2019年4月30日火曜日

at 20:00 (JST), April 30

Emperor Akihito is set to abdicate, bringing the three-decade-long Heisei era to a close. A ceremony to mark the occasion was held at the Imperial Palace.


The Islamic State militant group has posted what it claims is a video of its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.


A Chinese court has sentenced a Canadian and a Chinese citizen to death for producing and trafficking illegal drugs.


https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20190411200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : Akihito bringing abe
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190430_34/

Emperor Akihito is set to abdicate, bringing the three-decade-long Heisei era to a close. A ceremony to mark the occasion was held at the Imperial Palace.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe spoke on behalf of the people of Japan.

Abe said, "On this day of Your Majesty's abdication, we look back on the years during which Your Majesty has always stood by the people to share their joys and sorrows -- and we renew our deep respect and gratitude for Your Majesty."

The Prime Minister said, "We will keep in our minds the steps Your Majesty has taken to this point and continue to do our utmost to make Japan a country which is peaceful, full of hope, and one we can be proud of. We sincerely hope for the long and healthy lives of Your Majesties the Emperor and Empress."

Emperor Akihito then gave his last speech to the people in his current role.

The Emperor said, "Today, I am concluding my duties as the Emperor. I would like to offer my deep gratitude to the words just spoken by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on behalf of the people of Japan."

The Emperor said, "Since ascending the throne 30 years ago, I have performed my duties as the Emperor with a deep sense of trust in and respect for the people, and I consider myself most fortunate to have been able to do so. I sincerely thank the people who accepted and supported me in my role as the symbol of the State."

The Emperor said, "I sincerely wish, together with the Empress, that the Reiwa era, which begins tomorrow, will be a stable and fruitful one, and I pray, with all my heart, for peace and happiness for all the people in Japan and around the world."

This is the first time in over 200 years that a living Emperor will abdicate. As the ceremony ended, the Emperor turned back to the audience and bowed.

Three years ago, Emperor Akihito expressed concern his advanced age could make it difficult to continue carrying out his duties. The Diet enacted a law to specifically allow him to step down.

He was the first to be enthroned under the post-war Constitution that defines the Emperor's role as a "symbol of the State."

His son, Crown Prince Naruhito will ascend the throne at the start of Wednesday. He'll be the 126th Emperor of Japan.


Key words : Akihito official duties
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Key words : Akihito frequently
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190430_11/

Emperor Akihito is Japan's 125th Emperor.
This is the first time in over 200 years that a living Emperor will abdicate. But looking back at Japan's history, the practice wasn't so rare.

In fact, about half of the Emperors or Empresses have done the same. The first is believed to have been Empress Kogyoku in the year 645.

These types of abdications occurred frequently from the late 8th century... until some point in the Edo period... which ended in the late 19th century.

The Imperial Household Agency says Emperor Akihito will hold the title "Joko" after abdication, an abbreviated title meaning "grand emperor." His English title will be "Emperor Emeritus."


Key words : Japanese government statistics
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190430_03/

Japanese government statistics from the 30 years of the Heisei era highlight the country's population getting smaller and greyer, and the rapid spread of the Internet. The Heisei era, which started in 1989, will end on Tuesday with the abdication of Emperor Akihito.

Statistics from the internal affairs ministry show Japan's population has been shrinking since 2011, after peaking at 128 million in 2008. In 2015, the number of people 75 years old and above exceeded that of people 14 years and younger for the first time.

An increasing number of both men and women opted not to marry. The tendency is most conspicuous among women aged between 25 and 29.

The percentage of single women in that age bracket shot up from 40.4 percent in 1990 to 61.3 percent in 2015.

Japanese people's lifestyles have transformed in the Heisei era. The Internet and mobile phones became widespread, meaning higher telecom bills for families. The average monthly expense per household last year was nearly 120 dollars, or more than twice as much as the figure 30 years ago.

The labor participation rate among women has increased. In 2016, the number of women working for railway companies reached 10 percent of the total of that industry. That's 3.4 times what it was in 1991. Railway jobs were traditionally considered men's domain. The percentage of female researchers has grown by 3.9 fold over the past three decades.

Hours that mothers of children under six years of age spent on house chores dropped by about one hour per week, to a little over 4 hours between 1996 and 2016.

Time their husbands spent on house work increased from 18 minutes to 49 minutes in the same period.


Key words : militant posted
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190430_05/

The Islamic State militant group has posted what it claims is a video of its leader, Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi.

The video shows a person the group says is Baghdadi. He is talking while sitting cross-legged on the floor with a gun by his side.

NHK cannot independently verify where and when the video was shot.

The leader refers to the simultaneous explosions in Sri Lanka. He says they were carried out in retaliation for what happened in Syria. The group recently lost Baghouz, its last stronghold in the country.

But part of the footage that appears while he is referring to Sri Lanka does not show his face. This suggests that the voice may have been recorded and added to the video later.

The militant group has often posted audio statements made by a person it claims is Baghdadi. But this is the first time he has appeared in a video in five years.


Key words : chinese sentenced
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190430_31/

A Chinese court has sentenced a Canadian and a Chinese citizen to death for producing and trafficking illegal drugs in the southern province of Guangdong.

A court in the city of Jiangmen announced the sentences for the two men on its web page on Tuesday, along with sentences for nine other people.

The defendants were all charged with setting up a secret operation in Guangdong in 2012, where they produced and sold 63 kilograms of methamphetamines and other drugs.

The nine were given varying sentences, including the death penalty with a two-year suspension, and life in prison.

The court has not released the nationalities of all those sentenced. It did say there is an American and Mexicans among them. The full details of their sentences are not yet known.

The presiding judge reportedly told the defendants they have the right to appeal.

Relations between China and Canada have recently been under strain.

In January, another Canadian was sentenced to death in a retrial for smuggling drugs in China. He had previously been sentenced to 15 years in prison.

Last December, Canadian authorities arrested Huawei executive Meng Wanzhou at the request of the United States. China has since detained several Canadians.

Some international observers regard such actions as Chinese retaliation for Meng's arrest.


Key words : nuclear-armed
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190430_07/

Nuclear-armed countries and non-nuclear states were divided at a United Nations meeting over how to achieve nuclear disarmament.

Representatives from about 190 signatories of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty gathered at the UN headquarters in New York on Monday.

The NPT meeting opened after little progress has been made in global nuclear disarmament, due to a deepening rift between the United States and Russia. Countries that do not have nuclear weapons are increasingly frustrated with the stagnation.

The US delegation proposed the establishment of a new forum for countries to voluntarily discuss how to achieve nuclear disarmament with the aim of narrowing the gap between countries that have nuclear weapons and those that do not.

Officials from non-nuclear nations urged the US and other nuclear-armed countries to reduce their nuclear arsenals and fulfill their obligations under the non-proliferation treaty.

The NPT commits nuclear weapons states to eventual disarmament, while it bans others from developing or possessing nuclear arms.

A Japanese delegate stressed the importance for both sides to work together for maintaining the goals of the NPT.


Key words : over 1,000
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190430_06/

Over 1,000 experts are openly opposing the French President's plan to rebuild Notre-Dame cathedral within five years. A fire left extensive damage to the iconic building in Paris earlier this month.

A total of 1,170 curators, architects and scholars in and outside France signed an open letter urging President Emmanuel Macron to drop the plan. The French newspaper Le Figaro published the letter on Monday.

The experts wrote that they know the political calendar requires quick action, but that the challenge of the work goes far beyond political terms of office, and they will be judged by how they respond. They demanded that they be given time for an assessment before Macron makes a decision on the future of the monument.
The blaze on April 15 destroyed the cathedral's spire and two-thirds of its roof. Macron pledged that the restoration will complete by 2024, when Paris hosts Olympics and Paralympics.

Some experts and people in Paris raised concerns after Macron made this announcement and asked him to go slow. Observers say a chorus of over 1,000 experts has raised a red flag concerning the government's renovation plan.


Key words : former US
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190430_21/

A former US diplomat says he signed an agreement to pay North Korea 2 million dollars to secure the release of American college student Otto Warmbier and that he believes the government should honor its commitment.

Joseph Yun, the former US special envoy for North Korea, told CNN on Monday that he did so with the approval of former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson. Yun negotiated in Pyongyang to bring the student home.

Yun's comments follow US media reports that the Trump administration approved the payment North Korea demanded for Warmbier's medical care. President Donald Trump denied in a tweet that any money was paid.

Yun said he contacted Tillerson immediately after Pyongyang made the demand. He said Tillerson told him to go ahead and sign the agreement.

