Welcome to NHK Newsline. I'm Moris Dairika in Tokyo.
TRUMP SAYS OBJECTIVES NEARLY MET
US President Donald Trump addressed Americans Wednesday about the situation in Iran.
He reiterated why the operation is important and said they're close to accomplishing their goals.
00:00:27 話者 10/Donald Trump
Tonight, I want to provide an update on the tremendous progress our warriors have made in Iran and discuss why Operation Epic Fury is necessary for the safety of America and the security of the free world.
As I stated in my announcement of Operation Epic Fury, our objectives are very simple and clear.
We are systematically dismantling the regime's ability to threaten America or project power outside of their borders.
And I'm pleased to say that these core strategic objectives are nearing completion.
00:01:03 話者 1
Trump went on to say the US has seen significant success.
00:01:09 話者 10
In these past four weeks, our armed forces have delivered swift, decisive, overwhelming victories on the battlefield. Victories like few people have ever seen before.
00:01:22 話者 1
And he reiterated the two- or three-week timeline he'd laid out before.
00:01:29 話者 10
We're going to hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks.
We're going to bring them back to the stone ages where they belong.
00:01:39 話者 1
He also said negotiations between Washington and Tehran are ongoing.
He emphasized that regime change was not his goal.
But he also threatened Iran, saying if there's no deal, the US will target their power plants very hard.
Regarding gas, Trump tried to assure Americans that the price at the pump would come back down.
00:02:04 話者 10
When this conflict is over, the strait will open up naturally. It'll just open up naturally.
They're going to want to be able to sell oil because that's all they have to try and rebuild.
It will resume the flowing and the gas prices will rapidly come back down.
00:02:21 話者 1
A news agency linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps reported on Trump's speech. It says it was in his usual style, using exaggerated praise.
It also says he didn't acknowledge how the operation failed to achieve its initial objectives.
Here in Japan, the government says the address underscored the importance of Washington's latest moves.
00:02:49 話者 3/Kihara Minoru/Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary
President Trump recently mentioned talks with Iran.
I hope those will move in the right direction.
The Japanese government will continue diplomatic efforts to seek an early de-escalation of the situation, while coordinating closely with the international community.
MIXED REACTION TO TRUMP'S SPEECH ON IRAN
00:03:07 話者 1
For more on Trump's speech, earlier I spoke with NHK World's Ebizuka Megumi in Washington. She was following the reaction to Trump's speech.
00:03:18 話者 4/Ebizuka Megumi
Trump claims military success but offers no clear timeline to end fighting.
Headlines like that are making the rounds on US media following the president's speech.
One person I spoke to here in Washington said it wasn't clear whether the war is ending or whether the strait of home moves will reopen, and asked, what was the point of the speech?
A lawmaker from the Democratic Party criticized the address, posting on social media, no clear plan, and that Trump was way over his head.
By contrast, Secretary of State Mark Rubio praised it, saying it was a powerful speech and that the president was clear about objectives in Iran.
00:04:09 話者 1
But did the president say anything that would suggest what might happen going forward?
00:04:15 話者 4
In his speech, Trump argued that strategic objectives are nearing completion.
At the same time, he insisted that the United States would hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks.
Amid growing domestic concerns of a prolonged military operation, Trump emphasized how long past wars involving the US had lasted.
He made no mention of deploying ground troops.
The market was quick to react as well following a speech.
Futures rise for WTI, the international benchmark, lows on the New York crude oil market.
Overall, White House officials said they are pleased with the address.
They hope it will convince Americans to trust the President at a time when post shows he is losing confidence.
Critics, however, will be keeping a close eye on what military action the US will take going forward.
ANALYSIS: WHAT'S BEHIND INDONESIA'S PUSH TO BEFRIEND JAPAN?
00:05:20 話者 1
Amid the turmoil in the Middle East, world leaders are turning their sights toward alternatives to oil. Japan is no exception.
