at 18:00 (JST), April 07

20260407180000_english_1.mp3

 00:00:09 話者 1/Yamamoto Miki

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

IRAN CONFLICT
TRUMP CONTINUES THREATS TO DESTROY IRAN'S INFRASTRUCTURE

US President Donald Trump has repeated his threat to destroy Iran's energy facilities if it fails to meet his deadline to open the Strait of Hormuz.

But Tehran is showing no sign of backing down.

Trump spoke at a news conference held at the White House on Monday.

He suggested that US forces will implement the attacks immediately after the deadline of 8 p.m. Eastern US time if it is missed.

00:00:42 話者 10/Donald Trump

We have a plan, because of the power of our military, where every bridge in Iran will be decimated by 12 o'clock tomorrow night, where every power plant in Iran will be out of business.

00:01:00 話者 1

The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed for weeks since the conflict began at the end of February.

During that time, Trump has constantly criticized other countries for their lack of support to reopen the Strait, a point he made once again at the latest news conference.

00:01:20 話者 10

I've always said NATO's a paper tiger. See, NATO is a paper tiger.

Japan didn't help us, Australia didn't help us, South Korea didn't help us.

00:01:31 話者 1

Iran's spokesperson for the Military Central Command called Trump delusional in a statement.

He said Trump's rude rhetoric, arrogance and baseless threats will in no way affect Iran's continued military operation against the US and Israel.

Earlier, Iran's state-run media agency reported Tehran had rejected a US ceasefire proposal.

The response was delivered through its intermediary, Pakistan, and emphasized the need to find a permanent end to the war.

Meanwhile, military strikes continued to rock the Middle East.

The Israeli defense minister said in a video statement on Monday that the country's forces have struck Iran's largest petrochemical facility in Assaluyeh in the south.

Israel Kotz said the facility and another complex attacked last week account for 85 percent of Iran's petrochemical exports.

He claimed that the airstrikes have dealt a heavy blow to the key funding sources of Iran's regime.

JAPAN PREPARES PHONE TALKS WITH IRAN PRESIDENT

The Japanese government says it is arranging telephone talks between Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae and Iranian President Masoud Pezeskian.

Takaichi told lawmakers on Monday that efforts are underway towards top-level dialogue and other diplomatic efforts are being explored.

She wants to directly urge Tehran to de-escalate the situation and ensure safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz.

Foreign Minister Motegui Toshimitsu spoke Monday night with his Iranian counterpart Abbas Araghchi.

He expressed grave concern over prolonged retaliatory attacks and urged Iran to engage sincerely with the diplomatic efforts currently underway.

Motegui also held a separate phone call with Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar.

He expressed thanks for Islamabad's efforts to mediate between the United States and Iran, adding that Japan hopes to work closely with Pakistan.

ARTEMIS II CREW SET DISTANCE RECORD FOR HUMANS IN SPACE

The astronauts of NASA's Artemis II mission have reached the farthest distance from Earth ever traveled by humanity as they journeyed to the far side of the moon.

00:03:52 話者 3/NASA narrator

We are getting a first views  from Orion after the loss of signal. Orion has come back around the other side of the moon and that little crescent that you see is Earth.

00:04:05 話者 1

Orion entered the moon's gravitational sphere of influence on the fifth day of the 10-day mission. It then made a swing around the far side of the moon.

NASA says the crew set the distance record at 23:02 UTC Monday.

The US space agency says the spacecraft was more than 406,700 kilometers from Earth at its farthest point.

It surpassed the record set by Apollo 13 in 1970 by about 6,600 kilometers.

The latest mission is the first crewed test flight under the US-led Artemis program aimed at landing astronauts on the moon in 2028.

The crew of Artemis II is due to return to Earth on Friday with a splashdown off the US coast.

PAKISTANI MAN ARRESTED FOR SMUGGLING STIMULANTS INTO JAPAN

A Pakistani man has been arrested on suspicion of smuggling stimulant drugs into Tokyo from the United Arab Emirates. The drugs have an estimated street value of $90 million.

But Shafkat Mushtaq is said to be denying the charge.

He's a 53-year-old used car dealer without a known address.

Tokyo police and other officials suspected him of smuggling 270 kilograms of stimulants into Tokyo port in a container.

They say he did so across three days, from December 30 of last year to January 1.

They say Tokyo customs officials inspected the container after it had been left unattended for three months. They found the drugs in bags, typically used for cosmetic products.

Investigators say the suspect also gave instructions on how to smuggle to other people, including another Pakistani citizen.

They arrested the suspect on Sunday as he was attempting to leave Japan through Narita Airport. They are now investigating how he acquired the drugs.

IMPERIAL FAMILY VISITS MUSEUM DISPLAY ON FUKUSHIMA DISASTER

Japan's imperial family has visited a museum display in the town of Tomioka, Fukushima Prefecture, on the damage done by the 2011 earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster.

Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and their daughter Princess Aiko are in the prefecture for two days starting Monday.

They arrived at the Historical Archive Museum of Tomioka on Tuesday and were welcomed by the mayor and other officials.

The family saw an exhibit of a police car that was swept away by the tsunami while helping to evacuate residents.

They listened closely as museum staff explained that one of the two officers in the vehicle died and the other is still missing.

Officials said the emperor asked how the vehicles had been preserved.

The empress commented that the incident was tragic.

The family visited an education facility in the town of Okuma in the afternoon and will return to Tokyo on Tuesday evening.

BUSINESS

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

Here's Yuko Fukushima from The Biz Desk. Yuko.

00:07:32 話者 4/Yuko Fukushima

Thanks, Miki.

IRAN CONFLICT
JAPANESE AIRLINES MAY ADD FUEL FEES FOR DOMESTIC FLIGHTS

Well, NHK has learned the surge in crude oil prices has prompted some Japanese airlines to consider adding fuel surcharges for domestic flights.

This comes as the country's two biggest airlines announced last week they would hike fuel fees for international routes.

Almost no carriers currently apply the charges for travel within Japan.

Japan Airlines and Skymark Airlines responded to a survey by saying they may start applying the charges next spring.

Skymark, in addition, may raise ticket prices before collecting fuel surcharges.

Most of the other surveyed carriers are exploring the possibility of raising airfares for domestic routes.

A group representing domestic airlines says a key price index for jet fuel has jumped roughly two-and-a-half times since the US and Israel launched attacks on Iran in late February.

Japan's Transport Minister Kaneko Yasushi said he will continue to ask airlines to provide consumers with clear explanations of any changes.

00:08:33 話者 5/Kaneko Yasushi

We will coordinate with the relevant authorities while monitoring trends for fuel prices and demand. The ministry will deal with the situation in a timely and appropriate manner.

00:08:45 話者 4

Kaneko added that jet fuel is subject to the government's emergency measures to address rising energy costs.

JAPAN HOUSEHOLD SPENDING DIPS FOR 3RD MONTH IN FEBRUARY

Japan's household spending in February fell for the third straight month year-on-year.

Food expenditures dipped, desk prices rose, car purchases declined.

The Internal Affairs Ministry says outlays by households of two or more people dropped 1.8 percent from a year earlier, adjusted for inflation.

The average stood at just over 289,000 yen, or about 1,800 dollars.

Food typically accounts for a relatively large share of household spending, and this fell half a percent in the month.

The dip reflects the higher cost of fishery products and seasonings.

Disbursements on transport and communications fell almost 6% as consumers bought fewer automobiles.

On the upside, spending on culture and recreation climbed almost 11%.

The category includes overseas package tours and accommodation services.

Expenditures rose 1.9% for furniture and household goods, such as bedding and electric products.

The ministry says the data indicates households are being more selective about their purchases rather than cutting overall spending.

SAMSUNG'S QUARTERLY OPERATING PROFIT JUMPS EIGHTFOLD TO RECORD

Samson Electronics says operating profit in January to March surged more than eight-fold from a year earlier to a record soaring semiconductor sales led the way.

The South Korean technology conglomerate released the preliminary figures on Tuesday.

Profit hit 57.2 trillion won, or about $38 billion, which exceeds the number for all of last year. Sales jumped 133 trillion won, another record for a quarter.

Besides chips, Simpson says the strong performance was helped by the improved competitiveness of its home appliance and smartphone businesses.

SMART RECYCLING SET TO BOOST SOURCES OF METALS

Demand is climbing for metals used in everything from electronic devices to cars.

Recyclers in Japan are developing new ways to capture nickel, palladium, lithium and others for reuse. The efforts are critical in the resource-poor country.

00:11:05 話者 6

This company began a demonstration project here last September.

At this factory, disused devices, including smartphones, game consoles, and digital cameras, are sorted as the first step.

The process yields bits that contain metals, listed by the government as rare.

The company that operates the plant says this is the world's first automated system to break down gadgets to recycle metals.

These ceramic capacitors on circuit boards contain rare metals such as nickel and palladium that can now be extracted using the process.

00:11:50 話者 13/Nakagawa Yukimi/Technical Department Group Leader, Daiei Kankyo

Because the parts are so small, removing and sorting them by hand would not be realistic.

00:12:01 話者 6

Lithium batteries are separated from other components to reduce fire risk.

The crushed matter from disused devices is sorted based on weight, electrical conductivity, and other factors.

The resulting materials are sent to refiners where metals are extracted.

00:12:27 話者 15/Yamada Makoto/Executive Officer, Daiei Kankyo

We'd like to see this lead to a future where rare metals and rare earths are recycled within the country.

00:12:36 話者 6

This white powder is high-purity lithium, recycled from used batteries at another demonstration project.

At this non-ferrous metals plant, batteries are burned in a specially designed furnace.

