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00:12Welcome to New Zealand Tokyo. I'm Yamasawa Rina and I'm Yamaguchi Hiroaki. Here are the headlines.
00:18Takahichi Sanae, who was re-elected as Japan's Prime Minister, has reappointed all of her previous ministers.
00:26The U.S. has revealed the initial set of projects for Japan's investments in America.
00:33Pakistan bans most alcoholic beverages in line with Islamic law. Now, one beer producer is aiming to enter the global
00:41market.
00:44Japanese lawmakers have re-elected Takahichi Sanae as the country's prime minister. She's launching what is technically her second cabinet.
00:54That's right. This follows her Liberal Democratic Party's landslide win in the lower house election earlier this month.
01:00Mr. Daya members in both houses voted Wednesday to re-elect Takahichi. She first took office last October, when her
01:24party formed a new coalition with the Japan Innovation Party.
01:27her LDP won a historic victory in the lower house election this month taking
01:33more than two-thirds of the seats her administration kicks off Wednesday
01:38evening while this is technically a new cabinet
01:41Takaichi has reappointed all of her previous ministers she is expected to
01:47hold a news conference from the prime minister's office Wednesday night earlier
01:53I hit the streets of Tokyo to ask people what they expect from the new Takaichi
01:58administration and the diet and I heard them express hope for the
02:02implementations of range of policies the number one thing for me is inflation I
02:12really want them to get prices down as far as the promises to cut the consumption
02:17tax if the government cannot secure financial sources it ends up being just
02:22a popular way to get votes I don't want those kinds of policies
02:31I'm pregnant now so I'm hopeful that the government will create measures to help
02:36women and those who are pregnant I'm anticipating that they will push
02:40forward with policies from a woman's perspective including aid for raising
02:44children I have a bit of distrust of not just China but US President Trump too I
02:54would like to see Japan do their best to face up to them I think it's important
02:58that Japan can stand on its own feet and compete on the world stage that's what I
03:05want to leave behind for our children it doesn't matter how many opponents there are once politicians
03:13become diet members it's now their responsibility to try and gain the
03:18understanding of those on the other side of the aisle and strive to create a better
03:24country and for more on this we are now joined by NHK world senior political correspondent
03:29Oikawa Jun so Jun when I was out speaking with people earlier today I heard some people say they
03:36wanted thorough debate in the diet and given the LDP is overwhelming victory how do you think the
03:45Takahichi administration will approach deliberations in the diet well like you said they were on a
03:52two-thirds majority that's a lot of power and we will undoubtedly see that reflected in how
03:59Takahichi manage the diet I think we'll notice the first changes when lawmakers begin deliberations on
04:06the budget bill for the upcoming fiscal year which begins in April deliberations usually start in
04:13January but the election delay them by about a month because of that delay Takahichi instructed
04:20party members to drop some of the diets normal practices for example some LDP LD some LDP
04:28members are floating the idea of reducing the number of questions they'll ask during these
04:33deliberations in order to speed things along it's unconventional but she says it's necessary to pass
04:42the bill by March so it doesn't disrupt people's lives the opposition of course isn't too happy
04:50about that Ogawa Jun the leader of the main lower house opposition party is calling on the government
04:57to set aside enough time for deliberations he obviously doesn't want Takahichi to push the budget
05:04through just because she can and Jim also you know I also had a lot from people today about rising
05:12prices
05:13it's on many people's minds so what's coming down the pipe from the Takahichi administration to address the
05:19cost of living the upcoming die session will last for the next 150 days and Takahichi already has a few
05:29things on her agenda she'll give a policy speech on Friday outlining some of those but we can expect
05:37her to reveal her intention to speed up discussions about dropping the consumption tax on food for two
05:43years remember that was one of the biggest issues on the campaign trail it's expected her plan will
05:51involve a bipartisan national council which will talk about schedules and sources of funding to make up for
05:58the lost tax revenue she also plans to say she will uphold responsible and proactive financial policy and
06:07keep pushing for growth and what can we expect in terms of her foreign policy right we're expecting
06:14Takahichi's speech to reference responsible Japanese diplomacy to create peace and prosperity but it's not yet clear
06:23exactly what this means it looks like it's been said against a backdrop of tense relations with China that's going
06:32to be her biggest challenge in the foreseeable future so it will be important for Takahichi to focus on strengthening
06:40ties to the US she has a summit with President Donald Trump next month and Trump has already said he
