at 20:00 (JST), July 30

The Bank of Japan has decided to leave its monetary easing policy unchanged.

Sources close to South Korea's Defense Ministry say the country will resume joint military drills with the United States next Monday.

Kyoto Animation Officials say some of the original images used in the firm for popular anime may have survived the deadly arson attack.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20190730200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : Bank of Japan leave
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190730_30/

The Bank of Japan has decided to leave its current monetary easing policy unchanged.

But policymakers at the central bank warn that downside risks to the economy are significant. And they say they won't hesitate to take additional easing measures to hit the bank's target of 2% inflation.

The BOJ says it will continue to focus on managing short- and long-term interest rates. That means the negative interest-rate policy will remain in place.

And the target yield for the benchmark 10-year Japanese government bond will be kept at around zero percent.

BOJ officials say they'll purchase JGBs more or less in line with its current pace, boosting the amount by about 80 trillion yen, or 700 billion dollars a year.

The decision comes as central banks in the US and Europe look set to pump more money into their own economies to counter a possible global slowdown.

Key words : US federal reserve policy meeting
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190730_31/

Major central banks, including in the US and Europe, are moving toward monetary easing in their policy decisions. The US Federal Reserve kicks off a 2-day policy meeting on Tuesday. There is strong speculation the Fed will cut interest rates for the first time in more than 10 years.

Fed Chairman Jerome Powell has indicated the US central bank is ready to make the move which many view as necessary to counter the drag that trade friction with China is having on the economy.

Before the Fed's meeting, US President Donald Trump tweeted, "The Fed has made all of the wrong moves. A small rate cut is not enough".

That is pressuring the central bank to lower borrowing costs by more than Wall Street had expected.

Trump added " The EU and China will further lower interest rates and pump money into their systems, making it much easier for their manufacturers to sell product".

With such clear signals of a policy shift ahead of the meeting, the question now is whether Wednesday's decision will usher in a series of quarter-percentage-point interest-rate cuts or something more limited.

Key words : south resume
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190730_29/

Sources close to South Korea's Defense Ministry say the country will resume joint military drills with the United States next Monday. The drills will last for 16 days.

South Korea and the US suspended joint military exercises following the first US-North Korea summit last summer.

North Korea launched two short-range ballistic missiles last Thursday. Pyongyang said it fired a new type of tactical guided weapon as a warning to South Korea regarding the military drills.

Key words : south she will seek
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190730_26/

The South Korean foreign minister says she will seek international support at an upcoming ASEAN meeting in regard to Japan's export control measures on the country.

Kang Kyung-wha spoke at a parliamentary committee on Tuesday.

Quoting Japanese media reports, she said it is highly likely that Japan will exclude South Korea on Friday from a list of nations entitled to simplified export procedures. She added that the decision may come into effect by the end of August.

Kang told lawmakers that she will talk with other leaders about the matter at the ASEAN Regional Forum scheduled to take place in Bangkok on Friday.

She said she will stress that Japan should stop the latest export controls on some high-tech materials used in semi-conductors.

Kang also said she will emphasize the planned delisting of the country is unfair.

There are growing concerns that the South Korean economy will be seriously affected by the measures.

Seoul plans to put pressure to Tokyo by gaining the backing of other Asian countries.

Key words : Kyoto original
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190730_08/

Officials from Kyoto Animation say they have found data of some original anime images on a computer server that survived the deadly arson attack on its studio.

The animation studio lost a lot of material, including original stills of popular anime works that were drawn on paper, in the July 18 fire that killed 35 people.

The officials say the company's server survived undamaged in a room with concrete walls on the first floor of the three-story building.

They say they were able to retrieve all of the original images on the server by Monday with help from experts.

The company plans to sort out the data and use it to continue production.

The studio says it received donations of more than 960 million yen, or about nine million dollars, in six days after it opened a bank account on Wednesday to receive support from people in Japan and abroad.

The firm says it will use the contributions to support distraught employees and their families.

Key words : subway service
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190730_24/

Subway services in Hong Kong were disrupted Tuesday morning by protesters who are opposed to a bill that would enable suspects to be sent to mainland China to face trial.

People in Hong Kong have been demanding that the government retract the extradition bill.

Protesters gathered at subway stations across Hong Kong early Tuesday in response to calls through social media. Young people obstructed train doors, forcing delays and suspension of service.

Rush hour commuters unable to get on the trains crowded the platforms and waited in long lines outside the station for buses and taxis.

As anti-government protests drag on, some demonstrators are resorting to violence and vandalism.
Police are now using tear gas and rubber bullets more often, which in turn has resulted in more injuries.

There's no end in sight to the chaos in Hong Kong, as protesters are planning new tactics such as strikes and public transport disruptions.

Key words : south defense various
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190730_21/

The South Korean Defense Ministry says the country is considering various possibilities to protect its vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz. The ministry adds that nothing has been decided yet.

A South Korean media outlet reported on Monday that the country is mulling having a naval unit currently deployed off Somalia join a US-initiated maritime coalition.

The United States has proposed the coalition to ensure maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, and is asking its allies and others to join it.

Some observers say South Korea may be forward-looking about participating in the coalition as it is expecting the US to mediate in its strained ties with Japan, another US ally in Asia.

The country's presidential office referred to last week's meeting between US National Security Advisor John Bolton and the chief of South Korea's National Security Office Chung Eui-yong.

It said the two countries agreed on the need to ensure the safety of civilian vessels at sea, and added that they will continue discussing possible cooperation to ensure security and freedom of navigation, in particular in the Strait of Hormuz.

Key words : UN envoy
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190730_10/

The UN envoy for Libya is calling for a truce between the country's warring parties to observe a Muslim holiday that falls around August 10.

Speaking via video conference on Monday, Ghassan Salame briefed the UN Security Council on the recent fighting around the capital, Tripoli.

He said the hostilities have already left nearly 1,100 dead, including 106 civilians. Fighting has intensified since April between eastern forces led by General Khalifa Haftar and forces of the UN-backed interim government led by Prime Minister Fayez al-Serraj.

Salame said advanced weapons are flowing into Libya despite a Security Council embargo, and precision air strikes using aircraft and armed drones have intensified.

He added that violence is being fueled by "the hatred and invective on social media and satellite television stations".

The UN envoy called for the truce to be accompanied by confidence-building measures, including a prisoner-exchange, toward a political process.

Observers say the prospects are unclear, as Haftar's forces are showing no sign of halting their advance on Tripoli.

Libya has remained divided since longtime ruler Muammar al-Qadhafi was ousted in 2011.

Key words : US financing
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190730_25/

US financing firm Capital One says personal data of over 100 million customers may have been leaked.

Company officials announced on Monday that the breach could affect up to 100 million individuals in the United States and 6 million in Canada who applied for credit cards from 2005 to early this year.

They say the information includes names, birthdates, addresses, e-mail addresses and in some cases social security numbers and bank account numbers.

The firm said that the US Federal Bureau of Investigation has arrested a suspect and that the person is in custody.

Capital One runs mainly credit card operations in the US east coast, Britain and Canada.

Local media report that this could be the largest data theft in the financial industry.

In January, the world's leading hotel operator, Marriott International, disclosed that personal information of up to 383 million people may have been stolen.

Key words : industrial worsen
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190730_13/

Japan's industrial production worsened for the first time in three months in June.

The Economy Ministry says output fell 3.6 percent from May. Lower production of cars and machinery contributed to the fall.

Ministry officials point out the decline came after gains in the previous two months. They are maintaining their current assessment that states industrial production has been "fluctuating indecisively."

The officials note output during the April-to-June period grew half a percent from the previous quarter.

The officials also gave an outlook for the months ahead.

They expect production to expand 2.7 percent in July and 0.6 percent in August.

Key words : average life
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190730_28/

The average life expectancy reached a record high for both male and female Japanese people last year. It was more than five years longer than in 1989, the year the three-decade Japanese era of Heisei started.

Japan's health and welfare ministry says the average lifespan last year was 87.32 years for women and 81.25 years for men. Both marked a year-on-year increase for the seventh consecutive year.