The process removes non-metal materials.

The remains are then crushed and refined into a black powder that is rich in metals.

That fine powder is dissolved in water and treated repeatedly with special chemicals and then dried. The result is high purity lithium powder.

The company says it has boosted recovery rates from under 50% to 90% by using different chemicals and processes. That's among the highest rates in the world.

00:13:43 話者 17/Nakagawa Tadashi/Vice President & Director, JX Metals Circular Solutions Tsuruga

We believe it's crucial to recycle lithium-ion batteries safely. We hope our technology can be put to use in that area, and it would really benefit Japan as a whole.

00:14:00 話者 6

Advances in recycling technology are raising hopes that metals designated as rare can be secured more steadily within Japan, which is also important for economic security.

MARKETS

00:14:15 話者 4

And now to courtesies and stocks here in Asia.

♪

And that's the biz for this hour.

JAPANESE AMERICAN MEDIC'S LETTERS REVEAL REALITY OF WWII

00:14:59 話者 1

Sunday marked National Go for Broke Day in the US.

The saying means wager everything. It originates from the motto of a combat team made-up of Japanese Americans during World War II.

More people are now learning about their contributions, thanks in part to the writings of a medic. NHK World's Komiya Lisa reports.

00:15:22 話者 7

I can't stand the atmosphere of being guarded day and night in this barbed wire enclosed space. It will be a relief to breathe fresh, free air again on the outside.

00:15:39 話者 8/Komiya Lisa

Toshiaki Kuge's account of life inside a US incarceration camp. He was part of the more than 125,000 people sent to one simply because of their Japanese ancestry.

Kuge was born in 1919 in Oregon as a second-generation Japanese-American.

He was 22 years old and a pre-med student when the war broke out.

He was sent to an incarceration camp the following year.

While incarcerated, he put his name forward to serve as a medic.

00:16:15 話者 9/Carole Kawamura/Kuge's niece

I know he wanted to be the best American he could be, and that would be by volunteering.

00:16:27 話者 8

Carol Kawamura is Kuge's niece.

Her family preserved his letters and items after they were passed on to them.

00:16:36 話者 9

Recently.

00:16:40 話者 8

Kuge's team was sent to the European front in 1944, the site of fierce fighting against Nazi Germany. In letters to his future wife, Kuge conveyed the horrifying realities of war.

00:16:54 話者 7

There's nothing so dispiriting as to see friends wounded and killed.

I only hope that this all ends soon. 

So my brothers won't have to go through all of this, too.

00:17:13 話者 8

But that hope was not to be. His younger brother, Thomas, was drafted while incarcerated and deployed to the front lines later that year.

And just months after that, another devastating letter.

00:17:30 話者 9

My brother Thomas was killed in action

It came as a great shock to me at the time, and I haven't quite gotten over it yet.

00:17:43 話者 8

The 442nd Regiment had launched a surprise attack on German forces in Italy, breaking through their defensive line and chasing them off. Thomas was killed during that fight.

Two weeks later, the Germans surrendered, but there was no joy in Kuge's letter.

00:18:02 話者 7

I can only console myself in thinking that he died bravely in the performance of the duty, which he and so many other thousands have signed up to do.

There wasn't much celebrating for me, even after the fighting stopped.

00:18:23 話者 9

I cried. He would have been very on the offensive, knowing he would die.

And I just think about all of those soldiers. And it's just, like, so art ready.

00:18:42 話者 8

Kawamura says she wants more people to learn about the Japanese-American soldiers.

So this year, she arranged for a temporary exhibit at a local library.

00:18:55 話者 9

Do you know about the 442? What do you know about?

My grandfather was-- Was he?

00:19:02 話者 8

On this day, she told visitors that love for one's country has nothing to do with one's roots.

00:19:11 話者 18

I wasn't aware that some of the Japanese-Americans were fighting.

I think it should receive a little bit more recognition and acknowledgement.

00:19:23 話者 19

We need to look at Americans as being Americans, regardless to where you're from or where your family came from. Yes.

00:19:32 話者 9

This is exactly what I wanted, to be able to reach out and let people know there's this big story here.

I hope that everyone realizes that there are so many different paths to being an American and that all of us have an important impact on our country.

00:19:53 話者 1

And earlier, I delved further into this topic with Lisa, who is in Los Angeles.

So, Lisa, How did Japanese-American families back then feel about their children serving in the US military.

00:20:08 話者 8

There were a lot of complex emotions involved.

Many of their parents were the first generation to come to the United States.

They had families and friends in Japan with lots of childhood memories there.

It would not have been easy for that generation to swear loyalty to the US.

That said, a parent's love for their child does not change.

This is a separate traveling exhibit that began in San Francisco in February.

It tells the stories of Japanese-American soldiers who served in the US military during World War II. It includes a Japanese amulet called Sennimbari on display.

It's a strip of cloth with a thousand stitches made to wish for the safety of a soldier heading off to war.

