Welcome to NHK Newsline. I'm Morishita Erika in Tokyo.
SOURCES: FATHER ADMITS TO KILLING 11-YEAR-OLD KYOTO BOY
Investigative sources say the father of an 11-year-old boy whose body was found earlier this week in Kyoto Prefecture has admitted to killing his son.
The man has been referred to prosecutors.
Police arrested the 37-year-old Adachi Yuuki early Thursday on suspicion of abandoning the boy's remains.
Police say the father may have moved the body several times between the time the boy went missing in late March until he was found dead on Monday in a wooden area of Nantan City. They say he has admitted to doing so and regard him as the only suspect.
Kyoto police set up a special headquarters for the investigation on Thursday.
They say they arrested him after a thorough probe into the case, including revealing footage from security cameras.
Police say an autopsy shows that boy, Adachi Yuki, died around the time he disappeared.
Officials say there were no obvious injuries, such as stab wounds or cuts, and no major tears in his clothing. Here's the summary of the circumstances so far.
The father called the police on March 23 to tell them his son went missing after he drove him to school that morning.
But the school security camera didn't show the boy, and other students also didn't see him, according to the police and school officials.
The police searched the entire city and its surrounding area.
On March 29, the boy's backpack was found in a mountainous area about three kilometers west of the school.
On April 12, shoes, apparently those of a child, were found in the mountains between the boy's home and his school.
The location was more than five kilometers south of where the backpack was discovered.
The following day, three weeks after the boy went missing, a body was found in a thicket about five kilometers northeast of the mountain where the shoes were found.
After a detailed investigation, the police confirmed that it was the body of the missing boy.
The site where the body was found is not one where children would normally wander to without wearing shoes. Police arrested the father on Thursday
After searching his residence, investigative sources say the father admitted to killing his son.
KUMAMOTO HONORS VICTIMS OF 2016 EARTHQUAKES
Thursday marks 10 years since the second massive earthquake hit Japan's South Western Prefecture of Kumamoto.
The prefecture and its 45 municipalities held a joint memorial service for the first time since the disasters.
The tremors killed 278 people, including those who died from causes related to the disaster.
00:03:27 話者 2/Kimura Takashi/Kumamoto Governor
The earthquake should never be forgotten.
We will pass on our memories to the next generation so they can prepare for disasters like these, because we never know when they will occur.
00:03:39 話者 1
Communities gathered to honor those lost and reflect on the lessons learned.
The family of a university student, relieved to have been swept away by a massive landslide, offered prayers near the site.
00:03:56 話者 3
I haven't been able to see my son, whose presence I had taken for granted, for more than 10 years.
00:04:06 話者 1
People across the prefecture paid their respects, including at the site of a collapsed apartment building. Three university students and one resident died there.
The second tremor also had an intensity of seven, the maximum on Japan's seismic scale.
It struck the town of Mashiki on April 16, 2016, just two days after the first jolt hit.
It was the first time in Japan's recorded history that an earthquake that strong happened twice in the same region.
The second quake caused houses to collapse in Masaki and triggered massive landslides in the Aso region. More than 198,000 homes were damaged across Kumamoto.
Reconstruction has been ongoing.
A new bridge was completed in 2021 to replace one that collapsed.
The Minami-Aso Railway resumed full operations in 2023 after part of its service was suspended following the quake.
And a major road running through Masiki fully reopened last month, signaling that rebuilding efforts are almost complete.
SEISMIC ACTIVITY STILL A CONCERN IN KUMAMOTO
Increased seismic activity continues in areas around the epicenter of the Kumamoto earthquake, and that is something experts are keeping a close eye on.
Nishimura Takuya is a professor at Kyoto University's Disaster Prevention Research Institute.
He says he's paying attention to the southern side of the Hinagu Fault Zone in Kumamoto Prefecture.
According to him, over 1,400 earthquakes with a magnitude of 1.5 or higher have hit that area in the last decade.
That is about three times the yearly average the region saw before 2016.
Nishimura says it's possible that areas around active faults that shifted 10 years ago are still slowly moving. He says that strain could be building up.
00:06:22 話者 12/Nishimura Takuya/Professor, Kyoto University Disaster Prevention Research Institute
If there are active faults in the vicinity, we must be even more careful and strengthen our earthquake preparedness measures.
00:06:33 話者 1
To mark 10 years since the Kumamoto earthquake, Kumamoto City has created a brochure to educate people.
It outlines the recovery efforts to date and explains how the city is rebuilding to be more resilient against possible future disasters.
