- 8 hours ago
Newsroom Tokyo 2026 03 25
Category
📺
TVTranscript
00:12Welcome to NewZoom Tokyo, I'm Yamasawa Rina and I'm Yamaguchi Hiroaki.
00:17Here are the headlines.
00:18Washington proposes a 15-point plan to end the conflict in Iran,
00:23but Tehran denies any talks are taking place.
00:26The Netherlands is expanding its reserve forces to support security duties,
00:32but will that solve the military manpower shortage?
00:36Inflation in Japan has many tightening their purse strings,
00:40but some are still willing to spend big to show their devotion to pop culture figures.
00:46Washington has reportedly sent a 15-point plan to Tehran in a bid to end their ongoing conflict.
00:53U.S. and Israeli media say the proposal calls on Tehran to keep the Strait of Hormuz open
01:00and to limit its missile capabilities.
01:03But Iranian officials are denying any talks with Washington are underway.
01:10Israeli broadcaster Channel 12 says the two sides would discuss the plan during a month-long ceasefire.
01:16The proposal includes dismantling Iran's nuclear capabilities and decommissioning its facilities.
01:23It would commit the country to never seeking nuclear weapons.
01:26The broadcaster says in return, Iran would see all sanctions lifted.
01:32It would also receive U.S. assistance for a civilian nuclear energy program.
01:37U.S. President Donald Trump says talks are underway with what he calls the right people in Tehran.
01:44He also says it has offered a very significant prize.
01:49They gave us a present, and the present arrived today.
01:54It was a very big present worth a tremendous amount of money.
01:59Trump suggests the present is related to the Strait of Hormuz, but gave no further details.
02:05Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Iran's Central Military Command put out a statement.
02:11It dismissed talk of negotiations and condemned the United States.
02:16State media reported on Wednesday that the spokesperson suggested there would be no return to the previous order
02:22unless the will of Iran's people is fulfilled.
02:25He said the situation will only be resolved when, quote,
02:29the thought of taking action against the Iranian nation is completely erased from your dirty minds, unquote.
02:37The spokesperson went on to say,
02:40Iran will never get along with the United States, now nor ever.
02:44State media are also reporting that
02:46Mohammed Bakir Zolgadra has been appointed secretary of the Supreme National Security Council.
02:53He succeeds Ali Larijani, who was killed in an Israeli attack last week.
02:58Zolgadra has served in important military and security posts.
03:03The New York Times cites an expert as saying,
03:06the appointment adds to evidence hardline military figures have consolidated power.
03:13Ukraine's military announced that it conducted attacks on the key Russian oil facilities.
03:20It has long accused Moscow of using oil sales to fund the conflict.
03:26The general staff of the armed forces says it struck the oil port of Primosk on the Baltic Sea.
03:34Reuters news agency reports the terminal had suspended oil exports after Sunday's attacks.
03:42The Ukrainian military also says it hit a central Russian oil refinery about 1,400 kilometers from the border.
03:51Kyiv has criticized the U.S. for easing sanctions on Russian oil.
03:56Washington took the step to bring down surging oil prices caused by the conflict in Iran.
04:03Moscow retaliated for the attacks.
04:05The Russian defense ministry says its forces carried out strikes targeting Ukraine's defense industry.
04:13Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky says he's been briefed on the results of talks with the U.S.
04:20He says security guarantees need to be worked out to end the conflict.
04:26In response to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, European nations are working to shore up their reserve forces.
04:33Today we look at the case of the Netherlands.
04:36The country is expanding its reserve force.
04:39Its role is to support security duties at ports and other critical facilities in times of emergency.
04:45It has already provided 14.4 billion euros in support to Ukraine, the fourth largest commitment in Europe after Germany,
04:54France and the UK, highlighting its strong sense of threat from Russia.
04:59The question now is whether boosting the number of reservists will lead to solving the issue of the country's military
05:07manpower shortage.
05:12Reservists in the Dutch armed forces are in a training session.
05:18About 150 people learn how to handle explosive devices, as well as how to respond if they come under gunfire.
05:28Military reservists train for combat.
05:31But their work, unlike regular troops, is guarding critical domestic infrastructure, not, in principle, going to the front lines.
05:40The Dutch government aims to increase the number of reservists to 20,000 by 2030, about 2.2 times the
05:49current level.
05:51With the war in Ukraine, some tension is growing throughout Europe because of the changing situation in the world.
06:02But you see that there is more enthusiasm to join the army and to become a reservist.
06:09The government is now focusing on creating an environment that makes participation easier.