Prime Minister Takai Ji Sanae met with Indonesia's leader in Tokyo earlier this week and confirmed the two nations will work closely on energy security going forward.
Earlier, I spoke with NHK Jakarta Bureau Chief Yoshimoto Akinori for a debrief on the visit.
Akinori, can you tell us a bit more about how President Prabovo Subianto spent his time in Japan?
00:06:01 話者 5/Yoshimoto Akinori
He was in Tokyo to build up Indonesia's economic relationship with Japan and figure out a way to navigate the unpredictable oil markets.
Takaichi and President Prabowo confirmed this week that they have a strong interest in working together to achieve that.
Indonesia gets about a quarter of its oil from the Middle East.
It has been providing subsidies in order to keep gas prices stable for domestic consumers.
But that comes at a major cost for the government, and ultimately, for the Indonesian people.
00:06:38 話者 1
So, what are President Prabowo's plans for ensuring a stable energy supply?
00:06:46 話者 5
He's making renewable and nuclear energy a priority, and that was a major reason for his visit to Japan. He made that clear at a Tokyo business conference this week.
He has his eyes on green energy, such as thermal and solar power, and is looking to work with the Japanese government and Japanese companies to secure that.
Prabal's speech was that combining Japanese technology and experience with Indonesian resources would be beneficial to both countries.
00:07:19 話者 6/Prabowo Subianto/Indonesian President
All our projects must be viable, must be bankable, must deliver real benefits, real return on investment. That's why we are very open to Japanese active participation.
00:07:44 話者 5
As you can hear from his speech, he is definitely hoping to attract significant investment from Japan.
00:07:52 話者 1
Akinori, how is Indonesia's weathering the oil crisis as an up-and-coming economy in the Global South?
00:08:02 話者 5
Traditionally, Indonesian policy is to avoid forming an alliance with any particular country.
President Prabowo is sticking to this policy, but he's also actively forming relationships with other world leaders.
His visit to Japan is part of that effort to raise Indonesia's profile as a powerhouse of the Global South.
Last year, Indonesia joined the BRICS group of emerging economies, which includes China and Russia.
China is Indonesia's largest trading partner, and President Prabowo has been stoking that relationship, even taking part in a Chinese military parade.
But even as Indonesia grows closer to Beijing, it's also making deals with the US.
Indonesia signed the trade pact with Washington in February.
It will buy over $30 billion worth of US products under that deal.
A diplomatic source told me it seems like Indonesia is playing the field and tried to strike a balance in its international relationships.
And in fact, we heard as much from Pervo this week in Tokyo.
He told business leaders that even a thousand friends are too small, and even one enemy is too many.
He's doing a lot of work to frame Indonesia as a friendly country, and one that's good to do business with.
BUSINESS
00:09:31 話者 1
Now, let's see what's happening in the world of business.
Here's Ramin Mellegard from The Business Desk.
00:09:37 話者 7/Ramin Mellegard
Thank you very much indeed.
Now, let's see how the markets reacted to the president's address.
Our business reporter Yuko Fukushima is at the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
00:09:48 話者 8/Yuko Fukushima
Tokyo share prices fell following Trump's comments. They prompted investors to sell.
I'm concerned that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed and prolong higher energy prices.
The benchmark Nikkei 225 index rose from the opening bell on Thursday, but reversed direction when Trump's address began.
It extended the decline in afternoon trading and closed about 2.4 percent lower at 52,463.
Trump's remarks drove the price of crude oil up sharply.
Benchmark WTI futures rose to the $105 range per barrel in New York.
They were trading at around $98 per barrel before his speech began.
Economists we spoke to say investors are more interested in when oil tankers can freely pass through the Strait of Hormuz than when the conflict in Iran will end.
They say there was nothing in Trump's address that suggested the strait would reopen.
Instead, the president said fighting will intensify in the coming weeks, indicating the shipping route will be closed longer than many managers hoped.
One analyst told us market's next focus will be on what the Iranian authorities say about the conflict and allowing passage through the Strait of Hormuz.