It was also written in several languages, including English, Chinese, and French.
The hope was that the lessons learned from the earthquake could be used in other countries and regions.
PAKISTANI MEDIATORS IN TEHRAN TO PLAN 2ND ROUND
Pakistani officials are in Tehran to continue to mediate negotiations between the US
and Iran. Pakistan hosted talk last weekend, but the two sides failed to reach a deal.
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Arachi welcomed the Pakistani officials, including the army chief Ashim Munil, at the airport.
Iran's state-run media says this visit is aimed at relying new messages from the US side and planning a second round of talks.
US President Donald Trump says he thinks the conflict is coming to an end.
He made a comment during an interview on Fox Business Network's Mornings with Maria.
00:07:54 話者 10/Donald Trump
I view it as very close to over.
You know what, if I pulled up stakes right now, it would take them 20 years to rebuild that country. And we're not finished. We'll see what happens.
I think they want to make a deal very badly.
00:08:10 話者 1
Bloomberg cited the sources saying the US and Iran are considering extending their ceasefire, which ends next week.
The White House press secretary addressed this issue at the briefing.
00:08:24 話者 13/Karoline Leavitt/White House Press Secretary
I saw some reporting, again bad reporting this morning, that we had formally requested an extension of the ceasefire. That is not true at this moment.
00:08:33 話者 1
Levitt also says the talks will most likely be held in Islamabad, saying the Pakistanis are the only mediator in this negotiation.
CNN cited sources as saying that Vice President JD Vance is again expected to lead the possible second round of talks.
FINANCE CHIEFS URGE ALL PARTIES TO UPHOLD CEASEFIRE
Meanwhile, finance ministers from 11 countries issued a joint statement on Wednesday.
They are calling on all parties in the conflict to implement the ceasefire agreed earlier this month in full.
The statement says the ceasefire will be crucial to protecting civilian populations and the security of the region.
It also calls for a lasting negotiated resolution and a return to free and safe transit through the Strait of Hormuz.
It goes on to say, Renewed hostilities, a widening of the conflict, or continued disruption in the Strait of Hormuz would pose serious additional risks to global energy security, supply chains, and economic and financial stability.
JAPAN FACES CHALLENGES DESPITE OIL STOCKPILE RELEASE
It's been one month since Japan began releasing its oil reserves due to the conflict around Iran. Some oil products remain in short supply.
The Japanese government decided last month to release its largest-ever amount of stockpiled oil.
Japan had 241 days' worth of oil in public and private reserves as of March 16.
Seven out of a total of 146 days had been discharged from national reserves as of April 12.
Private sector stockpiles had dropped to 78 days by then from '89.
Japan also released one day's worth of oil from six days it has stored in cooperation with oil-producing countries.
The government plans to start releasing about 20 more days of national reserves from early May.
Japan has also been seeking alternative sources to bypass the Strait of Hormuz.
It has begun to purchase more US crude oil.
Shortages of some petroleum-derived products have already been reported, including building materials and medical supplies.
The government has asked major oil wholesalers to sell petroleum products directly to key facilities such as medical institutions and public transport operators.
FORMER SUNTORY CHAIRMAN REFERRED TO PROSECUTO
We turn now to an investigation into one of Japan's most prominent businessmen.
Sources say police have referred former Suntory Holdings chairman Niinami Takeshi to prosecutors.
That's over a suspected shipment of products containing a cannabis-derived substance from an acquaintance in the United States.
Sources say police in Fukuoka Prefecture sent documents to prosecutors alleging Niinami and his acquaintance broke the narcotics control law.
Ni Nami is denying the allegation.
The prosecutors are expected to determine if he bears criminal liability.
Niinami has been under investigation on suspicion of smuggling products, including selling capsule from containing THC, which is illegal in Japan.
Fukuoka police searched his home last August. They reportedly did not find the products.
In September, Niinami resigned as chairman of Suntory Holdings and as chair of the Japan Association of Corporate Executives.
Also in September, Ninami told a news conference he had not used or possessed the products in Japan.
PRO BASEBALL WINS NEW FANS IN S.KOREA
With the arrival of spring, South Korea's professional baseball league has started its regular season.
The league has seen a surge of popularity in recent years, and a unique fun culture is growing that goes beyond just the games themselves, bringing in new audiences.
We now go live to NHKR's Kim Chan-ju at the baseball stadium in Seoul.
So Chan-ju, what's the atmosphere like there ahead of today's game?
