at 18:00 (JST), April 26

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20240426180000_english_1.mp3


Key words : top diplomat blinken wang
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240426_14/

US, China top diplomats begin talks in Beijing

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi are holding a meeting in Beijing.

The talks got underway on Friday morning.

At the start of the meeting, Wang said that the China-US relationship is beginning to stabilize overall. But he noted that negative factors in the bilateral relationship are still increasing and building. He added that China's core interests are always facing challenges.

The foreign minister also demanded that Washington not cross a red line with regard to Beijing's sovereignty and security.

In response, Blinken said, "There is no substitute, in our judgement, for face-to-face diplomacy in order to try to move forward, but also to make sure that we're as clear as possible about the areas where we have differences, at the very least to avoid misunderstandings, to avoid miscalculations."

Blinken added, "I look forward in these discussions to being very clear, very direct about the areas where we have differences."

A senior official at the US State Department says the two diplomats will exchange views regarding Taiwan, where President-elect Lai Ching-te is set to take office next month.

The official says they will also discuss the issue of the South China Sea. This comes as Beijing has been ramping up its maritime activities in the region.

Blinken will likely express strong concerns about Beijing's alleged support for Russia's defense industry. This comes amid Moscow's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

Blinken's visit to the Chinese capital is his first since June of last year. Observers are wondering whether he will meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

At a summit last November, the leaders of the US and China agreed to continue to hold dialogues. Observers are waiting to see if both sides can agree to maintain a stable relationship, even though they remain at odds over various issues.

Key words : correspondent Nakamura Genta
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/videos/20240426160340223/

Beijing welcomes Blinken as US-China issues mount

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, have met for talks in Beijing. The top diplomats are trying to repair strained ties, and avoid "red lines" being crossed on either side. Our Nakamura Genta brings us more from China's capital.

Key words : commentator Hanazawa Yuichiro
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/videos/20240426163420324/

Blinken visits China: The view from Washington

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken meets with Chinese officials this week with the Taiwan issue and China-Russia relations top of mind. NHK World's International Politics Commentator Hanazawa Yuichiro explains.

Key words : town radioactive local assembly
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240426_12/

Local assembly in Japan calls for town to allow nuclear waste site study

The local assembly in southwestern Japan's Genkai Town has adopted a petition calling for a first-stage survey to be conducted to determine whether a final disposal site for high-level radioactive waste from nuclear power plants can be built in the town.

The petition was adopted on Friday. Genkai town is located in Saga Prefecture. It hosts a nuclear power plant that is operated by Kyushu Electric Power Company.

Of all the local legislatures in Japanese towns and cities that host nuclear power plants, Genkai's assembly has become the first to approve a petition in favor of a first-stage waste site survey.

During the first stage of the survey, reference materials and other data will be examined. The examiners want to find out whether it would be feasible for the town to host a disposal site.

The mayor has the final say on whether to allow the survey to be conducted.

Genkai Mayor Wakiyama Shintaro has suggested that he will express his position early next month, after the national holiday period.

Key words : meteorologist Yuumi Hirano
#N/A

at 18:00 (JST), April 25

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20240425180000_english_1.mp3


Key words : north loyalty
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240425_11/

North Korea calls for loyalty to Kim Jong Un on army anniversary

North Korean media are urging loyalty to leader Kim Jong Un as the country marks an important military anniversary on Thursday.

Kim Il Sung, the grandfather of the current leader, is said to have founded the Korean People's Revolutionary Army in the former Manchuria on April 25, 1932.

The ruling Workers' Party newspaper Rodong Sinmun carried a front-page editorial on Thursday calling for loyalty to the "supreme military commander, Kim Jong Un."

The article also shows a confrontational stance against the United States, saying the people and soldiers of North Korea are "smashing imperialism."

North Korean media are also emphasizing Kim's friendliness. State-run television is repeatedly airing a new song that praises Kim as a "friendly father."

The video shows soldiers, workers and medical staff in protective gear dancing and singing, as well as a TV announcer and her colleagues giving thumbs-up signs.

It also features a smiling Kim with children. The lyrics on screen call him "Kim Jong Un" without an honorific title.

Japan, the US and South Korea have expressed concern about Pyongyang's recent moves. On Monday, the North carried out firing drills involving what it calls "super-large rocket launchers." Observers say Pyongyang may soon launch additional military reconnaissance satellites.

Key words : chief executive tiktok
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240425_04/

TikTok vows to challenge new law that could ban its video-sharing app

TikTok's chief executive says the company will challenge legislation signed into law by US President Joe Biden that could ban the popular video-sharing app in the country.

The US Senate passed the bill by a bipartisan vote on Tuesday and Biden signed the bill on Wednesday. TikTok would be banned if Chinese operator ByteDance does not sell it within 270 days. Biden could extend the deadline for up to 90 days.

TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew said in a video post, "Make no mistake, this is a ban on TikTok and a ban on you and your voice." He went on to say: "We are confident that we will keep fighting for your rights in the courts. The facts and the Constitution are on our side and we expect to prevail again."

The app is said to have 170 million users in the US.

There have been increasing concerns that the app could pose a security risk as the Chinese government could exploit it to gain information. But some are opposed to a ban, arguing that it would infringe on rights to free expression.

Key words : tiktok rewards program
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240425_05/

TikTok suspends rewards feature on Lite app in EU

TikTok has announced it is suspending the rewards program in its new Lite app in Europe while it addresses concerns raised by the European Union.

The video-sharing app operator made the announcement on Wednesday. The European Commission opened a probe into the program this month, citing concerns about its possible addictive effect on children.

TikTok Lite was launched in France and Spain in March. The rewards functions allow users to earn points while performing certain tasks on the app, such as watching videos and inviting friends to join. These points can be exchanged for rewards, such as Amazon vouchers.

The European Commission is asking TikTok to provide information for its investigation. The commission said it may impose fines if TikTok fails to reply to the commission's request and has communicated its intention to impose interim measures to suspend the program.