Yuko Fukushima, NHK World, from the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
FRANCE SEEKS CLOSER ECONOMIC, TECHNOLOGICAL TIES WITH JAPAN
00:11:05 話者 7
Now, French President Emmanuel Macron has called for deeper economic relations with Japan.
He says both countries would benefit from broader technology ties rather than dependence on global superpowers.
Macron is on a three-day visit to Japan and spoke at an economic forum in Tokyo on Wednesday.
The event focused on cooperation in fields such as critical minerals, artificial intelligence, and energy.
Macron says the strategic autonomy promoted by France aligns with Japan's economic security policy.
00:11:45 話者 13/Emmanuel Macron/French President
Amid global uncertainty marked by crisis and war, and as the situation has deteriorated in recent weeks, we both believe in an agenda of de-escalation, multilateralism, international law and innovation.
00:12:00 話者 7
Both sides agreed during Macron's visit to secure raw materials for a rare earth factory in France.
Japan's Industry Minister Akazawa Ryosei and French Finance Minister Roland Le Secure also signed an agreement on sourcing critical minerals.
SPACEX REPORTEDLY FILES CONFIDENTIALLY FOR IPO
Several American media have reported that Elon Musk's SpaceX has confidentially filed for an initial public offering with the US Securities and Exchange Commission.
Bloomberg reported that the rocket, satellite and AI company is aiming to raise up to $75 billion by going public.
Reports said that would make it the biggest ever IPO. surpassing the $29 billion raised by Saudi Arabia's state-run oil company, Saudi Aramco, in 2019.
SpaceX was established by Musk in 2002 and has been involved in rocket launches and offering Starlink satellite internet services.
The company acquired Musk's artificial intelligence startup, XAI, which operates the X social media platform in February.
Bloomberg reported that the filing SpaceX could be listed as early as June.
'OSHIKATSU' FANS DRIVE LUCRATIVE BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES
Now, have you ever heard of oshikatsu? It's a Japanese word that means enthusiastic support for idols, athletes, even anime characters.
These superfans are often eager to spend on related products and services, creating some very lucrative business opportunities.
NHK World's Koga Takashi has the story.
00:13:51 話者 9
This cafe in Tokyo offers order-made cakes for Oshikatsu, including this one, dedicated to a popular rock band. This woman is a huge fan.
She says posting on social media and connecting with other supporters means a lot to her.
00:14:12 話者 10
I can't always get to live events. And even if I was able to go, sometimes I can't get tickets.
So I come to cafes like this to let others know how disappointed I was to miss the event.
It lets me show them how strongly I feel.
00:14:27 話者 9
The Oshikatsu Market is valued at around Around $25 billion, the sector has kept on growing, even as inflation has undercut overall consumption in Japan.
The oshikatsu effect is spilling into other industries like music.
This music store in Tokyo's Shibuya district recently underwent a major renovation.
Shelf space for CDs and records was shifted around.
There are now areas where fans can take photos with displays of their favorite artists.
So it's no longer just a place to buy stuff. It's a place to make memories.
00:15:11 話者 13/Matsumoto Sota/Deputy Manager, Tower Records Shibuya
A large physical space is needed if you want customers to be able to take photos with displays of their favorite artists or see special products dedicated to them.
It is something that's unique to this Shibuya location.
We renovated it so visitors can have that experience.
00:15:28 話者 9
Companies are finding other ways to turn passion into profit.
Oshikoko was founded five years ago to offer goods and services related to oshikatsu.
It's now seeing interest from clients in sectors beyond entertainment.
00:15:47 話者 11/Tada Natsuho/CEO, Oshicoco
In the past year or two, we've received inquiries from industries like finance, as well as automobile and electronics manufacturers, companies seen as traditional Japanese corporations.
They are turning their focus to fan engagement and to the growing oshikatsu community.
00:16:09 話者 9
One Oshikoko project involves teaming up with a financial firm to develop insurance to cover accommodation and transport costs if a concert is canceled.