This shows how much they prayed for their children who had decided to volunteer.

Kuga's diary and other items related to him are part of the exhibit, too.

Among them is a service flag. It's displayed by family members with a loved one serving in the US forces during war.

His parents seem to have displayed this flag at the camp they were incarcerated at.

That suggests they respected their son's choice to dedicate himself to the country.

00:21:21 話者 1

Serving the US may have entailed fighting against Japan at times.

Were there any cases of Japanese-American soldiers having to do that?

00:21:32 話者 8

Yes, there were Japanese Americans who were deployed to the Pacific front.

Particularly known are those who served in the military intelligence service.

6,000 Japanese Americans were responsible for translating enemy documents, interrogating prisoners of war, and intercepting communications.

During the Battle of Okinawa, they were tasked with calling on civilians to surrender.

What is not widely known is that there were also some Japanese Americans who fought as part of the now defunct Japanese military.

They were in Japan mostly for education when the war broke out and were eventually drafted. There were even cases where siblings were split between the two countries.

These stories about the Japanese Americans are not well known in either country, making Kuga's documents a valuable resource.

Kawamura says she hopes that such materials will help people learn the harsh realities of war and make sure that this kind of history is never repeated.

RURAL TOWN TURNS TO COSPLAY TO BOOST TOURISM

00:22:38 話者 1

Now, a small Japanese town with an aging population is betting on cosplay and cherry blossom to revive its fortunes.

It's hoping a new social media drive will draw a younger crowd and a global audience.

Cosplayers and photographers gathered at a shrine in the Okayama town of Wake for an event timed with the cherry blossom season.

They posed as your favorite characters from anime and video games as the cameras clicked away.

Organizers say the goal is simple: get more young people talking about the town online and build new buzz for a town where about 40 percent of the residents are elderly.

00:23:28 話者 23

I have quite a few followers from overseas on social media.

I want to share scenery like this with them.

00:23:39 話者 1

Local leaders are hoping that if images like these can spread, then the visitors will follow.

Now in the previous Artemis story, we regret the poor sound quality.

WEATHER

And it's time for a check on the weather with our meteorologist Jonathan Oh.

So Jonathan, we saw some April showers in parts of Japan Tuesday. What can you tell us?

00:24:04 話者 12/Jonathan Oh

Hello, we had a front that was pushing through Japan, and in the process it brought some rainfall, plenty of it, down toward even places like Okinawa.

Take a look at this video.

Heavy rain and strong winds hit Okinawa on Tuesday as a cold front passed through.

The Japan Meteorological Agency reported that 20 millimeters of rain fell in just one hour and wind gusts hit over 75 kilometers per hour in Nago City.

Now that same system is making its way toward the Izo Island South of Tokyo.

The weather agency is urging caution against landslides through Tuesday night and so the front is passing through. 

We'll go into Wednesday. High pressure will be coming in behind it and that means we're going to be dealing with drier weather as go through the day on Wednesday.

The morning hours, especially for the eastern side of Japan, may be dealing with some showers, but then we'll see brighter skies.

Temperatures moving their way back up to 20s, 26 in Tokyo, possibly by Saturday, 28 in Naha.

And so we're looking at the temperatures climbing their way back up as we head toward the end of the week.

Meanwhile, we're looking at relatively calm weather across the United States, but with the stationary front down from the south, we have some wet weather across Florida.

Behind that, a cold front is pushing on through, driving temperatures down.

Highs at around 2 from Toronto into Chicago with some snow in the forecast as we go through the day on Tuesday.

Plenty warmth though south of there, highs in the low to mid-20s from Atlanta to Houston as we go through Tuesday.

Wrapping things up with a look at Europe.

High pressure is the big story across the central portions of the continent.

But low pressure is still pushing toward the east, bringing the chance for some wet weather in places like Moscow, Warsaw, Kiev, Istanbul, looking at some wet weather as well. But highs into the 20s from Paris into Rome as they go through 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. Thanks for staying with us.

NHK World

00:28:01 話者 5

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 06

20260406180000_english_1.mp3

 00:00:09 話者 1/Yamamoto Miki

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

IRAN CONFLICT
TRUMP EXTENDS STRAIT OF HORMUZ DEADLINE

We start with the ongoing conflict between Iran and the US.

According to the Wall Street Journal, President Donald Trump is extending his deadline for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

On Sunday, Trump told the newspaper that he will postpone attacks on Iran's energy facilities until Tuesday.

The deadline was initially set for Monday, eastern US time.

The president had said US forces would not strike Iranian energy facilities before it expires.

The same day, Trump took to social media proclaiming Tuesday, 8 p.m. Eastern time.

But he did not elaborate. That was just hours after he posted an expletive-laden rant threatening Iran's power plants and bridges, and proclaimed the country would be living in hell if it did not open the strait.

A spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry said that if there is an attack, Iran will retaliate accordingly.

00:01:16 話者 12/Esmaeil Baghaei/Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson

This is not something that we will do it voluntarily or by willful decision.

This is something that is as part of our defense measures against their illegal act.

00:01:35 話者 1

Meanwhile, the US Central Command says its forces successfully completed the rescues of two American service members from inside Iran.

The two were on board an F-15 fighter jet that was shot down over Iran on Thursday.

Trump wrote on social media that a seriously wounded and really brave officer had been pulled from deep inside the mountains of Iran.

In Israel, the defense minister has defended a decision to attack Iran's petrochemical facilities.

Israel COTS was commenting on an announcement on Saturday that the military had bombed a petrochemical complex in the southwest of Iran.

He said the industry has generated 18 billion dollars for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps over the past two years.

00:02:27 話者 13/Israel Katz/Israeli Defense Minister

As long as the missile fire towards the citizens of Israel continues, Iran will pay a painful price that will erode and collapse its national infrastructure and the terror regime's ability to operate.

00:02:41 話者 1

Iran continued to fire missiles on Israel on Sunday. Local media reported that a strike in the northern city of Haifa left several local residents injured.

Another attack on an industrial zone in the southern city of Beersheba reportedly damaged a factory.

IRAN CONFLICT
TAKAICHI: EFFORTS UNDERWAY FOR DIALOGUE WITH IRAN

In Tokyo, Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae says her government plans to use all of its diplomatic resources to help facilitate an early end to the conflict.

00:03:15 話者 23/Takaichi Sanae

Preparations are now underway to see to it that I am able to engage in dialogue with Iranian leadership at an appropriate time.

At this point, I cannot elaborate, as these arrangements are still being made.

But Japan is seeking all possible options, including summit talks.

00:03:35 話者 1

Takaichi also told the Diet that her government is prepared to deal with prolonged disruptions to energy shipments caused by the conflict.

THIRD JAPAN-RELATED SHIP PASSES STRAIT OF HORMUZ

As the Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed, Mitsui OSK Lines says ships carrying liquefied petroleum gas, or LPG, have passed through the Strait of Hormuz and left the Persian Gulf by Monday. This is the third Japan-related ship that has passed.

No Japanese nationals are on board this ship.

JAPAN: ENERGY SUPPLIES SUFFICIENT UNTIL EARLY 2027

And regarding procuring crude oil, Japanese government sources say steps are being taken to secure energy supplies without imposing restrictions on the public.

They say there is no need for now to curb the use of electricity or gasoline.

They say crude oil imports are being made through alternative routes.

Options include shipping from the United States and Middle Eastern routes that bypass the crucial waterway.

The government forecasts that in May, it'll be able to procure an amount equivalent to around 60 percent of the level imported in the same period last year.

The government expects that, coupled with releases from oil reserves, Japan will be able to secure enough crude oil to cover its needs through early 2027.

Despite the assurances, some ruling and opposition party members say the government will need to urge the public to curtail the use of power and gasoline if the situation in Iran drags on.

The government plans to study what measures could become necessary while closely monitoring how the situation in Iran develops.

WAR IN UKRAINE
FRESH DRONE ATTACKS ON RUSSIAN OIL FACILITIES

Oil facilities in Russia have reportedly come under fresh drone attacks by Ukrainian forces.

The two countries have been ramping up strikes on each other's energy infrastructure as crude prices surge amid the Iran conflict.

Reuters News Agency quoted a Ukrainian drone commander as saying targets were hit on the Baltic Sea and in the western Russian region of Nizhny Novgorod.

The governor of Nizhny Novgorod confirmed that an oil refinery in the region had come under a drone attack.

Ukraine has repeatedly targeted Russian energy facilities in an effort to cut off Moscow's funding from the sector.

In late March, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said some partners had urged Kyiv to reduce its strikes on Russian oil facilities.

But Kyiv has stressed Moscow must first stop its own offensive against Ukrainian energy facilities.

JAPAN'S IMPERIAL FAMILY ARRIVES IN FUKUSHIMA PREFECTURE

Japan's Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako and her daughter, Princess Aiko, have begun a two-day visit to Fukushima Prefecture, an area recovering from the 2011 disaster.

This is Princess Aiko's first visit to the prefecture.

The imperial family arrived at JR Fukushima Station on Monday before noon.

They were greeted by Fukushima Governor Uchibori Masao and others.

This year marks 15 years since a massive earthquake and tsunami struck the region, triggering a nuclear accident at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant.

In the afternoon, the family is visiting Futaba, one of the towns where the nuclear power plant is located.

They are also visiting the Great East Japan Earthquake and Nuclear Disaster Memorial Museum.

The facility was built to help visitors learn about the March 2011 tragedy.

The imperial family is viewing exhibits detailing the long-term impact of the nuclear disaster.