Warmbier was released from North Korea after spending more than a year in detention. He was in a coma when he was flown out of the country and died days after returning to the US.

The media reports prompted strong criticism from the US public of both the North Korean demand and Washington's agreement to pay up.


2019年4月29日月曜日

at 20:00 (JST), April 29

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says he will raise the issue of reforming the World Trade Organization at the Group of 20 nations summit in Osaka in June.


Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono has pledged to support for Saudi Arabia's effort to reform its economy.


Russia's presidential spokesman says Russia is building relations with North Korea in its home region, an implication that it has more influence on the country than the US.


https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20190429200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : Abe raise the issue
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190429_06/

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says he will raise the issue of reforming the World Trade Organization at the Group of 20 nations summit in Osaka in June.

Abe made the remarks during a joint news conference with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau after their meeting in Ottawa on Sunday.

The WTO has ruled in South Korea's favor in a dispute over the country's ban on the import of Japanese fishery products. The ban was introduced after the Fukushima nuclear accident in 2011. Japan filed a complained with the WTO, calling the ban unfair.

Abe says the WTO's appellate body has various issues, such as it tends to offer conclusions that would not help resolve the problem. He says some WTO members have spoken of their doubts about the decision.

Abe says it's imperative for the WTO to solve a dispute so as to create a framework that better matches the reality of the 21st century. He vowed to discuss the issue at the June summit meeting.

Abe also commented on the US plan to end sanction waivers that exempt countries from a ban on importing Iranian oil.

Abe says Japan has traditionally been a good friend of Iran and he would like to utilize such friendship to make his contributions to the stability and peace of the region.


Key words : Kono pledged to Saudi
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190428_10/

Visiting Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono has pledged to help women in Saudi Arabia take an active role in society. He also said that he hopes to see Japan's investment in the Middle East increase.

Kono visited a Japan-affiliated plant that manufactures diapers and sanitary products outside of the capital, Riyadh.

He was briefed by a female manager as he toured the plant. He watched about 80 women working on a diaper packaging line.

Saudi Arabia has restricted women's activities in society under a strict interpretation of Islamic law. But recent economic reforms have helped promote women. The plant is increasing the number of women in its workforce.

After the tour Kono said that further reform in the country is integral to the stability of the region and that it should be supported.

The foreign minister added that he will support Japanese companies thinking about investing in Saudi Arabia.


Key words : Russia presidential building
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190429_16/

Russia's presidential spokesman says Russia is building relations with North Korea in its home region, an implication that it has more influence on the country than the United States.

Dmitry Peskov commented on the summit between Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on a state-run TV program aired Sunday. The summit took place in Vladivostok last week.

Peskov pointed out that Russia and North Korea share a border. He said that his country's dealings with North Korea are a regional matter, and that the US is "beyond its home region" when interacting with the North.

Peskov also praised Kim, saying that he is an experienced and balanced leader.

The spokesman stressed that Russia intends to become more involved in North Korean affairs following Putin's first summit with Kim.


Key words : south defense
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190429_18/

South Korea's defense ministry says it will hold security talks with Japan and the United States next week.

Ministry spokesperson Choi Hyun-soo told reporters on Monday that defense officials from the three countries will meet in Seoul on May 9.

The officials are expected to discuss the best way to deal with North Korea, among other matters.

Choi also suggested that talks may be held between Japanese and South Korean officials on the sidelines of next week's meeting. She said arrangements are underway for bilateral talks.

Japanese and South Korean defense officials have been at odds over certain matters, such as an incident involving military radar targeting last December. Tokyo said a South Korean naval vessel directed fire-control radar at a Japanese patrol plane over the Sea of Japan. Seoul denies this.

Choi also announced that from Wednesday, Seoul will resume allowing tourists to enter the South Korean side of the Joint Security Area, or JSA, at the truce village of Panmunjom that separates North and South Korea.

The two Koreas agreed last year to allow tourists to move freely across the border inside the JSA. But the North Korean side is expected to remain closed, as Pyongyang has hardened its stance in the face of stalled negotiations with the United States.


Key words : Two US
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190429_14/

Two US Navy vessels have sailed through the Taiwan Strait. It's the fourth time in four months that US warships have used the waterway.

The US Navy's Seventh Fleet, based in Yokosuka, near Tokyo, issued a statement on Monday saying two of its destroyers transited through the Taiwan Strait between Sunday and Monday.

The statement said that the passage demonstrates the US commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region.

It also said the US Navy will continue to sail, fly and operate anywhere international law allows.

Last month, two Chinese fighter jets crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and violated Taiwan's airspace in an apparent message to the United States about its increased involvement with Taiwan.

The US administration of President Donald Trump responded by announcing that the US will train Taiwan's fighter jet pilots in the United States.


Key words : Iranian may consider
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190429_01/

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif says his country may consider pulling out of an international treaty designed to prevent the spread of nuclear arms.

Zarif made the remarks in an interview on Sunday with state-run TV. He said Iranian authorities are considering numerous choices and that leaving Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty is one of them.

Zarif said the Iranian people have never been united so strongly. His remarks came as the US administration of President Donald Trump is stepping up pressure against Iran.

Earlier this month the Trump administration blacklisted Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, IRGC, as a foreign terrorist organization.

The US is also planning to end sanction waivers that exempt countries from a ban on importing Iranian oil starting from May 2.

Zarif is seen as the man tasked with carrying out President Hassan Rouhani's policy of strengthening ties with the international community.

But experts say Zarif's latest remarks are designed to highlight a stronger policy against the US after calls from conservative hardliners for a more hardline stance.


Key words : gathered Hong Kong
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190429_04/

About 130,000 people gathered in the streets of Hong Kong on Sunday, to protest proposed revisions to its extradition rules.

The organizer says the turnout was at least 10 times larger than at a similar protest in March.

Hong Kong's Parliament is deliberating revisions to the current rules. They would allow Hong Kong authorities to decide whether to extradite a suspect at the request of other countries and territories.

Demonstrators demanded the revisions be scraped. Currently, Hong Kong doesn't have an extradition pact with mainland China. However, the proposed rules would allow Hong Kong authorities to send anti-Beijing activists to mainland China.

Protesters say once suspects are handed over to China, they cannot expect a fair trial. Others say they fear the Chinese government could frame anti-Beijing activists for a crime and ask for their extradition.

The Hong Kong legislature would like to pass the revisions by summer. However, facing the possibility of more protests, legal and business experts are voicing concern.


Key words : Spanish prime
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190429_09/

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has declared victory in Sunday's election and pledged to form a pro-European government to strengthen the EU.

His ruling Socialist Workers' Party fell short of a simple majority, winning just over 120 of the 350 seats in the Congress of Deputies. It is expected to negotiate with other parties to establish a coalition.

New far-right party Vox will enter parliament after winning more than 20 seats. The party is Euro-skeptic and anti-immigration.

Party leader Santiago Abascal gave a speech in which he repeated his "Spain first" pledge and vowed that he and his party would defend Spanish pride and sovereignty.

The election result illustrates the gulf between pro-Europeans and Euro-skeptics, less than a month before people go back to the polls to vote in European elections.


Key words : 8K ultra
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190429_03/

More businesses in Japan are using 8K ultra-high definition technology, following NHK's launch of 8K broadcasts in December.

Shutoko Engineering Company, which is in charge of inspecting expressways in metropolitan Tokyo, is conducting feasibility tests on whether 8K cameras installed on a vehicle could inspect the walls of tunnels.

8K technology has 16 times the number of pixels as standard high-definition technology.

The camera records images of the walls while a vehicle is in motion. The resulting ultra-high definition images are later inspected.

Shutoko engineers say that in the past they had to temporarily close sections of expressways so workers could conduct visual checks.

The company says it hopes 8K cameras will make inspection work more efficient. It plans to use 8K cameras on a trial basis by the end of fiscal 2020 with the aim of automating maintenance work by combining 8K cameras and Artificial Intelligence.

Company executive Yoshifumi Nagata says 8K technology would make inspection work more efficient, while helping to reduce costs.

Another company, Sharp, is developing closed-circuit cameras using 8K technology. Sharp says that large factories can be monitored using a small number of 8K cameras. The company plans to employ the technology by the end of this year.

The head of Sharp's Telecommunication and Image Technology Laboratories, Yasuhiro Yoshida, says when used for visual data which the human eye may not be able to comprehend, 8K technology would be a very valuable tool.

Yoshida says he is hoping to apply the technology to other areas.


Key words : last tuna
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190429_10/

The last tuna auction of the Heisei era has been held at Tokyo's wholesale food market.

Buyers shouted their bids at the Toyosu market from 5:30 a.m. on Monday -- the last business day of Heisei.

