear skies after the rain with a high of 19.

Moving to the Middle East, a storm system is sweeping across the peninsula, bringing widespread showers.

One location in Oman recorded over 150 millimeters of rainfall, which is more than seven times the March average and also more than the annual amount in the city.

Severe downpours also hit Dubai, causing disruptions.

Heavy rain flooded Dubai overnight Thursday, leaving streets inundated in the normally dry city.

According to the Associated Press, some cars were left in water Friday morning.

Fire trucks and police were on the streets trying to clear the walls.

Rain has been falling across the country all week as the weather changes before the country's very hot summer.

Scattered intense rains are still likely from Oman to Iran on Friday, so people there should watch out for more flooding.

Finally, across Australia, a severe tropical cyclone just made landfall in Western Australia on Friday afternoon.

The storm is expected to move inland, bringing strong winds and heavy rainfall.

Gusts of about 200 kilometers per hour are possible, potentially causing power outages and infrastructure damage.

That's all for now. Stay safe.

♫～　3-DAY FORECAST　～♫

00:27:40 話者 1

Thanks for watching this edition of NHK Newsline.

More to come here on NHK World Japan, so stay with us.

checked.

at 18:00 (JST), March 26

20260326180000_english_1.mp3

 00:00:09 話者 1

It's a Thursday evening here in Japan.

I'm James Tengan in Tokyo. Welcome to NHK Newsline.

IRAN CONFLICT
CONFLICTING MESSAGES ON PROPOSALS TO END THE FIGHTING

Washington and Tehran have reportedly set conditions to end the conflict in Iran, but there's contradictory information.

The situation remains unclear as both sides continue to fight.

Admiral Brad Cooper is the commander of the US Central Command.

He said in a social media video posted on Wednesday that his country's forces have struck more than 10,000 military targets in Iran.

A US Defense Department official tells NHK that airborne troops are being deployed to support military operations in Iran. They include a combat brigade.

Iran's parliamentary speaker, Mohammad Baghur Ghalibaf, has been posting updates as well.

He says some data suggests that Iranian enemies, with the support of one of the regional countries, are preparing to occupy one of the Iranian islands.

And he warns Iran will relentlessly attack that country's vital infrastructure if it takes any actions.

US President Donald Trump claims that he's holding talks with the Iranian side.

US and Israeli media say Washington sent a 15-point plan to Tehran through Pakistan to end the fighting.

It reportedly includes the opening of the Strait of Hormuz and restrictions on missile programs.

00:01:35 話者 10/Donald Trump

They are negotiating, by the way, and they want to make a deal so badly, but they're afraid to say it because they figure they'll be killed by their own people.

They're also afraid they'll be killed by us.

00:01:48 話者 1

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Arachi denies the talks are happening.

He tells state media that his side received a message from the US side through an intermediary a few days ago.

But he says that's not negotiation or dialogue, just simply an exchange of a message.

He says Iran will continue to resist and protect the country.

Reuters news agency reports that a senior Iranian official says Tehran is still reviewing the US proposal aimed at ending the conflict.

But Iran's Press TV on Wednesday quoted a senior security official as saying that Iran dismissed the draft. It says the official outlined a set of Iran's conditions.

They include a complete halt to acts of aggression and assassinations, reparations, and the recognition of Iran's sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz.

SOUTH KOREA BRACES FOR PROLONGED HIGH OIL PRICES

The conflict in the Persian Gulf continues to cause oil prices to surge around the world.

In South Korea, people are feeling the pinch at the pump sandbiad, and there are concerns it could get worse.

I spoke with NHK World's Kim Chan-ju, who was at a gas station outside Seoul earlier.

So, Chan-ju, how are people in South Korea being affected by these rising prices?

00:03:11 話者 2/Kim Chan-ju

Well, you can see behind me that gasoline at this station is 1,779 won per liter.

That's about one dollar and 18 cents.

Gas prices in South Korea started climbing sharply in early March following the outbreak of hostilities in late February. It's starting to have significant impact on drivers.

00:03:40 話者 22

It's a bit of a burden. It's particularly bad for people who aren't working.

00:03:46 話者 23

Gas prices are really weighing down the household budget. That's why I've been using public transportation and only spending money when absolutely necessary.

00:03:56 話者 2

But the rising fuel costs aren't just affecting drivers. It's also made logistics more expensive, which is making consumer goods more expensive, too.

The government has imposed a price cut on some items, like instant noodles, but many say it's not enough. And it could potentially get even worse.

Qatar Energy declared force majeure on long-term LNG supply deals with South Korea, along with China, Italy and Belgium.

That means they are no longer legally obligated to fulfill those contracts.

South Korea relies on Qatar for between 25 and 30 percent of its LNG.

If Qatar's LNG shipments stopped, South Korea would be forced to find replacements on the more expensive spot market, driving up gas prices even further, including home utility bills.

And it doesn't stop there. There's also been disruptions in the supply of naphtha, an oil derivative that's used to make plastics.

That prompted some people to stockpile government-regulated garbage bags, which every household in South Korea is required to use for waste disposal.

00:05:20 話者 1

We have bags similar to that here in Japan as well.

Chang-ju, what is the South Korean government doing to address all of these problems?

00:05:31 話者 2

They've launched a full-scale emergency economic response involving the offices of the president, the prime minister and more.

Five task forces focused on different aspects of the problem will meet twice a week.

The government will also look at longer-term steps like strengthening supply chains and shifting to other sources of energy like coal and nuclear.

They're also looking to pass a war supplementary budget and they're urging the public to conserve energy.

The government has also imposed a five-day vehicle rotation system for public sector employees. It's the first such measure since the oil price surge of 2011.

Private sector participation is voluntary for now, but could become mandatory if things get worse.

Concern is also growing about what some are calling a possible April supply crisis.

Experts warn that if constraints on the Strait of Hormuz continue, supplies of crude oil and naphtha could be even more severely disrupted by next month.

A shortage of naphtha could even halt the production of snack and noodle containers.

But the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources has dismissed these fears.

00:07:00 話者 24/Yang Ki-wook/South Korean Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resouces

We're working to secure alternative supplies, and with our strategic reserves, we can say there will be no significant issues in April.

00:07:09 話者 2

The challenge facing the government now is how exactly to secure that supply, and how to protect people's livelihoods from the soaring prices.

They already introduced a price ceiling on gasoline earlier in March. Now, two weeks into the program, they're expected to announce a new price ceiling on Friday.

Many are worried it will be even higher, so there is still a lot of frustration and angst about where things might go from here.

BUSINESS

00:07:43 話者 1

Now for the latest on the business and financial fronts with Gene Otani.

00:07:49 話者 3

James, thanks.

IRAN CONFLICT
JAPAN STARTS TAPPING INTO NATIONAL OIL RESERVES

Japan is starting the release of oil from national reserves on Thursday to stabilize supply.

It's expected to be the largest ever such move when combined with private sector stockpiles.

The industry ministry says it will first tap national reserves in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, in western Japan.

The country's 11 storage bases will be accessed by the end of April.

A total of about 8.5 million kiloliters are expected to be released.

That amounts to roughly one month of consumption nationwide.

The government plans to sell the oil to four major wholesalers for about 540 billion yen, or over $3 billion, through a direct no-bid contract.

It will be refined to gasoline and other products and supplied to the market.

The government also plans to provide about 5 days' worth of consumption by the end of this month in cooperation with oil-producing countries that maintain stockpiles in Japan.

HOKKAIDO SHINKANSEN BULLET TRAIN MARKS 10 YEARS OF SERVICE

The bullet train line that connects Japan's main island of Honshu and the northern prefecture of Hokkaido marked the 10th anniversary of its opening on Thursday.