In global comparison, the average lifespan for Japanese women ranked second behind Hong Kong for the fourth year in a row. The average lifespan for Japanese men ranked third behind Hong Kong and Switzerland for the second straight year.

Ministry officials attribute the jump in life expectancy over the past 30 years to medical advances and heightened health awareness during the Japanese era of Heisei.

They plan to work on policies that ensure a comfortable old age, as they expect people to live even longer in the future.

Key words : much of Japan
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190730_34/

Much of Japan sweltered on Tuesday, as temperatures hovered around 35 degrees Celsius. Weather officials are urging people to take precautions against heatstroke, as the hot weather is expected to continue for about a week.

A high pressure system brought clear skies over much of northern and western Japan on Tuesday. The cloudless conditions helped temperatures soar.

The city of Tajimi in Gifu Prefecture, central Japan, had a daytime high of 37.1 degrees. The mercury in the cities of Kumagaya in Saitama Prefecture, near Tokyo, and Kyoto reached 36.8 degrees. Tokyo saw a high of 35.4 degrees.

Overnight temperatures in many places are not expected to fall below 25 degrees.

The heat is expected to continue on Wednesday, with highs of up to 36 degrees forecast across northeastern to southwestern Japan.

Key words : across Japan hosptal heatstroke
#N/A

at 20:00 (JST), July 29

Japan's top government spokesperson has indicated that the country and South Korea should maintain their intelligence-sharing pact, despite strained ties.

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga says the government plans to discuss how to extend support to the animation studio in Kyoto that suffered a deadly arson attack.

Several large manufacturers in Japan say operating profit plunged last quarter on weaker demand amid a slowdown in China's economy.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20190729200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : top government
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190729_24/

Japan's top government spokesperson has indicated that the country and South Korea should maintain their intelligence-sharing pact, despite strained ties.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga spoke to reporters on Monday, ahead of the August 24 deadline for applying to terminate the General Security of Military Information Agreement, or GSOMIA.

The pact comes up for renewal every year. It can be scrapped by either country by giving notice by August 24.

Suga said the agreement has been automatically renewed every year since it was signed in 2016, based on the belief that it will strengthen bilateral security cooperation and contribute to regional peace and stability.

He said ties are now extremely strained, but the Japanese government believes it is important for the two countries to work together wherever they should.

Suga also referred to an announcement by South Korea's second largest city, Busan, that it would suspend exchange programs with Japan until relations improve.

Busan's mayor said he would review the programs in the wake of Japan's decision to tighten controls on the export of some high-tech materials to South Korea.

Suga called the announcement extremely regrettable. He said cooperation should continue at the grass-root and municipal levels, even when ties face difficulties on the level of the national government. He added that such cooperation lays the groundwork for mutual understanding.

Key words : south reporting senior
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190729_21/

South Korean media are reporting that a senior diplomat stationed in Japan has been accused of sexual harassment by a female subordinate and is being questioned by the South Korean police.

Multiple media outlets reported on Monday that the woman had officially complained about the alleged harassment by the consul general in his fifties.

The consul general is said to have returned to Seoul to be interviewed by the police.

South Korea has nine consulates in major Japanese cities, including Fukuoka and Sapporo.
South Korean foreign ministry officials have not disclosed where the consul general worked in Japan.

The Seoul Shinmun newspaper described the allegation as serious and shocking. It reported that the consul general is a specialist in trade issues, and the alleged misconduct occurred at a time of deteriorating relations between South Korea and Japan.

Key words : ferry
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190729_27/

A new high-speed ferry connecting the southern Japanese port of Hakata and the South Korean city of Busan will start operating just before the start of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

On Monday, JR Kyushu Group announced that the Queen Beetle will start services on July 15 next year.

The vessel has a capacity of 502 passengers, which is 2.6 times as many as the current Beetle used for the service.

The Queen Beetle's hull will be painted red. The ferry has a business-class section, duty-free shop and canteen.

Other features include slopes and lifts for wheelchair users, a children's room, and a space for breastfeeding.

Japan-South Korea ties are currently strained due to historical and trade issues. JR Kyushu President Toshihiko Aoyagi told reporters he hopes the new ferry helps to boost grassroots exchanges between the countries.

Aoyagi hopes South Korean tourists use the vessel to come to the Olympic Games.

Key words : Suga says
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190729_26/

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga says the government plans to discuss how to extend support to the animation studio in Kyoto that suffered a deadly arson attack.

Suga's remarks come as a nonpartisan group of Japanese lawmakers that promotes animation production calls on the government to urgently take any possible measures to rescue the Kyoto Animation studio and its surviving staff from their plight.

The group wants the government to support the training of animators and production staff, as well as provide counseling for the survivors. It is also calling for tax breaks for the funds that have been donated to the studio.

Suga told reporters on Monday that officials from relevant ministries and agencies will study the consequences surrounding the studio before they draw up a compensation plan for the victims, and measures to help rebuild the studio.

Suga added that he heard of a specific issue the studio is facing, which is how to deal with the donations it is receiving from across Japan and overseas.

Key words : several manufacturers
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190729_15/

Several large manufacturers in Japan say operating profit plunged last quarter on weaker demand amid a slowdown in China's economy.

Camera maker Canon reported a drop of 56 percent for the April-to-June quarter compared to the same period last year.

The firm says digital camera sales were slow amid sluggish demand from China.

Executives also revised downward the company's yearly outlook from a decline of just over 20 percent. They now expect year-on-year operating profit to plunge more than 37 percent.

Electronic parts manufacturer Nidec announced a fall of 38.8 percent. It said China's slowing economy hit sales of products, including industrial motors.

Electronics maker Omron also revealed a tumble of over 41 percent. Company officials say there were fewer shipments of products destined for factories as Chinese businesses cut capital investment.

Key words : Trump announced director
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190729_10/

US President Donald Trump has announced the Director of National Intelligence, Dan Coats, will step down, and said he will nominate a Republican Party Congressman to replace him.

Trump tweeted on Sunday that Congressman John Ratcliffe of Texas will succeed Coats who will leave the position on August 15.

Trump said Ratcliffe is "highly respected" and thanked Coats for his "great service" to his country.

Coats is a former Senator. He was nominated to the post of intelligence chief at the start of the Trump administration.

But he has been at odds with Trump regarding Russia's alleged meddling in the 2016 presidential election.

Coats released a statement in July last year asserting that Russia had clearly been involved, whereas Trump rejected the allegations.

Trump is also said to have been displeased with Coats' testimony to Congress in January that North Korea was "unlikely to completely give up its nuclear weapons and production capabilities."

Ratcliffe has supported Trump's position over Russia's alleged election interference.

Key words : spokesperson Russia
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190729_07/

A spokesperson for Russia's opposition leader Alexei Navalny says he was hospitalized for what appeared to be an allergic reaction while in jail.

The spokesperson said Navalny was rushed to hospital on Sunday with severe facial swelling and skin redness.

The spokesperson for the opposition leader said he never experienced an allergic reaction before, suggesting that police might have done something to him at the detention facility. Russia media report that Navalny's condition is not serious.

Navalny was detained by police last week after calling for a rally in Moscow to protest the refusal of the election commission to allow opposition candidates to register for the city council ballot. The commission cited insufficient paperwork.

More than 1,000 demonstrators were detained after police declared the protest rally illegal.

Observers say tensions may rise again as the opposition is calling for another rally in Moscow on Saturday.

Key words : Iran nuclear deal
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190729_03/

Iran and parties to its 2015 nuclear deal have held vice-ministerial talks in an effort to salvage the pact.

Senior officials from Iran, Britain, France, Germany, and other countries met in Vienna on Sunday for emergency talks.

Concern has been growing over the survival of the nuclear deal since Iran earlier this month raised its uranium enrichment level above the limit set by the agreement.

Iran argues it is not getting the economic benefits, such as oil exports, promised under the 2015 deal. It says this is because the United States pulled out last year and re-imposed sanctions on the country.

Following Sunday's talks, Iran's deputy foreign minister Abbas Araqchi said while the meeting's atmosphere was constructive, not everything had been resolved.