European Commissioner Thierry Breton said on X, "Our children are not guinea pigs for social media." He added, "I take note of TikTok's decision to suspend" the TikTok Lite rewards program in the EU.

Key words : japanese currency first time
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240425_09/

Yen breaks 155-level against dollar, BOJ meeting starts

The Japanese currency continues to weaken against the dollar, reaching near the mid 155-yen level. Investors are watching the pair closely as the Bank of Japan begins its two-day policy meeting.

Traders have been dumping the yen and scooping up the dollar on a robust US economy. They're also factoring in the view that the Federal Reserve will push back rate cuts.

The sentiment sent the yen below the 155-level in London and New York on Wednesday, for the first time since 1990.

Investors are also betting that the BOJ won't be hiking rates in the near future. The bank's policy board meeting starts Thursday.

Market watchers believe the interest-rate gap between the US and Japan is likely to remain, prompting a move to the higher-yielding dollar.

Japanese Finance Minister Suzuki Shunichi was asked about the falling yen on Thursday morning, but he declined to comment.

Key words : commentator Sakurai Reiko
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/videos/20240425154444203/

Yen falls to historic lows, what now?

The Japanese yen continues to weaken against the dollar. Investors are now watching whether the Bank of Japan and government officials will take steps to prop up the currency. NHK's senior economic commentator Sakurai Reiko explains.

Key words : army tactical
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240425_13/

US reveals it supplied long-range missiles to Ukraine

A senior US government official has disclosed that Washington shipped long-range missiles capable of precision strikes to Ukraine.

White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told reporters on Wednesday that President Joe Biden instructed the delivery of a significant number of Army Tactical Missile Systems, or ATACMS, in February.

He revealed that these were included in the military aid package for Ukraine that the Biden administration announced last month.

Sullivan said the missiles have arrived in Ukraine, and that the US will send more.

Sullivan stressed that the weapons will be for use only in Ukraine, and not to attack Russian territory.

US media says the ATACMS have a maximum range of about 300 kilometers.

If they are fired from Kherson in southern Ukraine, they would have the naval port city of Sevastopol in Russian-annexed Crimea within range.

Congressional haggling over additional aid for Ukraine raised speculation that the US had exhausted all of its funding options.

The Biden administration explains that the military aid containing the missile shipments was arranged by cutting costs off the existing budget.

Key words : survivor sharing young
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240424_26/

92-year-old Hiroshima atomic bomb survivor starts discussing experience

A 92-year-old man who survived the 1945 atomic bombing in Hiroshima in western Japan has started sharing his experiences with young people.

When the bomb was dropped, Saiki Mikio was 13 years old and at home 2.2 kilometers from ground zero.

He says he had spoken little about the bombing because he felt guilty for surviving while many other students died.

But he says the Russian invasion of Ukraine among other incidents prompted him to change his mind. This month, he became a witness of the bombing named by Hiroshima City at the age of 92.

On Wednesday, Saiki gave his first lecture as a certified witness at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum to 43 elementary school students from Tottori Prefecture.

He said that immediately after the bombing, he saw a number of people who could not open their eyes with skin dangling from their arms. He said those people were walking in search for water.

He noted that after the war ended, many people suddenly lost their hair or died due to leukemia or other diseases.

He said: "People in the world still have not known the true horror of nuclear weapons. I believe we must seriously understand the horror."

After the lecture, one of the students said his account was more horrible than she had imagined. She also said she hopes people in other countries will learn more about atomic bombs and that she wants everyone to think of ways to achieve peace.

Saiki said he thinks he can give talks for four or five years, considering his age, and that he will prioritize this task.

Key words : lawmaker miyazawa woman
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240425_18/

Ex-state minister of defense Miyazawa resigns as Diet lawmaker

Former State Minister of Defense Miyazawa Hiroyuki has resigned as a Diet lawmaker following a report of an alleged extra-marital affair.

Miyazawa's letter of resignation was approved unanimously at the Lower House plenary session on Thursday. He was absent from the meeting.

Miyazawa had handed in the letter to the chamber's speaker on Tuesday and left the main ruling Liberal Democratic Party on Wednesday.

He had cited personal circumstances as the reason for his resignation.

But the "Bunshun" online journal has reported that Miyazawa lived with a woman who is not his wife, and financially assisted her.

Miyazawa is 49 years old. He was elected to the Lower House four times, most recently from the Tokai bloc under the proportional representation system.

He belonged to the party's largest faction that was previously led by the late former Prime Minister Abe Shinzo.

Miyazawa took up the post of state minister of defense in September last year, but stepped down in December over the fundraising scandal involving the faction.

Mori Yukiko, who is on the LDP's list of candidates for the Tokai bloc, is expected to replace Miyazawa in the Lower House.

Key words : weather Jonathan Oh
#N/A

at 18:00 (JST), April 24

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20240424180000_english_1.mp3


Key words : israeli forces four rocket
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240424_16/

Airstrikes continue in Gaza, UN calls for investigations into mass graves

The Israeli military continued to carry out intense air strikes against Hamas in northern Gaza on Tuesday.

On that day, Israel told residents in parts of the northern town of Beit Lahiya to move to designated zones.

The Israeli military posted a message on social media on Tuesday. It said that four rockets had crossed "from the areas of Beit Lahiya." It said jets had struck those areas and nearby targets, including operational tunnel shafts and military structures.

It said warnings were issued prior to the strikes and that civilians were encouraged to temporarily evacuate from the areas. Video footage showed explosions and flames rising.

Meanwhile, Al Jazeera reported on Tuesday that at least 310 bodies had been found at Nasser Hospital in the southern Gazan city of Khan Younis. Israeli forces withdrew from the hospital earlier this month.

Reuters news agency quoted Israeli forces as saying that the claim that they buried the bodies is "baseless and unfounded."

The Israeli military reportedly said its troops dug up some bodies at the site and reburied them after examinations were conducted to make sure no Israeli hostages were among them.