The Hokkaido Shinkansen began operations between Shin-Hakodate Hokuto Station and Shin-Aomori Station on March 26, 2016.

The line was expected to boost travel by business and leisure passengers from Honshu, but usage at Shin Hakodate Hokuto Station has dropped by around two-thirds over the decade.

A bullet train trip from the end of the line to Tokyo takes about four hours, and many travelers choose to fly instead. The line returns an annual deficit of more than $60 million.

Another major issue is a substantial delay in construction work to extend the service north  to Sapporo.

Around 80% of the extension consists of tunnels, where construction has run into serious difficulties.

The completion date has been pushed back to the end of fiscal 2038 from the originally envisioned 2030.

Project costs are also expected to rise sharply.

Total costs are now projected to increase by up to $7.5 billion, on top of the original estimate of around $14 billion due to the construction delays and soaring material prices.

00:10:25 話者 31/Fujita Kozo/President, Japan Railway Construction, Transport and Technology Agency

We take the delay of the opening of the entire route very seriously, and we deeply regret the situation.

We are working on the project with the belief that the Hokkaido Shinkansen will deliver its full benefits only once it reaches Sapporo.

00:10:39 話者 3

Fujita added that his agency will continue to explain the costs and seek understanding from all those involved.

SEIBU DEPARTMENT STORE IN TOKYO'S SHIBUYA TO CLOSE

Japanese department store operator Sogo and Seibu will close its Seibu outlet in Tokyo's Shibuya district at the end of September.

The company says it failed to extend contracts with the owners of the land and buildings over redevelopment projects in the area.

The Shibuya store opened in 1968.

It's located near the train station and the famous Scramble Crossing.

It's been a landmark in the district, but it has suffered sluggish sales due to intensifying competition and stagnant customer traffic.

Sogo and Seibu is under a US investment fund. It's renovating the flagship outlet in Tokyo's Ikebukuro district and streamlining its operations.

Seibu is the only remaining department store in Shibuya after Tokyu department store shut its stores three years ago.

FIRMS IN EUROPE RACE TO SECURE CRITICAL MINERALS AT HOME

A race is on to diversify supply chains for critical minerals used in everything from smartphones to EVs.

For more insight, we take a look at some projects in Europe intended to boost self-sufficiency in elements such as lithium.

00:12:03 話者 5

A company in Germany is developing a faster way to make the crucial ingredient for EV batteries.

The firm has come up with a cost-effective method to extract lithium from local groundwater.

00:12:16 話者 51/Stefan Brand/Chief Technology Officer, Vulcan Energy

Looks like water, but it contains 40% of lithium chloride.

By comparison, producers in South America typically take about a year to manufacture a lithium precursor by evaporating underground saline water.

But the company says a process using a special absorbent has shortened this to just a few days.

The firm aims to make enough lithium for 500,000 EVs annually by using renewable energy.

A major European automaker and related businesses are among prospective buyers.

00:12:53 話者 53/Francis Wedin/Executive Chair, Vulcan Energy

Lithium is the lifeblood of the auto industry.

It's the lifeblood of the most critical industry in Europe, effectively.

And so it's essential that Europe has certainly resilience in that supply chain.

00:13:06 話者 5

Europe is dependent on imports for lithium and many other crucial minerals.

The European Union has set targets to reduce the dependence on imported supplies by 2030. It is trying to boost the proportion of production and recycling within the block.

Over in the UK, this firm is trying to procure critical minerals from used EV batteries,

A leading Japanese trading house has invested in the project.

00:13:35 話者 54/Ben Wickham/CTO, Altilium Metals

This is what we call black mass.

00:13:39 話者 5

This black powder is shredded EV battery waste.

Critical minerals are extracted in stages. Graphite is the first to be filtered out.

Manganese and cobalt are recovered, then nickel and lithium.

This method produces less greenhouse gas emissions than mining.

It also yields minerals of higher purity. The firm plans to build a commercial plant and start recycling batteries from 150,000 EVs annually in three years.

00:14:12 話者 55/Christian Marston/COO, Altilium Metals

We see a future where there's less mining. In the UK, by 2050, we think that over 40% of the critical minerals needed for EVs can come from Battery recycling.

Using recycled materials can make EVs even cleaner.

00:14:35 話者 5

The trading house with a stake in the project hopes to spread the know-how in Asia, including Japan.

00:14:41 話者 56/Tezuka George/General Manager, Metals & Minerals Department Unit, Marubeni Europe

We want to get the recycling off the ground in the UK before bringing it to Japan.

00:14:47 話者 5

Resource-scarce countries like Japan face imminent threats to supplies of critical minerals amid geopolitical uncertainties.

going forward, their economies may need to move towards self-production.

MARKETS

00:15:01 話者 3

All right, let's have a look at the markets.

♪

And that's it for business news.

JAPAN SUPREME COURT TO DELIBERATE SAME-SEX MARRIAGE CASE

00:15:36 話者 1

Japan's top court has decided its grand bench will sit to consider whether laws failing to recognize same-sex marriage violate the country's constitution.

It's expected to result in the Supreme Court's first ruling on the matter.

Six related lawsuits have been heard at courts across Japan.

Five high courts previously ruled the provisions are unconstitutional.

They said the current rules violate Article 14, which holds that all people are equal.

They also cited Article 24, Section 2.

This calls for laws to be enacted from the standpoint of individual dignity and the essential equality of the sexes regarding marriage.

Meanwhile, a Tokyo High Court judge ruled last year the Constitution does not guarantee same-sex couples freedom of marriage.

All 15 justices of the Supreme Court's Grand Bench will deliberate the case.

They convene when important decisions are necessary and are expected to deliver their ruling as early as next year.

SUSPECT BREAKS INTO TOKYO'S CHINESE EMBASSY TO MEET AMBASSADOR

A Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force officer has been arrested for illegally entering the Chinese embassy grounds in Tokyo.

The suspect said he wanted to tell the ambassador to exercise self-restraint in his comments on Japan.

Tokyo police arrested 23-year-old Murata Kodai on Tuesday for allegedly trespassing on the embassy compound in Minato Ward. He was sent to prosecutors on Thursday.

The sources say Murata admitted to the allegations and told police he intended to kill himself if the ambassador did not heed his opinion.

He reportedly told police he bought a blade at a discount store in Tokyo.

But Murata was not carrying it when he was spotted by embassy staff.

Sources say an object resembling a kitchen knife with an 18-centimeter blade was found later in a bush.

The National Police Agency has instructed staff nationwide to quickly review security measures at foreign diplomatic missions and implement thorough security measures.

A spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry reacted to the incident on Wednesday.

00:17:53 話者 61/Lin Jian/Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson

Japan should promptly conduct a thorough investigation, strictly punish the individual involved in illegal activities, and provide a responsible explanation.

He criticized Japan for failing to properly manage and educate its personnel.

YOUNG CHINESE CARVE OUT NEW CAREER PATHS AMID ECONOMIC SLUMP

In China, a record 12.7 million people are expected to graduate from institutes of higher education this year.

But as companies cut hiring amid an economic slowdown, more young people are turning to unconventional career paths.

NHK World's Baba Takeo reports.

00:18:32 話者 11/Baba Takeo

Many young people attended a January job fair in Shanghai with about 70 companies present.

China's unemployment rate for 16 to 24-year-olds was 16.1% in February, and job fair attendees said finding work was difficult.

00:18:53 話者 12

I can't find a job. Company requirements are high and salaries are low.

00:18:58 話者 13

The economy is best so competition is fierce with fewer openings.

00:19:02 話者 11

Amid the tough conditions, new ways of working are drawing attention.

This app lets users list their skills and services and receive job requests.