They are offering flowers and paying respects to those who died in the disaster, and speaking with residents who returned to their hometowns after evacuating.

On Tuesday, the imperial family is due to visit the towns of Tomioka, Okuma and Namie, where they will inspect reconstruction efforts and meet people who have relocated to the area after the disaster.

SEARCH FOR MISSING BOY IN KYOTO CONTINUES AFTER 2 WEEKS

Police in western prefecture of Kyoto are struggling to uncover clues in the disappearance of an elementary school boy who went missing two weeks ago.

About 600 officers were mobilized to look for 11-year-old Adachi Yuki in Nantan city.

Police say the boy's father drove him to school on the morning of March 23, but he did not show up for class. The police have searched irrigation ponds and other areas.

On March 29, his school backpack was found in a mountainous area about three kilometers from the school.

Investigators say there is no evidence the boy used public transport and no security camera footage has emerged.

He was reportedly not carrying a mobile phone when he disappeared.

Police say they have received about 230 tips, but none has panned out.

Law enforcement is continuing their search and appealing to the public for information.

BUSINESS

Now for business stories, here's Yuko Fukushima from the Bizdesk. Yuko.

00:08:58 話者 4/Yuko Fukushima

Yeah, thanks, Miki.

IRAN CONFLICT
MAZDA HALTS PRODUCTION OF VEHICLES FOR MIDDLE EAST

Well, NHK has learned that Mazda Mortar has halted domestic production of vehicles intended for the Middle East.

The move is due to the effective closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

The Japanese automaker had been exporting about 30,000 vehicles annually to Saudi Arabia, Israel, and other parts of the region.

The firm has kept production levels unchanged since the Iran conflict began.

It was exploring possible shipping routes that avoid the choke point.

But sources say growing inventories prompted the company to halt output for the Middle East in April and May.

It will decide what to do from there based on the situation.

Sources say total production in Japan will not be affected.

The company plans to increase output for Europe and other markets where demand is rising.

Amid the Iran conflict, Toyota cut production of vehicles for the Middle East in March by about 20,000 units. It will also slash 24,000 units in April.

Nissan reduced output by about 1,200 vehicles in March and will do roughly the same in April.

JAPANESE AND FRENCH MASTERPIECES BECOME 'SISTER CASTLES'

Two renowned castles in Japan and France have entered into a sister castle agreement.

Officials in both countries hope this will help promote tourism and cultural preservation.

The move links Matsumoto Castle in central Japan with the Chateau du Chambol in central France.

The mayor of Matsumoto and a French official signed the agreement.

Matsumoto Castle is designated as a national treasure.

And the Chateau du Chambeau is a World Heritage Site.

00:10:46 話者 22/Gaun Yoshinao/Matsumoto Mayor

It's very meaningful for the leading Castles of the two countries to link up and enhance the appeal of their locations.

00:10:59 話者 23/Pierre Dubreuil/Director General, Domaine national de Chambord

Our castles which date back to the 16th century, show how much importance France and Japan attach to the preservation of heritage.

00:11:12 話者 4

The five-story keep of Matsumoto Castle is thought to be the oldest of its kind to survive to this day. Chambol is known as a Renaissance-type masterpiece.

Both structures symbolize the architectural styles of the 16th century.

Caretakers of the two councils plan to jointly launch tourism campaigns and shared know-how on preserving cultural properties.

KEI CAR KING HARBORS AMBITIONS FOR GLOBAL MARKETS

Suzuki Mortar is famous for its mini vehicles.

The company came second in Japan's unit sales for the first time in 2025.

Going forward, we asked the automaker's chief about his strategies in light of stiff US

tariff measures and increasing competition from Chinese manufacturers.

00:11:57 話者 3

Suzuki Toshihiro became president of the multinational carmaker eleven years ago.

He took over from his father, Osamu, who was well-known as a charismatic leader.

Suzuki Motor rolled out its first electric vehicles in Japan in January this year.

Some may view that as being behind the curve among Japanese automakers, but the president doesn't necessarily agree.

00:12:28 話者 35/Suzuki Toshihiro/Representative Director and President, Suzuki Motor

I don't think we started late.

We can learn from the experiences of our competitors and take the best from them.

We just have to make sure we're on time.

We have options like gasoline-powered cars, internal combustion engine vehicles, EVs,

and automobiles that run on hydrogen. It's very risky to narrow it down to just one type.

I think the right approach is to have choices and pursue the most appropriate.

00:12:57 話者 3

Moves by major Chinese automaker BYD to enter Japan's mini-vehicle or kei-car market has sent shockwaves through the industry.

00:13:07 話者 32/Tofukuji Atsuki/President, BYD Auto Japan

We'll fully commit ourselves to Japan's market.

00:13:11 話者 3

BYD last year unveiled a prototype mini car at the Japan Mobility Show.

The company plans to release its first model into the Japanese market this summer.

Kei cars are a uniquely Japanese invention, and the country has long set the standards.