Many bodies are also said to have been found at the Al-Shifa hospital, the Gaza Strip's largest medical complex.

A spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights quoted the human rights chief on Tuesday as saying that he was horrified by the reported discovery of the mass graves.

The chief has called for independent, effective and transparent investigations into the deaths.

Key words : us senate additional aid
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240424_18/

US senators pass bill promising aid for Ukraine

The US Senate passed an emergency budget bill on Tuesday that includes additional aid for Ukraine.

It had already passed the House of Representatives, and is set to be enacted after President Joe Biden signs it.

Ahead of the vote in Washington, US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said, "Let us not keep our friends around the world waiting for a moment longer."

US Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said, "Today, the Senate faces a test, and we must not fail it."

The Senators approved aid of more than 60 billion dollars, which Biden has already promised to sign into law. The legislation will allow officials at the Pentagon to ship military equipment within days. It will also allow US authorities to seize frozen Russian assets and transfer them to fund Ukraine's recovery.

More than 26 billion dollars will be set aside to support the Israelis' efforts to defend themselves against Iran and its proxies. The legislation also directs 8 billion dollars to efforts in Taiwan and the Indo-Pacific region to "counter" China.

Key words : kim criticism
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240424_20/

Kim Jong Un's sister reacts to US criticism of N.Korean missile launch

The sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has countered US criticism of Pyongyang's recent missile launch, blaming the United States for aggravating the situation on the Korean Peninsula with a series of military exercises.

On Monday, US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller criticized the ballistic missile launch by Pyongyang, saying it violated multiple UN Security Council resolutions.

The Wednesday edition of North Korea's ruling Workers' Party newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, carried a statement issued by Kim Yo Jong.

The statement said the US, together with Japan and South Korea, are ceaselessly staging military exercises against North Korea almost every week.

It argued this has resulted in tensions "soaring in the region like a kindled detonating fuse."

In the statement, Kim said North Korea will continue to build up its "overwhelming and most powerful military muscle" to defend its sovereignty and regional peace.

North Korea's foreign ministry also released a statement on Wednesday that said missile launches are an exercise of the country's right to self-defense.

Concerned nations are staying on high alert as Pyongyang may repeat missile launches.

Key words : vice-president trump polish
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240424_12/

Aso follows other foreign officials and meets with Trump

Former US President Donald Trump welcomed Aso Taro, the vice-president of Japan's main ruling Liberal Democratic Party, at Trump Tower in New York on Tuesday.

At the building's entrance, Trump introduced Aso to reporters. He said, "We'll be talking about Japan and the United States right now and lots of other things."

Trump posted a message on social media later. He said, "It was my great honor to welcome former Japanese Prime Minister Taro Aso -- at Trump Tower this evening!"

Aso's visit follows similar moves by a number of senior foreign officials.

Polish President Andrzej Duda visited Trump on April 17, and British Foreign Secretary David Cameron met with the former US president on April 8. Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban had a meeting with Trump on March 8.

Foreign officials appear to be aware of the possibility that the former president could regain control of the US government in 2025. Trump is running in the presidential election that will be held later this year.

Key words : hayashi met lawmaker
#N/A


Key words : fukushima power outage
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240424_19/

Crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant partially loses power supply

A partial power outage at the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant on Wednesday morning stopped the release of treated and diluted water into the ocean.

The plant's operator, Tokyo Electric Power Company, says the cooling of nuclear debris has been maintained.

TEPCO said one of the systems that supply electricity to the plant stopped at around 10:43 a.m.

The utility said the loss of power led to automatic stoppage of discharging treated and diluted water into the ocean. The fifth round of discharges started on Friday.

TEPCO says the safety of critical areas of the plant has been ensured by sourcing power from other lines. This includes cooling of spent nuclear fuel and debris in damaged reactors.

The operator also says radioactive levels around the facility have showed no abnormal figures.

TEPCO is investigating what caused the disruption to the power supply.

The plant suffered a triple meltdown in the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

Water used to cool molten fuel has been mixing with rain and groundwater seeping into the damaged reactor buildings. The accumulated water is being treated to remove most radioactive substances, but still contains tritium. The treated water is being stored in tanks at the plant.

Before releasing the treated water into the ocean, the utility dilutes it to reduce the tritium levels to about one-seventh of the World Health Organization's guidance level for drinking water.

Meanwhile, a worker was reportedly injured while engaged in drilling work outside a building inside the plant compound at around 10:47 a.m. TEPCO reportedly called an ambulance to rush the person to hospital. The person reportedly remains conscious.

TEPCO is checking whether the accident is related to the power outage or not.

Key words : a week western japan spring
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240424_15/

Hot spring in Ehime remains closed a week after strong quake hits western Japan

A popular hot spring facility in Ehime Prefecture remains closed a week after a powerful earthquake struck western Japan.

Yamaidashi Ikoinosato Onsen is a hot spring in the town of Ainan equipped with accommodation and a restaurant. The town experienced a quake intensity of lower 6 on the Japanese seismic scale of 0 to 7.

The operator says its hot spring water is usually transparent, but has become cloudy since the quake occurred last Wednesday.

They say the water is slowly returning to normal, but services cannot be resumed until they know what caused the change of color.

Officials at the facility say they plan to collect water samples and ask experts to check the quality. They will decide when to reopen based on the results.

Key words : noto water supply
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240424_11/

Quake-hit community in Noto Peninsula faces threat of further depopulation

A community in the Noto Peninsula, Ishikawa Prefecture in central Japan, is now facing a threat of further depopulation as it struggles to secure drinking water after the powerful earthquake on January 1.

Residents of the Kawachi district in Nanao City used to rely on natural water sourced from nearby mountains for drinking. But the facility for treating the water was damaged in the quake, cutting off the supply for about three months.

Water supplies resumed last Saturday after the facility was restored, but authorities say they are waiting for test results to guarantee it is fit for drinking.

In the meantime, residents remain dependent on water filtering equipment set up after the quake or bottled water.