This app user offers hospital escort services.

Another provides wake-up calls, charging more for earlier ones.

There's even a service called Compliment Master that praises clients.

Last year, 14 million young people reportedly used that platform to market their services.

This woman used the app to start working as a pet sitter.

She feeds and walks pets while their owners are away.

She makes about $7 or more per visit.

00:20:09 話者 14

It's fun. I'm unemployed right now, so it gives me extra income.

00:20:16 話者 11

She lost her job at a recruitment company two years ago amid the economic slowdown.

She's planning to look for a full-time job, but says it isn't easy.

00:20:33 話者 15

I'll be happy if I find a job I like. If not, I'll just keep trying.

00:20:41 話者 11

Meanwhile, some young people are torn into fields facing labor shortages, including the funeral industry. Over 11 million people died in China last year.

That number is expected to rise to 80 million as the population ages.

This woman worked in real estate, but after her income became unstable amid the slump, she joined this funeral home in Harbin.

Most of this firm's 26 employees are in their 20s and 30s.

This year, it plans to hire over 30 new workers.

00:21:31 話者 16/Ji Kai/Funeral home chairperson

The situation in other industries has not been good for the past two years, so talented and highly educated people have been joining the funeral industry.

The woman hopes to build a career in the field.

00:21:48 話者 17

Demand in this industry is increasing.

Competition isn't as intense as in other fields, and job security is stronger.

00:21:56 話者 11

With an uncertain job market, young Chinese are carving out new career paths.

Baba Takeo, NHK World.

META, GOOGLE FOUND LIABLE FOR YOUTH SOCIAL MEDIA ADDICTION

00:22:18 話者 1

A US jury has found IT giants Meta and Google responsible for the suffering of a 20-year-old woman who says she became addicted to social media as a child.

The two companies have been ordered to pay $6 million in combined damages.

The woman claimed to have used Meta's Instagram and Google-owned YouTube since childhood.

In the suit, she said she developed an addiction and suffered as a result.

The jury reportedly said the companies were negligent for creating harmful social media apps that were harmful to young users and failed to warn of the dangers.

Spokespersons for both Meta and Google say the companies disagree with the verdict and plan to appeal.

Over-dependence by minors on social media has become a social problem in the United States, where many lawsuits seeking to hold platform operators liable have been filed.

00:23:15 話者 1

People qualified as masters of wine have gathered in the Japanese prefecture of Yamanashi. They're learning about the wines produced there and sampling them.

About 400 wine professionals around the world hold the elite qualification.

They're visiting Yamanashi at the invitation of local officials who hope to increase exports.

One local wine they learned about is called koshu.

They were told it has low iron content that reduces fishy odors when paired with seafood.

That makes it a good match for Japanese cuisine.

Fifteen local wineries took part in a tasting event.

00:23:56 話者 51

It's been delightful, actually.

It's been quite a discovery to see so many different styles of koshu being made.

Also, when koshu is really well-made, it can have a beautiful mouthfeel, it can be floral, aromatic, very elegant, actually.

00:24:09 話者 1

An executive of Katsunuma Winery said it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to have dozens of masters of wine visit a single prefecture.

He said he'd like to gain their support, especially to increase exports.

WEATHER

Now for a check on world weather, the Middle East has been experiencing rare and extensive rainfall. Our meteorologist Yumi Hirano joins us with the details.

00:24:35 話者 4/Yumi Hirano

A storm system is moving across northern Africa to the Middle East, affecting parts of Egypt.

Severe storms rise to Cairo on Wednesday, dumping a month's worth of rain in a single day.

Thunder roared in the gloomy skies over the empty streets, giving the city a whole different scene.

In between spouts of the downpours, birds and trees could be seen amidst the strong winds.

This ware site prompted the government to close schools for two days.

Now the system is bringing intense rainfall to the Middle East.

A heavy rain warning is in effect in Saudi Arabia on Thursday.

There is also a risk of thundershowers and gusty winds.

The storm will shift toward Iran by Friday.

Now moving to Australia, a severe tropical cyclone was just upgraded to Category 4 on Thursday.

The storm is expected to approach Western Australia and make landfall over the weekend.

The biggest concern is strong winds. More than 270 kilometers per hour are possible, potentially causing power outages and infrastructure damage.

Finally, across east Asia, a stationary front is lingering along southern China, and a low pressure system is bringing widespread showers to eastern and northern Japan.

The wind is expected to taper off as the system moves away from Japan, but showers are still likely in southern China on Friday.

Wet weather is also expected in Chongqing and Taipei.

The high in Beijing will drop to 20, but it's still much warmer than usual.

Sunny skies will return to Tokyo, but there is a slight chance of evening showers.

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

♫～　3-DAY FORECAST　～♫

00:27:40 話者 1

For more news, feature stories, and information, visit our app or website.

I'm James Tengan. Bye for now.

checked.

at 18:00 (JST), March 25

20260325180000_english_1.mp3

 00:00:09 話者 1

From our studios in Tokyo, this is NHK Newsline. I'm Ross Mihara.

IRAN CONFLICT
REPORT: WASHINGTON PROPOSES 15-POINT PLAN

US and Israeli media say Washington has sent Iran a 15-point plan to end their ongoing conflict.

The proposal reportedly calls on Tehran to keep the Strait of Hormuz open and limit its missile capabilities. But Iranian officials deny any talks with Washington.

Israeli broadcaster Channel 12 says the two sides would discuss the plan during a month-long ceasefire.

The proposal includes dismantling Iran's nuclear capabilities and decommissioning its facilities.

It would also commit the country to never seeking nuclear weapons.

The broadcaster says Iran, in return, would see all sanctions lifted.

It would also receive US assistance for a civilian nuclear energy program.

US President Donald Trump says talks are underway with what he calls the right people in Iran. He also says Tehran has offered what he describes as a very significant prize.

00:01:09 話者 10/Donald Trump

They gave us a present, and the president arrived today, and it was a very big present worth a tremendous amount of money.

IRAN CONFLICT
TRUMP: US 'IN NEGOTIATIONS RIGHT NOW' WITH TEHRAN

00:01:19 話者 1

He suggests the president is related to the Strait of Hormuz, but gave no further details.

Meanwhile, Iran says ships from countries not involved in hostilities can pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

Its mission to the United Nations made the announcement Tuesday on social media.

CNN reports Tehran has signaled to the Trump administration it would prefer to negotiate with Vice President J.D. Vance rather than other senior officials.

Pakistan's prime minister is pushing for a diplomatic solution.

Shehbaz Sharif has offered to help mediate.

He says the country stands ready to host meaningful and conclusive talks.

IRAN CONFLICT
REPORT: US ORDERS ANOTHER 2,000 SOLDIERS TO MIDDLE EAST

The US Defense Department has reportedly ordered about 2,000 airborne troops to begin moving to the Middle East. That's according to the New York Times.

It says the order gives Trump additional military options as he weighs a new diplomatic initiative.

Amid ongoing tensions, Al Jazeera reports Iran's health ministry says at least 1,500 people have been killed as of Tuesday in US and Israeli attacks.

It says more than 18,000 have been injured.

BUSINESS

Now for more business stories, here's Gene Otani.

00:02:37 話者 3

Ross, thanks.

IRAN CONFLICT
TOKYO STOCKS FINISH HIGHER ON HOPES OF DE-ESCALATION

Tokyo shares jumped on Wednesday as investor concerns over the Middle East conflict eased somewhat.

Traders picked up stocks after Israeli media reported that the US is seeking a month-long ceasefire with Iran.

The benchmark Nikkei 225 closed nearly 2.9% higher at 53,749. Buying kicked in across the board at the opening. The index briefly recovered the 54,000 mark.