It is open for four days of a 10-day holiday that started on Saturday.

The market was moved from Tsukiji to Toyosu in October. It is equipped with state-of-the-art systems to control temperatures and maintain hygiene.

The amount of seafood traded there has been falling since the change of location.

One wholesaler, Hiroyuki Ito, says the market's influence has faded because distribution methods have changed. He wants to see a more aggressive approach in the coming Reiwa era to promote the market to ensure its survival.

The Reiwa era starts on Wednesday when the new Emperor takes the throne.


Key words : employee Miyagi
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2019年4月28日日曜日

at 20:00 (JST), April 28

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20190428200000_english_1.mp3







Key words : Trump hopes
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190428_12/

US President Donald Trump hopes Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will work to reduce US trade deficit with Japan. He says he thinks Abe "will be fair."

Trump was speaking at a rally in the state of Wisconsin on Saturday.

Trump said Japan exports cars with low tariffs to the United States, but does not buy agricultural products his country wants to export.

He said the US has been losing tens of billions of dollars to Japan and other countries for many decades.

Trump said Abe is one of his friends, but that Tokyo and Washington must do something to reduce the US trade deficit.

The two leaders met in the White House the previous day and agreed to speed up a round of bilateral trade talks.


Key words : one woman injured
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190428_08/

One woman is dead and three other people are injured following a gun attack at a synagogue in California.

The shooting happened Saturday at a synagogue in Poway, near San Diego. It was crowded with people celebrating the Jewish holiday of Passover.

Police have detained a 19-year-old local man as a suspect. They say he used a powerful assault rifle and fled the scene by car.

Poway Mayor Steve Vaus described the shooting as a possible hate crime. Police are trying to determine the suspect's motive.

Exactly six months ago, a gunman opened fire at a synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, killing 11 people in an apparent hate crime.

US President Donald Trump told reporters at the White House that his deepest sympathies go to those affected by the shooting in California.

He added that the attack looks like a hate crime and said he is confident the authorities will get to the bottom of it.


Key words : Trump hate crime investigating
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190428_16/

A man with an assault rifle opened fire in a synagogue in southern California on Saturday, killing a woman and wounding three other people.

Police suspect the attack in Poway, near San Diego, was a hate crime.

The gunman, identified as 19-year-old John Earnest, walked into the synagogue and started shooting. The building was crowded with people celebrating the Jewish holiday of Passover.

Earnest fled the scene in a car but surrendered to police a short while later.

He is also suspected of carrying out an arson attack on a mosque in nearby Escondido last month.

Police are investigating comments that he posted online to determine his motives.

A gunman killed 11 people at a synagogue in Pennsylvania last October.

US President Donald Trump commented that his deepest sympathies go to those affected by the shooting.

He said the attack looks like a hate crime, and he is confident the authorities will get to the bottom of it.


Key words : Japanese-American Korematsu Hawaii
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190428_09/

Japanese-Americans and their supporters have criticized President Donald Trump's immigration policies as racist. Family members of former inmates and others gathered for the 50th anniversary of the beginning of annual visits to a World War Two internment camp.

Some 120,000 Japanese-Americans were sent to internment camps under an executive order signed by then-President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1942 following Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii.

More than 2,000 people took part in Saturday's ceremony organized by a Japanese-American group at Manzanar Historic Site in the US state of California.

A third-generation Japanese-American, Karen Korematsu, delivered a speech. She said people should not be indifferent, but must stand up to fight against injustice.

Her late father, Fred Korematsu, was arrested during the war for refusing to comply with the internment order. The US Supreme Court upheld his conviction.

His conviction was overturned four decades later after a long-term fight against racial discrimination and challenges to the constitutionality of the order.

Other speakers said nobody should be racially discriminated against ever again, and criticized Trump's strict immigration policy.

After the ceremony, participants laid flowers at the cenotaph and offered prayers for those who died in the camps.


Key words : investigator Sri Lanka local muslim
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190428_06/

Sri Lankan investigators say they suspect one of the suicide bombers in the coordinated Easter Sunday attacks was radicalized in Australia.

The authorities say Abdul Latheef Mohamed Jameel undertook a postgraduate degree in Australia for the four years until 2013.

An Australian media outlet reports that the country's police started investigating him after he was contacted by a man suspected to be a recruiter for the Islamic State group.

Jameel's sister told media that he returned to Sri Lanka as a different man. The suspect grew a long beard and repeated extremist ideas.

Sri Lankan investigators say other attackers were also well educated and came from relatively wealthy families.

The bombings hit hotels and churches in Sri Lanka on April 21, killing 253 people. Most of the attacks occurred in and around the largest city, Colombo.

Sri Lankan investigators have determined that eight men and a woman from a local Muslim extremist group carried out the attacks.


Key words : record number
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190428_13/

The Japanese government granted a record number of visas for foreign nationals in 2018, as more people from China visit the country.

The Foreign Ministry says the country's embassies and consulates issued more than 6.95 million visas last year. That's up 19 percent from the previous year, and a record high.

Chinese visitors accounted for 78 percent of the total, with more than 5.44 million visas issued. About 347,800 visas were issued to people from the Philippines, 286,900 for Vietnamese, and 242,800 for Indonesians.

More than 4.88 million tourist visas were issued for Chinese visitors. That's up 24 percent year-on-year.

Ministry officials expect the number of visas issued to keep rising in the run-up to the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games next year.


Key words : Kono
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190428_10/

Visiting Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono has pledged to help women in Saudi Arabia take an active role in society. He also said that he hopes to see Japan's investment in the Middle East increase.

Kono visited a Japan-affiliated plant that manufactures diapers and sanitary products outside of the capital, Riyadh.

He was briefed by a female manager as he toured the plant. He watched about 80 women working on a diaper packaging line.

Saudi Arabia has restricted women's activities in society under a strict interpretation of Islamic law. But recent economic reforms have helped promote women. The plant is increasing the number of women in its workforce.

After the tour Kono said that further reform in the country is integral to the stability of the region and that it should be supported.

The foreign minister added that he will support Japanese companies thinking about investing in Saudi Arabia.


Key words : Kamikochi
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190428_07/

Climbing season is open on the scenic Kamikochi plateau, one of Japan's most popular alpine destinations.

About 3,500 people gathered on Saturday in Kamikochi, Nagano Prefecture. They attended an annual ceremony marking the start of the mountaineering season.

The highland is a gateway to the Hotaka Range and Mount Yari. It attracts roughly 1.2 million visitors every year.

The ceremony included alphorn and accordion performances as well as Shinto rites to pray for safe passage through the mountains.

One visitor said this is her first time to be in Kamikochi while snow is falling. Another said she enjoys the natural environment.
The organizer of the ceremony said he wants hikers to enjoy flowers native to the area. He called on climbers to be fully prepared to avoid accidents.

The climbing season continues through November 15.


Key words : floating
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190428_15/

About 50,000 peony flowers have been arranged to form the name of Japan's next era, "Reiwa," in a floating display in Matsue City, western Japan.

The city's Daikonshima district, one of Japan's largest peony-growing centers, supplies about 700,000 of the plants every year.

White peonies, surrounded by red, black and pink blooms, were put on display on a pond at Yushien Garden on Sunday, three days before the new era begins.

A visitor said the flowers are beautiful, and she hopes her family will continue to live happily and in good health in the new era.

The flowers will be rearranged to form the kanji characters for the current "Heisei" era on Tuesday. The Reiwa pattern will be displayed again when the new era begins on Wednesday.


Key words : three-day forecast
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2019年4月27日土曜日

at 20:00 (JST), April 27

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20190427200000_english_1.mp3







Key words : US summit accelerate
#N/A


Key words : Trump reiwa
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190427_09/

Japan's Prime Minister says US President Donald Trump has promised to cooperate fully with Japan on the issue of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea.

He also said they agreed to accelerate negotiations for a new trade deal.

Abe and Trump talked for nearly two hours at the White House on Friday.

Abe told reporters after the summit that they discussed in depth how to proceed with the issues of North Korea.

He said Japan is determined to play an active role in the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

Abe also said he received a detailed explanation about discussion of the abduction issue during Trump's second summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Abe said it is his turn to face Kim next and try to solve the issue, and Trump agreed to cooperate fully.

The prime minister said Japan's minister in charge of trade talks, Toshimitsu Motegi, and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer would accelerate negotiations for a trade deal, in line with a joint statement issued last September.

Abe said President Trump will visit Japan as the first state guest of the new "Reiwa" era, which begins May 1.

He said the visit is an opportunity to show the world that the two countries have a strong bond and will continue to work together on various issues in the new era.