Among Japanese automakers, Suzuki is the top seller in the category in terms of units.

Still, while Suzuki Toshihiro admits he harbors a sense of crisis with the arrival of BYD, he hopes the global demand of kei cars will expand.

00:13:49 話者 35

Some people say the Keikar is considered only for the domestic market, but the arrival of the Chinese automaker has proved the kei car market has potential.

Their price settings and costs indeed are cause for concern.

We need to conduct our own business by strengthening Suzuki's advantages.

00:14:09 話者 3

Suzuki Motor first made inroads into India in 1983 by offering compact vehicles at a low cost. The company quickly expanded its market share.

Eventually, the sales in India accounted for roughly 40% of its total revenue.

But advances by South Korean and local  automakers have been eroding Suzuki's competitive edge.

President Suzuki hopes to turn things around in India.

At the same time, he's eyeing business opportunities in Africa, among other regions, that offer economic growth potential.

00:14:47 話者 35

In India alone, out of a population of 1.4 billion people, there are 400 million who can afford a car.

But that means there is still an untapped market for the rest of the people, more than double the figure of car owners. It's important to target that market share.

The old way of doing things in the past is no longer applicable.

We have to work quickly and be flexible.

00:15:18 話者 3

Despite facing increasing competition both at home and abroad, Suzuki Motor is resolved to keep transforming itself.

The carmaker's president has confidence that he's come up with a winning strategy.

MARKETS

00:15:34 話者 4

And now let's see how currencies and stocks are performing in the region.

♪

And that wraps it up for Biz for this hour.

PETAL PILGRIMAGE: A BLOOMING GOOD TIME IN SEOUL

00:16:19 話者 1

Well, we've been showing you a lot of cherry blossom events in Japan lately, and it's a similar story in South Korea.

Spring flower festivals are now underway across the country during both residents and tourists. One such event in the capital also drew NHK world's Kim Chan-ju.

She gave us a taste of the atmosphere.

00:16:43 話者 6/Kim Chan-ju

This is Yeo-do, one of Seoul's most famous cherry blossom spots.

And it's not hard to figure out why. Take a look.

A breathtaking tunnel of blossoms stretching as far as I can see, lots of visitors, too. 

Even today, on Monday, I have seen office workers come out of an afternoon stroll, along with many foreign visitors.

Organizers say the festival drew nearly 3.5 million people Friday through Sunday.

To accommodate them and ensure everything runs smoothly, a stretch of road behind the National Assembly has been closed to traffic during the festival period.

It's part of a walking trail that spans roughly 1.7 kilometers.

00:17:37 話者 45

This is a road we usually use, but now it's closed for the festival.

Experiencing it like this feels very different and refreshing.

00:17:48 話者 6

The history of Yoido's cherry blossoms traces back to the Japanese colonial era, but this festival dates back to the 1990s. It started as a casual springtime gathering.

In 2005, it formally became the Yoido Spring Flower Festival, growing into the large-scale event it is now. It offers a wide range of programs for visitors of all ages.

The main stage features a variety of performances, from dance to smooth jazz.

Elsewhere, Oscars are helping keep things lively.

And if you're looking to refuel, food and drinks are on offer too.

00:18:33 話者 37

I've been taking care of our eight-month-old baby, so I've felt a little cooped up.

But coming here and seeing the beautiful flowers has brightened my mood. I feel good.

00:18:43 話者 36

It's like, it means spring. It's like a new life, new seasons, new kind of year.

That's why I like this season and also cherry blossom.

00:18:58 話者 6

The festival kicked off with an opening parade. It featured a marching band, traditional music and performances, drawing enthusiastic crowds.

To be more inclusive, the festival also offers a barrier-free program, ensuring that everyone can enjoy the festival.

Visitors with visual impairments can go on a special tour.

A guide explains the history of the cherry blossoms. 

Participants get to touch the trees as well.

As the cherry blossoms reach their peak, Yeouido has become a hotspot where people can step away from their daily routines and take in the beauty of spring.

Moments like these offer a chance to slow down and to reconnect with the changing season.

UKRAINIAN OLYMPIAN GETS BACK MEDAL AUCTIONED FOR WAR EFFORT

00:19:51 話者 1

A Ukrainian karate star has received back the bronze medal he won at the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics.

He had sold it four years ago to raise funds for his country in the face of Russia's invasion.

Stanislav Holuna put the medal up for auction where it was purchased for 20,500 dollars by a Japanese bidder.

A handover ceremony was held on Sunday at a karate club in Tokyo.

00:20:22 話者 52/Stanislav Horuna/Ukrainian Olympic medalist

I'm very happy that the medal goes back home and my son will grow up knowing that his father has achieved something in his life.

00:20:35 話者 1

Runa then led a training session for young members of the club.

The buyer initially planned to return the medal after the war ended, but decided to do so earlier as a gesture for peace.