06:1931-year-old Danny DeVette is a recruit.
06:33He works full-time as a construction foreman, but fits in reserve training on weekends and on weekday evenings.
06:41The defense ministry pays him around 400 euros a month, about 460 US dollars.
06:49Last year, the defense ministry began asking companies across the country to introduce flexible work arrangements,
06:56so employees can easily balance jobs with training.
07:01I'm proud to be able to contribute to the Netherlands security.
07:06Right now, I'm able to take on a role as a reservist alongside my regular job.
07:11The efforts are paying off.
07:14The number of reservists has increased by about 1.4 times over the past three years,
07:20surpassing 9,000 in 2025.
07:25Through the reserve system, the government hopes to raise awareness about protecting national security
07:31and use it as a pathway to attract more regular soldiers.
07:35As a reservist, you can do specific.
07:37I also think it fits with the younger generations.
07:40They don't want one job for like their whole lifetime.
07:44It's important to also to explain and show and have options for young people who start their professional career.
07:56Reservists may be on the rise, but many young people remain reluctant to become professional soldiers or to accept the
08:03idea of conscription.
08:07Conscription still exists, but the obligation to report for duty was suspended in 1997.
08:13While no one is called up for mandatory service, all boys and girls still must register when they turn 17.
08:23Katja Lawson received notification last November.
08:29Lawson and her friend, who are preparing for university entrance exams, say joining the military at this juncture is unthinkable.
08:43I'm planning to go to university and study history.
08:47I can't imagine myself on the front lines of a battlefield.
08:51It's just not for me.
08:53It's not really something for me.
08:58I'm afraid of being drawn into an actual war as a frontline soldier.
09:06This sentiment is also reflected in public opinion polls.
09:11When asked whether they would voluntarily fight to defend the country if the Netherlands were attacked,
09:17only 18% said they would be willing to do so.
09:23Deterrence, so that the Russians are secure to do anything against the NATO countries, is fighting power.
09:33It's the airplanes, it's the tanks, it's the ships, but a big part is also people.
09:40We have to grow bigly and at this moment we don't have enough people in the force.
09:47We're using every method to get people into military service.
09:56Now we go live to Brussels with our bureau chief, Sugita Sachio, who covered this story.
10:02So Sachio, we just saw how there is a strong interest in serving as a reservist,
10:08but it seems the opposite when it comes to serving as a soldier.
10:12So what's behind this?
10:17Well, there are obviously various reasons to this.
10:20I spoke with several young people and a couple of things stood out.
10:24They're adverse to the idea of killing as well as putting their own lives on the line.
10:30You know, they have their whole lives ahead of them.
10:33Now in the report, you mentioned conscription is in place in the Netherlands, but suspended.
10:39What does this mean?
10:44Well, so the framework does exist, but there's no mandatory service since 1997.
10:51The government may consider reintroducing it if it sees the need.
10:56Polls suggest that more than 50% of the 18 to 24-year-olds are against this, however.
11:04So Sachio, I imagine other countries in Europe are also struggling to boost their military manpower.
11:10So how are they tackling this?
11:15Well, Rina, I would say the approach generally differs depending on the proximity to Russia.
11:22In places close to Russia, we're seeing the reintroduction of conscription.
11:27In fact, there are now 10 NATO countries that have mandatory military service.
11:32And after the war in Ukraine, we saw Latvia, which is one of the Baltic countries.
11:37And now this month, Croatia joined the group.
11:40Then in terms of countries further afield, we are seeing more voluntary military service programs.
11:47For instance, in Belgium, they have started recruiting young people to volunteer in the military service for one year.
11:54Those who sign up receive around 2,000 euros per month.
11:58And last year, NATO allies pledged to increase their annual defense spending to 5% of their GDP by 2035,
12:06which is in nine years.
12:08Not only how to reach this 5% target, but how to increase the personnel is also a big challenge
12:15for the allies.
12:17All right. Thank you, Sachio, for your insights.
12:31The U.S. space agency NASA says it is going to invest $20 billion over the next seven years to
12:40build a base on the moon.
12:42It is also suspending plans to construct a new space station.
12:48NASA Administrator Jared Isaacman announced the agency's revised plans for the U.S.-led Artemis program on Tuesday.
12:57NASA intends to land astronauts on the moon in 2028.
13:03Isaacman says the agency will focus on building the lunar base while proposing plans for the new Gateway space station.
13:11The Gateway was to serve as a staging point for the transportation of humans and supplies preparing to build a
13:20future moon base.