Key words : Sri Lanka security authorities
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190427_16/

Fifteen bodies have been discovered at the site of a shooting Friday in Sri Lanka. The gun fight broke out as security forces continue to search for people in connection with the suicide bombings on Easter Sunday that claimed more than 250 lives.

Sri Lankan security authorities say security forces exchanged gunfire with a militant group at a location 40-kilometers south of Batticaloa in eastern Sri Lanka. The authorities raided two houses there. Shooting erupted in one of the houses and continued for hours. There were also two large explosions.

The bodies, including those of six children, were found at the site on Saturday. Authorities believe two are members of the militant group and blew themselves up. They say some of the 15 dead include key people involved in Sunday's bombings.

Batticaloa is the stronghold of the Sri Lankan Muslim extremist group National Towheeth Jamaath, or NTJ. Police say members of the group carried out Sunday's suicide bombings.

Authorities say explosives and other bomb-making materials were found in the other house.

They also found flags of the Islamic State militant group, which claims responsibility for the coordinated bombings of churches and hotels.

Police say nine suicide bombers carried out the attacks. They have detained at least 70 people, including NTJ members, and are looking for dozens more.


Key words : learned Tokyo
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190427_01/

NHK has learned that the Tokyo district court has changed its initial plan to hold the first hearing for former Nissan Motor chairman Carlos Ghosn in September.
It is now likely that his trial will start later than that.

Ghosn has been indicted for understating his income on Nissan's securities reports. The company itself has also been indicted for making false financial disclosures.

Court officials, prosecutors and Ghosn's defense lawyers gathered at the Tokyo District Court on Friday to discuss how to proceed with the trial.

Sources have told NHK that the court decided to try the cases of Ghosn and the automaker together, saying that their responsibilities should not be judged separately. Ghosn's defense team had asked the court to hold the two hearings separately.
In late April, prosecutors brought another indictment against Ghosn for aggravated breach of trust. He was released on bail for a second time on Thursday.

Lawyer Junichiro Hironaka told reporters later on Friday that Ghosn appears to be distressed since he is prohibited from contacting his wife, Carole, without the court's approval. He added that his news conference has not yet been scheduled.

The court also reportedly said it will not accept investigators' records of oral statements to which the defense team has not given consent.

The court said it is very important how to judge the credibility of testimonies from witnesses who have reached a plea bargain with prosecutors.


Key words : Tokyo police knives
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190427_18/

Tokyo police are investigating how two knives ended up beside the school desk of Prince Hisahito, the grandson of Emperor Akihito.

Investigators said the knives were found on Friday at Ochanomizu University Junior High School in Tokyo's Bunkyo Ward which the prince attends. They said there was no one in the classroom at the time as the students were in another part of the school.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department said surveillance cameras captured images of a middle-aged man dressed in a blue top and bottom and wearing a helmet who entered the building . He reportedly entered posing as a construction worker.

Police are investigating whether there is any connection between the trespasser and the knives.

Prince Hisahito is the son of Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko. He began his studies at the junior high school earlier this month.


Key words : trading house
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190427_03/

An industrial complex, developed jointly by major Japanese trading house Sumitomo Corporation and local businesses, has opened in the southern Indian city of Chennai.

An opening ceremony was held on Friday for the completion of the first phase which spans across 107 hectares.

The area is known as a hub for the automobile industry and high expectations have been placed on the arrival of Japanese firms.

Two Japanese companies have decided to set up there. The machinery manufacturer Yanmar is building an engine factory.

India is posting a growth rate of over seven percent and an increasing number of Japanese firms have been making inroads with an aim to seize part of the colossal market.

There are now more than 1,400 Japanese companies in India, and their numbers have more than doubled over the past decade.

Chennai is drawing attention because in addition to domestic distribution, its huge port could serve as a base for exports to neighboring southeast Asian countries.

Japanese trading houses and banks are developing other industrial complexes, to facilitate the arrival of more Japanese businesses.

Sumitomo's General Manager of the Infrastructure Business Unit, Tsutomu Akimoto, said India has a huge potential for domestic demand because of its large population. He said helping to attract Japanese firms will also lead to business for his company.


Key words : disappointment
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190427_04/

A Japanese diplomat has expressed disappointment over a ruling at the World Trade Organization's appellate body that favors a South Korean ban on seafood from Japan.

Junichi Ihara, Ambassador of the Permanent Mission of Japan to the International Organizations in Geneva, spoke on Friday at a WTO meeting in which the ruling was officially adopted.

The WTO functions under a two-tier dispute resolution system, meaning the decision is final.

South Korea prohibits imports of marine produce from eight prefectures in Japan, citing safety concerns after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident.

Japan has been calling for the ban to be lifted, saying it is unjust.

Ihara said the WTO has not looked into whether the ban conforms to its rules, and that the appellate body has not fulfilled its role to settle disputes.

He said it is extremely regrettable that the body's position hampers the recovery effort in areas of Japan that were affected by the 2011 accident.

After the meeting, Ihara told reporters that many WTO member countries are aware of various problems with the current appellate body.

He said they need to think about how to steer discontent toward reform.


Key words : 10-day congest
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190427_15/

A 10-day holiday period has started in Japan. Roads, trains, and airports are congested as people head for their hometowns and other destinations.

The Japan Road Traffic Information Center says that as of 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, several expressway lanes were backed up for up to 21 kilometers.

The Japan Railway companies say the number of passengers on bullet trains that leave Tokyo or other major cities will peak on Saturday.

They say carriages with non-reserved seats were over capacity on many bullet trains in the morning.

A record 60,700 people are expected to leave the country from Narita Airport near Tokyo on Saturday. Travelers are forming long lines in the departure lobby.

The operator of Kansai International Airport in Osaka is estimating that 805,300 people will take international flights from the airport during the 11-day period between April 26 to May 6.

Airline officials say almost all domestic flights leaving Tokyo and Osaka are fully booked.

Figures from 13 major airline companies in Japan show that 3.71 million people booked domestic flights for the holiday period. That's up more than 22 percent from the spring holidays last year.


Key words : three-day forecast
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2019年4月26日金曜日

at 20:00 (JST), April 26

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and US President Donald Trump are expected to discuss North Korea and other issues at their summit at the White House on Friday.


China's President Xi Jinping spoke at an international conference to brush aside concerns over the country's Belt and Road initiative.


Sri Lanka's military says it has confirmed the death of the suspected mastermind of the Easter Sunday bombings.


https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20190426200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : Abe and expected to discuss
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190426_29/

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and US President Donald Trump are expected to discuss North Korea and other issues at their summit at the White House on Friday.

A White House official said on Thursday that the summit is an important opportunity for the leaders to exchange views on recent North Korean developments and to coordinate future actions.

The official added that those actions would include consultations with South Korea aimed at final, fully verified denuclearization of North Korea.

The meeting follows the first summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Vladivostok on Thursday.

Speaking to reporters in Washington on Thursday, US Ambassador to Japan William Hagerty suggested that Abe and Trump are also expected to discuss the issue of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea.

Hagerty noted that the abductions were taken up at previous Japan-US summits, and cited Trump's consistent support for Japan on the issue.

Ahead of Friday's summit, the two countries recently opened talks aimed at signing a new trade deal.

The US side hopes for a swift conclusion of the negotiations. Abe and Trump are likely to discuss how to proceed.

On Friday, Abe and Trump are also to celebrate the birthday of First Lady Melania Trump at a banquet.


Key words : trade talk serious problem
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190426_16/

Japan's minister in charge of trade talks says he's not expecting serious problems to arise at a meeting between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and US President Donald Trump on Friday.

Toshimitsu Motegi met in Washington with US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer on Thursday.

Motegi later told news media that the goal of Japan-US trade talks is an early agreement that is beneficial for both countries. He said, "That's what we're aiming toward and we exchanged frank opinions."

Motegi said they also confirmed what was discussed at the first round of talks last week.

That included issues around tariffs on farm products and automobiles. The pair agreed that digital trade would eventually be addressed as well.

Motegi warned that negotiations would take some time due to the wide range of topics on the table. He said their preliminary talks had helped narrow the focus for Abe and Trump.


Key words : Japan and still disagree
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190426_14/

Japan and the United States still disagree on whether to ban the practice of lowering currencies for competitive advantage as part of a new trade agreement.

Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso met on Thursday with US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin in Washington.

Mnuchin reportedly restated the US demand that a trade deal between the two countries include a provision banning competitive currency devaluation.

But Aso said questions of exchange rates should be discussed separately from a trade deal.