06:48wants Japan to invest in major oil gas and other projects
06:52and he wants overall investments to the tune of 550 billion dollars but in the meantime we're going to hear
07:02opposition members start asking Takahichi lots of questions during these upcoming diet sessions so even though her party holds that
07:12super majority she still has to defend the decisions she makes
07:17all right thanks all for all of your insights soon thank you that was NHK World Senior Political Correspondent
07:23Oikawa Jun
07:37US President Donald Trump has reviewed what he calls the first set of Japan's new investments in the American economy
07:44Yuko Fukushima from our business team has the details yes as you just heard Japan had pledged a total of
07:52550 billion dollars last July as part of tariff negotiations with the US
07:56further details were worked out at a meeting last week between trade ministers of the two nations now some of
08:02the specifics are coming to light
08:04Trump said on Tuesday the projects to be funded include oil and gas infrastructure in Texas power generation in Ohio
08:13and a synthetic diamond facility in Georgia they're
08:16reportedly worth a combined 36 billion dollars Trump said the initiatives would quote revitalize the American industrial base and create
08:27hundreds of thousands of great
08:28American jobs and he said they could not have happened without tariffs the US Commerce Department provided more details in
08:36a social media post the first project is a natural gas
08:39power plant in the Midwestern state of Ohio that's slated to be the country's largest the second is a crude
08:46oil export facility off the Texas coast it is expected to
08:50to handle oil exports worth 20 to 30 billion dollars a year the third project is a plant to produce
08:57synthetic diamonds for advanced
08:59technology products the facility in Georgia is expected to meet all of the US demand for the materials the Commerce
09:07Department says the deals are structured
09:09so Japan will earn its return on the money invested meanwhile the US gains strategic assets expand its industrial and
09:17energy output capacity
09:19trade minister on Kazama Ryose was Japan's chief negotiator he described the agreement as win-win
09:27all these projects will see Japan and the United States cooperate in building supply chains for critical minerals energy and
09:37AI data centers that are crucial to economic security
09:42under the terms of the trade deal Japan has 45 days to fund a project once Washington has informed it
09:48of the present president's
09:50election the agreement is likely to be a top agenda item at a meeting between Japan's Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae
09:58and Trump set for next month in Washington
10:01now Trump's tariffs were a big theme in global markets last year as was the surging price of gold
10:08the gains continued into 2026 and gold hit a new high at the end of January it seems everyone from
10:15professional traders to retail
10:16investors wants a piece of the precious metal I spoke to an expert about where prices might head next at
10:24this trading outlet in
10:26in Beijing customers are coming in with gold fever
10:31I think gold will keep rising I came here to invest in it
10:35the price is high but the key is that there's no upper limit now is the time to buy
10:42the popularity of gold is worldwide the price for the metal soared more than 60% in 2025
10:49in January this year it touched a record high of over fifty five hundred dollars an ounce
10:55gold has traditionally been bought as a safe haven asset during periods of instability
11:00I talked to Tsukamoto Takuji an expert on the gold market he says there are two major factors behind the
11:08gains
11:08one is the flight from a different traditional haven asset the US dollar
11:15individual and institutional investors purchase gold to safeguard against dollar devaluation
11:21it's what's known as the debasement trade the term debasement refers to a currency losing value
11:28that's what most investors are worried about when they trade in greenbacks for gold
11:33many are losing faith in the dollar because of economic uncertainty in the US
11:38Washington passed President Trump's massive spending bill last July that included major tax cuts
11:44Tsukamoto says it increases the country's debt load and risks confidence in the dollar
11:49at the same time there is Trump's pressure campaign on the Federal Reserve
11:53it not only brings the central bank's independence into question it raises concerns about inflation
11:59both are seen as negatives for the dollar
12:02Tsukamoto sees these as factors pushing investors toward gold
12:09I think the high debt ratio of the US is affecting sentiment
12:13a growing number of people are loading up on stocks and gold to prepare for future inflation
12:24Tsukamoto also points to agil political tensions
12:26he says after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022
12:29central banks started choosing gold over dollars for their reserves
12:38the US as well as countries in Europe froze dollar assets held by Russia
12:43I think that caused the governments of emerging countries to question whether US dollar assets
12:49are safe capital to hold
12:51this was especially so for emerging countries that are in conflict with the United States
12:57the central banks of Poland Kazakhstan India and of course China are among those starting to buy up gold for