The finish marked the second straight day of gains and a rebound from two large losses through Monday. The Nikkei index had dropped more than 3% each day.

IRAN CONFLICT
GASOLINE PRICES IN JAPAN FALL FOR FIRST TIME IN 6 WEEKS

Meanwhile, gasoline prices in Japan have fallen for the first time in six weeks.

That's after the government started providing subsidies meant to limit pain at the pump.

The Oil Information Center says retail prices of regular gasoline averaged over 177 yen per liter on Monday, or about $1.12. That's down nearly 7% from the previous week.

The subsidies began for fuel shipments from last Thursday and are intended to keep prices at around 170 yen per liter.

The industry ministry says the subsidies will be increased from Thursday this week to about 48 yen per liter.

The center says this will likely help lower the average price closer to the government's 170 yen target in the next survey.

IRAN CONFLICT
CONCERNS GROW OVER NAPHTHA SHORTAGE IN JAPAN

The Iran situation is now raising concerns in Japan about the supply of an essential ingredient for making a wide range of plastic products.

It's called naphtha. It's distilled from crude oil.

This company in Chiba Prefecture uses naphtha to make plastic containers.

The company currently pays around a dollar and 50 cents per kilogram of naphtha.

But suppliers have recently told the company that they will have to raise their prices by about 60 cents per kilogram.

00:04:49 話者 21/Kanei Shunsuke/Company president

This will be the largest increase in naphtha prices my company has ever experienced.

We will have to raise our own prices accordingly.

00:04:59 話者 3

Kane said suppliers have also said they may have to limit the amount of naphtha they supply in the near future.

He is asking suppliers whether they could procure it from other sources overseas.

Naphtha is also used for making a broad range of plastic products that are commonly used in medical care.

This clinic in Tokyo provides dialysis, a treatment that filters waste substances from the blood of people with damaged kidneys.

The disposable tubes used in the process are plastic.

Plastics are used in equipment for purifying blood.

00:05:38 話者 22/Yoshida Hiraku/Clinic director

We have only enough stock to last for about two weeks.

Without supplies of these products, we'd be in big trouble.

00:05:48 話者 3

The plastic products must be replaced for each patient. Yoshida says he's concerned about whether their supplies might stop if the Iran situation drags on.

IRAN CONFLICT
JAPAN SEEKS NEW SUPPLIERS AS NAPHTHA RESERVES RUN LOW

Japanese companies using naphtha say they have enough supply to keep production running through next month.

They are seeking new suppliers as shipments fall from the Middle East.

The head of the Japan Petrochemical Industry Association says the country does have larger stockpiles of plastic products made from the key feedstock.

Polyethylene inventories can meet demand for four months.

Stocks of polypropylene are sufficient for three months.

00:06:37 話者 23/Kudo Koshiro/Chairman, Japan Petrochemical Industry Association

It's our responsibility to do all we can to keep supplies flowing.

We are conducting a detailed analysis of the current situation with each firm.

00:06:48 話者 3

He said that the association is working on sourcing naphtha from outside the Middle East.

This includes suppliers in the US, Central and South America, and Asia.

IRAN CONFLICT
PHILIPPINES DECLARES NATIONAL ENERGY EMERGENCY

The Philippines has declared a national energy emergency.

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. has set up a governmental committee to tackle what he calls an imminent danger. Marcos signed the executive order on Tuesday. 

It states that hostilities in the Middle East end.

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz have brought uncertainty to global energy markets and supply chains, posing a threat to the country's energy security.

Marcos chairs the committee, which includes officials of relevant ministries and governmental bodies.

It aims to ensure stable energy supplies to sustain economic activities and public services.

The energy crisis has been hitting the livelihoods of Filipinos.

Workers in public transportation, such as jeepney bus drivers, have gone on strike.

They are calling on the government to raise fares and abolish fuel taxes.

Authorities are negotiating with other countries in a bid to procure oil, as the Philippines has only 45 days of reserves left.

JAPAN ASKS AIRLINES TO KEEP DOMESTIC FLIGHTS ON TIME

NHK has learned that Japan's transport ministry has asked airlines to ensure they stick to scheduled departures for domestic flights.

The first ever request for concrete measures comes as on-time departures have fallen to their lowest level on record.

The ministry says 84% of domestic flights took off within 15 minutes of their scheduled departure times in fiscal 2024.

The rate was higher in 2015 at 91%, has fallen every year since, excluding the coronavirus outbreak.

The ministry says the figure has dropped partly due to a rise in inbound passengers and downsized planes. This has led to congested schedules.

Officials are asking airlines to take steps to correct the issue. These include creating more realistic flight schedules and stricter final boarding calls for passengers.

OPENAI AXES SORA VIDEO APP IN STRATEGY SHIFT

OpenAI says it's pulling the plug on the Sora app just six months after its latest launch as an advanced video generator tool.

The decision is seen as a shift to other priorities as AI competition intensifies.

OpenAI announced the termination of the app on Tuesday on X.

The updated version debuted in September last year and could generate high-quality short videos from text prompts.

The release kicked off a backlash amid allegations Sora had been trained on copyrighted materials such as anime characters without permission.

OpenAI in December reached an agreement with the Walt Disney Company that allowed Sora to use Disney characters.

Some US media report the Sora shutdown is one of many streamlining steps by OpenAI ahead of a possible initial public share sale this year.

MARKETS

All right, let's have a look at the markets.

♪

That's a look at business news.

Ross, I'm going to hand it back to you.

00:10:43 話者 1

All right.　Thanks, Gene.

TOKYO ELEMENTARY SCHOOL TESTING AI CLASSMATE

In Japan, the new school year starts in April, and generative AI may find its way into more and more Japanese classrooms.

Students at one Tokyo elementary school already have an AI classmate.

00:11:07 話者 4

This is a national elementary school in Tokyo's Bunkyo Ward.

Shown on the monitor is a generative AI chatbot called Saya, a virtual classmate for children in this fourth grade class.

The school has been introducing the technology into its classes on a trial basis over the past year.

00:11:28 話者 4/Saya/

What do you think?　Which is more important?　Fulfilling dreams or promises?

00:11:33 話者 4

In this classroom, the goal is to help students deepen their thoughts through dialogue with the chatbot.

In an ethics class, students were told a story about the idea of sincerity.

00:11:48 話者 42/Kousaka Souhei/Teacher

There was a magician who knew his trade well, but struggled to win recognition.

00:11:55 話者 4

One day, the magician was given the opportunity of a lifetime to perform on a grand stage.

But he had already made a promise to a boy that he would show him his magic tricks.

00:12:06 話者 42

The magician couldn't make up his mind.

If he missed this opportunity, he might never be able to perform on such a grand stage again. But the boy was waiting for him.

00:12:19 話者 4

The magician decided to keep his promise to the boy instead of pursuing his dreams.

The students were asked how they felt about his decision.

00:12:28 話者 43

I think it was great that the magician went to the boy, even at the expense of giving up his dream.

00:12:34 話者 4

Most of the students agreed that the magician was being sincere. However.

00:12:41 話者 42

Now let's ask Saya what she thinks.

00:12:45 話者 4/Saya/

From the perspective of sincerity toward his own dreams, isn't the magician being untrue to himself? What do you guys think?

What do you think things might be like for him a year from now?

00:13:00 話者 4

This comment from the chatbot prompted active discussion among the students.

They started considering the magician's decision from angles they hadn't thought of before.

00:13:13 話者 44

I think Saya is great because she gives views that kind of contradict the rest of the class.

00:13:25 話者 45

We sometimes feel distant from our teachers, but we feel closer to Saya.

00:13:31 話者 4

Their teacher is optimistic about the role AI could play in his classroom, but says it needs to be used thoughtfully.