He added he intends to make adjustments for a ministerial-level meeting soon.

Araqchi said representatives from Iran and Britain exchanged accusations over the seizures of oil tankers from their respective countries.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps seized a British-flagged tanker in the Strait of Hormuz on July 19, about two weeks after British forces captured an Iranian tanker in the Strait of Gibraltar.

Araqchi said Iran views Britain's seizure of the Iranian tanker as a violation of the nuclear deal.

The European signatories hope to persuade Iran to maintain the deal. But Iran plans to suspend its commitments and further raise its uranium enrichment level in early September.

Key words : Nigeria
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190729_19/

An armed group in Nigeria has attacked people who had been attending a funeral, leaving at least 65 dead.

Reuters and other media say militants on motorbikes and in vans opened fire at people returning from a funeral in the northeastern state of Borno on Saturday.

The assailants reportedly also set homes on fire and took food away.

So far, no one has claimed responsibility. But local officials suspect Boko Haram Islamic extremists were involved in the attack.

The group, which is based in the state, has been carrying out attacks targeting civilians in the area.

In 2014, the extremists abducted more than 200 girls from a school. They put explosives around the bodies of women and children to conduct suicide attacks.

The Nigerian government has declared a state of emergency in Borno and two other northeastern states, and deployed its military in the region to destroy Boko Haram.

Key words : weather official rainy season heatstroke
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190729_32/

Japanese weather officials say they believe the rainy season has ended in Tokyo and other parts of the Kanto-Koshin region. They say the mercury soared above 35 degrees Celsius in many cities to mark the hottest day of the year yet.

A high pressure system hovered over wide areas between northern and western Japan on Monday.

As of 4:00 p.m., Ibigawa Town in Gifu Prefecture, central Japan, marked the highest temperature of 37.2 degrees Celsius, followed by Kamaishi City, Iwate Prefecture, northern Japan, at 37 degrees. Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture and Kyoto City, both in western Japan, marked 36.6 and 36.5 degrees respectively, while central Tokyo marked a high of 33.7 degrees. These figures are the highest for this year.

Weather officials warn a heat wave is expected to prevail for the next seven days. They are also calling on residents to take caution against heatstroke, such as drinking liquids frequently and using air conditioners.

Meanwhile, rising temperatures and damp air are destabilizing atmospheric conditions over wide areas and causing sporadic downpours.

Officials are warning against mudslides, flooding in low-lying areas as well as sudden changes in weather, resulting in lightning strikes and gusty winds.

Key words : emperor and
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190729_30/

The Emperor and Empress have attended the opening ceremony of the International Geoscience and Remote Sensing Symposium in Yokohama, near Tokyo.

The event is held in a different part of the world every year. Researchers who observe the Earth's surface using satellites present their latest findings. They aim to help prevent disasters and preserve the global environment.

The Imperial couple arrived at the symposium before noon on Monday. Emperor Naruhito has attended international conferences in various fields since he was the Crown Prince.

Nearly 2,000 researchers from 56 countries and territories were present at the opening ceremony.

In his speech, the Emperor said he hopes the symposium provides scientists and engineers with a forum for inter-disciplinary discussion.

He also said he hopes it brings successful results that contribute to a sustainable future for the planet.

The Imperial couple talked to researchers for about 30 minutes during the reception. Both the Emperor and Empress have a strong interest in disaster prevention and the preservation of the global environment.

The symposium runs through August 2 at Pacifico Yokohama.

Key words : swimmer
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190729_12/

Japanese swimmer Daiya Seto won the men's 400-meter individual medley on the final day of the World Championships in South Korea.

On Sunday, Seto, who wrapped up the qualifying round in the top spot, was aggressive from the start.

The 25-year-old swam very fast during the first lap, which was butterfly, and extended his lead in the backstroke and breaststroke laps.

He was more than 3 seconds ahead of his US rival, Jay Litherland, when he went into his last lap, which was free style.

But Seto lost steam and Litherland almost caught up with him.

Seto finished the race in 4 minutes 8.95 seconds, picking up his fourth career world championship gold. That's a record among Japanese swimmers.

Seto secured a spot in the men's 400-meter individual medley at next year's Tokyo Olympics. He earlier won a spot for the 200-meter individual medley on Thursday.

Seto says he'll continue training extremely hard for one more year.

at 20:00 (JST), July 28

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20190728200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : Kim Korean war state-run
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190728_11/

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un paid tribute to those who died in the Korean War on the 66th anniversary of the armistice that ended fighting. But he avoided criticizing the United States by name.

The North's state-run media say Kim visited a cemetery for the fallen on Saturday, July 27, which is a national holiday to celebrate what the country calls its victory over the US.

A report says Kim praised the war dead, saying their feats to save the country will shine long in history.

Kim also attended a concert with close aides, including Choe Son Hui, a senior official in charge of negotiations with the US.

Choe was seated one chair away from Kim, indicating the trust he places in her.

The events are seen as attempts to create solidarity by celebrating victory over the United States.

But reports on the anniversary did not criticize Washington by name. Observers say Pyongyang is trying to avoid any provocation that might prevent the two sides from resuming denuclearization talks.

Key words : north soldier
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190728_09/

A former North Korean soldier who defected to South Korea two years ago has told the story behind his escape in Japan.

Oh Chong Song, now 25, made a speech on Saturday in Osaka at the invitation of local and South Korean civic groups.

Oh defected over the military demarcation line to the South in November 2017. He was shot by North Korean officers as he bolted across the truce village of Panmunjom. Video footage of his dramatic escape surprised the world.

Oh received medical treatment and then started delivering speeches to tell of his experiences at the time and call for unification of the Korean Peninsula.

Oh said his family was relatively affluent in North Korea because his father was a military officer. But he said he could not learn about international affairs due to poor Internet access.

He said he started wanting to experience foreign cultures as he saw many tourists from overseas in Panmunjom, where he was dispatched. He says that was one of the reasons for his escape.

Oh said his mother in North Korea is sick now. He said it is painful that he cannot meet her, although she lives just a short 15-minute drive from his current residence.

He expressed his resolve to work hard to bring about unification of the Korean Peninsula.

Key words : Syria girl
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190728_07/

A photo of a Syrian girl who grabs her baby sister as she dangles from a bombed-out building has gone viral on social media networks.

The picture was captured on Wednesday by a local journalist in Syria's northwestern province of Idlib. In the photo, 5-year-old Riham al-Abdullah is trapped in rubble up to her neck. She is gripping the clothes of her 7-month-old sister Touka to keep her from tumbling off the debris. Another girl is buried nearby and behind them is the father screaming for help.

The building collapsed shortly after the photo was taken. The elder sister died and the baby girl survived.

The government of President Bashar al-Assad has been intensifying an offensive since April against the rebel stronghold in Idlib and surrounding areas.

The Britain-based NGO Save the Children says at least 33 children died in airstrikes and other operations in the country during the past four weeks. The figure is already higher than the 31 who died last year.

Key words : Hiroshima
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190728_04/

More than 500 people have gathered at a symposium in Hiroshima to discuss ways to eliminate nuclear weapons and efforts to achieve peace.

The event was held on Saturday at the International Conference Center in Hiroshima's Peace Memorial Park.

Among the speakers was film director Nobuhiko Obayashi, whose latest work has the theme of war and the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945.

The 81-year-old Obayashi survived World War Two near Hiroshima. He said he wants to pass on his experiences of war to future generations. He added he wants to achieve peace by conveying his story through his films.

Another speaker was actress Chizuru Azuma, who has had a chance to take a boat trip with Japanese NGO Peace Boat. The group has been organizing a global voyage with atomic bomb survivors to raise public awareness of the catastrophic consequences of the use of nuclear weapons.

Azuma said it is important to know what happened in the past, think what you can, and act accordingly.

Specialists in a number of fields also took part in a panel discussion. Among them was Haruka Katarao from the Japan International Cooperation Agency. JICA was involved in the adoption of the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons two years ago.

Katarao stressed the need to increase the number of supporters of the treaty to ensure its universal operation.