Komiyama Shuntaro is a business analyst who has studied oshikatsu.
He says cross-industry collaborations tapping fund psychology are set to keep growing.
00:16:34 話者 12/Komiyama Shuntaro/Consultant, Nomura Research Institute
There are dedicated fans who want to feel close to their favorites in everyday life, even during activities like grocery shopping.
Firms that collaborate with the figures these fans support will probably get the same customer loyalty through that connection.
00:16:56 話者 9
The oshikatsu phenomenon appears to be gaining strength with related businesses set to benefit.
That raises the question of how much this can contribute to Japan's economic growth.
Koga Takashi, NHK World.
MARKETS
00:17:14 話者 7
Okay, let's get a check on the markets.
♪
And that is it for Business News.
I'm going to hand it back to you.
00:17:46 話者 1
Thank you, Ramin.
4 PEOPLE NOMINATED FOR UN SECRETARY-GENERAL
Next. The United Nations is in the process of choosing its next Secretary General.
Thus far, it has four nominees.
Antonio Guterres is serving his second five-year term that ends December 31.
The General Assembly President asked member nations to nominate successors by Wednesday.
The nominees include International Atomic Energy Agency Director-General Rafael Grossi and former Chilean President Michel Bachelet.
They also include UN Conference on Trade and Development Secretary-General Rebecca Greenspan and former Senegalese President Marquis Salle.
Three are from Latin America and the Caribbean.
That's in accordance with the custom that UN Secretaries-General come from different regions in turn.
Two nominees are women. The General Assembly president asked for female candidates, as all secretaries-general have been men.
The candidates will participate in an open debate starting in the week of April 20.
The permanent members of the Security Council have great influence in the choice of secretary-general.
That's because the council's endorsement is necessary before the person can be appointed by the General Assembly.
The new secretary-general is due to be appointed around fall this year.
More candidates may be nominated.
POLICE RAID 3 CRIME SYNDICATES LINKED TO TOKYO HEIST
Tokyo police have raided the headquarters of three different organized crime groups in Japan over suspected links to a robbery early this year of more than 400 million yen in cash.
The investigations were conducted on Thursday. Police searched two locations in Tokyo, the offices of the Sumiyoshi Kai Syndicate and the Kyokuto Kai Syndicate.
They also searched the subordinate organization of the Sixth Generation Yamaguchi Gumi Syndicate in Sapporo City, Hokkaido.
Last month, Tokyo police arrested seven men for their suspected involvement in the case.
Among them were Kano Jindu from the sixth generation Yamaguchi Gumi and Ito Yuto from Sumiyoshikai.
Cash worth more than 420 million yen, about $2.6 million, was stolen in Tokyo in January.
The funds were being transported in three suitcases by a group of Japanese and Chinese nationals. Most of the money remains missing.
Police suspect that plans to transport the cash may have been leaked.
They are working to clarify how gang members allegedly learned of the plans and recruited suspects from multiple crime organizations to carry out the theft.
DEEPENING JAPAN-S.KOREA TIES THROUGH CULTURAL EXCHANGES
Recent cultural exchanges have been helping improve relations between Japan and South Korea. Our next report looks at cooperation between the countries that stems from shared interests in traditional architecture.
00:21:18 話者 11/Narrator: Soga Michiko
Kamakura City, south of Tokyo, is famous for the Great Buddha.
Until two years ago, Gangetsu-do used to be preserved behind the massive statue.
The prayer hall was originally built on the Korean Peninsula around the 18th or 19th century.
The hall is believed to have been donated to a businessman from Japan in 1924 during Japanese colonial rule, and then moved to the country.
Last June, against the backdrop of improving bilateral relations, the hall was handed over to South Korea.
The wooden structure was dismantled into about 5,000 parts for transport.
Work to reassemble it is underway near Seoul.
The South Korean government plans to complete the reconstruction by 2028 and open it to the public.
00:22:16 話者 12/Sato Takao/Japanese chief priest, Kotoku-in
I hope the hall becomes a symbol of continuing good relations.