00:13:40 話者 42

I think the timing of when to use Saya is probably important. We need to use it at the correct time, because it has the potential to spark lively discussions.

Sometimes students have gaps in their thinking, so AI could be useful to make learning more exciting.

00:13:58 話者 1

For more on how AI is finding its way into Japanese classrooms.

THE FUTURE OF AI IN THE CLASSROOM

Earlier, I spoke with NHK World's Arakawa Maho.

She's been covering education in Japan and beyond.

Maho, can you tell me about how schools are using these new tools?

00:14:15 話者 5/Arakawa Maho

Right now, generative AI is still mostly limited to pilot projects, like the one we just saw at the Tokyo Elementary School.

Historically, Japan has been slow to adapt new digital technologies in classrooms compared to other developed countries.

So over the past few years, the government has made it a priority for Japan to catch up.

And so now we see things like students being provided with tablets or these trials with AI chatbots.

On Tuesday, a government panel approved the content of the textbooks that will be used in high schools starting April 2027.

The new textbooks includes suggestions for how to use AI to enhance learning of all kinds of subjects, including mathematics and Japanese language.

So we can probably expect AI to become more common in Japanese schools in the future.

00:15:19 話者 1

Generative AI is still a very new technology.

What type of risks might there be for kids using it in the classroom?

00:15:27 話者 5

There are definitely some risks.

For example, the systems might collect personal information that children enter, such as names or photos, which could lead to data leaks and compromised privacy.

AI systems also may sometimes present incorrect information as if it were true, and children may believe it without noticing the mistake.

I've also heard growing concerns that children are relying on AI too much.

When teachers ask a question, some students immediately turn to a chatbot for the answer instead of thinking for themselves.

So because of these concerns, some schools are restricting AI use by age.

AI and other digital learning tools are generally avoided in lower elementary grades.

00:16:24 話者 1

What concerns do teachers themselves have about this new technology?

00:16:29 話者 5

Many teachers are feeling uncertain about how to use AI in their classrooms.

Here's what one education expert told us.

00:16:41 話者 51/Mitsui Kazuki/Associate Professor, Yamanashi University

Generative AI is still very new as an educational tool, so we don't yet know what kinds of problems may arise and how to respond when they do.

It's hard for teachers to use something in class that they have never experienced themselves.

That's why sharing effective examples and information will be essential going forward, along with providing thorough training.

00:17:12 話者 5

AI has the potential to be a helpful tool, but as we talked about, it can also be harmful.

So the question teachers are struggling with is how to use it to enhance children's critical thinking skills and not take away from them.

Teachers know that they have a lot of responsibility in shaping children's futures,

So they are taking this test of their abilities very seriously.

UKRAINE TARGETS RUSSIAN OIL FACILITIES

00:17:48 話者 1

Ukraine's military has announced that it conducted attacks on key Russian oil facilities.

It has long accused Moscow of using oil sales to fund the conflict.

The General Staff says it struck the oil port Primorsk on the Baltic Sea.

Reuters news agency says the terminal had suspended oil exports after Sunday's attacks.

The Ukrainian military also says it hit a central Russian oil refinery about 1,400 kilometers from the border.

Kyiv has criticized the US for easing sanctions on Russian oil.

Washington took the step to bring down surging oil prices caused by the conflict in Iran.

Moscow retaliated for the attacks. The Russian Defense Ministry says its forces carried out strikes targeting Ukraine's defense industry.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he's been briefed on the results of talks with the US. He says security guarantees need to be worked out to end the conflict.

NASA TO INVEST $20 BIL. TO BUILD MOON BASE

The US space agency NASA says it is going to invest $20 billion over the next seven years to build a base on the moon. It is also suspending plans to construct a new space station.

NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced the agency's revised plans for the US-led Artemis program on Tuesday. NASA intends to land humans on the moon in 2028.

Isaacman says the agency will focus on building the lunar base while pausing plans for the new Gateway space station.

The Gateway was to serve as a staging point for the transportation of humans and supplies, preparing to build a future moon base.

00:19:24 話者 61/Jared Isaacman

The goal is not flags and footprints. This time, the goal is to stay.

Today, we are providing a demand signal for frequent crewed missions.

00:19:35 話者 1

He says NASA is now focusing on infrastructure that supports sustained operations on the lunar surface.

LAGUARDIA SAFETY SYSTEM FAILED TO ALERT BEFORE RUNWAY CRASH

US authorities say a runway safety system at New York's LaGuardia Airport failed to generate an alert before a passenger jet collided with a fire truck on Sunday.

The two pilots were killed in the incident, and more than 40 people were injured.

The National Transportation Safety Board held a news conference Tuesday to share its analysis of cockpit voice recorder data.

A safety board official said the air traffic control tower cleared the fire truck to cross the runway 20 seconds before the recording ended.

Nine seconds before the end, the truck was told to stop.

The airport uses a radar-based safety system that allows controllers to track the movement of aircraft and ground vehicles.

The safety board said the system did not generate an alert in this case because the proximity of multiple vehicles near the runway made them difficult to track.

It added that the fire truck had no transponder to broadcast its location, making it harder to detect on radar.

The agency says it plans to interview the firefighters who were on the truck as it continues to investigate the collision.

NEW US COMMANDER TO BOOST COOPERATION WITH JSDF

US Forces Japan is reorganizing its command structure.

The move is expected to help better coordinate with the Japan Self-Defense Forces to prepare for contingencies.

A ceremony Tuesday marked the assignment of the first dedicated commander of the US

Fifth Air Force.

The unit is deployed in Japan. Lieutenant General Joel Kerry took the new position.

00:21:18 話者 75/Joel Kerry

The security landscape in the Indo-Pacific is increasingly complex and dynamic, demanding a force that is perpetually prepared.

00:21:28 話者 1

Previously, the US Forces Japan commander led the unit.

The organizational change includes the establishment of a Joint Force Headquarters.

It will have operational command.

00:21:40 話者 76/Lt. Gen. Stephen Jost/US Forces Japan Commander

The USFJ transformation is underway and at full speed.

And it is the driver for today's historic change of command ceremony for Fifth Air Force.

00:21:50 話者 1

The headquarters is expected to work in coordination with the Japan Self-Defense Forces Joint Operations Command.

The new organization will help speed up communication between the two countries regarding command and control issues.

HONG KONG'S APPLE DAILY TO BE DEREGISTERED, DISSOLVED

The Hong Kong government has ordered that the Apple daily newspaper be struck off the corporate registry and dissolved.

The Hong Kong Daily was known for its critical coverage of the Chinese government.

In 2021, the newspaper was forced to stop publishing after its executives, including founder Jimmy Lai, were arrested and its assets frozen.

The deregistration order follows last month's court ruling that found Lai guilty and sentenced him to a 20-year prison term.

The court ruled that Lai and his company had colluded with foreign forces and harmed national security.

The Apple Daily was founded in 1995, two years before Hong Kong was returned to China.

It continued to publish articles critical of the authorities, despite Beijing's increasing influence over the media.

It was often referred to as the last bastion of free speech in the city.

Meanwhile, Hong Kong media reported that four people were arrested on Tuesday on charges of violating the National Security Ordinance for selling copies of Lai's biography.

Hong Kong has been tightening control over the publication and sales of books since the national security law came into effect.

WEATHER

It's time for a check on the weather with our meteorologist, Jonathan Oh.

So, Jonathan, we saw the clouds and some showers rolling through parts of Japan Wednesday. Will more be on the way later this week.

00:23:33 話者 6/Jonathan Oh

Hello, after a bright day on Tuesday as it went through Wednesday, rain started to pick up across a good portion of Japan.