13:22The goal is not flags and footprints. This time, the goal is to stay.
13:27Today, we are providing a demand signal for frequent crewed missions.
13:31He says NASA is now focusing on infrastructure that supports sustained operations on the lunar surface.
13:40The Hong Kong government has ordered that the Apple Daily newspaper be struck off the corporate registry and dissolved.
13:48The Hong Kong Daily was known for its critical coverage of the Chinese government.
13:53In 2021, the newspaper was forced to stop publishing after its executives, including founder Jimmy Lai, were arrested and his
14:01assets frozen.
14:03The re-registration order follows last month's court ruling that found Lai guilty and sentenced him to a 20-year
14:10prison term.
14:11The court ruled that he and his company had colluded with foreign forces in harmed national security.
14:17The Apple Daily was founded in 1995, two years before Hong Kong was returned to China.
14:24It continues to publish articles critical of the authorities despite Beijing's increasing influence over the media.
14:32It was often referred to as the last bastion of free speech in the city.
14:36Meanwhile, Hong Kong media report that four people were arrested on Tuesday on charges of violating the national security ordinance
14:44for selling copies of Lai's biography.
14:48Hong Kong has been tightening control over the publication and sales of books since the national security law came into
14:55effect.
15:04A growing trend in Japan is a form of fandom known as Oshikatsu.
15:10It's about expressing support for someone or something.
15:14And it's also creating a booming business.
15:18Yuko Fukushima is here to tell us more.
15:20Yeah, thanks, Rina.
15:22Well, first, let's break down the word Oshikatsu.
15:25Oshi means a specific character, idol or celebrity adored by a fan, while katsu refers to the activity that shows
15:33their support.
15:34It may sound like typical youthful enthusiasm, but those dedicated to Oshikatsu see the way they express their passion and
15:41share it with others are very different.
15:44So what's more, they don't hesitate to spend money proving it.
15:49This is one place fans can show support for their favorite characters.
16:01This cafe in Tokyo offers order-made cakes for Oshikatsu, including this one dedicated to a popular rock band.
16:09This woman is a fan of the group.
16:11She says posting on social media and connecting with others who support the same Oshikatsu is important to her.
16:20I can't always get to live events.
16:23And even if I was able to go, sometimes I can't get tickets.
16:26So I come to cafes like this to let others know how disappointed I was to miss the event.
16:32It lets me show them how strongly I feel.
16:35A report by a think-tank values the Oshikatsu market at about 25 billion dollars.
16:41The sector has grown even as rising inflation dampens overall consumption in Japan.
16:48Its impact is also spreading to other industries, like the music business.
16:53The number of record shops around the world is on the decline as more people download music or use streaming
16:59services.
17:00But here in Japan, it's different.
17:02The branch of this music chain in Tokyo's Shibuya district underwent a major renovation before fully reopening last month.
17:11Shelf space for CDs and records was reallocated.
17:15In its place, there are new areas where fans can take photos with displays of their favorite artists.
17:21So it's no longer just a place to buy products.
17:24It's also a place for experience.
17:29I recently became a committed fan.
17:32A new album just came out.
17:34So I ended up buying the CD.
17:37I also joined a fan club.
17:39I've spent over 90 dollars a month.
17:42What brings you to Teller Records?
17:46They are crowd cafe in the second floor.
17:49Is this, you're a fan of these characters?
17:52Yeah, they are VTubers.
17:55So how much of, how much do you spend on your love for your character?
18:03I can't tell, too many, too much.
18:05The idea is to give online buyers and others a reason to visit the store.
18:13A large physical space is needed if you want customers to be able to take photos with displays of their
18:18favorite artists or see special products dedicated to them.
18:21It is something that's unique to this Shibuya location.
18:25We renovated it so visitors can have that experience.
18:30Some companies are turning this enthusiasm into business opportunities.
18:36Oshikoko is one of them.
18:38Its staff are active in Oshikatsu, giving them insight into the psychology.
18:47These are popular products, charm key chains that people carry to grant their wish to meet their Oshikatsu or receive
18:54something from them.
18:55The company has also built a wide social media network of individuals involved in Oshikatsu.
19:07And now, clients from industries unrelated to entertainment knock on their door.
19:13It collaborated with a financial firm to develop insurance that, for example, covers accommodation and transportation costs if a concert
19:22is canceled.
19:26In the past year or two, we've received increasing inquiries from industries like finance as well as automobile and electronics
19:34manufacturers, companies that are often seen as traditional Japanese corporations.