Key words : police smartphone
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190728_16/

Investigative sources say police in Japan have seized a smartphone after searching the home of the suspect in the deadly arson attack at an animation studio in Kyoto.

Police entered the apartment unit where Shinji Aoba lives in Saitama, near Tokyo, on Friday. The sources say the smartphone believed to belong to Aoba was among the confiscated items, and police intend to analyze the device in hopes of determining a motive. The sources say Kyoto Animation products were also seized in the raid.

35 people were killed and 33 others were hurt in the arson attack at the company's studio on July 18. Ten of the injured are still being treated in hospital.

Police have obtained an arrest warrant for Aoba on suspicion of arson and murder.

Sources close to the investigation say surveillance camera footage shows the 41-year-old travelling to Kyoto three days before the attack.

Police believe the suspect repeatedly scouted the company headquarters and the studio, looking for an opportunity to carry out the attack.

Ten days since the fatal attack, many people are still visiting the site to pay tribute to the victims and lay flowers on an altar set up nearby.

Some people were in tears as they offered prayers, facing the building that was set ablaze.

One man in his 20s from Mie Prefecture said he is a fan of Kyoto Animation's work. He said he was full of anger over the attack and had prayed for the company to rebuild quickly.

A junior high school student from central Japan said she wondered why Kyoto Animation had to go through such a tragedy. She said she had been supported by the company's work and no words could describe how she felt.

Key words : upper house
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190728_14/

Workers began renovating Japan's Upper House to accommodate two new lawmakers who rely on large motorized wheelchairs.

Yasuhiko Funago and Eiko Kimura won seats in the July 21 Upper House election. Both represent a new party called Reiwa Shinsengumi. Funago has amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, or ALS, while Kimura can hardly move her limbs.

The workers will remove chairs to create space for the two near an entrance to the main hall of the Upper House. They will also eliminate a step about 15 centimeters high to improve accessibility.

Chamber officials say the renovation will cost about 6,400 dollars, and will be completed by Monday.

Further work is planned to improve barrier-free accessibility, including setting up a slope at the Diet building's main entrance.

Funago and Kimura are scheduled to attend an extraordinary Diet session on August 1.

Key words : India
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190728_13/

Rescue workers in India have evacuated about 1,000 passengers from a train that was trapped by monsoon flooding.

The train came to a standstill in the early hours of Saturday near the western city of Mumbai when heavy rains caused a river to overflow and flood the tracks.

Aerial footage shows the express train of about 20 cars half submerged in muddy water.

Media reports say local authorities told the roughly 1,000 passengers to remain onboard as the flooding had reached above knee height.

Disaster authorities and navy personnel began rescue operations after dawn. They moved the passengers to safety in rubber boats. No injuries were reported.

In India, more than 250 people have been killed in the past two weeks due to flooding caused by severe rainfall.

Weather officials are warning that the rainfall is expected to continue.

at 20:00 (JST), July 27

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20190727200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : Nari tropical depression downgrade
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190728_22/

Japanese weather officials say Tropical Storm Nari has been downgraded to a tropical depression. But they say localized downpours could still hit the Kinki, Tokai and Kanto-Koshin regions, and are warning of possible landslides.

The Meteorological Agency says Nari changed to a tropical depression over Gifu Prefecture, central Japan, at around 3 p.m. on Saturday.

It is expected to head east toward the Kanto-Koshin region.

Rain clouds in the Kinki and Tokai regions are bringing heavy rain.

The officials are calling on people to be on alert for floods, swollen rivers, strong winds, high waves and lightning.

Key words : series of philippine
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190728_20/

Disaster officials in the Philippines say eight people have been killed after a series of earthquakes rocked the northern islands of the country on Saturday.

The US Geological Survey says a magnitude-5.4 quake occurred near the Batanes islands shortly after 4 a.m. local time, followed by a tremor of magnitude 5.9 about three hours later.

Authorities say there have been reports that the quakes caused houses to collapse, leaving at least eight people dead and about 60 others injured on the island of Itbayat, in the northernmost part of the Batanes.

The Philippine government says it will use military transport aircraft to fly rescue teams and relief supplies to the site.

But rescue efforts have reportedly been hampered by a third quake measuring magnitude 5.7, which struck later Saturday.

Itbayat lies between the northern island of Luzon, where the capital, Manila, is located, and Taiwan. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of about 2,800.

Key words : Trump latest missile
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190728_14/

US President Donald Trump says he was not at all troubled by North Korea's latest missile launch.

North Korea launched two of a new kind of short-range ballistic missile on Thursday. Pyongyang said the launch was a warning to South Korea.

Speaking to reporters at the White House on Friday, Trump said the missiles fired by the North were short-range and many countries have those missiles.

He said North Korean leader Kim Jong Un did not say it was a warning to the United States.

He said his relationship with Kim is very good and he'll see what happens.

Trump appeared to be eager to emphasize that the launch will not harm what he calls a good relationship with Kim.

He also appeared to be trying to urge the North to engage in working-level talks on denuclearization, which was agreed at his third summit with Kim, which took place last month.

Key words : two projectile launched by
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190728_05/

Japan's Defense Ministry says two projectiles launched by North Korea on Thursday had trajectories that were "irregular" when compared to conventional ballistic missiles.

North Korea says leader Kim Jong Un oversaw the firing of "a new type of tactical guided weapon."

He reportedly expressed satisfaction about its capabilities, saying it can fly at low altitudes and is difficult to intercept.

Japanese defense officials acknowledged that a projectile of this kind could reach Japan and may be difficult to intercept.

South Korean Defense Ministry officials say the projectiles flew about 600 kilometers, based on a joint analysis with the US military.

Key words : UK agreed
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190728_15/

A British government spokesperson says newly inaugurated Prime Minister Boris Johnson has agreed with US President Donald Trump to start negotiating a free trade agreement as soon as possible after Britain leaves the European Union.

The two leaders spoke by phone on Friday.

The Downing Street spokesperson said Johnson and Trump agreed that "Brexit offers an unparalleled opportunity to strengthen the economic partnership between the UK and the United States."

The spokesperson said the two leaders "also discussed current tensions with Iran and the need to work together and with partners to address its destabilizing behavior in the Gulf."

After the phone conversation, Trump told reporters at the White House that he congratulated Johnson on his new role. Trump said Johnson is "all set to go" and added "he has what it takes."

Trump said trade between the two countries had been impeded by Britain's relationship with the EU. He said they expect to do much more business after Brexit and claimed trade could increase as much as five times above current levels.

Key words : lawmakers from Japan
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190728_12/

Lawmakers from Japan, the United States and South Korea met for annual talks in Washington on Friday. They agreed that Japanese and South Korean politicians will work to call on their governments to ease tensions between the two countries.

Seventeen lawmakers and other people took part in the meeting, which lasted for about three hours. Increased tensions between Japan and South Korea over the wartime labor issue and Japan's export control were the main topics on the agenda.

South Korea's delegation reportedly said Japan's tighter screening of exports for the South Korean market may be in retaliation to an ongoing dispute over wartime labor.

Japanese delegates reportedly responded that the measure is unrelated to the issue. They said an export control on materials for semiconductors and other items, including security-related resources, have been a serious issue over several years.

US lawmakers are said to have stressed the importance of strengthening trilateral cooperation in order to resolve challenges facing the free world.

Lawmakers from Japan and South Korea also agreed to explore what their parliaments can do to ease the bilateral tensions.

Japan's former minister in charge of declining birthrate measures, Kuniko Inoguchi, told NHK that countries must uphold the non-proliferation of dangerous materials as a common security interest for the international community.

She added that there is no need for discord over the matter, and expressed hope that the meeting will help to improve ties between Japan and South Korea.

Former South Korean National Assembly Speaker Chung Sye-kyun said he wants to soon hold dialogue with Japan to resolve pending issues, saying the two governments have not held sufficient talks over the matters. He said such dialogue should facilitate peace and prosperity not only for Japan and South Korea, but also for the United States and the whole of East Asia.

Key words : Kyoto around the world
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190726_03/

Anime fans from around the world continue to visit Kyoto to mourn the victims of the arson attack on a renowned animation studio one week ago.