BREATHING NEW LIFE INTO A TRADITIONAL TEXTILE

One of the oldest Japanese silk textiles comes from an island in southwestern Japan.

It's called Oshima Tsumugi. But the future of this tradition is unsure with the decline in demand amid modern lifestyles.

As we see in our next report, initiatives are underway to breathe new life into this textile industry.

00:21:12 話者 3

Here on Japan's Amami Oshima Island, a promotional photo shoot is underway.

The model is showcasing an outfit that bears the patterns of traditional silk textile from this region, known as Oshimatsumugi.

Kemi Junko is the president of the company that creates this clothing.

Having long designed dresses for working women, she was captivated by the exquisite craftsmanship of Oshimatsumugi.

00:21:44 話者 7/Kemi Junko/President, kay me

I was truly moved by the patience, skill, and the delicate process. I wanted to do something to ensure that this tradition is passed down to future generations.

00:21:56 話者 3

The history of Oshimatsumugi dates back 1,300 years.

It involves a unique technique of mud dyeing and meticulous weaving.

It was once one of the island's main industries.

But in recent years, sales have fallen with the decline in popularity of traditional Japanese clothing.

To remedy this situation, Kemi came up with an idea of using the Oshimatsumugi style for clothing that could be worn as everyday attire.

But a challenge soon became apparent. Oshimatsumugi textile isn't machine washable.

Kemi was looking for something durable that could meet the daily needs of working women. So she turned her focus to these traditional patterns.

Oshimatsumugi is characterized by its geometric designs inspired by nature or everyday objects such as woven bamboo baskets.

Kemi felt the charm of Oshimatsumugi could be spread by printing those traditional patterns on modern fabrics.

00:23:05 話者 7

I think the fact that a tradition has endured for over 1,000 years is a result of people always striving to preserve it.

The true value is to be able to wear something displaying energy, courage, or a sense of spirit.

00:23:24 話者 3

The products came in designed are now sold overseas as well.

By explaining the pattern's history, customers are showing intense interest.

00:23:34 話者 63

I feel that I'm wearing not just a dress itself, but I'm wearing a story and a history.

00:23:43 話者 7

I want to make Oshimatsumugi, a name that everyone around the world will become familiar with.

I hope that the spirit that has been preserved for over 1,300 years will continue to spread everywhere.

00:23:57 話者 3

Kemi donates to oshimatsumugi preservation efforts a portion of the sales as a royalty.

so that this millennium-old tradition will be passed on to future generations worldwide.

♪

WEATHER

00:24:37 話者 1

And it's time for a check on the weather with our meteorologist Jonathan Oh.

So Jonathan, it almost felt like we skipped spring in Tokyo on Monday because it was plenty warm outside. Is spring coming back?

00:24:51 話者 8/Jonathan Oh

Hello, if you spend any time outdoors in a place like Tokyo as we went through Monday, it definitely was on the warmer side.

Temperatures topping off at 23.7 degrees for the high in Tokyo, the high so far this year.

And even in western portions of Japan, we saw temperatures reaching up into the mid-20s, which categorizes as a summer day when it comes to the temperatures getting that high.

And I want to share some video about how people are dealing with it here in the capital.

As the calendar says, it's spring, but parts are Japan seeing summer like temperatures.

The hyper system controlling the weather led to the warmer conditions that people in Tokyo shedding their jackets, grabbing a bottle of water.

They're being seen, you know, in their short sleeves.

Now the forecast from the Japan Meteorological Agency is calling for more highs in the 20s later on this week.

So officials are telling people that they should stay hydrated, take frequent breaks outdoors because of the southern warmth that can be stressful on the body.

We get a little bit of a reprieve on that coming up on Tuesday.

We have some wet weather coming in with a couple of low pressure systems.

So you'll need your umbrellas and we'll see temperatures not reaching quite much into the 20s except for folks down toward Okinawa as we see the rain moving on through.

We'll still see some areas of a little bit of sunshine, Sendai looking at 20, but places like Tokyo and Osaka looking at temperatures in the upper teens as opposed to 20s with some rain. The forecast is to go through Tuesday.

Meanwhile, we're talking about a relatively dry pattern for most of North America.

We do have a front that's pushing down to the southeastern portions of the United States.

As that pushed on through, that will bring some rain chances.

Also seeing some rain over into Toronto as we go through today on Monday.

But elsewhere, it's dry.

Denver at 1922 to Oklahoma City, 21 in Atlanta as we go through Monday.

Quick note on Europe, low pressure up toward the Scandinavian Peninsula with the front pushing on through.

That will bring some moisture into the region like from Stockholm to Warsaw, but areas back to the west, high pressure bringing dry weather as we go through Monday.

Hope you have a good day wherever you are.

♫～　3-DAY FORECAST　～♫

00:27:35 話者 1

And that is all for this edition of NHK Newsline.

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

NHK World

00:28:01 話者 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 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

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