The areas toward the northeastern portions of the country is the exception to that.

But as we go into Thursday, we might be seeing maybe some more activity up toward the north as well. We had high pressure that was in place.

That's pushing off toward the east and low pressure is coming in from the west.

And so we'll be talking about rain as we go through the overnight period and the eastern side of Japan picking up, or continuing the rain rather, as we go throughout Thursday before the low slowly tries to push off.

And so we're talking about the rain sticking around with slightly cooler temperatures in Tokyo with a high of 13 on Thursday. Might get a break on Friday.

Some folks might have to dodge some showers on Saturday.

I know a lot of people want to go out and check out the cherry blossoms coming up this weekend, but at least in the Kanto Koshin region, may have to look out for the possibility of some showers as you go into Saturday.

Speaking of some cherry blossoms, I want to show you some video coming out of Europe where it's over 8,000 kilometers away from Japan at the foot of the Alps in Italy.

145 cherry trees have burst into full bloom in the historic gardens of what once was a royal residence.

Each year, as the landscape transforms into a soft canopy of pink, thousands of visitors gather to experience hanami, the Japanese tradition of enjoying cherry blossoms at their peak.

The opportunity to view the blossoms is brief as the lead gardener says there are only 15 days to catch a glimpse as the petals rain down like snow.

So because of this, the gardens stay open late to offer a rare chance to see the blossoms at night.

Probably to bundle up as well coming up as we head toward Thursday and Friday as we have a big push of cold air coming in from the north.

And so we'll be seeing the temperatures falling.

So Wednesday is going to be slightly on the warmer side, highs in the mid-teens and upper teens in the central portions of Europe before the temperatures start to fall down.

Overnight lows will get chilly as well going to Thursday and Friday.

Hope you have a good day wherever you are.

♫～　3-DAY FORECAST　～♫

JELLYFISH SET FOR COMEBACK AT AQUARIUM IN NORTHEAST JAPAN

00:26:30 話者 1

Among the creatures of the sea, jellyfish don't get much respect, but don't feel too bad for them. An aquarium in northeastern Japan has built up an impressive collection.

Kamo Aquarium in Yamagata Prefecture has renovated its facilities and is now set to welcome back visitors. Local residents can get an early look.

The jellyfish zone has grown by about 50 percent and the number of species on display has increased from around 80 to about 100.

There are six new tanks, each two-and-a-half meters across, where visitors can watch jellyfish drifting lazily past.

A research area allows visitors to examine tiny specimens using microscopes and magnifying glasses.

00:27:16 話者 7/Hirose Miho/Kamo Aquarium

Even people who aren't interested in jellyfish can learn something about them.

I hope people will take a close look at each display.

00:27:26 話者 1

Kamo Aquarium is set to welcome visitors back on April 1.

I'm Ross Mihara in Tokyo, and that's all we have this hour on NHK Newsline.

Thanks for staying with us.

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20260324180000_english_1.mp3

 00:00:09 話者 1

Hello, a very warm welcome to NHK Newsline. I'm Yamamoto Miki in Tokyo.

IRAN CONFLICT
TRUMP DELAYS STRIKES FOLLOWING 'VERY STRONG' TALKS

US President Donald Trump says he is postponing strikes on Iranian energy infrastructure for a five-day period to try to settle the issues between the countries.

He warns that if it doesn't work out, the bombing will continue.

He says both sides held talks over the weekend, but Iran denies they happened.

00:00:35 話者 10/Donald Trump

We have had very, very strong talks. We'll see where they lead.

We have major points of agreement. I would say almost all points of agreement.

00:00:47 話者 1

Trump says Iran agreed not to have any nuclear weapon.

He had warned earlier that if the country did not fully open the Strait of Hormuz within 48 hours, the US would attack power plants.

Trump says his son-in-law Jared Kushner and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff took part in the phone talks.

He says they took place Sunday after a call from the Iranian side.

He says they've been dealing with someone he describes as a top person in Iran other than Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.

Trump also says he may control the Strait of Hormuz with the next Ayatollah.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is one of several leaders who say they recently spoke with Trump.

00:01:35 話者 11/Benjamin Netanyahu

President Trump believes as a chance to leverage the significant achievements of the Israeli and US forces to realize the war objectives in an agreement, one that will safeguard our vital interests.

00:01:48 話者 1

He also says they are destroying Iran's missile and nuclear development programs, stressing his stance to continue the attack.

Germany's chancellor says he conveyed concerns about the threatened strikes during a phone call with Trump over the weekend.

00:02:05 話者 12/Friedrich Merz/German Chancellor

I'm grateful that he said today that he is postponing the strikes by a further five.

Days and is now also opening up the possibility of immediate and direct contact with Iranian leadership.

00:02:17 話者 1

And the British Prime Minister says he welcomes the reported talks between the US and Iran.

00:02:23 話者 13/Keir Starmer/British Prime Minister

The immediate priority has to be a swift resolution of the conflict and delivering a negotiated agreement, which puts tough conditions on Iran, particularly in relation to nuclear weapons.

IRAN CONFLICT
TEHRAN DENIES TALKS TOOK PLACE

00:02:36 話者 1

But Iranian state media, citing a foreign ministry statement, says no talks are underway with the US.

It says Trump's remarks are aimed at lowering energy prices and buying time to conduct military planning.

Iran's parliamentary speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has also denied the talks, saying fake news is manipulating the financial and oil markets.

US news site Axios cites an Israeli official as saying Witkopf and Kushner have been in touch with Ghalibaf.

The official tells Axios that mediating countries were working to arrange a meeting later this week in Pakistan.

IRAN CONFLICT
REPORT: PAKISTAN PROPOSED HOLDING TALKS IN ISLAMABAD

Britain's Financial Times published an article on Monday quoting sources as saying that Pakistan proposed holding the talks in the capital Islamopod.

It says Pakistan has good relations with both Washington and Tehran and is said to be home to the world's second largest number of Shia Muslim after Iran.

The article also says Pakistani army chief Asim Munir spoke by phone with Trump on Sunday.

And Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif held phone talks with Iranian President Masoud Pezeskian on Monday.

BUSINESS

Now for business stories, here's Gene Otani from The BizDesk.

00:04:00 話者 3/Gene Otani

Miki, thanks for our top business story this hour.

IRAN CONFLICT
JAPAN TO RELEASE GOVERNMENT OIL RESERVES FROM THURSDAY

Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanaa says the government will start releasing oil from its stockpiles on Thursday.

Takaichi attended the first meeting of a ministerial panel set up to deal with supply disruptions as the Iran conflict drags on.

Japan gets most of its oil from the Middle East.

00:04:27 話者 23/Takaichi Sanae

During my summit with President Trump last week, we confirmed the importance of calming the intense situation in Iran as soon as possible, ensuring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz and stable energy supply.

00:04:43 話者 3

The government release comes after oil from private sector reserves was made available from March 16.

Takaichi added that the government will also release oil this month that is stored in Japan for producer countries.

She also instructed the panel to come up with measures to safeguard supply of naphtha and other oil products, which are essential to industries such as healthcare and agriculture.

IRAN CONFLICT
TOYOTA TO CONTINUE REDUCED OUTPUT FOR MIDDLE EAST IN APRIL

Toyota Motor will continue to reduce production in April of vehicles bound for Middle East markets amid the intensifying conflict in the region.

The automaker has already slashed production this month.

Sources say Toyota plans to cut domestic output by about 24,000 vehicles next month.

Much of the automaker's production for the Middle East will come to a halt following reductions made in March.

The rollback is believed to be due to disruptions in shipping from the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

The company is likely considering an alternative transport route or other solutions.

Concerns are growing that repercussions from the conflict could further spread.

