It's a Friday evening here in Japan. I'm James Tengan in Tokyo.
Welcome to NHK Newsline.
IRAN CONFLICT
NEW SUPREME LEADER SAYS IRAN WON'T BACK DOWN
The new supreme leader of Iran is vowing revenge against the US and Israel.
Mojtaba Khamenei says the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed to shipping.
He says that will serve as a tool to pressure the enemy.
Khamenei's statement was read by a presenter on state-run television.
It was his first since being named Supreme Leader.
In the statement, he called for national unity.
00:00:42 話者 2
We will not hesitate to retaliate for the victims. We only targeted the US base.
We have no choice but to continue this action.
00:00:58 話者 1
He said the US must shut down its military bases in the region or face further attacks.
Khamenei also mentioned an attack that hit an elementary school in southern Iran on February 28. The attack killed more than 160 people, mostly children.
He said Iran will definitely retaliate.
US President Donald Trump has yet to respond to Khamenei's statement, but has repeatedly claimed that the US military campaign has been a big success.
00:01:28 話者 10/Donald Trump
The situation with Iran is moving along very rapidly.
It's doing very well and we're doing what has to be done.
00:01:38 話者 1
Israeli Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu suggested that Israel may target Khamenei.
00:01:45 話者 4/Benyamin Netanyahu
I wouldn't issue life insurance policies to any of the leaders of the terrorist organizations.
00:01:53 話者 1
Amid escalating conflict, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps released this video on Thursday. It says it shows a strike on a US-owned tanker in the Persian Gulf.
It says the crew had ignored its warnings.
The Iranian Supreme National Security Council secretary issued a strong warning on social media, saying, We will not relinquish until they regret this serious miscalculation.
IRAN CONFLICT
ISRAELI FORCES AND LEBANON-BASED HEZBOLLAH TRADE ATTACKS
Meanwhile, the Israeli military has been trading fire with Hezbollah.
The Shia Muslim group is backed by Iran and is based in Lebanon, which shares a border with Israel.
Hezbollah previously claimed that it had conducted attacks in northern Israel in retaliation for the killing of Iran's then supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
It also claims to have carried out attacks on Thursday.
The Israeli forces have also launched several airstrikes on facilities connected to Hezbollah across Lebanon.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz hinted at a massive ground operation on Thursday.
00:02:59 話者 5/Israel Katz
I warned the Lebanese president that if the Lebanese government does not know how to control the territory and prevent Hezbollah from threatening the northern communities and firing at Israel, we will take the territory and do it ourselves.
00:03:16 話者 1
Lebanese authorities said that as of Thursday, 687 people have been killed and 1,774 others wounded by Israeli attacks.
They added that more than 810,000 people have been forced to evacuate across Lebanon.
IRAN CONFLICT
MORE EVACUEES FROM MIDDLE EAST ARRIVE IN TOKYO
A fifth plane carrying evacuees from the Middle East has arrived here in Tokyo.
It's the latest in a series of flights chartered by the Japanese government to help those stranded in the region.
The plane carrying 46 people landed at Tokyo's Haneda Airport at around 9 a.m. on Friday.
It departed from Oman. This brings the total number of evacuees airlifted by Japan to 882.
00:04:02 話者 22
We were getting several alerts a day, telling us to shelter inside. So I was waiting at home the whole time. I was torn about leaving because I don't know when I'll be able to go back.
00:04:16 話者 1
The Japanese government has so far chartered 2 flights from Oman, 2 from Saudi Arabia and one from the United Arab Emirates.
It's currently making arrangements for a 6th flight.
IRAN CONFLICT
US ALLOWS TRANSACTIONS ON SOME RUSSIAN OIL PRODUCTS
The US Treasury Department says it's temporarily allowing countries to purchase some Russian crude oil and petroleum products.
This appears to be aimed at bringing down energy prices amid the disruption in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Treasury says the measure covers shipments already loaded onto vessels and will last until April 11.
The announcement comes after CNN quoted sources earlier this week who said the Trump administration was discussing easing sanctions on Russian oil.
On Thursday, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov told reporters that it's very important for Russia and the US to work together to stabilize energy markets.
Russian presidential representative Kirill Dimitriev also revealed on social media that he visited the US for high-level talks on bilateral economic cooperation.
Observers say Moscow could be trying to work with the US to get leverage in peace talks with Ukraine.
BUSINESS
Now for the latest on the business and financial fronts with Gene Otani.