00:13:16 話者 4/Kim Chan-ju
Well, as you can see, there are lots of fans already here wearing their baseball gear.
It really shows just how popular professional baseball has become in South Korea.
And one of the most notable changes in recent years is who is coming to the games.
In 2025, more than 56 percent of the audience at pro baseball games were women.
And there's been particularly strong growth among younger female fans.
00:13:52 話者 14
It's really become more of an experience you come to enjoy, and even people who don't know all the. Rules still come just for the atmosphere.
00:14:00 話者 15
In the past, we only heard men's cheers.
But recently, many more female fans come, and we hear cheers from women.
It's much different.
00:14:13 話者 4
The merchandise market is growing rapidly as well.
The industry is starting to offer a wider range of products.
00:14:25 話者 16
There are so many cute uniforms and customizable items these
and collecting them has become part of the fun.
00:14:37 話者 4
Female fans are enjoying baseball not just as a sport, but as part of a fandom culture.
They actually support players through cheering merchandise and shared enthusiasm, much like supporting idols.
And collecting photocards of their favorite players has become another way for fans to enjoy the game. You can see some that I have with me here.
The photocard machines have become one of the hottest spots around the stadium.
Another reason pro baseball is becoming more popular with young people is that it's an affordable way to spend time with friends or enjoy a casual date.
Fans enjoy it like a picnic. Fried chicken with beer is the number one food at stadiums.
Pork belly and a spicy rice cake called tteokbokki are also very popular.
Another defining feature is the cheering culture, which will be familiar to fans of Japanese baseball.
Fans sing team chants with cheerleaders follow choreographed moves and actively participate throughout the game. Each team has its own songs and cheering style.
Tens of thousands of people shouting and singing together feels almost like a concert.
It's become one of the main reasons people visit the ballpark.
The summer heat can make watching outdoor games uncomfortable, but a major movie theater company has capitalized on that by showing the games in their climate-controlled cinemas.
More than 100,000 fans attended the league's opening games this year, with all stadiums nationwide selling out for a fourth consecutive year.
Total attendance hit 12 million last year, which was a new record.
And league officials are expecting even more people heading to the ballpark this year.
00:16:51 話者 1
Thanks for that report, Chan-ju. That's NHK Award's Kim Chan-ju from Seoul.
BUSINESS
Now let's see what's happening in the world of business.
Here's Ramin Mellegard from the BizDesk.
00:17:04 話者 5/Ramin Mellegard
Thank you very much indeed.
TOKYO'S NIKKEI 225 FINISHES AT RECO
Now Tokyo's Nikkei 225 roared to an all-time high finish on Thursday.
The stock index closed above 59,000 as investor worries over the Iran conflict eased.
The benchmark has stained its winning streak to a third day at 59,518, up nearly 2.4%.
Analysts say reports that the United States and Iran may extend their ceasefire for two weeks helped traders breathe a sigh of relief about crude oil supplies.
The Nikkei's last record close came on February 27.
That was a day before the US and Israel began attacking Iran.
The index then went on extended roller coaster ride, but the trend turned upward at the start of this month.
G7 FINANCE CHIEFS WARN OF DAMAGE IF CONFLICT EXTENDS
Finance chiefs from the Group of Seven Nations called for the situation in the Middle East to be quickly de-escalated. They cited the global economic fallout caused by the conflict.
G7 finance ministers and central bank governors met in Washington on Wednesday.
They discussed the state of the global economy and financial markets.
Japanese finance minister Katayama Satsuki and Bank of Japan governor Ueda Kazuo represented Japan. US Treasury Secretary Scott Besson did not attend the meeting.
The finance chiefs are worried that rising energy costs could drag down global economic growth. They say this makes it hard to form an outlook.
The group agreed that tensions need to be eased as soon as possible.
Katayama said Japan plans to offer financial support to Asian countries that rely heavily on crude oil from the Middle East.
Everyone understands that if the situation continues for a long time, it will cause unbearable damage to the global economy in ways that can't be known.
A meeting of the Group of 20 finance ministers and central bank governors will be held on Thursday.
FOREIGN VISITORS TO JAPAN HIT RECORD HIGH FOR MARCH
Now, the number of foreign visitors to Japan last month set a record high for March, despite fewer arrivals from China and the Middle East.
The Japan National Tourism Organization says more than 3.61 million foreigners visited the country, 3.5% more than in March last year.
Visitors from China plunged 56% to below 292,000 in a fourth straight month of declines due to souring bilateral relations.
Travelers from the Middle East slumped by over 30% to 16,700 amid the conflict in the region.