19:40They have increasingly focused on the growth of the Oshikatsu community and fan engagement.
19:45The number of companies contacting us has been growing.
19:50Komiyama Shuntaro, an analyst who compiled the report on Oshikatsu, says there is big potential for growth.
19:59These are very passionate bands who want to feel close to their Oshikatsu, even when it is not a special
20:06occasion, like going to a live show or a meet-and-greet event.
20:10They want them alongside in their everyday lives, even when they are, say, grocery shopping.
20:17And firms that collaborate with Oshikatsu will probably get the same loyalty treatment from customers who support the Oshikatsu because
20:25of that connection.
20:31Well, Komiyama says with the potential demand from Oshikatsu fans out there, he could see the market grow a lot
20:37more.
20:38And now to the financial markets. Well, in Tokyo, the Nikkei recovered almost 2.9 percent on Wednesday.
20:44Investors bought on reports in Israeli media that the U.S. is seeking a one-month ceasefire with Iran.
20:50Now, the positive move spread across Asia. Global trade, global crude prices declined for the same reason.
20:57Traders in places that are net oil importers were a little relieved as consumers there are already feeling the impact
21:05of supply disruptions.
21:06China and composite in China rose 1.3 percent and Kospi in South Korea added almost 1.6 percent.
21:13And that's the best for this Wednesday.
21:39South-East Asia has been shaken by the oil crisis due to the U.S.
21:43the Middle East conflict.
21:45Trevanza Narula in our Bangkok studio has the latest.
21:49The Philippines has declared a national energy emergency.
21:54President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has set up a governmental committee to tackle what he calls an imminent danger.
22:00Marcos signed the executive order on Tuesday.
22:03The decree states that hostilities in the Middle East and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz have brought uncertainty
22:09to global energy markets and supply chains,
22:12posing a threat to the country's energy security.
22:18We don't have oil and rely on imports from the Middle East.
22:23We need to prepare for the possibility that this will worsen and become prolonged.
22:31Marcos chairs the committee which includes officials of relevant ministries and governmental bodies.
22:37It aims to ensure stable energy supplies to sustain economic activities and public services.
22:43The energy crisis has been taking a toll on the livelihoods of many Filipinos.
22:48Workers in public transportation such as jeepney bus drivers have gone on strike.
22:53They're calling on the government to raise fares and abolish fuel taxes.
22:58Authorities are negotiating with other countries in a bid to procure oil as the Philippines has only 45 days of
23:05reserves left.
23:07The impact of unstable energy supplies is also looming here in Thailand.
23:11People are struggling with the rising cost of everyday necessities such as eggs, meat and vegetables.
23:18This market in Bangkok is lined with food stalls.
23:22The government says compared to one month ago, pork is up 15%, corn is up 8% and egg prices
23:29have risen 6%.
23:30The increases are apparently due to high logistics costs and rising fuel prices for farm machinery, both tied to soaring
23:38oil prices.
23:40This food stall operator voiced her concerns.
23:45If food costs increase, we won't be able to stay in business.
23:49This is already considered very high for us as vendors.
23:55Thailand is also pushing ahead with energy-saving measures to mitigate the impact of the oil crisis.
24:01This includes asking staff at government offices and state-run firms to work from home.
24:08Vietnam Airlines, the country's national carrier, plans to cut some flights starting in April due to a jet fuel shortage.
24:16Vietnam's aviation authority says the airline is considering reducing service on several low-demand domestic routes from April 1st, affecting
24:2423 weekly flights.
24:26The authority reported last week that more than 60% of nearly 40 airlines surveyed have already raised fuel surcharges
24:34or ticket prices or are planning to do so.
24:36Vietnam is facing broader fuel supply constraints beyond aviation.
24:41On March 17th, Prime Minister Far Min Chin met Japanese Ambassador Ito Naoki and requested Tokyo to provide oil from
24:49its reserves to help ease the shortage.
24:52That's up our Bulletin. I'm Cholop Hansan of Rula in Bangkok.
25:06Let's take a look at weather forecasts for cities around the world.
25:10!
27:18Even people who aren't interested in jellyfish can learn something about them.
27:23I hope people will take a close look at each display.
27:28Kamo Aquarium is set to welcome visitors back on April 1st.
27:34And that wraps up this edition of Newsroom Tokyo.
27:37You can catch this program on our website.
27:39I'm Yamaguchi Hiroaki.
27:41And I'm Yamasawa Rina.
27:42Thank you very much for watching.
27:44Please join us again tomorrow.
Comments