00:05:35 話者 7/Gene Otani
James, thanks. Our top business story this hour,
IRAN CONFLICT
IEA: GULF NATIONS CUT DAILY OIL OUTPUT BY 10 MILLION BARRELS
the International Energy Agency says the Middle East conflict has forced Gulf countries to reduce daily crude oil production by at least 10 million barrels.
That's equivalent to about 10% of global demand.
The IEA says the war is creating the largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market.
It warned on Thursday that unless oil tanker traffic can resume in the region, global shipments are set to fall further.
The report says that oil and product flows through the Strait of Hormuz have plunged to a trickle from around 20 million barrels a day before the war.
It says the lack of tankers forced Saudi Arabia, Iraq, the United Arab Emirates and other Gulf states to put oil in storage.
They have now cut production because storage facilities are filling up.
The IEA says that non-OPEC plus producers, such as Kazakhstan and Russia, have increased output that's partially offsetting the fall in the Middle East.
But the agency still projects global supply to fall by 8 million barrels a day in March.
The IEA says it welcomes the release of oil from member nations' stockpiles, but adds it's a stopgap measure.
The agency calls for adequate insurance and protection for shipping in the region.
IRAN CONFLICT
GASOLINE PRICES SOAR AT PUMPS AROUND TOKYO
Soaring gasoline prices are hitting some Japanese drivers hard.
The Iran conflict has caused a sharp increase in the cost of using a car.
NHK World's correspondent, Igarashi Jun, has the latest.
00:07:25 話者 8/Igarashi Jun
Here at the pumps in a busy part of Tokyo, drivers are feeling the pinch.
Gas is now selling for over 200 yen per liter.
This price reflects an increase of 28% in one day.
00:07:56 話者 17
I'm worried, and I'm not the only one.
00:08:00 話者 18
A car is necessary for me. I don't really have a choice, especially for hospital visits.
00:08:08 話者 8
The government announced on Wednesday that they will release 15 days' worth of oil from private reserves to domestic oil refiners as early as Monday.
They will attempt to keep retail gasoline prices at around 170 yen per liter.
That's about one dollar. One gas station manager commented on the surge.
00:08:34 話者 6/Saigusa Naoki/Gas station manager
I've never experienced prices this high before.
Even if we manage to get supplies, I'm worried the prices will keep rising.
And honestly, I'm not even sure we'll be able to source gas.
00:08:46 話者 8
Japan relies on the Middle East for more than 90 percent of its crude imports.
Unless tensions cool, the outlook for motorists and consumers in general is looking increasingly uncertain.
Igarashi Jun, NHK World.
BIZ PICKS
00:09:06 話者 7
Next, NHK World's John LaDue is here with Biz Picks.
00:09:16 話者 9/John LaDue
Let's take a look at the top business and economic stories in the week ahead.
On Wednesday, major Japanese companies will respond to labor unions in their annual wage negotiations.
Also Wednesday, the US Federal Reserve announces its latest policies.
With uncertainty about another rate cut, markets will be watching closely.
Then on Thursday, the Bank of Japan follows with its own announcement.
This time, the focus is on a possible rate hike.
ANALYSIS: BOJ'S NEXT MOVE
The BOJ lifted its key rate to around 0.75% in December.
It's also the first meeting since Japan's ruling party election win strengthened its reform mandate.
Mizuho Securities Chief Economist Kobayashi Shunsuke says a hike is unlikely this time, with wage demand softer and inflation easing.
00:10:12 話者 6/Kobayashi Shunsuke
The question is whether inflation will steadily move toward the BOJ's 2% target.
We're not there yet. Labor unions' demands are slightly lower than last year.
In January, there was only a small number of goods that saw prices increase.
With the gas tax cut and government subsidies, the consumer price index may even dip below 2%.
00:10:40 話者 9
He also says tensions in the Middle East could complicate the BOJ's decision.
00:10:53 話者 6
When energy prices rise, inflation, that the BOJ has set a target for, rises too.
And Japan relies heavily on energy imports.
High prices worsen trading conditions for Japanese companies and can hurt the broader economy. Over the medium to long term, the Iran conflict could be a drag.
00:11:18 話者 9
Kobayashi expects slower price growth and a weaker economy ahead, leaving the BOJ debating whether to move now or keep policy easy.
00:11:30 話者 6
I expect the next rate hike in July or later.
There are still many uncertainties, including the situation in Iran.
The BOJ is waiting for clearer signs that inflation is firming and wage growth is gaining momentum. When that happens, another hike becomes more likely.
00:11:56 話者 9
Prices and economic conditions always shape BOJ policy, but this time, global tensions add an extra layer of complexity.