The area had 41 households before the quake, but about 30 of them, or more than 70 percent, have left their homes. The evacuees have moved to temporary housing or live with their relatives outside the district.

Some have decided to leave Kawachi for good.

A woman in her 80s, who returned from temporary housing to tidy up her home, said her neighbors all left their homes after the quake. She said while she misses her home, there is no choice but to leave.

The head of a local community association said the entire community has changed dramatically. He said leaving the district was the only option for residents after the quake.

However, he hopes that many of them will return now that the water supply has been restored, even if only partially.

Key words : five months
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240424_09/

NASA's Voyager 1 sends readable data back to Earth once again

The US space agency NASA says it has received readable data from its Voyager 1 spacecraft for the first time in about five months. This comes after communications with the probe were disrupted.

NASA announced that its mission flight team heard back from the spacecraft on Saturday.

In 1977, Voyager 1 was launched to explore Jupiter and Saturn. It excited many space enthusiasts by sending clear images of patterns on Jupiter's surface and Saturn's rings.

Voyager 1 left the solar system and is now traveling about 24 billion kilometers from Earth. That is farther away from Earth than any other human-made object.

The probe continued transmitting observation information, but it stopped sending back readable data last November, owing to a glitch in one of its computer systems.

The team says a radio signal takes about 22 and a half hours to reach Voyager 1. It reportedly takes the same amount of time for a signal to come back to Earth.

One of the team members, Dr. Linda Spilker, spoke with NHK. She said she is excited about being able to communicate with the spacecraft once again. Spilker said, "It is like seeing an old friend after a long time apart."

She noted that the next step will be to adjust parts of the software, so that the spacecraft can return scientific data again. She added that she is looking forward to seeing new scientific data about what is happening in interstellar space.

Key words : weather Jonathan Oh
#N/A

at 18:00 (JST), April 23

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20240423180000_english_1.mp3


Key words : baltic sea
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240423_11/

Swedish military holds first drill on Baltic Sea island since joining NATO

The Swedish military has held its first exercise on a key strategic point on the Baltic Sea since the country joined NATO last month. Sweden is strengthening its defenses amid Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

The exercise has been held on Gotland Island, and it was open to the media on Monday.

The island, which has a population of more than 60,000, is located at the center of the Baltic Sea and has been a key strategic point. It was occupied by Imperial Russia in the early 19th Century.

The island is also strategically important for NATO, which aims to defend the three Baltic countries nearby: Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. The three are all members of the alliance, and they have been increasing their vigilance of Russia.

The drill, which was designed to simulate a response to the landing of Russian troops on the island, involved about 200 Swedish soldiers stationed there. It included live-fire exercises and shelling drills involving tanks that are the same type as those that were given to Ukraine.

Lieutenant Colonel Andreas Lunde, who commanded the exercise, said he believes that the threat to Gotland is "multifaceted." He said possible military operations against the island could take shapes and forms that his side is not aware of.

He said the troops are finding that they are "a part of something vital for the nation and for the alliance." Lunde added that the soldiers are training hard.

On Tuesday, senior officials from the Swedish military and NATO are scheduled to discuss plans for future coordinated efforts on the island.

The two parties are expected to strengthen combat readiness.

Key words : united states withdraw
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240423_10/

US to withdraw troops from Niger, Pentagon press secretary says

The United States says it plans to withdraw its troops from the West African country of Niger where a military coup occurred last year.

The US has deployed about 1,100 troops in Niger as part of counterterrorism measures in the Sahel region, south of the Sahara Desert.

The forces have been tasked with monitoring activities of the Islamic State and other terrorist groups.

US Defense Department Press Secretary Pat Ryder told reporters on Monday that the US and Niger began discussions for the orderly withdrawal of US forces from the West African country.

Without mentioning the timing of the departure, Ryder said that the US will continue to explore options and how it can ensure that it is able to continue to address potential terrorist threats.

A unit of the Niger military removed President Mohamed Bazoum from power in a coup in July of last year, and formed a military government.

The country's relations with Western nations have since worsened while it has sought stronger ties with Russia.

The US withdrawal plan follows France's decision last year to pull its forces out of Niger.

Observers say that Russia will further increase its influence in the country.

Key words : independent evidence
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240423_08/

Review of UNRWA says Israel has yet to provide evidence of terrorism

A group leading a review of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, says Israel has yet to provide evidence to back its allegations that some of UNRWA's staff were involved in the October attack on Israel by Hamas.

The independent review group launched an investigation in February after the Israeli allegations prompted some donor countries to suspend their funding to the agency.

Former French foreign minister Catherine Colonna, who led the group, announced the release of its final report at a news conference on Monday.

The report says: "Israel made public claims that a significant number of UNRWA employees are members of terrorist organizations. However, Israel has yet to provide supporting evidence of this."

The report says, "UNRWA has established a significant number of mechanisms and procedures to ensure compliance with the humanitarian 5 principles, with emphasis on the principle of neutrality."

It also says that UNRWA possesses "a more developed approach to neutrality than other similar UN or NGO entities."

The report notes, however, that "despite this robust framework, neutrality-related issues persist." It proposes measures to address these issues, including enhanced internal oversight and training.

Colonna told reporters that in this critical time, UNRWA plays a vital role in the humanitarian assistance in Gaza.

She called on the international community to be side by side with the agency so that it can perform its mission.

Key words : taiwan 2:26 a.m. local time
#N/A


Key words : taiwan magnitude 6.3
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240423_06/

Magnitude 6.3 earthquake hits eastern Taiwan on Tuesday

A magnitude 6.3 earthquake hit eastern Taiwan early Tuesday morning.

Taiwan's Central Weather Administration said the quake struck near the eastern county of Hualien shortly after 2:30 a.m. local time.

The tremor registered an intensity of lower 5 in Hualien and 3 in Taipei, on Taiwan's seismic scale of zero to 7.

So far there have been no reports of damage.