IRAN CONFLICT
ENERGY EXPERTS WARN OF ECONOMIC IMPACT ON ASIA

Energy experts are warning that a prolonged conflict in Iran would have a particularly strong impact on Japan and other Asian economies.

Government officials and business leaders from around the world gathered in Houston to discuss energy issues at the CERA Week by S&P Global Conference.

00:06:22 話者 32/Chris Wright/US Energy Secretary

Oil remains the most important source of energy in the world.

It continues to slowly lose market share to a less expensive and more abundant natural gas, but nothing matches the energy density and flexibility of oil.

00:06:42 話者 3

The US Secretary of Energy highlighted recent efforts by member nations of the International Energy Agency.

The countries came together to release a record amount of emergency reserves from their petroleum stockpiles.

But the conference's host told NHK the de facto closure of the Strait of Hormuz remains a key worry.

00:07:05 話者 33/Daniel Yergin/Vice Chairman, S&P Global

The concern here is if it goes on longer, the effects are felt very strongly, and of course they're felt particularly strongly in Asia, and it's a very big problem for Japan.

00:07:16 話者 3

He says solving the problem quickly is essential for the economic well-being of Japan and the world.

JAPAN TO TIGHTEN RULES ON EXPORTS OF LOCALLY BRED PLANTS

Japan's agriculture ministry is set to tighten export restrictions on seeds and saplings of domestically bred fruit and other plants.

The move follows cases of local varieties being taken overseas and grown commercially without permission.

One case highlighted is Japan's premium grape variety known as Shine Muscat.

Saplings were taken to other countries without authority and then grown and sold at lower prices.

The ministry is seeking cabinet approval for revisions to the Plant Variety Protection and Seed Act.

Currently, the law allows export restrictions on plant varieties registered by the government, but it typically takes three years to register a new variety.

Ministry officials believe the new Japan-bred orange variety, Asuki, was taken overseas in 2020 before it was registered.

The revision to the law would allow plant breeders to use the courts to halt exports of products with government registration applications that are still pending.

The ministry plans to submit the revised bill to the current diet session.

JAPAN'S NEW DINING HACK: PAY A FEE, SKIP THE QUEUE

Long lines are a familiar sight outside popular restaurants, which gives customers two choices: wait or look elsewhere.

But a third option is catching on. They pay extra to skip the queue.

00:08:55 話者 4/Narrator: Michael Rhys

This is a popular ramen shop in Katsushika Ward, Tokyo, that has introduced a line-skipping pass for a fee.

The outlet has just 11 counter seats, yet it sells an average of 250 bowls of ramen A day.

Because of its popularity, long lines formed during lunchtime at weekends.

Some customers waited as long as 90 minutes for a seat, and neighbors grumbled about the crowds.

00:09:28 話者 41/Sakamoto Yukihiko/President, Yume-wo-Kanaeru

We're happy to have customers visit, but we received constant complaints from local residents, so we wanted to find a solution.

00:09:39 話者 4

The shop tried handing out numbered tickets to customers, asking them to return at a given time slot. However, they often didn't come back.

00:09:51 話者 41

We were reserving seats counting on customers returning.

But when they didn't show up, it caused us losses.

00:10:00 話者 4

So the restaurant turned to a paid reservation service.

This allows customers to buy a ticket in advance that reserves them a seat at a chosen time. It costs 390 yen a person, or about $2.50.

00:10:15 話者 42

I want to make the most of my time.

00:10:19 話者 43

I didn't have to wait in line, so I decided to come.

00:10:25 話者 4

Revenue from sales of the reservation tickets is split between the restaurant and the reservation service provider.

Since starting the system, the restaurant says the number of customers failing to return has dropped significantly.

And at peak periods, it rings up about $750 in additional monthly revenue.

00:10:48 話者 41

Since this translates directly into profit, we're able to avoid raising prices and use it as an incentive for staff.

00:11:00 話者 4

The skip-the-line idea can be applied in different ways.

This is a restaurant serving the local specialty, Misokatsu, in the underground shopping arcade of Nagoya Station, a hub for bullet train passengers.

This restaurant introduced a system that allows customers with a train deadline to pay a fee to jump the queue.

However, the price is on a sliding scale.

The first person signing up pays 500 yen, or about 3 dollars.

The second, 750 yen, and the cost goes up from there.

This is to discourage too many people from using it and allow those waiting in line to get a table.

00:11:43 話者 44

I have plans later, so I don't want to waste time.

00:11:50 話者 45/Sano Oji/Manager, Yabaton

Many customers tell us they used to give up on eating because they didn't have time, but now they're able to eat using this service.

00:11:59 話者 4

Wait in line or pay to skip it. 

The choice comes down to what you value more, time or money.

00:12:09 話者 3

The restaurant staff say they take particular care to explain the system to customers in the queue considering the long wait.

MARKETS

All right, let's have a look at the markets.

♪

That's a look at business news.

Miki, I'm going to hand it back to you.

00:12:51 話者 1

Thank you very much, Gene.

MORE THAN 60 DEAD IN COLOMBIAN MILITARY PLANE CRASH

Turning to South America. 

A military transport plane has crashed just after takeoff from an airport in southern Colombia. More than 60 people are dead.

Colombia's military says the C-130 plane was carrying 128 soldiers and crew members when it went down near the border with Peru and Ecuador.

It says 66 people have been confirmed dead, while dozens of others are being treated in hospital. Four people are missing.

US media report that troops have been moved into the area to confront the country's drug syndicates. Colombian authorities are investigating the cause of the crash.

CRASH AT NEW YORK'S LAGUARDIA AIRPORT KILLS 2

And to another major aviation incident out of New York.

An Air Canada jet collided with a fire truck at LaGuardia Airport on Sunday night.

The pilot and copilot were killed and several people were injured.

The plane was flying from Montreal when it crashed into the vehicle on landing.

00:13:56 話者 52

Fear, I mean it was pretty shocking. I didn't know what to expect.

And then landing, and all of a sudden, boom, woke up in shock, just didn't know what to do.

00:14:07 話者 1

US media outlets say the fire truck was responding to a separate incident.

Seventy-two passengers and four crew members were on board.

Officials issued a complete ground stop at the busy regional airport after the emergency.

It reopened at 2 p.m. on Monday.

The US National Transportation Safety Board is investigating on the ground.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney says the collision is deeply saddening.

He adds Canadian officials are working closely with their US counterparts as the investigation continues.

ICE AGENTS DEPLOYED AT US AIRPORTS AMID CONCERN

Asians from US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, have been deployed at major airports around the United States to help fill a void as security staff have been staying off the job.

The move comes amid public concern as ICE agents have been at the center of a crackdown on undocumented immigrants.

ICE agents were seen at an Atlanta airport on Monday.

The city's mayor says he was told by federal officials that the ICE personnel have been tasked with assisting with airport operations and crowd control and not for immigration enforcement activities.

00:15:24 話者 61

My first reaction was, who are they going to throw to the ground?

You know, who are they going to throw around if you do or say something wrong or even look suspicious? I mean, just that unknown fear there.

00:15:37 話者 1

The head of the American Federation of Government Employees says security personnel at airports need to be professionally trained and cannot be replaced by untrained armed agents. Trump says the deployment was his idea.

00:15:53 話者 10/Trump 

We will also bring out, if we don't have enough, we will bring out the National Guard where we need it to help out at the airport.

00:16:03 話者 1

He blames the Democrats for opposing a funding bill for the Department of Homeland Security.

JAPAN CABINET APPROVES BILL TO EXPAND DRONE FLIGHT BAN AREAS

Japan's cabinet has approved a bill that would expand flight ban areas for drones.