I'm John LaDue, and that wraps it up for this week's BizPicks.
00:12:09 話者 7
John, thanks.
MARKETS
All right, let's have a look at the markets.
♪
And that's it for Business News.
JAPAN TO WELCOME PRESIDENTS OF INDONESIA, FRANCE
00:12:49 話者 1
Japan is getting ready to host two world leaders.
Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and French President Emmanuel Macron will make overlapping official visits at the end of this month.
Japan's government approved the plan at a cabinet meeting on Friday.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara Minoru says he hopes the visits deepen Japan's relationship with both nations.
00:13:14 話者 23/Kihara Minoru
As comprehensive strategic partners, Japan and Indonesia have strengthened ties in a range of fields, including security, the economy, and people-to-people exchanges.
Japan and France are special partners that share basic values and principles.
00:13:36 話者 1
Prabowo will be in Japan from March 29 to the 31.
Macron will arrive on the 31 and stay until April 2.
Both presidents are scheduled to hold talks with Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae.
They will also attend a banquet hosted by Emperor Narushito.
CAR CRASHES INTO MICHIGAN SYNAGOGUE, SUSPECT DEAD
A car possibly carrying explosives has crashed into a synagogue in a Detroit suburb in the US state of Michigan injuring a security guard.
Reports say security personnel near the entrance opened fire on the vehicle.
The injured guard was taken to a hospital.
Media reports say authorities found the suspect dead in the car.
The synagogue said no one else was injured, including staff members and children at its kindergarten. President Trump commented on the incident.
00:14:27 話者 10/Trump
And I want to send our love to the Michigan Jewish community and all of the people in Detroit, Detroit area, following the attack on the Jewish synagogue early today.
And I've been briefed, fully briefed, and it's a terrible thing.
1 DEAD, 2 INJURED IN SHOOTING AT VIRGINIA UNIVERSITY
00:14:45 話者 1
Also on Thursday, one person died and two were injured in a shooting at Old Dominion University in the southern state of Virginia. The suspected gunman, who died at the scene,
had been convicted of attempting to support the Islamic State militant group.
The FBI is investigating the shooting as an act of terrorism.
The two incidents are drawing wide attention in US media amid the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran.
JAPANESE WASHI PAPER AIDS RESTORATION OF MICHELANGELO FRESCO
Traditional Japanese washi paper is playing a key role in restoration work on Michelangelo's painting The Last Judgment.
The gigantic fresco adorns the Vatican's Sistine Chapel, which is also known as the Site of the Conclave, the secret meeting held to elect a new Roman Catholic pope.
The restoration project began last month.
It's the first such work on the painting in about 30 years.
Scaffolding has been set up inside the chapel and has been covered by screens bearing large printed images of the artwork.
Behind the screens, workers soak pieces of washi paper in water and apply them to the surface of the fresco to remove surface deposits.
Washi paper is soft and highly absorbent, allowing it to draw out the deposits without damaging the painting.
The chapel remains open to visitors during the work.
The project is scheduled to be completed in April.
YOUNG CHINESE CAPTURE LIFE'S HIGHS AND LOWS
In China, young people are increasingly hiring photographers to document their lives, some to preserve happy moments, others to capture difficult times.
The trend offers a glimpse into the lives of young people navigating a challenging society.
00:16:37 話者 20/Narrator: Kitadai Hiroko
Dressed in traditional outfits,
These women have traveled to a tourist destination solely to have their photos taken.
I quit my job and came here to relax.
Trips taken for photo shoots are called lu pai, or travel photography.
The market, including accommodations and costume rentals, has grown in recent years.
It reached about $5.7 billion in 2024.
Chen Yun traveled to Hangzhou in Zhejiang Province, a three-hour drive from her home in neighboring Jiangsu Province.
Chen works at a government agency. She takes travel photography trips about twice a year to break what she calls a stifling and monotonous routine.
The session costs about $190, but she says capturing a more glamorous version of herself motivates her to keep working hard.
00:17:53 話者 21/Chen Yun
I take photos to encourage myself. I don't worry about what other people think.
00:18:00 話者 20
But other young people aim to immortalize painful moments.
This woman had photos taken when she became withdrawn following a breakup.
00:18:18 話者 22/Sun Yichun
I want to escape the repetitive routine of my life.
00:18:28 話者 20
Photographer Li Ziyi has been taking portraits of young people like Chen for the past five years. Last November, he showed some in an exhibition.
One featured an engineer aiming to document the reality of late-night work in China's booming IT industry.