13:06their reserves
13:09although gold prices are on an overall uptrend they lost steam in the past week
13:14some say this was only a temporary shift to profit taking after the massive gains
13:19so Tsukamoto gives another reason
13:24on January 13th the US futures exchange adjusted its margin requirements for gold trading
13:31it was a fixed amount before but now it is a percentage of notional principle
13:36so when gold prices move the required margin amount will also change
13:43so now if the price of gold suddenly moves wildly
13:47traders need to increase their deposits
13:49Tsukamoto says some couldn't pay and had to sell some of their positions
13:53he says this change in trading rules coincided with other factors that pushed gold prices down
13:59including a shift to purchase AI related stocks
14:02but Tsukamoto still sees gold on a solid path
14:10in the middle to long term the amount of money in circulation will increase as the global economy expands
14:16this will happen as central banks divest dollars and hold more gold
14:21and while retail and institutional investors shy away from dollar assets
14:27I think that means it is more likely for gold prices to rise rather than fall in the mid to
14:33long term time frame
14:37well Tsukamoto warns there may be volatility for the time being
14:40as there are many speculative traders in the market
14:43but in the longer view gold remains the bright shining object that captures the attention of investors
14:49and now to the markets well in Tokyo the Nikkei rose more than one percent
14:54some investors bought back stocks seen as oversold
14:57others picked up shares in sectors that traders think may benefit from that first round of Japanese investments in the
15:03US
15:03this includes energy shipping and heavy industry categories
15:07and that's this for this Wednesday
15:11the Japanese government will provide medical grants worth nearly three million dollars to help displaced people from Myanmar living in
15:21Thailand
15:22a signing ceremony with the World Health Organization was held in Bangkok on Tuesday
15:28it comes as the civil war in Myanmar shows no sign of ending
15:35the contribution to maintaining and improving medical services and living conditions in the area will help promote stability across the
15:46region
15:49the grant assistance program is worth about 450 million yen or roughly 2.95 million dollars
15:58it will be used to train personnel and improve medical equipment at camps for those who have fled their homes
16:05the WHO says the project is expected to benefit more than 60,000 displaced people
16:12the number of people fleeing into Thailand has increased since the Myanmar military seized power in a coup five years
16:21ago
16:21plunging the country into civil war
16:24the demand for medical services along the Thai Myanmar border is straining health facilities
16:32separately Japan says it will make additional financial contributions to support UNESCO projects in Ukraine
16:39Palestine and elsewhere
16:42Japan's ambassador to UNESCO Kano Takehiro presented a list of the projects to be funded
16:48at a ceremony on Tuesday at the agency's headquarters
16:51the Japanese government will provide nearly nine million dollars to support 27 countries and regions
17:00we want to work with UNESCO to offer support so that people in regions beset by conflict can live with
17:06dignity
17:08the permanent delegation of Japan to UNESCO said the funds will be used to conserve cultural properties in Ukraine
17:15to set up a learning space in the Goda Strip and to support other initiatives
17:19the US had been one of UNESCO's largest contributors
17:24concerns are growing that the agency may have to scale down some projects after the Trump administration said last year
17:32it plans to withdraw from UNESCO
17:36Japan's transport ministry plans to ban the use of portable chargers during flights
17:42the rule could take effect nationwide as early as April
17:47the move comes after a series of incidents where lithium-ion batteries have caught fire
17:54or started smoking inside the cabins of passenger planes
17:58flyers will be banned from using portable chargers to recharge their smartphones or other devices
18:05and also from charging them at in-seat power outlets
18:10passengers will also be allowed no more than two portable chargers inside the cabin
18:16some airlines from other countries have already implemented similar bans
18:21the International Civil Aviation Organization is now studying whether to regulate the matter
18:28a fire on a plane preparing to take off from South Korea in January last year
18:34is believed to have been caused by a portable charger charger
18:40Now let's go to Cholopansal Nerula in our Bangkok studio for stories making headlines across the Asia-Pacific
18:48Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte has declared she will run in the presidential election scheduled for 2028
18:55her father Rodrigo Duterte served as the country's president from 2016 to 2022
19:03I offer my life, my strength and my future in the service of our nation
19:16The 47-year-old vice president made the announcement on Wednesday
19:20Duterte had harsh words for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
19:23She claimed his dishonesty regarding the promises he made during the campaign
19:28was evident in the first few months of their term
19:33Duterte!