Thirty-four people were killed and 34 others were injured after a man spread gasoline and set fire to a Kyoto Animation studio.

Police say autopsies have been performed on all the victims. They say more than half of them were in their 20s or 30s. They say many victims had no time to escape as they were suddenly overcome by smoke.

The remains are being returned to their families. But not all have been identified.

Fans from around the world, as well as acquaintances of employees, are visiting the site of arson around-the-clock to offer flowers and prayers.

More and more groups and individuals in and outside Japan are rallying to support Kyoto Animation. They are sending messages and collecting donations.

The suspect, Shinji Aoba, remains in critical condition after suffering severe burns. Police plan to interrogate him when he recovers to find out if he has any connection to the animation studio and what his motive was.

Key words : in the US pay thier respect
#N/A

at 20:00 (JST), July 26

South Korea's Defense Ministry says the two missiles that North Korea launched on Thursday flew about 600 kilometers.

The new US secretary of defense has stressed the need for the fair sharing of contributions among US allies, to ensure global security.

Police have searched the home of the suspect of a fatal arson attack at a Kyoto Animation studio in Kyoto City last week.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20190726200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : south two missile launched
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190726_30/

South Korea's Defense Ministry says the two missiles that North Korea launched on Thursday flew about 600 kilometers.

Ministry officials announced on Friday the results of their joint analysis with the US military of the flight distance of the projectiles fired from eastern North Korea toward the Sea of Japan. The South Korean military initially estimated that the first one flew about 430 kilometers, and the second one traveled 690 kilometers.

The officials say North Korea tested a new type of short-range ballistic missile on Thursday. They say it resembles the Iskander short-range ballistic missile developed by Russia.

South Korea's Unification Ministry spokesperson Lee Sang-min said on Friday that the latest launches will not help the efforts to ease military tensions on the Korean Peninsula.

Key words : Mike disclose
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190726_44/

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has disclosed that North Korea's leader promised during last month's summit with the US that it will avoid launching intermediate- and long-range ballistic missiles.

Pompeo was interviewed by Fox News on Thursday. He referred to the third summit in June between the North's Kim Jong Un and President Donald Trump in the demilitarized zone that separates the two Koreas.

Pompeo said that aside from agreeing to resume negotiations with the US, Kim promised to avoid conducting nuclear tests and launching intermediate-range and long-range ballistic missiles.

North Korea fired two missiles toward the Sea of Japan on Thursday. South Korea says they are a new type of short-range ballistic missile.

Trump has played down the launches, saying North Korea hasn't tested missiles other than "smaller ones."

UN Security Council resolutions prohibit North Korea from launching ballistic missiles. But observers believe Pyongyang may have judged that Washington wouldn't strongly object as long as the launches involved only short-range missiles.

Key words : Suga says
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190726_42/

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga says the country is closely liaising with the United States and South Korea on North Korea's missile launch on Thursday.

Suga told reporters on Friday that Japan's foreign minister had talked over the telephone with his US and South Korean counterparts earlier in the day.

He said ministries and government agencies are gathering and analyzing information.

Key words : new US secretary
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190726_11/

The new US secretary of defense has stressed the need for the fair sharing of contributions among US allies, to ensure global security.

Mark Esper delivered a speech at the Pentagon to celebrate his assumption of the post. President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence also attended.

Esper expressed his intention to bolster the capability of the US troops to deter conflicts.

He said a race for power has re-emerged as China and Russia seek to displace the United States. He also said Iran continues to sow discord and threaten its neighbors in the Middle East.

He pledged to strengthen US alliances but said these allies and partners must contribute more equitably to ensure security.

Sources close to the Japanese and US governments say arrangements have begun for Esper to visit Japan early in August. He's expected to exchange views on the US initiative to create a coalition of allies and others to provide security in the Strait of Hormuz.

Key words : top government
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190726_33/

Japan's top government spokesperson has sought to play down a remark by the new US defense secretary that US allies must contribute more equitably to ensure global security.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters on Friday he believes Mark Esper was speaking in general about role-sharing. He declined to comment further.

Esper made the remark in a speech at the Pentagon when he took up his post. Observers say he is apparently calling on Japan and other US allies to increase their defense spending.

Suga said Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and US President Donald Trump affirmed in their joint statement in 2017 that the Japan-US alliance is the cornerstone of peace, prosperity and freedom in the Asia-Pacific region.

Suga added that when Trump visited Japan in May, the leaders agreed that the alliance is stronger than ever, and the closest one in the world.

Key words : US military hosted
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190726_21/

The US military has hosted an international meeting to discuss a proposed coalition aimed at ensuring security in the Strait of Hormuz.

The US Central Command invited representatives of allies and friendly nations to a military base in Florida on Thursday. The Central Command is responsible for military operations in the Middle East.

Details of the meeting have not been disclosed. The officials at the Command are believed to have explained the activities being carried out in the Strait of Hormuz.

Last week, President Donald Trump's administration briefed foreign diplomats about the coalition at the State Department. But some diplomats voiced concerns that such a move might provoke Iran.

The Central Command maintains that the coalition aims to promote maritime stability, ensure safe passage, and deescalate tensions in international waters in the Middle East.

State Department spokesperson Morgan Ortagus also told a news conference that the goal of the coalition is to provide security.

Observers say the Trump administration aims to ease countries' concerns by explaining the US military activities in the region.

Key words : Mike Japan is one of
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190726_34/

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says Japan is one of the countries that have been asked to join a US-proposed coalition to secure free navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

Pompeo said in an interview with Fox News on Thursday that the US has also asked Britain, France, Germany, Norway, South Korea, Australia and other nations to take part.

He said every country that has an interest in ensuring that crude oil and other products can flow through the Strait of Hormuz needs to participate to protect not only their own interests, but the fundamental understanding of free and open waterways.

Key words : police searched
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190726_32/

Police have searched the home of the suspect of a fatal arson attack at a Kyoto Animation studio in Kyoto City last week.

Ten investigators entered the apartment of 41-year-old Shinji Aoba in Saitama City just outside Tokyo on Friday morning.

Police have obtained an arrest warrant for Aoba on suspicion of arson and murder. Thirty-four people died and 34 others were injured in the attack.

The suspect is in critical condition with severe burns and is in the hospital's intensive care unit.

Police have so far found no links between Aoba and the animation company. They plan to wait for Aoba's recovery to question him.

Key words : weather official moving north-northwest
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190726_27/

Japanese weather officials say a tropical storm may bring heavy rain to Pacific coastal areas of Japan from Saturday through Sunday. They are warning people to be on the alert for possible landslides and floods.

The Meteorological Agency says Tropical Storm Nari was over waters south of Japan as of Friday morning and is moving north-northwest at 20 kilometers per hour.

Agency officials say some Pacific coastal areas of the Kansai region and eastern Japan could have more than 50 millimeters of rainfall, accompanied by localized thunderstorms.

They say up to 180 millimeters of rain may fall in the Tokai region in the 24 hours until Saturday noon, 150 millimeters in the Kansai region, and 80 millimeters in the Kanto-Koshin region.

The officials also say unstable atmospheric conditions over Hokkaido may bring heavy downpours on Friday evening and Saturday.

They are urging people to brace themselves for possible mudslides, floods, strong winds and high waves.

Key words : about 250 to remember
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190726_38/

About 250 people have attended a ceremony in Osaka City to remember the victims of a US bomb attack that was a rehearsal for the 1945 atomic bombings of Japan.

The service was held in the city's Higashisumiyoshi Ward on Friday. The US military dropped one of the so-called pumpkin bombs on the community on July 26, 1945, killing 7 people and injuring 73.

The weapon had the same design as an atomic bomb, but used conventional explosives.

The attendees observed a moment of silence at 9:26 a.m., the exact time of the attack.

94-year-old Shigeko Tatsuno was about 200 meters from where the bomb hit the ground.

Tatsuno said she cannot forget the sound of stones smashing though the walls. She also said the loss of her friend in the attack has weighed on her mind.

A junior high school boy said hearing the testimony of a survivor made him realize the horror of the bombing. He said he wants to make his own contributions to help rid the world of war.