This comes amid growing concerns about terrorism as drone capabilities continue to improve.

Unmanned aircraft are currently banned from being used over so-called red zones.

These include important sites such as the imperial palace, the prime minister's office, airports and nuclear power plants.

The 300 meters surrounding red zones are known as yellow zones.

Drone usage is also banned here in principle.

The new bill would expand yellow zones to about 1,000 meters surrounding red zones.

This would give the authorities more time to respond to incidents.

Drone usage in yellow zones would be subject to the same response as it is in red zones.

00:17:03 話者 71/Akama Jiro/National Public Safety Commission Chairperson

Drone performance has rapidly improved in recent years.

There are concerns they can be misused by terrorists and lone actors.

We urgently need to introduce measures.

00:17:20 話者 1

Akama added he hopes the Diet will quickly debate and enact the bill.

N.KOREA'S KIM SHUFFLES CABINET, CONSOLIDATES POWER

North Korea convened a session of its Supreme People's Assembly over the past two days in the capital, Pyongyang.

State-run media say leader Kim Jong-un was re-appointed as president of state affairs, effectively the country's head of state.

Though his reappointment came as no surprise, there were some other notable personal changes.

We'll look at how they may be signaling further consolidation of Kim's power.

00:18:11 話者 5/Narrator: Shimizu Risa

The Supreme People's Assembly decides matters such as the national budget.

constitutional amendments and personnel appointments in state institutions.

One of the most senior positions in the assembly is Chairman of the Standing Committee.

According to state-run media, the former chairman was replaced by one of Kim's close aides, Cho Yong-won. About 40% of other cabinet members were replaced.

Professor Isozaki Atsuhito of Keio University has closely studied North Korea for decades.

He says the reshuffles reflect a generational shift.

00:18:50 話者 82/Isozaki Atsuhito

With these promotions and demotions, Kim Jong-un is aiming to demonstrate the power he's consolidating in himself.

He is moving people around based on their abilities and trying to put the right person in the right position.

00:19:07 話者 5

Last month, the ruling Workers' Party held its first party congress in five years.

Kim emphasized recent achievements in national defense, in international affairs, in building the economy.

According to South Korea's central bank, North Korea's GDP had declined for three consecutive years prior to 2022, but increased by 3.7% in 2024 compared to the year before.

The economic surge is due to the North's support in Russia's invasion of Ukraine,

making profits through troop deployment and arms exports.

In addition, trade with its largest partner, China, returned to pre-pandemic levels in 2025.

Professor Isozaki says Kim's regime is solidifying and speculates that the country's policies will reflect more of Kim's intentions going forward.

00:20:03 話者 82

North Korea is exuding confidence in their generational change of senior officials and the fact that they are a nuclear power.

Through that confidence, it's clear they believe the current regime will continue for a long time.

00:20:16 話者 5

In his speech at the assembly, Kim also addressed foreign relations.

He said the US has been committing acts of state terrorism and aggression around the world, but refrained from criticizing Trump by name.

Kim said US actions justify Pyongyang's nuclear ambitions.

He described South Korea as the most hostile state that could signal the North's abandonment of a possible peaceful reunification between the two Koreas.

Kim said Pyongyang should make full use of new diplomatic tactics and methods of foreign affairs.

00:20:55 話者 82

North Korea is already close with Russia and Belarus, as well as China.

So one of Pyongyang's goals is to build relationships with other countries with anti-American sentiments, while steadily strengthening its own military power, deterring the US and protecting its own country.

00:21:17 話者 5

Kim didn't mention Japan himself, but his sister, Kim Yojon, issued a statement Monday refusing a meeting with Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae.

Takaichi has been wanting to meet with Kim directly to resolve the issue of Japanese nationals who were abducted by the North.

But Professor Isozaki says North Korea has very little incentive to negotiate with Japan right now. given Japan's weakening economy.

LONDON POLICE PROBE ARSON ATTACK ON JEWISH AMBULANCES

00:21:49 話者 1

Police in London are investigating an arson attack on four ambulances belonging to a Jewish charity. No injuries have been reported.

The attack is being treated as a hate crime.

The vehicles belong to a Jewish nonprofit organization that provides medical services.

They were set on fire early Monday in North London.

The fires have been extinguished.

Police say they are searching for three suspects after reviewing surveillance footage.

British media reported that the ambulances were parked at a synagogue where the roof and windows were also damaged.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer called the incident a horrific anti-Semitic attack.

00:22:34 話者 92/Keir Starmer

Anti-Semitism has no place in our society, and it's really important that we all stand together at a moment like this.

00:22:43 話者 1

Authorities have been on alert after suspected attacks on Jewish facilities in the Netherlands and Belgium earlier this month amid US-Israeli operations against Iran.

WAR IN UKRAINE
ZELENSKYY URGES PEACE TALKS DESPITE US FOCUS ON IRAN

Ukraine's president says negotiations must continue to end Russia's invasion, even as the US focuses on the situation in Iran.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in a video address Sunday that Kyiv and Washington held two days of talks over the weekend on a peace plan.

He says there are signs that the next steps in the peace process may be possible.

The secretary of Ukraine's National Security and Defense Council says the talks covered security guarantees and other issues.

On Monday, a Kremlin spokesperson dismissed a report by US news site Politico.

It claims Russia offered to stop sharing intelligence with Iran if Washington halted intelligence sharing with Ukraine. The spokesperson calls the report false.

WEATHER

Let's check in with our meteorologist Jonathan Oh for weather updates.

So Jonathan, spring was in the air Tuesday as temperatures moved into the teens in many areas of Japan. Is this trend going to continue Wednesday?

00:25:02 話者 22/Jonathan Oh

Hello, we saw a dry day across a good portion of Japan as we went through Tuesday.

And it looks like that the warmer temperatures will still be a part of the story as we continue through the week.

But we will be looking at a chance for some rain.

That's going to be a little bit of a change here as the high pressure system that's sitting right on top of Japan pushes off toward the east, back toward the west.

We have a stationary front that's going to bring all that moisture starting from the west and spraying toward the east as we go from Wednesday into Thursday.

So get the umbrellas prepared because we're going to be seeing a bit of a wet pattern coming up over the next couple of days.

16 in Tokyo, 17 in Osaka, 15 in Fukuoka.

That rain spreads eastward as we go into Thursday.

The warm temperatures stick around.

This is not a cold type of pattern that's coming in.

But we are going to be stuck with the possibility of seeing maybe some showers and some rain on Saturday to places like Tokyo and top port of the eastern and northern portions of Japan. Look at that rain chance as we head into the weekend.

Speaking of some rain, a lot of it taking place over in parts of the Arabian Peninsula.

I want to show you some video that's coming out from there.

And we're talking about unstable weather drenching parts of the Arabian Peninsula over the past few days. That brought downpours to normally dry areas.

The Associated Press reported that at least five people in Oman have died since Saturday due to heavy rain and flooding.

The unstable weather also prompted the United Arab Emirates National Center of Meteorology to issue alerts urging residents to exercise caution and avoid flooded areas.

It looks like the rain is going to be sticking around for a good portion of the Middle East here.

We have a couple of systems that are going to be running through.

So wet weather in the forecast going from Tuesday into Wednesday from Jerusalem to Doha, Dubai, Muscat, Baghdad, all looking at wet weather as we go through the day on Wednesday.

Quick note on North America, high pressure, really controlling a good portion of the United States, but rain coming to the Pacific Northwest as a low pressure just some moves in for Tuesday.

Hope you have a good day wherever you are.

♫～　3-DAY FORECAST　～♫

00:27:40 話者 1

And that's NHK Newsline for this hour.

I'm Yamamoto Miki in Tokyo. Thank you for joining us.

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