He told reporters, "I told the US side that Japan can't agree to a discussion that links trade policy and exchange-rate policy."

The two sides decided to keep talking on how to deal with currency fluctuations in their negotiations.

US officials are keen to get a legally binding provision into the trade deal, but Japan is set against it.

Japanese officials are concerned it could limit Japan's ability to intervene in currency markets when the yen appreciates excessively.


Key words : xi international conference brush aside
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190426_24/

China's President is using an international conference to brush aside concerns over the country's Belt and Road initiative.
It's been widely criticized for burdening countries with a level of debt they can't repay.
At the event in Beijing, Xi Jinping emphasized that the massive project is moving ahead.

The leaders of 37 nations and representatives of more than 100 others are attending the forum.
The project is aimed at creating a massive economic zone linking Asia and Europe.

President Xi said, "We're trying to share our success with our partner countries through the "Belt and Road" initiative. We can contribute to economic and social development in these countries, without compromising their financial sustainability."

President Xi is also using the event to promote its side of a trade war with the US, without mentioning the country by name.
He said, "We should promote free trade and investments among nations. We should openly oppose protectionism."

Washington didn't send senior officials to the forum claiming Beijing is using the initiative to strengthen its influence abroad.


Key words : defense minister
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190426_23/

Japan's Defense Minister will visit Vietnam next week to discuss ways to strengthen bilateral defense cooperation amid China's increased maritime activities.

Takeshi Iwaya told reporters on Friday that he will visit Vietnam from May 2 to 4 for talks with the country's defense minister.

The most recent visit to Vietnam by a Japanese Defense Minister was three-and-a-half years ago.

Iwaya said defense exchanges with Vietnam are growing every year and they are increasing in importance.

He says he wants to promote further defense exchanges in the domains of land, sea and air.

He said these exchanges would include port calls in Vietnam by Self-Defense Force aircraft and vessels, along with support for building Vietnam's military capabilities.

Referring to China's increased activity in the East and South China Seas, Iwaya said this has become a major concern not only for Japan, but for the international community as well.

He says he wants to hold frank, in-depth talks with his Vietnamese counterpart on how the two countries can cooperate to realize a free and open Indo-Pacific.


Key words : Sri Lanka military easter Sunday
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190426_32/

Sri Lanka's military says it has confirmed the death of the suspected mastermind of the Easter Sunday bombings in the country.

Mohamed Zahran is thought to have led Sri Lankan Muslim extremist group National Towheeth Jamaath.

A military officer said on Friday that Zahran blew himself up at the Shangri-La Hotel, one of the six targets in the coordinated bombings.

The attacks at 3 churches and 3 hotels in and around Sri Lanka's largest city Colombo left 253 people dead.

Police say there were nine perpetrators, including one woman, and have detained 70 people, including NTJ members.

Police said on Thursday night that they're looking for six more people suspected of deep involvement in the attacks, and released their names and photographs of five of them.

The Islamic State militant group claimed responsibility through the Amaq news agency on Tuesday and posted footage purportedly of the perpetrators.

Police say the bombers may have trained in the Middle East with the group's support.

Police are working with investigators of other countries to shed light on the background of the attacks.


Key words : Akihito outside waved and
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190426_11/

Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko have attended an awards ceremony for an environmental prize. It was their last official engagement outside the Imperial Palace before the Emperor's abdication on April 30.

The Emperor and Empress waved and smiled to well-wishers as their motorcade left the Imperial Palace on Friday morning for the Parliamentary Museum.

The annual MIDORI Academic Prize is awarded ahead of Greenery Day on May 4. The prize decorates people for their studies in the fields of botany and environmental conservation.

The Imperial couple have taken part in the ceremony almost every year since the first prize was awarded in 2007.

The couple applauded as certificates were presented to this year's two winners.

Hajime Koshimizu was awarded for establishing technologies for urban greening by clarifying suitable ground conditions for the growth of plants on rooftops and reclaimed land.

Masahiro Yano was decorated for his contribution to the improvement of rice varieties through the application of his genetic analyses of rice flowering cycles.

Other individuals and groups were also awarded for engaging in greenery activities in their communities.

The Emperor and Empress talked with the prize-winners at a reception after the ceremony.


Key words : benchmark stock
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190426_30/

Tokyo's benchmark stock index finished slightly lower on the final trading day of the Heisei era.

Investors sold shares on Friday to avoid risk from the suspension of trading during Japan's 10-day holiday from Saturday for the country's Imperial succession.

The Nikkei index of 225 selected issues was briefly down more than 200 points before heading higher on buybacks.

The index ended at 22,258, down 48 points from Thursday's close.

The broader-based TOPIX index was down 2 points, at 1,617.

Market players say investors are worried that an upcoming release of key economic indices and corporate earnings abroad could fuel post-holiday volatility in Tokyo.


Key words : two cambodian
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190426_31/

Two Cambodian women have become the first to receive a new type of work visa in Japan created under a revised immigration law aimed at accepting more foreign workers.

The Immigration Services Agency said on Friday that it granted the Category-one visa to the women in their 20s to work in the agriculture sector.

The revised law that took effect this month creates two new categories of residential status.

Category-one allows foreigners with vocational skills to work up to five years in 14 fields, such as farming, nursing care and food services.

Tests for applicants for some of the fields have begun.

Foreign workers who complete a three-year government-backed vocational training program can change their visa status to Category-one without a test, if they meet certain conditions.

The Cambodian women are among 27 trainees who applied for the status change.

The agency has drawn up a basic immigration plan. It calls for efforts to create a society that can accommodate foreign nationals as well as eliminate brokers who exploit foreign workers.


Key words : public office
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190426_19/

Public offices in Japan are busy preparing for the start of the Reiwa era.

Friday is the last business day of Heisei, before Japan enters the Reiwa era next Wednesday, when the new Emperor takes the throne. A 10-day holiday that coincides with the Imperial succession starts on Saturday.

Tokyo's Koto Ward has been handing out specially- designed marriage registration papers.

They feature the word Reiwa, along with the ward's logo and an illustration of its tourism mascot in a wedding dress.

Ward officials say they've handed out around 50 of the newly designed forms so far.

The ward office is now setting up a special section for people to take commemorative photos when they register marriages, births and other changes.

The ward will also hand out Reiwa stickers.

A Koto Ward official says they made the preparations after many people called, wanting to register their marriages on May 1.


Key words : visitor oversea
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190426_37/

With more and more visitors arriving in Japan from overseas, the government is struggling to provide services in a variety of languages. But the ministry of communications has a solution.

It's advising government agencies to use a translation system developed by the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology.

It translates 31 foreign languages, including English, Chinese and Vietnamese, with voice translation in 14 of them.

You just speak into your smartphone in Japanese and the program tells what you said in the other language.

The ministry on Friday gathered officials from immigration control, customs, the fire department, police and medical institutions to show them how to use the cloud-based service.

It also urged them to take steps to protect privacy.

Ministry officials said private businesses and individuals can also access the service, using an app.

They said they hope it is used widely in the run-up to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics.


2019年4月25日木曜日

at 20:00 (JST), April 25

A Tokyo court has granted bail for the second time to former Nissan Motor chairman Carlos Ghosn.


The summit meeting between Russia and North Korea has wrapped up. Vladimir Putin says the talks with Kim Jong Un have been substantial. And he is calling for a peaceful resolution to the situation in the Korean Peninsula.


The renovated main building of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum reopened on Thursday.


https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20190425200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : Tokyo court has granted
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190425_31/

A Tokyo court has granted bail for the second time to former Nissan Motor chairman Carlos Ghosn. The 65-year-old was detained for a second time earlier this month. Prosecutors then charged him with aggravated breach of trust.

The court set Ghosn's bail at about 4 and a half million dollars. That's on top of the 9 million dollars he paid the last time he was released on bail.

The latest indictment alleges that Ghosn redirected funds sent to a Nissan dealership in Oman to his own account. Prosecutors say it cost the automaker about 5 million dollars.

Ghosn has denied all the allegations against him.

After his first arrest last November, Ghosn spent 108 days in a detention center in Tokyo. He was released last month but was rearrested three weeks ago.

The terms of his first bail included having a surveillance camera installed in his residence and limiting his use of computers and cell phones.

Prosecutors are appealing Thursday's decision on the grounds that Ghosn might coordinate his story with his family. Companies that are in his wife and son's names were involved in the case.

Ghosn has already posted bail. And if the court rejects the prosecution's appeal, he could be released as early as Thursday.


Key words : summit meeting Russia and
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190425_40/

The summit meeting between Russia and North Korea has wrapped up. Vladimir Putin says the talks with Kim Jong Un have been substantial. And he is calling for a peaceful resolution to the situation in the Korean Peninsula.