19:36She and the president ran for office together in 2022
19:40but the relationship soured afterwards
19:43The conflict deepened when the Philippine authorities arrested her father last year
19:47under an order from the International Criminal Court for his so-called war on drugs
19:52Duterte also criticized Marcos over corruption scandals
19:56surrounding government flood control projects
19:58The Philippines Constitution limits presidents to a single six-year term
20:03This means Marcos cannot seek re-election
20:06The focus is now on whether the president's side will field a candidate in the race for his successor
20:13Turning now to Thailand where people are enjoying various Lunar New Year celebrations across the country
20:18Few foreign visitors came last year
20:21But the Thai tourism industry is placing high hopes on the large numbers arriving from China this holiday season
20:32This year's Spring Festival holiday started on Sunday
20:36One of Bangkok's landmark shopping malls is holding traditional Chinese dances every night
20:41The performances have a horse theme for this year's Chinese zodiac sign
20:54Locals join tourists in the crowd
20:55Many come to pray for good fortune
21:00I pray mostly for my work, my family, for my life to be smooth and happy
21:04I wish that my current work does not bring any obstacles
21:09I do hope for Thailand to be peaceful
21:13Tourism is a key industry in Thailand, but foreign arrivals dropped last year
21:18Concerns about the border conflict with Cambodia may have been a factor
21:22As well as the Thai baht's rise against many other currencies
21:26Thai authorities are aiming for a 10% increase in foreign visitors during the holiday season
21:31Compared to the same period last year
21:35Pakistan bans almost bans most alcoholic beverages in line with Islamic law followed by its majority Muslim population
21:43One company there has been producing beer for non-Muslims for more than 160 years
21:49This brewer now aims to enter the international market
21:52HKW Saeed Mudabi Rizvi has a story
21:57Pakistan's oldest beverage manufacturer operates a factory in Rawalpindi near the capital Islamabad
22:05Marie brewery is especially licensed by the government to produce alcohol beverages such as beer for non-Muslims
22:13The company was established in 1860 during British colonial rule to brew beer for foreign soldiers
22:24Some of its original buildings from that period still survive
22:32The beer produced here is known for its mild bitterness with a fruity note
22:43The brewer uses Himalayan ground water and barley imported from Australia
22:49underscoring its commitment to quality ingredients
22:54There are different quality parameters like protein and thousand corn beds, cleaning tests and grading
23:03Different tests are performed in the laboratory
23:09After brewing, the beer is carefully checked for factors such as temperature and carbonation
23:16The company says its strict quality control has enabled it to preserve its original taste
23:25But Pakistan's domestic economy has been in a slum
23:29In 2025, the government resumed allowing exports for the first time in nearly half a century
23:36Aiming to boost foreign currency earnings
23:39The mission of the government or the focus of the government is exports
23:45So we need exports
23:47So we rely less on World Bank, IMF, Asian Development Bank
23:53We need to stand our own feet
23:57The brewer has already sent samples of its beer to Japan, the United Kingdom and Portugal
24:04It has also received inquiries from several other countries including the United States
24:12The reaction is excellent and we expect future orders
24:17The quality is our strength
24:20You can call it our advantage
24:22Slow and steady, we will go into other markets
24:27Overseas consumers might not expect to find beer produced in a nation where alcohol is off-limits
24:34But soon, they might say cheers before trying Pakistan's time-honoured taste
24:40Sayyad Mudabbirizvi, NHK World, Rawal Pindi
24:45That wraps up our bulletin
24:47I'm Cholop Hansa Narula in Bangkok
24:58Since the end
25:03The wedding remains
25:05The weddingMM is long
25:21Let's take a look at weather forecast for cities around the world.
26:01We'll see you next time.
26:30Now, before we sign off, let's enjoy a vibrant dance performance in the snowy northern prefecture of Aomori that heralds
26:37the arrival of spring.
26:44It's the Hachinohe Enburi.
26:46The lokom ritual is performed by many groups for recreate scenes from rice farming to express prayers for an abundant
26:53harvest.
26:54The art form, which goes back hundreds of years, is designated a national important intangible folk cultural property.
27:02The four-day festival kicked off in the port city of Hachinohe on Tuesday.
27:0734 groups paraded through the street, showing off their moves.
27:12One of the most dazzling dances features performers in ornate hats in the shape of a horse's head and mane.
27:19Whipping their heads back and forth, they seemingly skim across the ground.
27:23Children in adorable costumes also danced.
27:29It's finally warm after this festival, so I feel like spring is coming.
27:36All right, that wraps up this edition of Newsroom Tokyo.
27:39You can catch this program on our website.
27:41I'm Yamaguchi Hiroaki.
27:43And I'm Yamasawa Rina.
27:44Thank you very much for watching.
27:46Please join us again tomorrow.
27:58We'll see you tomorrow.
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