But those declines were offset by increases in visitors from elsewhere in the world.
Travelers from South Korea were up 15% to almost 800,000, while those from Taiwan jumped by about 25% to over 650,000.
The number of visitors from the United States rose by almost 10%, while those from the United Kingdom increased nearly 21%.
HEALTH FOOD LOVERS EMBRACE TOFU'S NEXT FRONTIER: EUROPE
Japanese tofu is attracting attention worldwide as a low-calorie, high-protein health food.
The processed soybean staple originated in China.
It has taken on various forms and now seems to be undergoing further revolution in Europe.
00:20:35 話者 3/Narrator: Yokoyama Erika
In February, one of the world's largest organic food trade fairs was held here in Germany.
The center of attention? European-made tofu.
Products on display included basil-flavored and almond-flavored varieties, as well as the Indian beverage Lassi, which is made from tofu.
The ways to eat it have also been adapted to European tastes.
00:21:02 話者 22
I'm really enjoying the taste. Especially, like, when you bake it or you fry it.
00:21:18 話者 3
These tofu products are all made by a German company.
It has developed 25 different flavors and is marketing them to households across many European countries.
00:21:31 話者 23
???
00:21:40 話者 3
Recently, tofu dips and pizza toppings are also gaining popularity.
Tofu is now an indispensable organic food in Germany.
Sales across Europe are expected to double within five years.
00:21:55 話者 24/Elias Hauguth/Taifun-Tofu
More and more people want to have quality plant-based foods, and not just something that tries to copy the taste of meat, I think.
00:22:07 話者 3
Japanese manufacturers participated in this trade show for the first time.
This tofu manufacturer was founded approximately 160 years ago.
Three years ago, they opened a store in Spain and localized production and sales there to try and expand sales overseas.
As matcha has caught on in Europe, They decided to blend it into their tofu.
Right now, their marketing efforts are promoting a matcha-flavored sweet tofu.
00:22:46 話者 25
Very nice. You can offer your tofu and matcha, right?
00:22:51 話者 26
Matcha is really trimming.
00:22:53 話者 27
We're trying to extend our product range.
It fits the best for the product range that we have.
00:23:00 話者 3
Today, several suppliers who tasted it expressed interest in purchasing matcha tofu.
So, the company immediately started negotiations.
00:23:12 話者 25/Kobayashi Masaya/General Manager, Somenoya
Our ultimate goal is for people to use our products in their daily lives at home.
00:23:18 話者 3
An organization that supports Japanese companies expanding overseas says the future looks bright for those trying to sell tofu in Europe.
00:23:30 話者 28/Okamoto Shigeki/Director General, JETRO Berlin
I believe if we effectively promote the Japanese companies' dedication to production and the background of their products and manufacturers, consumption will keep growing.
00:23:41 話者 3
And new Japanese products are riding the wave of the global health craze.
Little by little, they're finding their way into European homes.
00:23:58 話者 5
And that is it for Business News.
♪
WEATHER
00:24:22 話者 1
Now it's time to check out the world weather.
The US has been experiencing unseasonable heat and severe storms.
Our meteorologist, Yumi Hirano, has the details.
00:24:34 話者 6/Yumi Hirano
Warm air is covering the US northeast, bringing summer-like conditions.
New York City had a high of 32.2 degrees, setting a daily record.
But between warm and cold air, storms developed, so people in parts of Michigan experienced severe weather.
The eastern US faced unseasonal heat. In New York, a rare, long heat wave pushed temperatures up, and many residents seemed to be enjoying the heat.
Meanwhile, an EF-1 tornado ripped through parts of Michigan, tearing down rooftops and uprooting trees.
Even after the tornado ended, strong winds damaged a building and tore off roof panels.
The next system is already expected to develop over the Great Lakes region and the Mississippi Valley.
Severe thunder showers, gusty winds, large hail and even tornadoes are possible from Illinois to Oklahoma through Friday.
The heat will continue in the east on Thursday, so the highs will be 28 in New York and 33 in Washington, which are both over 10 degrees higher than usual.
Now moving to Asia. A stationary front is still lingering along southern China, and a low-pressure system is expected to form, intensifying downpours.
Up to 100 mm of rain is possible by Friday afternoon.
Additional downpours could easily lead to potential flooding.
Showers are also likely in Hong Kong and Taipei, but sunny skies are expected in Tokyo with a high of 21.
coaching conditions will continue in Bangkok, the high will be 37.
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 joining us.
NHK World
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