The leaders made brief comments earlier before continuing discussions with officials from both sides.

Putin said, "We talked about the situation on the Korean peninsula. Then we exchanged opinions about how and what will need to happen to change the situation in a better direction."

Kim said, "We want to exchange our opinions on issues to further develop our traditional relationships deeply and soundly, according to the need of the new century."

Kim's visit comes amid diplomatic deadlock following the summit with US President Donald Trump in Hanoi in February.

Kim has expressed interest in a third round of talks with Trump but calls the US demand of denuclearization unilateral. The US wants sanctions in place until Pyongyang completely denuclearizes.

Thursday's talks between Russia and the North marks the first time the two leaders have met face-to-face.


Key words : top white house
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190425_28/

Top White House economic advisor Larry Kudlow says he has high hopes for a new trade deal between the US and Japan, as negotiators continue their talks.

The White House economic council director told reporters on Wednesday that the negotiators are working at a brisk pace, and that Washington wants to strike a deal with Tokyo.

He said Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has been very cooperative.

Kudlow also noted with appreciation the large volume of investments that the Japanese auto industry has made in the U.S.

The talks began last week between Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Economic Revitalization Minister Toshimitsu Motegi.

Abe and President Donald Trump are scheduled to meet in Washington on Friday to discuss ways to advance the talks.

The US wants Japan to open its agriculture and auto markets. Attention is focused on how much pressure Trump will put on Japan to cut its trade surplus with the US.


Key words : bank of Japan easing program next year
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190425_27/

The Bank of Japan has kept its massive easing policy unchanged. And it now says it will keep interest rates extremely low until at least the spring of next year.

Central bank policymakers released their latest quarterly economic report on Thursday after wrapping up a 2-day meeting.

Policymakers said in the report they project 1.6 percent inflation for the fiscal year starting in 2021.

The BOJ launched its monetary easing program in 2013 and pledged to achieve 2-percent inflation by 2015.

But the bank has kept its policy in place as the target remains out of reach.

Officials say the central bank will continue buying government bonds with the aim of keeping the yield on the benchmark 10-year bond at around zero percent.

The target for the short-term interest rate remains minus 0.1 percent. That means commercial banks will keep paying interest to the BOJ.

Policymakers also maintained their view that Japan's economy is expanding moderately.


Key words : Tokyo stock
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190425_35/

The Tokyo Stock Exchange benchmark index hit a new high for the year on Thursday, following buy orders for a wide range of shares.

The Nikkei Average finished the day at 22,307, up 107 points from Wednesday's close.

The broader TOPIX index rose 8 points, to finish at 1,620.

The Bank of Japan decided on Thursday to maintain its massive easing policy until at least next spring.

Market sources say the central bank's decision raised investors' hopes for the economy.

The sources also say many investors bought shares on expectations that the yen will weaken against the dollar.


Key words : renovated main reopened
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190425_22/

The renovated main building of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum reopened on Thursday.

The main building opened in 1955, 10 years after the atomic bombing of the city. It has been closed since 2017 to be made more earthquake-resistant. The displays also underwent major renovation for the first time since 1991.

Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui said in a speech at the reopening ceremony that he will make even greater efforts to help realize the city's vision of a nuclear-free world.

The displays are arranged in an easier-to-understand way to show the reality of the devastation around ground zero after the August 6 bombing and how each individual died. The exhibits include children's clothing and items used by the victims.

A crowd of visitors had gathered at the museum before it reopened at 8:30 a.m.

The director, Takuo Takigawa, said he hopes people will hear the voices of the victims when they view the belongings.

He noted that the average age of the atomic bomb survivors is over 82. He pledged to do his utmost to convey Hiroshima's wish to the world.

A 64-year-old woman said she was moved when she saw the clothing of a 2-year-old child who died on his mother's back, as she has a grandchild of the same age.

An elementary school girl was saddened by a charred lunch box that was found alongside the body of a 13-year-old boy.

The girl said it's pitiful that he died without eating lunch, and she thinks war is something that must be avoided at all costs.


Key words : news key word segment Hiroshima peace Memorial museum
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Key words : Hayabusa2 succeeded
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190425_38/

Japan's space agency has confirmed that its Hayabusa2 space probe has succeeded in creating an artificial crater on the surface of an asteroid, the world's first attempt to study its interior.

The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency made the confirmation on Thursday after analyzing images taken from 1,700 meters above the asteroid, named Ryugu.

This followed an earlier success on April 5 that smashed a metal projectile, called "impactor," onto the asteroid with the aim of creating a crater.

Just before the impact, Hayabusa2 had evacuated to the other side of the asteroid to avoid being hit by flying debris. The probe then spent two weeks to come back to a location 20,000 meters above the impact point.
The probe on Thursday descended to an altitude of 1,700 meters to take close-up photos of the asteroid.

JAXA scientists compared the images with those taken before the impact, and found a depression that did not exist before. They say this is proof of the first artificial crater created ever on the surface of an asteroid.

Project Manager Yuichi Tsuda told a news conference that it was an extremely challenging mission. He said his team feels it has achieved a great success.

Tsuda said the team will examine the photos in more detail to decide if it will be feasible to make Hayabusa2 land inside the crater to pick up rock samples.


Key words : Akihito age of 98
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190425_32/

Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko have visited the Luxembourg Embassy in Tokyo to offer their condolences over the death of Grand Duke Jean.

The Emperor and Empress left flowers at the embassy on Thursday morning.

Grand Duke Jean was Luxembourg's head of state for nearly 36 years. He abdicated in 2000 to make way for his son, Henri. He died on Tuesday at the age of 98.

The Emperor had maintained a close friendship with Grand Duke Jean since they first met at the coronation of Britain's Queen Elizabeth in 1953. The Emperor was the Crown Prince at the time.

When Grand Duke Jean and his wife visited Japan as state guests in 1999, the Emperor and Empress hosted a banquet for them. They accompanied the couple to the foot of Mount Fuji in Yamanashi, where they viewed Japan's highest mountain together.

On Friday, the Emperor and Empress will attend the award ceremony for the MIDORI Academic Prize, which honors achievements in the fields of botany and environmental conservation.

This will be their last official duty outside the Imperial Palace before the Emperor abdicates on Tuesday.


Key words : Softbank teamed up
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190425_37/

Japan's Softbank has teamed up with Google to develop base stations in the stratosphere to provide smartphone connectivity for remote areas and during disasters.

Softbank announced on Thursday that one of its group companies has entered a capital tie-up with a subsidiary of Google's parent, Alphabet, to build the high altitude network infrastructure.

They say they will use unmanned aircraft and balloons flying about 20 kilometers up the stratosphere. They'll be able to provide 5G and other communications services in remote areas where base stations on the ground don't provide coverage.

Officials say that aircraft with a wingspan of almost 80 meters and fitted with solar panels will be capable of remaining airborne for several months.

The stratosphere is near the atmosphere's boundary with outer space. Engineers say the layer can be used for communications even in disasters, as the air current is stable.

Softbank officials say 40 such telecommunication platforms would cover all of Japan. The company is aiming to put the technology into commercial operation in 2023.


Key words : artwork
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190425_29/

An artwork that may have been drawn by the anonymous graffiti artist Banksy is on display at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government building.

Banksy is known for creating satirical street art on walls and buildings around the world.

The 20-by-20 centimeter work put on public view from Thursday depicts a rat holding an umbrella.

The drawing was spotted at a waterfront tide gate in Minato Ward that is managed by the Tokyo government. Officials removed it in January after experts pointed out that it closely resembles works by Banksy.

Officials say they have been contacted by many people who want to see it. They say they have tried to contact Banksy, but have not received a response.

Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike says she would like Banksy to contact the metropolitan government if the artist has any objection to the work being put on display. She also says she hopes it will encourage more people to visit the city hall.

A visitor in her 70s says if it turns out to be an imitation Banksy, it will never be put on display again. She says the mystery surrounding the drawing adds to its interest.

The work will be exhibited at the city hall until May 8.


2019年4月24日水曜日

at 20:00 (JST), April 24

Japan's nuclear regulators have turned down requests by power companies to extend the timeframes for installing anti-terror facilities at their nuclear power plants.


North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrived in Vladivostok in Russia's Far East on Wednesday afternoon for the first summit with President Vladimir Putin.


Investigative authorities in Sri Lanka say nine suicide bombers, including one woman, were responsible for Sunday's deadly terror blasts.


https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20190424200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : nuclear regulator
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190424_21/

Japan's nuclear regulators have turned down requests by power companies to extend the timeframes for installing anti-terror facilities at their nuclear power plants.