Key words : fishing Fukushima
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190726_31/

The last one of 10 fishing ports in Fukushima Prefecture, northern Japan, that were devastated in the March 2011 disaster has now reopened.

Tomioka Port reopened on Friday for the first time in eight years and four months after restoration work was completed.

It was devastated and most of the boats based there were washed away by more than 20 meter-high tsunami following a powerful earthquake on March 11, 2011. The area was also designated as an evacuation zone after the ensuing accident at the nearby Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

Restoration work began on the port after the evacuation order on the area was lifted two years ago.

In a ceremony on Friday, five fishing boats that had been transferred to nearby ports after the disaster returned, flying their flags, typically signify a large catch of fish.

Before the disaster, the port thrived on large catches of flatfish, a local specialty, as well as salmon and Japanese sea bass.

Akio Sato, aged 52, lost his boat in the tsunami, but has continued fishing elsewhere. He said he hopes to do his best so that people can enjoy the fish caught in Fukushima.

Key words : anime and
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190726_40/

Japanese anime and manga fans who love to dress up as their favorite characters are gathering in Tokyo for the World Cosplay Summit.

About 80 contestants from 40 countries and territories who have won local qualifiers will take part in the 17th event that opens on Saturday. The competition is being held in the Japanese capital for the first time.

A woman from Germany created a costume of a figure from "Spirited Away" by anime master Hayao Miyazaki. She says she loves the character and will do her best, although she isn't sure whether she can win.

Two men from Indonesia are fans of a popular manga, "One Piece."

One is dressed as the lead character, who wants to be the king of the pirates, and the other is a crew member.

One of the men says he is impressed by the high quality of the other participants' cosplay.

The event is being held about a week after the deadly arson attack at Kyoto Animation, an internationally renowned studio that has produced a number of hits.
Contestants and visitors wrote messages of condolences at the event venue.

A man from Trinidad and Tobago says he is deeply saddened by the incident, and he is grateful to the company for having produced great works.

The World Cosplay Summit will later change its venue to Nagoya, where the final will be held on August 4.

at 20:00 (JST), July 25

South Korean officials say the second of the two projectiles North Korea fired toward the Sea of Japan on Thursday morning flew further than initially thought.

Tokyo and Seoul remain at loggerheads over Japan's tightening of export controls on some high-tech materials for the South Korean market.

Operating profit at Nissan Motor plunged in the April-June period, after sales slid in the US and Europe.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20190725200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : south fired initially
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190725_33/

South Korean military officials say the second of the two projectiles North Korea fired toward the Sea of Japan on Thursday morning flew more than 690 kilometers, longer than initially analyzed.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff had earlier announced that the two projectiles both flew about 430 kilometers and reached an altitude of more than 50 kilometers.

They were fired about 20 minutes apart from near the eastern city of Wonsan.

South Korean military officials say they are conducting a more detailed analysis, in cooperation with US forces, to determine whether the projectile was a new type of missile.

Key words : Iwaya launch
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190725_21/

Japanese Defense Minister Takeshi Iwaya says the projectile launch by North Korea is very regrettable and that Japan is closely monitoring the situation.

South Korea's military says North Korea fired what appear to be two short-range missiles from the eastern city of Wonsan towards the Sea of Japan on Thursday morning.

Iwaya told reporters in Tokyo that the ministry is aware that North Korea fired some kind of projectile and that officials are gathering and analyzing information.

Iwaya said it has already been confirmed that no projectile has entered Japan's territory or its exclusive economic zone.

He noted that Japan will continue to closely monitor the North's military activities in cooperation with the United States, South Korea and others.

Iwaya said he can't say anything definite and that the number, the type and the flight distance of the projectiles fired were still being analyzed.

He also said that if it was a ballistic missile launch, it would be a violation of UN Security Council resolutions.

He added that regardless of the type of projectiles, North Korea's recent launches are extremely regrettable.

Key words : Thai foreign minister
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190725_23/

South Korean media say North Korea's Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho is unlikely to attend a regional security forum in Thailand next month.

There had been much speculation over the possibility of a meeting between Ri and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo at the ASEAN Regional Forum in Bangkok on August 2.

There were expectations that the two would hold talks on North Korea's nuclear program.

Citing diplomatic sources, South Korea's Yonhap News Agency on Thursday said North Korea notified the Thai government that Ri will not be attending the forum.

In recent years, North Korea has sent its foreign minister to the annual forum.

The meeting, along with the United Nations General Assembly, is one of the few international conferences attended by Pyongyang's top diplomat, and has served as a platform for dialogue with the United States.

Last week, North Korea slammed joint military exercises by the US and South Korea scheduled for August as a blatant attempt to put pressure on Pyongyang.

Observers say North Korea may be avoiding talks due to its opposition to the drills.

Key words : Tokyo and tightening
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190725_05/

Tokyo and Seoul remain at loggerheads over Japan's tightening of export controls on some high-tech materials for the South Korean market.

The issue was taken up at the World Trade Organization's General Council meeting in Geneva on Wednesday.

South Korea's delegation claimed that an ongoing dispute over wartime labor is behind Japan's move. It alleged that the measure is politically motivated and could hurt global trade.

Japanese delegates said the restrictions are unrelated to past issues. They said Japan revised the implementation of its export control on security grounds, and that the move is in line with WTO rules.

Both delegations believe they won understanding among representatives from 164 countries and territories taking part in the meeting. But no other country commented on the issue. The Thai ambassador, who chaired the meeting, expressed hope the two sides will reach an amicable solution through bilateral talks.

It remains to be seen whether Seoul can garner support from other members before it goes ahead with its plan to file a complaint with the WTO.

Key words : Nissan plunge
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190725_36/

Operating profit at Nissan Motor plunged in the April-June period, after sales slid in the US and Europe.

Nissan says operating profit was 1.6 billion yen, or about 15 million dollars, down more than 98 percent. The figures are record lows for the company for the quarter.

Sales came in at 2.37 trillion yen, or about 22 billion dollars. That's down nearly 13 percent in yen terms from the same period a year earlier.

The carmaker has announced about 12,500 job cuts worldwide by March 2023, in a bid to speed up its streamlining efforts.

Transparency is another challenge for Nissan. The company has been reforming its management system after former Chairman Carlos Ghosn was charged with financial misconduct.

Key words : south provided
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190725_31/

South Korea says it has provided Russia with evidence to back up its claim that a Russian warplane violated what South Korea says is its airspace.

A South Korean defense ministry official and a military attache with the Russian embassy in Seoul held talks on Thursday.

South Korea quoted the Russian side as saying it will send the evidence to its defense ministry to be used as reference material for the ongoing investigation into the incident.

South Korea says its jets fired over 360 warning shots at a Russian A-50 early warning plane after it twice entered airspace near the Takeshima Islands on Tuesday.

Russia says its aircraft was taking part in a joint air patrol with the Chinese military and denies the intrusion.

South Korea controls the islands. Japan claims them. The Japanese government maintains the islands are an inherent part of Japan's territory. It says South Korea is illegally occupying them.

Key words : US government trade talk
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190725_20/

The US government has announced that ministerial trade talks with China will resume in Shanghai from Tuesday.

US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer and Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin will represent the US in the two-day meeting.

Vice Premier Liu He will lead negotiations for China.

The gap between the two sides remains wide. Washington is urging China to import more US agricultural products. It also wants discussions to cover protection of intellectual property and a review on Beijing's preferential treatment of state-owned firms.
China plans to avoid making one-sided concessions, given that the trade negotiations are expected to last a long time.

Mnuchin said he expects a few more meetings will take place before a deal can be sealed. He said he wants to make sure China will buy more US products and compete fairly.

Mnuchin added that he expects the talks will be followed up with a meeting back in Washington.

Key words : US Navy says
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190725_27/

The US Navy says one of its warships has sailed through the Taiwan Strait.

The Navy's 7th Fleet told NHK that the USS Antietam transited through the strait on Wednesday and Thursday.

The fleet says the passage demonstrates the US commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, and the Navy will continue to fly, sail and operate anywhere international law allows.