Key words : north counterattack
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240423_09/

N.Korea says leader Kim oversaw drills involving 'super-large rocket launchers'

North Korea says its leader Kim Jong Un oversaw firing drills designed to simulate a nuclear counterattack on Monday, and it notes the exercise involved the use of "super-large rocket launchers."

On Tuesday, the ruling Workers' Party newspaper Rodong Sinmun published photos of rockets being fired from four mobile launchers. It says the 600 mm rockets hit a target island 352 kilometers away.

The super-large rocket is believed to be a short-range ballistic missile capable of carrying a tactical nuclear warhead.

South Korea's military says the North launched what appeared to be multiple short-range ballistic missiles from a site near Pyongyang on Monday.

North Korea says the firing drills are aimed at countering the joint training sessions that US and South Korean forces are holding at Kunsan Air Base. The facility in southwestern South Korea falls within the claimed range of the North Korean rockets.

Pyongyang also conducted a firing drill involving the super-large rocket launchers in March. After Monday's drill, Kim Jong Un reportedly praised the progress that is being made in the country's effort to build up its tactical nuclear attack capabilities.

Key words : hayashi short-range
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240422_28/

Japan says N.Korean missile likely fell outside EEZ

The Japanese government says it has submitted a complaint after North Korea launched at least one ballistic missile Monday afternoon. There are no reports of damage so far.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi Yoshimasa says: "North Korea's actions threaten the peace and security of not only Japan and the region but also others in the international community. Ballistic missile launches violate UN Security Council resolutions and are a serious issue that affects people's safety. We lodged a strong protest and strongly condemned Pyongyang."

The defense ministry says the launch happened about 3 p.m. The missile flew northeast and is suspected to have fallen outside Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone in the Sea of Japan.

The ministry says the missile flew more than 250 kilometers with a maximum altitude of about 50 kilometers.

South Korea's military says the North fired what appeared to be multiple short-range ballistic missiles from near Pyongyang toward the Sea of Japan.

This is the fourth time the North has launched one or more ballistic missiles this year, and the first since April 2.

Key words : atomic energy fukushima
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240423_14/

IAEA task force begins 2nd review of Fukushima Daiichi treated water release

A team of experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency is visiting Japan to inspect the discharge of treated and diluted water from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the ocean.

The IAEA task force is conducting a safety review for the second time since the discharge operation began in August last year.

Experts from countries including the US, South Korea and China visited the Foreign Ministry in Tokyo on Tuesday.

They met officials from the industry ministry and Tokyo Electric Power Company, which manages the Fukushima plant.

IAEA coordinator Gustavo Caruso said the experts will visit the Fukushima Daiichi plant to follow up on technical topics that are important for safety.

He said, "This independent, objective and science-based approach will help build confidence" in Japan and beyond.

The task force members are due to stay in Japan until Friday. They plan to see the water discharge process and meet officials from the Nuclear Regulation Authority and other organizations.

The Fukushima Daiichi plant suffered a triple meltdown in the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

Water used to cool molten fuel has been mixing with rain and groundwater. The accumulated water is being treated to remove most radioactive substances, but still contains tritium.

Before releasing the treated water into the ocean, the plant's operator dilutes it to reduce the tritium levels to about one-seventh of the World Health Organization's guidance level for drinking water.

Key words : yamaguchi
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240423_17/

Feasibility survey begins for western Japan nuclear fuel storage facility

A Japanese utility has begun a feasibility survey in Kaminoseki Town in Yamaguchi Prefecture, western Japan, to examine whether a local site is geologically suitable for building a facility to temporarily store spent nuclear fuel.

Chugoku Electric Power Company announced its plan to conduct the study last August. It began the work on Tuesday morning.

The survey is scheduled to last about six months and will see boring at 11 locations within the utility's compound. By examining the local geology to as deep as 300 meters, the company plans to check whether the area's geological features and foundations are fit for the construction of the facility.

Chugoku Electric Power had already been conducting a documentary survey and had made preparations for boring.

The utility's feasibility study is being conducted jointly with Kansai Electric Power Company. If it leads to construction, the temporary storage facility will be the second in Japan.

Meanwhile, opponents of the construction protested in front of the compound's entrance. The leader of the group said they are angry and frustrated that the survey has started while the project seems questionable.

He referred to Chugoku Electric Power's reported plan to allow spent nuclear fuel held by Kansai Electric Power to be brought to the interim facility.

Key words : learned drug
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240423_12/

Six nabbed in Japan for smuggling stimulants hidden in conveyor belt rollers

NHK has learned that six people have been arrested in Japan for allegedly smuggling stimulants from Mexico by hiding the drugs in small machinery shipments.

The six include a senior member of a yakuza gang affiliated with the Sumiyoshi-kai syndicate.

Investigative sources say they allegedly smuggled about 15 kilograms of stimulants last June for commercial purposes. The contraband reportedly has a street value of 940 million yen, or about 6 million dollars.

The sources say customs authorities found the stimulants hidden in rollers of imported small conveyor belts at Narita International Airport. They say investigators suspect a Mexican drug cartel is involved.

Police and narcotic control agents say there have been a growing number of cases in which illegal drugs are smuggled into the country hidden in machinery imports.

Key words : china heavy rain
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240423_03/

At least 4 dead in southern China as heavy rain triggers flooding and landslides

Heavy rain in southern China has caused flooding and mudslides, reportedly leaving at least four people dead.

The rain started last week in the southern province of Guangdong. The state-run Xinhua news agency said 10 other people are missing.

Footage from state-run China Central Television showed a residential area hit by a torrent of muddy floodwaters, a large swath of land that was flooded, and rescued residents evacuating buildings by boat.

Other footage showed mudslides along the slopes of mountains, with piles of debris and mud near buildings.

Chinese weather officials warn of more flooding and landslides, saying heavy rain will continue for several more days in the province.