The Nuclear Regulation Authority on Wednesday decided to order, in principle, the suspension of operations at the plants if the deadlines for building standby control rooms are not met.

Regulations introduced after the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident require operators to build such facilities to retain control of reactors in the event of terrorist attacks, such as planes being flown into the plants.

Operators of nuclear plants are required to construct the facilities within five years after a reactor clears the requirements for going back online.

But earlier this month, three power companies asked the regulators to extend that timeframe. Kyushu Electric, Kansai Electric and Shikoku Electric say they will need one to two-and-a-half years longer to build the facilities at five power plants. Seven reactors at four of the plants are already online.

Kyushu Electric has less than one year left before the deadline to build the required facility for its Sendai plant in Kagoshima Prefecture. The utility may face orders to halt operations at the plant, as it will likely take about two years for the facility to be completed.

The nuclear regulators say they will listen to the operators about their situations, including whether they have alternative plans to address the risks.

But NRA Chairman Toyoshi Fuketa says his agency cannot allow nuclear plants to stay online if they do not meet the regulations.


Key words : Tokyo share price
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190424_29/

Tokyo share prices ended lower after a turbulent day. Stocks got a boost from Wall Street before selling kicked in ahead of a string of national holidays.

The Nikkei Average hit a year's high in early trading on the back of a record-breaking day in New York. But some Tokyo investors then unloaded stocks to reduce their exposure during Japan's 10-day break that starts Saturday.

The benchmark Nikkei 225 ended at 22,200. That's 59 points or nearly 0.3 percent lower than Tuesday's close.

Electric power utilities led the losses. That's after regulators decided to order nuclear plants to suspend operations if they fail to meet deadlines for installing anti-terrorist measures.

Weakness in some other stock indexes in the Asia-Pacific region also weighed on Tokyo shares.

Overnight in New York, strong earnings at US companies pushed the tech-heavy Nasdaq and the broader S&P500 to all-time highs.


Key words : Kim arrived in
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190424_36/

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un arrived in Vladivostok in Russia's Far East on Wednesday afternoon for the first summit with President Vladimir Putin.

When getting off his train, Kim took off his hat, exchanged greetings and words with senior Russian officials with a smile. He was welcomed with music played by a band at a square in front of the station.

He then headed for an offshore island by car and entered a facility of a university where the summit will take place.

Putin is expected to arrive in Vladivostok on Thursday. The two leaders will likely start talks in the morning to discuss denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and other topics.

Kim is believed to be frustrated with the stance of the United States, which maintains it will not lift sanctions on the North until complete denuclearization is achieved. Putin is showing some support for easing sanctions.

Attention is focused on what views they will exchange on their response to the US stance.


Key words : Sri Lanka nine suicide
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190424_30/

Investigative authorities in Sri Lanka say nine suicide bombers, including one woman, were responsible for Sunday's deadly terror blasts.

The nearly simultaneous explosions at six locations in the country's largest city, Colombo, and elsewhere killed 359 people and injured about 500.

Sri Lanka's state minister of defense Ruwan Wijewardene told reporters on Wednesday that eight of the nine bombers have been identified.

He said most of them came from affluent families and were well-educated, and that some had studied abroad.

The minister suggested the attacks were retaliation for last month's terror shootings at mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, by an Australian man said to be a white supremacist. The attacks killed 50 people.

The Sri Lankan authorities believe the suicide bombers trained abroad.

They're seeking cooperation from the United Arab Emirates, Australia, India, Britain and the United States in probing the attackers' links to the Islamic State militant group.


Key words : more than 100 gathered
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190424_25/

More than 100 people have gathered at Embassy of Sri Lanka in Tokyo to pray for the victims of Sunday's deadly bombings.

The embassy has set up a table in front of its building to accept condolences on Wednesday.

Sri Lankans, including students living in Tokyo, have visited the site to offer flowers and messages.

One woman said she was shocked to hear about the attacks. She also told NHK that some visitors to the embassy had lost relatives and friends. She said she felt heartbroken but expressed hope that peace would return soon.

The explosions at churches and hotels in Sri Lanka's largest city of Colombo and a town in the east have so far left 359 people dead and about 500 injured.


Key words : Diet enacted a bill
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190424_16/

Japan's Diet has enacted a bill that offers redress to people who were forcibly sterilized under the country's now-defunct Eugenic Protection Law.

The Upper House unanimously passed the bill on Wednesday morning.

The state will offer lump-sum payments of 3.2 million yen, or over 28,000 dollars, to each person sterilized on the grounds that they suffered mental disorders, genetic diseases or other ailments, with or without consent.

To receive the payments, individuals will need to ask a special panel of doctors and lawyers to certify that they underwent forced sterilization.

Applications must be filed in person within five years of the law going into effect.

The health ministry estimates that about 25,000 people will be entitled to the compensation. The ministry also plans to look into how the old law was enacted and prevent a recurrence. The government will put the law in force later on Wednesday and start accepting applications.

The former Eugenic Protection Law, which was in effect until 1996, allowed authorities to sterilize people who had mental or genetic disorders or other perceived problems.


Key words : Hiroshima peace
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190424_31/

The renovated main building of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum is set to reopen on Thursday.

Media got an advance look on Wednesday.

The building opened in 1955, ten years after the atomic bombing of the city, but has been closed since 2017 to be made more earthquake-resistant. The displays also underwent major renovation, for the first time since 1991.

The building is divided into four sections.

One features scenes of devastation around ground zero after the August 6 bombing. They include architectural damage such as a steel frame that was contorted by the bomb blast, and clothes of students who died while mobilized to work.
Another section features victims' belongings and portraits, and focuses on the suffering of people who lost loved ones.

The museum now mainly displays victims' belongings, to show visitors the reality of the bombing in an easier-to-understand way.

Kenji Shiga, who served as the museum's director until March, says the renovation was aimed at showing exactly what happened on the day of the bombing.

He said he hopes visitors will learn about what occurred under the mushroom cloud and the consequences of using nuclear weapons.


Key words : UN security council
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190424_22/

The UN Security Council has adopted a resolution calling on warring parties around the globe to implement concrete commitments to ending sexual violence in conflict.

The draft resolution submitted by the council chair Germany was adopted on Tuesday with 13 votes in favor, none against and abstentions by China and Russia.

The resolution holds the countries of warring parties responsible for investigating possible acts of sexual violence committed by belligerents and punishing offenders.

Russia and China abstained on the grounds that the resolution does not fully reflect the importance of national sovereignty.

Before the vote, the two recipients of last year's Nobel Peace Prize gave speeches.

Congolese doctor Denis Mukwege, who has been treating rape victims, said sexual violence is a crime against humanity. He added that healing can be complete only when justice has been served.

Nadia Murad, an Iraqi Yazidi woman who was held as a sex slave by Islamic State militants, said the social fabric of her Yazidi society has been torn apart, and called for international support to rebuild it.


Key words : child daycare
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190424_24/

Japan's Board of Audit has found that government subsidies for industry-sponsored child daycare centers are not used effectively as many of them are operating below capacity.

Businesses are encouraged to open and run such facilities for their employees and local residents to ease a shortage of places. The government spent nearly 1.9 billion dollars in subsidies for them as of the end of fiscal 2017.

Board of Audit officials checked the management of more than 200 facilities nationwide for fiscal 2016 when the projects started and again the following year.

They found that the number of children at 72 facilities that had been in operation for at least a year, was less than half their capacity. That number represents more than 30 percent of the facilities. Another 27 were found to be operating at less than 20 percent of capacity.

The officials say businesses failed to adequately assess the needs of employees in the process of deciding the capacity of their facilities. They also say the association that examined the daycare project plans decided on the level of government subsidies without fully checking if they were appropriate.

The Board of Audit has demanded that the Cabinet Office ensures the facilities are used more effectively.


Key words : Koide
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190424_32/

Marathon coach Yoshio Koide has died at the age of 80. He trained top Japanese runners including Olympic medalists.

Sources say Koide was suffering from heart problems and was in intensive care this month and died on Wednesday morning.

Koide led corporate workers' teams and trained a number of leading marathon and long-distance runners.

Among them are Naoko Takahashi, who won the gold medal in the women's marathon at the Sydney Olympics, and Yuko Arimori, a silver medalist in Barcelona and bronze winner in Atlanta.

Takahashi said in a statement that it is all thanks to Koide that she won an Olympic medal and set a world record, and made her what she is.

Takahashi also said she is truly grateful to him for patiently training her, running with her, giving her confidence, and spending his precious time coaching her.