This is the sixth time a US warship has navigated through the Taiwan Strait this year. The US has been stepping up its dispatch of warships to the strait and the South China Sea.

The US also approved the sale of about 2.2 billion dollars' worth of weapons, including tanks and surface-to-air missiles, to Taiwan earlier this month.

The US moves are seen as an apparent warning to China, which is putting increasing pressure on Taiwan.

China is expected to react sharply to the latest US operation.

China warned the US about stepping up ties with Taiwan in a defense white paper released on Wednesday.

Key words : facebook CEO
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190725_26/

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has promised to address any concerns surrounding the company's planned digital currency.

Zuckerberg was speaking at a teleconference right after the social-media giant's earnings were announced. He stressed his commitment to cooperate with the authorities while Facebook prepares to launch Libra next year.

The crypto-currency is raising concerns, notably about its ability to safeguard user privacy. Users will be able to make cross-border money transfers with Libra.

Key words : lawyer asked same-sex
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190725_29/

Lawyers in Japan have asked the government to swiftly legalize same-sex marriage, arguing that the current legal procedures go against the Constitution.

The Japan Federation of Bar Associations submitted an opinion paper to the government on Thursday. It began compiling the document after a group of more than 450 people submitted a claim for human rights relief to the organization in 2015.

The lawyers say the current legislation, which does not recognize same-sex marriage, ignores the freedom of marriage and equality for all people stipulated in the Constitution. They say banning same-sex marriage is a serious violation of human rights.

The federation is pressing the government to amend the related laws immediately.

Japanese law assumes that marriage is a union between a man and a woman. But a number of countries, including the Netherlands and the United States, have legal protection for same-sex marriage.

Akiyoshi Tanaka, who has a male partner, was one of the people who submitted the appeal in 2015. He told reporters he is happy with the lawyers' decision, and he thinks the system of marriage should be changed to fit the times.

Key words : aerospace
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190725_39/

Officials from US aerospace giant Boeing have been meeting with Japanese firms in Tokyo to discuss developing aircraft powered by electricity.

Representatives of the 20 Japanese companies took part in the meeting at the industry ministry on Thursday.

Boeing's Senior Technical Fellow, Kamiar Karimi, said, "Japan is a special place for the Boeing company. It is Boeing's largest source of industrial partnerships outside of the United States".

Plane-makers around the globe are developing electric aircraft, hoping to have them flying in the next decade or two.

The aircraft could help fight climate change, as their engines don't release harmful emissions into the atmosphere.

At the meeting, GS Yuasa unveiled its plan to carry out joint research with Boeing to develop batteries.

Key words : some companies
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190725_40/

Summers in Japan can become muggy and scorching hot. Some companies are offering relief, with products designed to keep people cool and comfortable.

About 90 firms have been taking part in a trade fair in Tokyo. Lots of visitors are showing interest in wearable cooling devices.

An appliance maker in Tokyo showed off a device that sends chills to the neck.

Once a battery unit is connected, temperatures on the surface of a pair of pads drop to 10 to 15 degrees Celsius lower than the surrounding air. It weighs only 135 grams.

The product was launched last month, with a price tag of around 74 dollars. Its maker says it is selling well.

A vest uses a system of tubes to help people chill out.
A pump sends iced water from a backpack and circulates it throughout the vest.

The 2020 Summer Olympics and Paralympics kick off in Tokyo in about a year from now. A big issue is how officials and visitors will cope with the heat.

An official from the firm, Jun Kondo, said his company hopes to take advantage of big events like the Olympics to expand its market. He said the vest can be useful for security guards and other staff who work outside.

The exhibition will run until Thursday at Tokyo Big Sight.

at 20:00 (JST), July 24

Wednesday marks one year until the start of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, with preparations for the event progressing on schedule.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has apologized to the families of former leprosy patients for the now-defunct government policy of segregating the sufferers.

Industry sources say Japan's Nissan Motor will cut more than 10 thousand jobs globally over the next several years.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20190724200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : marks
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190724_16/

Wednesday marks one year until the start of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games, with preparations for the event progressing on schedule.

Japan will welcome people from around the world from July 24 to August 9 next year for its first summer Olympics since 1964. Over the course of 17 days, thousands of athletes will compete in a record 339 events across 33 sports.

The process of selecting members for Japan's Olympic team will go into full swing this summer.

At the World Swimming Championships now underway in South Korea, four Japanese athletes, including veteran diver Ken Terauchi, have won spots at the Tokyo Games. It will be Terauchi's sixth Olympics.

In August, world championships for sailing and sports climbing will be held. Those who get better results than other Japanese competitors and meet certain other criteria will qualify for the Olympics.

The Marathon Grand Championship, or MGC, will be held on September 15 to determine two members each for the men's and women's Olympic teams.

Construction is proceeding rapidly at the Olympic Village for athletes and 42 venues. Once the venues are completed, they will host test events to check for any issues that may affect events progressing smoothly or guidance for spectators.

Olympic organizers and other relevant bodies plan to test anti-heat measures and ways to ease potential traffic congestion in the Japanese capital.

How to handle the 100,000 volunteers is one of the key issues that organizers need to address before the Games opens in exactly one year.

Key words : organizer design for
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190724_33/

Organizers of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics have revealed the design for the medals that will be presented to the winners.

An unveiling ceremony was held in Tokyo on Wednesday, exactly one year before the opening of the Games.

The medals feature Nike, the Greek goddess of victory, and the official name of the Games on the face, as stipulated by the International Olympic Committee. The reverse shows the Tokyo Olympic emblem.

The design is simple, but the curves in various angles make the medals three-dimensional and look shiny from any direction.

The medals will be made from recycled metals extracted from mobile phones and other small electronic devices.

They are 85 millimeters in diameter and are about 12 millimeters thick, just as they were in the two previous Summer Games in London and Rio de Janeiro.

The gold medal weighs 556 grams, the silver 550 grams and the bronze 450 grams. Organizers say the gold and the silver are the heaviest in the history of the Summer Olympics.

Ribbons for the medals feature the Tokyo Games' colors of indigo and crimson, and a checker pattern called "ichimatsu".

The organizing committee plans to make a total of about 2,500 medals by the end of May next year.

Key words : today's news keywords segment traffic congestion
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Key words : Abe apologized
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190724_23/

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has apologized to the families of former leprosy patients for the now-defunct government policy of segregating the sufferers.

Abe met more than 40 family members of the former patients of Hansen's disease at the prime minister's office on Wednesday.

The meeting came after the Kumamoto district court ordered the central government last month to compensate families of people with Hansen's disease in a lawsuit filed by more than 500 plaintiffs across Japan. The government decided not to appeal the ruling.

Abe said that the patients' families were, without doubt, subject to severe discrimination and prejudice against leprosy and suffered much pain and hardship for many years.

He bowed and offered a sincere apology to them on behalf of the government.

Abe said that he decided to accept the court ruling and introduce new legislation to compensate families of former Hansen's patients, including those who did not participate in the lawsuit.

He also pledged to swiftly set up a committee to seek solutions to problems and to work with the families to eradicate discrimination and prejudice.

The head of the plaintiffs' group, Chikara Hayashi, said that more than 20 years have passed since the leprosy prevention law was repealed, but it's not easy to get rid of discriminatory practices that have built up over decades.

He said that he wants the prime minister and his government to do all they can to correct public misunderstanding through education based on the opinions of the victims' families.

Key words : Nissan cut more than
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190724_18/

Industry sources say Japan's Nissan Motor will cut more than 10 thousand jobs globally over the next several years. The cuts are almost double those announced in May and many will be at overseas operations.

The carmaker is axing staff as it predicts slowing sales in the US, Europe and other major markets. Its operating profit for fiscal 2018 fell about 40 percent from the previous year.

The sources say Nissan also plans a review to improve production efficiency at overseas plants.
Beside the sales slump, Nissan is still dealing with the reputational fallout from the arrest of former Chairman Carlos Ghosn. That scandal has required the carmaker to also rebuild its corporate governance system.