Key words : world weather Jonathan Oh
#N/A

at 18:00 (JST), April 22

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20240422180000_english_1.mp3


Key words : north one ballistic
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240422_28/

Japan says apparent N.Korean missile likely fell outside EEZ

The Japanese government says it has submitted a complaint after North Korea launched at least one ballistic missile Monday afternoon. There are no reports of damage so far.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi Yoshimasa says: "North Korea's actions threaten the peace and security of not only Japan and the region but also others in the international community. Ballistic missile launches violate UN Security Council resolutions and are a serious issue that affects people's safety. We lodged a strong protest and strongly condemned Pyongyang."

The defense ministry says the launch happened about 3 p.m. The missile flew northeast and is suspected to have fallen outside Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone in the Sea of Japan.

The ministry says the missile flew more than 250 kilometers with a maximum altitude of about 50 kilometers.

South Korea's military says the North fired what appeared to be multiple short-range ballistic missiles from near Pyongyang toward the Sea of Japan.

This is the fourth time the North has launched one or more ballistic missiles this year, and the first since April 2.

Key words : former seoul Ikehata Shuhei
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/videos/20240422161243877/

Speculation, concern over North Korea's spy satellites

Pyongyang appears to be gearing up to launch another spy satellite by the end of the month, according to experts. NHK World's former Seoul bureau chief Ikehata Shuhei, explains what we know about the plan, and whether it's cause for concern.

Key words : defense minister abnormalities
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240422_10/

Japan defense chief: No abnormalities found so far in choppers' flight recorders

Japan's Defense Minister Kihara Minoru says no abnormalities have been confirmed so far in the data retrieved from the flight recorders of two Maritime Self-Defense Force helicopters that crashed on Saturday.

The SH-60K patrol helicopters, each with a crew of four, crashed off Torishima Island in the Izu Islands in the Pacific Ocean. The accident left one person dead and seven others missing.

Kihara told reporters on Monday that the two flight recorders recovered on Sunday are still being analyzed.

He said an investigation committee will examine the data and other information to determine the cause of the accident.

Kihara said the Self-Defense Forces and the Japan Coast Guard are continuing to search for the missing.

The minister added that he has issued instructions for thorough aircraft safety management and the entire Self-Defense Forces will take all possible measures to ensure safety in operating the aircraft of the Ground, Maritime and Air Self-Defense forces.

Key words : communication was lost 270
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240421_12/

Japan's Defense Ministry says flight recorders of crashed aircraft recovered

Japan's Defense Ministry says that two flight recorders have been recovered, along with other debris which they believe are from two Maritime Self-Defense Force helicopters that crashed.

Communication with the helicopters was lost late Saturday night when they were about 270 kilometers east of Torishima Island in the Pacific Ocean.

The ministry says that the recorders were found in the proximity of the area, and a mid-air collision may have occurred.

The SH-60K helicopters, each carrying four people, were engaged in nighttime training to search for submarines.

One person was rescued but later declared dead.

The ministry continues searching for the remaining seven people and will analyze the data from the recorders.

The Maritime Self-Defense Force has grounded all of its SH-60K aircraft.

Key words : 5,500 meter
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240422_13/

Japan MSDF: Flight data show no abnormalities in crashed helicopters

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force says flight recorders recovered from the site of Saturday's fatal crash of two of its helicopters show that no data have been found so far indicating the aircraft had any abnormalities.

Two SH-60K patrol helicopters crashed off Torishima Island in the Izu Islands in the Pacific Ocean. The accident left one of the eight crew members dead and the others missing.

The choppers were conducting nighttime training to locate submarines.

MSDF officials say that pieces of debris appearing to be a rotary wing blade and a door have been found, but the helicopters' fuselages have yet to be located.

As the waters around the site are about 5,500 meters deep, the MSDF plans to send an oceanographic observation ship to conduct a sonar search.

MSDF officials say it is highly likely that the two aircraft collided in mid-air.

They are continuing search efforts for the missing while investigating the cause of the accident.

Key words : young doctor lawsuit
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240422_19/

Young doctor's family sues hospital in Kobe over his suicide

The bereaved family of a young doctor has filed a damages lawsuit against the hospital he worked for in the western Japanese city of Kobe, arguing that his suicide was caused by overwork.

The trial over Takashima Shingo's death opened at the Osaka District Court on Monday.

The 26-year-old doctor, who had been working for Konan Medical Center, developed depression and killed himself in May 2022.

His parents say he logged 236 hours of overtime in the month before his death. They argue that the hospital failed to reduce his workload, although it knew the long work hours could harm his mental and physical health.

The parents are demanding that the hospital's operator and its head Gu Eisei pay 234 million yen, or about 1.5 million dollars.

Takashima's mother told the court that the hospital had been cautioned by a local labor standards inspection office before her son died, and that his colleagues had demanded a better working environment.

The hospital asked the court to reject the case, saying that Takashima's workload was at a normal level and that he was not subject to excessive work.

Takashima was working for an academic society during the time when he was not seeing his patients.

The hospital says such activity is categorized as self-study.

It also says Takashima was not working the whole time he was at his workplace, and that the time spent for self-study does not represent work hours.

Key words : iran supreme leader
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240422_04/

Iran's Khamenei does not refer to likely retaliation by Israel

Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has praised the country's recent attack against Israel while not referring to likely retaliation by Israel.

Iran launched a massive attack against Israel from April 13. On Friday, explosions occurred in central Iran. Multiple US media reported that they were a retaliation by Israel.

Iran's state-run TV has reported that Khamenei spoke to commanders of the country's armed forces on Sunday. In the speech, he referred to the Iranian attack. He said the other side cares about how many missiles were fired or hit their targets, but it is significant that the Iranian people and military demonstrated their willpower to the world.

He did not touch on apparent countermeasures by Israel.

Observers say Iran's supreme leader indicated the country currently has no intention of raising tensions by carrying out further attacks.

On Saturday, another blast with unknown causes reportedly occurred at a base of an Iran-backed militia group in Iraq.