00:22:28 話者 13/Park Seon-mi/Overseas Korean Cultural Heritage Foundation
I hope many people see the hall, remember it, and take the opportunity to share the value of this cultural heritage.
00:22:39 話者 11
Appreciation of Japanese-style buildings in South Korea is also gaining momentum.
During colonial rule, about 10,000 Japanese people lived in the city of Gunsan in western South Korea. More than 100 Japanese buildings remain.
In the past, these structures were often regarded as enemy assets. Many were torn down.
Son Seong-jing is promoting urban revitalization by repurposing historic Japanese-style buildings.
00:23:16 話者 13/Son Seong-jing/CEO, ShareWe LC.
Many of us used to feel pain just looking at Japanese structures, and they were targeted for demolition.
But now I think there's a growing sense of accepting them as modern architectural heritage.
00:23:30 話者 11
These are the restaurants and jazz bars produced by Son. Visitors are drawn to the warmth of the century-old woodwork in the traditional courtyard.
00:23:41 話者 14
I feel like I came to a small Japanese city. Great atmosphere.
00:23:47 話者 11
In March, Seong opened a new accommodation facility as a joint Japanese-Korean project.
Construction was carried out in collaboration with Japanese carpenters and lumber dealers.
Lumber was mainly sourced from Ehime Prefecture in western Japan.
00:24:08 話者 14/Nishishita Kenji/Chairman, Kyoei Lumber
They have preserved Japanese culture, and by creating something new for the next generation, they are deepening our ties in many ways.
I'm truly grateful and happy.
00:24:22 話者 13
I think culture is the most important thing in the process of building a friendship between the two countries.
I would feel happy if the power of culture can help South Korea and Japan take their relationship one step further.
00:24:36 話者 11
Seong says he hopes these exchanges between South Korea and Japan last, and continue from generation to generation.
WEATHER
00:24:46 話者 1
Now it's time to check out the world weather. The Mediterranean has been affected by a storm. Our meteorologist Yuni Hirano has the details.
00:24:56 話者 34/Yuni Hirano
You can see a circulating system on the satellite. The storm near Italy and the Balkans brought not only thunderstorms, but also dust from the Sahara.
A storm front passing through the Mediterranean brought unstable weather to the region this week.
Strong winds pushed sand and dust over the island of Crete on Monday.
The sky turned almost orange, with visibility drastically reduced.
According to local media, many flights going through the island were sent to nearby airports.
The storm is moving slowly, and more dust is expected in southern Greece and parts of Turkey. It could cause additional disruptions to traffic and transportation.
Isolated thundershowers and mountain snowfall are also possible.
Showers are likely in Athens and Istanbul, but sunny skies are expected in Lisbon and Madrid. The temperature in Moscow will be 17, which is over 10 degrees higher than usual.
Moving to Asia, a low-pressure system is bringing showers and snowfall to northern Japan, while a stationary front is lingering along southern China.
Up to 130 millimeters of rainfall is possible in Jiangxi and Funan provinces by Friday afternoon, leading to potential flash flooding.
The system will eventually arrive in Japan by Saturday.
On Friday, showers are likely in Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Taipei.
Sunny skies are expected in Tokyo with a high of 20.
It might be a perfect day to enjoy the charry blossoms.
That's it for now. Have a nice day.
♫～ 3-DAY FORECAST ～♫
00:27:40 話者 1
That's all for this edition of NHK Newsline.
I'm Morishita Erika in Tokyo. Thank you for watching.
NHK World
00:28:01 話者 12
This is NHK World Japan English Radio Service.
Here's a frequency notice.
The broadcast at 14 hours UTC for Southeast Asia is on 11.800 MHz.
Once again, the broadcast at 14 hours UTC for Southeast Asia is on 11.800 MHz.
For more details of our programs, Please check our website at nhk.jp/rj nhk.jp/rj. We're always pleased to receive your comments and suggestions through our website.
checked.