Another showed a man who lost his job amid high youth unemployment, leaving him with an uncertain future.
00:19:02 話者 14/Le Ziyi/Photographer
I hope the photos can offer them a turning point, or help them discover something positive.
00:19:18 話者 20
Five years ago, Jiang Haoran asked Lu to photograph him.
Jiang had moved to the city, hoping to become a model.
But his work and personal life didn't go as planned. This photo was taken at that time.
00:19:37 話者 24/Jiang Haoran
It captures the raw emotions I felt back then, a deep sense of powerlessness.
00:19:46 話者 20
Now, Zhang is learning video editing. He hopes to find a job creating and sharing videos.
Life remains unstable, but he says looking at those photos helps him see how far he has come.
00:20:05 話者 24
Of course, it's good to capture happy moments, but I think difficult times should also be recorded.
Remembering those struggles allows me to appreciate the happiness I have today.
00:20:22 話者 20
For young people in China, having their photos taken is both a way to preserve memories and a chance to find the strength to move forward.
DISASTER SURVIVOR HELPS STUDENTS THRIVE IN HER HOMETOWN
00:20:40 話者 1
Fifteen years have passed since 2011's Great East Japan earthquake and tsunami.
More than 19,000 people lost their lives in the aftermath.
Over 1,200 of them were in the small coastal town of Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture.
The children who experienced that tragedy are now adults.
Today, some of them are hoping to give back to the communities that stood by them during that devastating time.
NHK World's Murata Riho has the story.
00:21:12 話者 11/Murata Riho
28-year-old Oguni Yuka helps run a community center where local teenagers gather.
A non-profit established a space, known as a collabo school, months after the disaster.
Yuka spent many days here when she was a student.
00:21:35 話者 11
She was just 13 years old when the disaster struck.
She witnessed her grandparents' house being swallowed by the tsunami waves while they were still inside.
(Japanese)
00:22:03 話者 11
As the years went by, Yuke and her family continued to live in temporary housing.
She noticed many local seniors were becoming isolated.
She feared what would happen to her community if they didn't come together.
She felt the need to do something.
Kanamori Shunichi was one of the adults working at the collabo school at the time.
(Japanese)
00:22:49 話者 11
With his help, Yuka, then 17, organized a tea gathering for seniors. While the goal was to help them, they in turn helped her learn more about her grandparents.
(Japanese)
00:23:21 話者 11
Most of Otsushi has now been rebuilt, but to fully revitalize it, It'll take more work.
One way the town is trying to bring back the energy is to recruit high school students from outside the prefecture.
That has become a full-circle moment for Yuka, as she now helps those students integrate.
00:23:44 話者 11
Just like Kanamori encouraged her, she's eager to build trusting relationships with her students.
00:24:17 話者 11
Yuka says she works hard every day to become a dependable role model for the youth who now call Otsushi home.
Murata Riho, NHK World, Otsushi.
WEATHER
00:24:42 話者 1
Now, it's time for a check on whether despite being March, snowy conditions continue in northern Japan. Our meteorologist, Yumi Hirano, has the details.
00:24:52 話者 12/Yumi Hirano
A combination of cold air and a low-pressure system has been bringing heavy snow to parts of Hokkaido. Over 80 centimeters was reported in Utodo in just two days.
Wet and heavy snow could lead to the risk of avalanches.
The storm is expected to move away from Japan, so the snow is likely to ease on Saturday.
Another system is expected to develop and approach the Izu Islands.
Thundershowers, gusty winds, and high waves are possible.
But sunny skies are likely in Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka over the weekend.
The high in Tokyo will rise to 15 on Saturday and Sunday, so spring conditions may return.
Moving to Australia, over 110 millimeters of heavy rain in just one day was reported in one location in the northern territory.
The monsoons have also been affecting Queensland. Intense rain hit a coastal town in southern Queensland, causing rivers to overflow on Wednesday.
Flood waters inundated communities, forcing hundreds of residents to evacuate their homes.
According to local media, two bodies were discovered during search and rescue appellations.
River levels remain dangerously high in parts of Queensland and the northern territory.
A low-pressure system is expected to intensify downpours.
An additional 150 millimeters of rain is likely in the northern territory by Monday.
Major flooding is also possible in Queensland.
Showers will continue in Darwin, but sunny skies are expected in the south, including Brisbane and Melbourne, with highs around 25.
That's it for now. Have a nice weekend.
00:27:41 話者 1
Visit our app or website for more news, feature stories, and information.
More to come here on NHK World Japan, so stay with us.
checked.
0 件のコメント:
コメントを投稿