Key words : world weather Jonathan Oh
#N/A

at 18:00 (JST), April 21

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20240421180000_english_1.mp3


Key words : defense ministry flight recorder
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240421_12/

Japan's Defense Ministry says flight recorders of crashed aircraft recovered

Japan's Defense Ministry says that two flight recorders have been recovered, along with other debris which they believe are from two Maritime Self-Defense Force helicopters that crashed.

Communication with the helicopters was lost late Saturday night when they were about 270 kilometers east of Torishima Island in the Pacific Ocean.

The ministry says that the recorders were found in the proximity of the area, and a mid-air collision may have occurred.

The SH-60K helicopters, each carrying four people, were engaged in nighttime training to search for submarines.

One person was rescued but later declared dead.

The ministry continues searching for the remaining seven people and will analyze the data from the recorders.

The Maritime Self-Defense Force has grounded all of its SH-60K aircraft.

Key words : Kishida visit france
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240421_09/

Japan's PM to visit France, Brazil, Paraguay in May

Japan's Prime Minister Kishida Fumio is planning to visit France in early May to speak at a ministerial council meeting of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.

He is expected to press the importance of maintaining and strengthening a free and fair economic order, explaining about Japan's effort to promote a new form of capitalism.

Kishida is also expected to talk about Japan's willingness to tackle global issues such as generative artificial intelligence and climate change.

The Japanese leader is also likely to visit Brazil and Paraguay.

In Brazil, which is hosting the Group of Twenty this year, he hopes to hold a leaders' summit to confirm cooperation in responding to international issues. He also wants to agree on deeper bilateral economic cooperation.

Kishida is expected to further ties with Paraguay as it is the only South American country that has diplomatic ties with Taiwan.

Key words : new york times
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240421_07/

NYT: Israeli attack damaged an Iranian air defense system

The New York Times says an explosion near an air base in Iran on Friday damaged an air defense system that covers an area hosting nuclear facilities.

The major US paper on Saturday cited Western and Iranian officials who said that an Israeli weapon deployed in a retaliatory strike against Iran damaged a defense system responsible for detecting and destroying aerial threats near Natanz in the central province of Isfahan.

The report quoted the Western officials as saying the strike was "calculated to deliver a message to Iran that Israel could bypass Iran's defense systems undetected and paralyze them."

Iranian media reported on Friday that there was an explosion near an air base in Isfahan, and that several small-size drones were shot down.
Israel and Iran continue retaliatory strikes against each other. However, both parties are apparently trying to avoid having the situation escalate into a large-scale armed conflict.

Observers say that Israel sought to use Friday's attack to keep Iran in check by displaying its advanced military capabilities.

Meanwhile, an Iran-backed Shia Muslim militia group in Iraq, known as the Popular Mobilization Forces, said on social media on Saturday that a blast occurred at its base about 50 kilometers south of the capital, Baghdad.

Reuters news agency quoted hospital staff as saying one person was killed and six others were injured.

Concerns are growing over a further destabilization of the Middle East situation.

Key words : us house passed a bill 60.8 billion
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240421_08/

US House passes bipartisan Ukraine aid bill

The US House of Representatives has passed a bill to provide additional military aid to Ukraine.

The aid package was passed with bipartisan support on Saturday with 311 in favor and 112 against.

Republicans have a majority in the House. About half of them, led by hardliners, who have been reluctant to provide the aid, voted against it. Most of the Democrats supported it.

The support to Ukraine is about 60.8 billion dollars, part of which is required to be repaid.

The United States has been providing the largest amount of military assistance to Ukraine for its struggle against the Russian invasion.

A partisan divide had stalled the additional aid to Ukraine. The military aid was depleted late last year and until now no budget bill had been passed to extend it.

The bill will now go to the Senate and President Joe Biden must sign it into law.

Biden welcomed the passage of the bill with a statement which said that it sends "a clear message about the power of American leadership on the world stage."

He urged the Senate to quickly approve the package.

Key words : zelenskyy gratitude
#N/A


Key words : blinken visit china
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240421_02/

Blinken to visit China from Wednesday

The US State Department has announced that Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit China for three days from Wednesday with the situation in Taiwan high on the agenda.

A senior State Department official said on Saturday that Blinken will travel to Shanghai and Beijing. He will hold talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and others.

Ahead of the inauguration next month of Lai Ching-te as Taiwan's president, the officials are expected to discuss the situation surrounding Taiwan.

The State Department official says Blinken will convey a message to Beijing that all countries should contribute to peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. He will also urge them to avoid any action that could escalate tensions at a critical and sensitive time, with the inauguration ceremony on May 20.

Blinken is also expected to exchange views with Chinese officials on the South China Sea, where Beijing is ramping up maritime activities, as well as North Korea.

The US also plans to express its strong concern about China's assistance for Russia's defense industry in connection with the situation in Ukraine.

The US official adds that Blinken's visit to China is also aimed at maintaining dialogue between the two countries to stabilize their relations.

Blinken's trip to China will be his first since June last year.

Key words : shanghai encouraging central japan
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240420_16/

Shanghai citizens encourage people in quake-hit central Japan

People in Shanghai are writing encouraging messages for people in the central Japanese prefecture of Ishikawa, which was badly affected by a New Year's Day earthquake.

Tomioka Hitomi, who is from Ishikawa and lives in Shanghai, is hosting an exhibition about quake damage at a supermarket in the city. The event, which started on Friday and lasts until May 5, was organized in cooperation with Ishikawa government employees.

The exhibition displays photos of devastated townscapes, including the residential area of Suzu City and a baseball ground in Noto Town that was hit by tsunami.

Products from the prefecture are also on sale. They include Japanese sake and "urushi" lacquer ware.

Shoppers are free to write messages for people in Ishikawa. Some wrote wishes for early recovery and others gave words of encouragement and sympathy in Japanese or Chinese.

The organizers plan to send the messages as early as May to aid groups that support the affected areas.

A Chinese woman in her 40s who traveled to Ishikawa four years ago expressed her support from Shanghai.