2019年4月23日火曜日

at 20:00 (JST), April 23

Law enforcement agencies in Sri Lanka have detained 40 people, including members of a local Muslim extremist group, in connection with Sunday's deadly bombings.


North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is expected to visit the city of Vladivostok, Russia's Far East as early as Wednesday for his first meeting with President Vladimir Putin.


The US government says in May it will end the waivers that have allowed Japan and other countries to import oil from Iran without facing US sanctions.


https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20190423200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : Sri Lanka detained agencies
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190423_80/

Sri Lanka's state minister of defense says Sunday's simultaneous bombings in the country's largest city of Colombo and its outskirts were carried out in retaliation for the killing of Muslims at mosques in New Zealand.

Ruwan Wijewardene made the remark in Sri Lanka's parliament on Tuesday.

He linked the Muslim extremists who carried out the bombings to the group National Towheeth Jamaath.

Last month's shootings at two mosques in Christchurch left 50 people dead.

Law enforcement agencies in Sri Lanka have detained 40 people, including members of a local Muslim extremist group, in connection with Sunday's deadly bombings.

Investigators believe the nearly simultaneous explosions at six locations in the country's largest city of Colombo and other areas were caused by suicide bombers.

Sri Lanka's government on Tuesday announced that the death toll had risen to 321. At least 31 were foreigners, including one Japanese. About 500 people were injured.

Investigators have detained members of the locally-based Muslim extremist group National Towheeth Jamaath. They also say foreign terrorist groups were very likely behind the bombings.

Sri Lanka's government declared a state of emergency at midnight on Monday. The move is aimed at preparing for further possible attacks, and allows law enforcement officials to make arrests without court-issued warrants.


Key words : extremist group saudi
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190423_34/

Sri Lankan Islamic extremist group National Towheeth Jamaath is suspected of involvement in Sunday's bombing attacks.

Sri Lankan investigators say the group based in the eastern part of the country is strongly influenced by Saudi Arabian Wahhabism, which strictly follows the teachings of Islam.

The group, which was relatively unknown before the attacks, began criticizing Buddhism three years ago. Members of the group were arrested last year after destroying Buddhist statues in the country.

The investigators say they've been monitoring the group as it is becoming radical. They say it had about 2,000 members in 2017.

Security authorities have expressed concern about the group's rapid growth. They say Sri Lankans who've returned home after working in the Middle East are joining the group. They also say it is recruiting low-income people in the country's underdeveloped eastern region.


Key words : Kim expected to visit the
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190423_33/

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is expected to visit the Russian Far East city of Vladivostok as early as Wednesday for his first meeting with President Vladimir Putin.

North Korea's state-run media said on Tuesday that Kim would soon visit Russia at Putin's invitation.

Kim is expected to travel by train on Wednesday to Vladivostok, a major Russian city close to North Korea, and will likely meet with Putin the next day.

Final preparations are apparently underway in Vladivostok. On Tuesday morning, an Air Koryo transport plane and a passenger aircraft from North Korea landed at a local airport. The planes are believed to have brought personnel and supplies for the summit.

A motorcade that included a black vehicle with no license plate was seen heading for an apparent summit venue, led by police vehicles.

Denuclearization and economic cooperation are expected to be on the agenda for the summit.

Kim's second summit with US President Donald Trump broke down in February without an agreement on denuclearization. Pyongyang is frustrated at the US stance of maintaining sanctions until the North achieves complete denuclearization.

Kim has met with Chinese President Xi Jinping four times to seek Beijing's support in its denuclearization talks with the US.

Observers say North Korea is reaching out to Russia as well, as the country has also expressed support for easing sanctions on the North.

Russia is apparently trying to increase its influence over the denuclearization issue.


Key words : US government in May
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190423_03/

The US government says in May it will end the waivers that have allowed Japan and other countries to import oil from Iran without facing US sanctions.

The White House made the announcement on Monday.

Last November, Washington banned countries from buying Iranian oil, after the US pulled out of the 2015 nuclear deal.

But it granted sanctions waivers to seven countries and a territory for 180 days. The waivers are due to expire on May 2.

Ending the sanctions waivers could make it difficult for those countries and the territory to import crude oil from Iran.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters that the decision is aimed at ending Iran's ability to export oil entirely.

He added that the goal is to deprive Iran of the funds it has been using to destabilize the Middle East and encourage Iran to behave like a normal country.

Washington hopes to deal a blow to Iran's leadership by totally cutting off its crude oil exports, which are regarded as lifelines.

But reducing supplies of Iranian oil on the international market could lead to a rise in oil prices.

The US government said it is working with Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates to ensure that the oil market is adequately supplied.


Key words : consider measure
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190423_22/

Japanese ministers say the government will consider measures to prevent a US decision on Iranian oil sanctions from affecting Japan's energy supply.

The United States announced on Monday that it will end waivers that allow certain countries and a territory, including Japan, to import oil from Iran.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters on Tuesday that the government had held talks with the US on the issue, seeking ways to avoid causing harm to Japanese companies. But he refrained from offering specifics about the talks.

Suga said the government will exchange opinions with Japanese oil companies on possible measures.

Trade minister Hiroshige Seko said the import ban would have a limited impact. He noted that Iranian oil accounts for only about 3 percent of Japan's oil imports.

Seko added the ministry will closely monitor developments in the global oil market and confer with Japanese companies on what steps to take.


Key words : foreign ministry warned difficult
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190423_19/

Japan's Foreign Ministry has warned that relations with South Korea were "extremely difficult" last year in its annual report.

The ministry released its 2019 Diplomatic Bluebook at a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

Referring to Tokyo-Seoul relations, the report highlights South Korean court rulings ordering Japanese companies to pay compensation to those who say they were forced to work for the firms during World War Two.

It also mentions the dissolution of a fund financed by Japan to support those referred to as comfort women.

The Bluebook says that due to a series of negative moves on the South Korean side, bilateral ties were very strained.

It adds that Japan will never accept the court rulings as they overturn the legal foundation for Japan-South Korea's post-war relations. Japan has been urging the South to discuss these rulings based on a bilateral agreement in 1965.

The report says that the Japanese government is considering all options -- including the possibility of taking the cases to an international court or adopting countermeasures.

Referring to North Korea, the report says that it is important for the international community as a whole to support negotiations between the North and the United States. The expression "maximum pressure" included in the previous report is not used this year.

The report also reiterated that the Japanese government will do all it can to bring its nationals abducted by the North back to Japan as soon as possible.

In relation to peace treaty negotiations with Russia, including the Northern Territories, this year's report does not state that "four Russian-controlled islands belong to Japan."

It says instead Japan will negotiate with Russia in a tenacious manner to resolve the territorial issue and conclude a peace treaty, under the strong leadership of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Russian President Vladimir Putin.

The Japanese government maintains the islands are an inherent part of Japan's territory. It says they were illegally occupied after World War Two.


Key words : Kono not alter
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190423_26/

Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono says Japan has not altered its legal claim to four Russian-controlled islands, known as the Northern Territories, despite dropping a phrase from an annual foreign policy report.

Unlike in years past, the report does not state that "four Russian-controlled islands belong to Japan."

The Japanese government maintains the islands are an inherent part of Japan's territory. It says they were illegally occupied after World War Two.

Kono spoke to reporters on Tuesday about the 2019 Diplomatic Bluebook. The Foreign Ministry released its annual report on Japan's foreign policy earlier in the day.

Kono said the Diplomatic Bluebook takes a comprehensive view of the year's events. He said the government's legal stance regarding the four Russian-controlled islands has not changed.


Key words : earthquake central philippine no threat
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190423_35/

The US Geological Survey says a magnitude 6.4 earthquake has rocked the island of Samar in the central Philippines at 1:37 p.m. local time on Tuesday. There is no threat of a tsunami. Local police say they have so far had no reports of damage.

The jolt follows a 6.1 magnitude quake that struck the northern island of Luzon on Monday and claimed at least 11 lives.


Key words : increasing cancer
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Key words : news key word segment cancer
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Key words : Akihito
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190423_31/

Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko have visited the Mausoleum of Emperor Showa in western Tokyo to report his abdication on April 30.

The couple waved to well-wishers as they left the Imperial Palace on Tuesday morning.

In Hachioji City, they were welcomed by crowds along the route. The couple arrived at the Musashino Mausoleum before noon.

The Emperor, in a morning suit, walked up to the altar led by a senior Imperial Household Agency official. He offered a sacred sprig and made a deep bow. The Empress, in a long gray dress, followed suit.

The Emperor and Empress visited the Musashino Mausoleum in December 1990 to report his accession to the throne.