Tomioka said her relatives in Wajima City are still evacuated. She said that so many messages from Chinese people will encourage the people in Ishikawa in a great deal.

at 18:00 (JST), April 20

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20240420180000_english_1.mp3


Key words : explosion military base pmf
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240420_12/

Iran-backed Shia militia in Iraq reports explosion at base south of Baghdad

An Iran-backed militia in Iraq says an explosion has occurred at a military base about 50 kilometers south of Baghdad. The cause of the blast is not known.

The Popular Mobilization Forces, or PMF, made the announcement on social media on Saturday. The militia is part of the so-called "Axis of Resistance," a network of militant groups in the Middle East.

Reuters news agency quotes two hospital sources as saying one PMF fighter was killed and six others injured.

The PMF says a team is investigating the cause of the explosion.

Analysts say the blast could further destabilize the region amid rising tensions between Israel and Iran.

US Central Command says it's aware of reports claiming that the United States conducted an airstrike in Iraq but that the reports are "not true."

CNN says both Israeli and US officials have denied any involvement in the explosion.

A number of explosions also occurred in Iran's central province of Isfahan on Friday. US media say Israel mounted the attacks in retaliation for a missile and drone strike launched by Tehran toward Israel several days earlier.

Key words : nasa satellite
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240420_13/

Hotspot detected south of Baghdad, NASA data shows

Satellites from US space agency NASA have detected a hotspot with unusual temperatures about 50 kilometers south of the Iraqi capital of Baghdad.

The hotspot, discovered through satellite observations made shortly after 22:00 UTC on Friday, was apparently found near a base where an explosion is believed to have occurred.

Key words : austin over the phone
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240420_10/

US, Israel defense chiefs discuss 'efforts to maintain regional stability'

A spokesperson for the US Department of Defense says Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant over the phone on Friday.

Pentagon Press Secretary Pat Ryder says the defense chiefs discussed "efforts to maintain regional stability, the latest developments in Gaza and measures to accelerate humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza."

But the spokesperson did not disclose whether Austin and Gallant talked about Friday's explosions in Iran. US media say Israel launched an attack on the country.

Key words : antonio beyond
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240420_09/

UN chief calls for end to cycle of retaliation in Middle East

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says it is "high time to stop the dangerous cycle of retaliation in the Middle East".

He issued the statement through his spokesperson on Friday.

Guterres said he "condemns any act of retaliation and appeals to the international community to work together to prevent any further development that could lead to devastating consequences for the entire region and beyond."

Key words : north conducted super-large
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240420_06/

N.Korea: New anti-aircraft missile test-launched on Friday

North Korea says it conducted a test-launch of a new surface-to-air missile on Friday in the Yellow Sea west of the Korean Peninsula.

The country's Missile Administration said it also carried out a power test of a super-large warhead for the "Hwasal" strategic cruise missile.

The administration said both tests were for developing technologies, including performance and operation of new type weapon systems. It said a "certain goal" was achieved through the tests.

North Korea announced similar tests in February. Observers say Pyongyang's development and repeated launches are designed to counter the South Korean military and US forces in South Korea.

Key words : xi attended information
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240420_04/

Chinese military launches information support force

China's military has established a new information support force reportedly tasked with aiding advancements in modern warfare.

President Xi Jinping attended a launch ceremony on Friday in Beijing. He described the unit as a "key pillar" of the military.

In 2015, China established a strategic support force believed to have overseen the fields of cyber space and outer space as part of large-scale military reforms.

But that unit has now been abolished.

Leaders in China want to strengthen the military in the lead-up to 2027, when the People's Liberation Army becomes 100 years old.

But the modernization drive has not been without its problems.

In 2023, top officials from the military's rocket force reportedly became embroiled in a corruption crackdown.

Key words : china tightening
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240420_03/

China reportedly orders Apple to remove host of major apps

Authorities in China have reportedly ordered Apple to remove some of the world's most popular messenger and social media services from the firm's App Store in the country.

Observers say the move is aimed at tightening the government's grip over the internet.

The Wall Street Journal says the US tech giant removed a host of apps on Friday, including WhatsApp and Threads, both run by Meta Platforms.

Messaging services Signal and Telegram are also unavailable.

People in China have been able to use such apps via a VPN, or virtual private network. But authorities in Beijing are concerned about the spread of negative content about the government.

The WSJ report says the Cyberspace Administration of China issued the order to Apple over concerns about national security.

Key words : film festival kurosawa
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240420_08/

Kurosawa Akira film 'Rhapsody in August' featured in Cannes festival poster

The organizers of the Cannes Film Festival have unveiled the official poster for this year's edition. It features a scene from the late Japanese director Kurosawa Akira's movie based on the atomic bombing of Nagasaki.

The film, "Rhapsody in August," was presented out of competition in Cannes in 1991.

The organizers say the movie follows a grandmother, a survivor of the atomic bombing on August 9, 1945, who "passes on her faith in love and integrity as a bulwark against war to her grandchildren and her American nephew, with tenderness and contemplation."

The poster shows the grandmother sitting alongside her four grandchildren, looking into the distance. Ahead of them, the festival's palm symbol can be seen floating in the sky, casting a light over the scene.

French media say the poster is a call on people to unite amid the current tense geopolitical situation in the Middle East, Ukraine and elsewhere in the world.

Cannes is one of the world's three major international film festivals. It will run from May 14 through 25.

Key words : cherry pink
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240420_02/

Rare green cherry blossoms draw a crowd in Nara

Most people associate cherry blossoms with the color pink, but crowds are flocking to a botanical garden in western Japan to glimpse a rare variety that blooms in pale green.

Three "Gyoiko-zakura" cherry trees are located in the grounds of Kasugataisha Shrine, Nara City.

Their name is said to have come from the green-colored clothing favored by aristocrats during the Heian period, which began in the late eighth century.

The operator of the garden says the flowers will gradually turn pink over the course of a week or so.

One visitor in her 70s said she had seen the green cherry blossoms before, and came with a friend see them again.

A man in his 70s described the color as unusual, but noble.