Key words : senior south
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190724_29/

A senior South Korean government official has revealed that a military attache with the Russian Embassy in Seoul has expressed regret over Tuesday's flight of a Russian military aircraft into what South Korea claims its airspace.

The senior official from South Korea's presidential office was speaking on Wednesday about two airspace intrusions on Tuesday morning by a Russian A-50 airborne early warning and control aircraft. South Korean warplanes fired a total of more than 360 warning shots.

The official was delivering a message given by the Russian military attache, who was summoned to the South Korean defense ministry on Tuesday afternoon.

The attache expressed regret over the incident and was quoted as saying that the flight was planned in advance as part of joint air drills with China, noting that the intrusion was not intended. He said the plane is likely to have entered the airspace due to a technical glitch.

The South Korean official added that the Russian side said its defense ministry will soon begin investigating the incident and take the necessary steps.

Japan's Defense Ministry says the incident is the first intrusion by Russia into Japan's airspace near the Takeshima Islands. South Korea controls the islands. Japan claims them. The Japanese government maintains the islands are an inherent part of Japan's territory. It says South Korea is illegally occupying them.

Key words : south north food crisis
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Key words : swedish teenage called on
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190724_15/

Swedish teenage climate activist Greta Thunberg has called on lawmakers in France to act quickly on global warming.

The 16-year-old is at the center of a movement among young people called "Fridays for Future." She has been skipping school every Friday since last August to bring attention to climate change and the movement has spread around the world.

Thunberg was invited to France's National Assembly on Tuesday to exchange views with parliamentarians.

She said the climate and ecosystem are facing a crisis at this very moment that has just started and will continue to grow worse.

Some opposition lawmakers criticized Thunberg, saying there is no need for what they called a "guru of the apocalypse."

Thunberg noted that some people have chosen not to listen to her and other young people. She said that is fine, but they must listen to the scientists.

Many politicians who took part in the gathering praised the young activist. Thunberg urged them to take action.

at 20:00 (JST), July 23

South Korea's military says its fighter jets fired warning shots at a Russian military aircraft on Tuesday morning.

Lawyers for South Korean plaintiffs seeking damages for wartime labor say they have begun court procedures to sell assets seized from Japanese farms.

Chief Cabinet Secretary says Tokyo will explain its reasons for placing tighter exports controls on exports to South Korea at a meeting of the WTO meeting.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20190723200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : south military says shortly
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190723_29/

South Korea's military says its fighter jets fired warning shots at a Russian military aircraft on Tuesday morning. It says that the plane flew near the Takeshima Islands and entered what it calls the South's airspace.

Officers from the Joint Chiefs of Staff say four foreign military aircraft -- two Russian and two Chinese --entered the South's air defense identification zone.

They say that shortly after those planes left the area, another Russian warplane flew beyond the zone, entering airspace near the Takeshima isles controlled by South Korea. Japan claims the islands. The Japanese government maintains they are an inherent part of Japan's territory. It says South Korea is illegally occupying them.

South Korean officers say the Russian plane violated what they say is their airspace. They responded by scrambling fighter jets which fired two warning shots.
The first shot used about 80 rounds of live ammunition, and the second, about 280. Minutes after each warning shot, the Russian plane left the airspace.

The South Korean military says this is the first time a Russian warplane has entered what it calls the South's airspace.

South Korea's presidential office reportedly protested firmly against the Russian government and threatened strong action.

Key words : Japanese government channel
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190723_37/

The Japanese government has lodged protests against both South Korea and Russia through diplomatic channels over the South's warning shots at a Russian military aircraft.

Japan told South Korea on Tuesday it is unacceptable for South Korean fighter jets to fire warning shots over the Takeshima Islands.

Japan also made clear to Russia that Takeshima is Japanese territory and that violation of airspace around the isles is unacceptable.

South Korea controls the islands. Japan claims them. The Japanese government maintains the islands are an inherent part of Japan's territory. It says South Korea is illegally occupying them.

Key words : Russian denied
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190723_36/

Russia's Defense Ministry has denied that one of its military aircraft violated South Korean airspace. The South Korean military said the aircraft flew near the Takeshima Islands and entered what it calls the South's airspace.

Russia's Interfax news agency reported on Tuesday that the Defense Ministry issued a statement saying that the Russian TU-95 bomber was flying as planned more than 25 kilometers from the isles and in accordance with international law.

The ministry did not refer to South Korea's claim that the aircraft was not a TU-95 bomber but an A-50 early warning aircraft.

The ministry criticized the South Korean military for its unprofessional maneuvers. It also said the careless approach by the South's two fighter jets threatened the safety of the Russian bomber.

Key words : lawyer seeking failed to
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190723_25/

Lawyers for South Korean plaintiffs seeking damages for wartime labor say they have begun court procedures to sell assets seized from Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

They say they have asked the Mitsubishi side for a meeting three times but the requests were ignored.
They also say three of the plaintiffs have passed away while MHI refuses to implement a ruling by South Korea's Supreme Court.

The plaintiffs are women who say they were forced to work for the Japanese firm during World War Two.
Last November, the Supreme Court in Seoul finalized lower court rulings that awarded them compensation.

South Korean plaintiffs who won separate wartime labor lawsuits are in the midst of court procedures to liquidate the stocks of other Japanese companies for cash.

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga voiced concern over the latest moves, saying the government urges South Korea to take measures to rectify the situation.

The Japanese government requested South Korea to start a third-party arbitration process over wartime labor disputes. It was based on a bilateral agreement in 1965, in which Tokyo says the right to claim compensation was settled.

Last Thursday marked the deadline for an answer, but Seoul failed to respond, saying the date was unilaterally and arbitrarily set by Japan.

Key words : chief cabinet will explain
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190723_28/

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga says Japan will explain its reasons for placing tighter exports controls on South Korea at a meeting of the World Trade Organization's General Council.

The WTO General Council is scheduled to discuss the issue starting on Tuesday in Geneva at a meeting requested by South Korea.

Japan has imposed tighter restrictions on key high-tech items such as those used to make semiconductors.

Suga told reporters on Tuesday that Japan's review of export regulations is necessary to manage technology control systems for the purposes of national security.

He said such controls are recognized by the WTO, and do not violate the principle of free trade or the G20 leaders' declaration.

Suga said Japan intends to thoroughly explain its position to the world body.

Speaking to reporters, Japan's Economy, Trade and Industry minister, Hiroshige Seko, gave a similar view of Japan's stance on export controls.

Seko added that leaks by South Korea to local media after working-level talks on July 12 were extremely disappointing and have undermined trust.

He said the first step forward is for Seoul to confirm the facts pertaining to the meeting, sort them out and make corrections.

Key words : south sent not only
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190723_30/

The South Korean government has sent a senior official of its trade ministry to the United States to discuss Japan's export curbs on key high-tech materials.

The Minister for Trade, Yoo Myung-hee, is expected to seek US cooperation in resolving the issue.

She told reporters prior to her departure that Japan's action would impact not only South Korean firms but also US businesses and the global supply chain.

She said she wants to clearly explain that point while in the US.

The official says she is still adjusting her schedule but is expected to meet with senior trade officials of the administration of US President Donald Trump.

South Korea is also sending Kim Seung-ho, deputy minister for the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy, to the World Trade Organization's General Council meeting that will begin on Tuesday.

Kim played a key role in winning a WTO ruling in April supporting Seoul's import ban on fish products from several Japanese prefectures including Fukushima.

Key words : John set to meet
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190723_32/

US National Security Advisor John Bolton is set to meet with South Korean officials to discuss resolving the tension between Tokyo and Seoul, among other issues.

Bolton arrived at Osan Air Base in the suburbs of Seoul on Tuesday afternoon. His two-day trip to the country follows a visit to Japan. It's his first visit to South Korea as national security advisor.

Bolton is scheduled to meet with National Security Office chief Chung Eui-yong, Defense Minister Jeong Kyeong-doo, and Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha, on Wednesday.

On Monday, he met with Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono and other officials in Tokyo.

In his talks with the South Korean officials, Bolton is expected to discuss Japan-South Korea ties, which have soured due to wartime labor issues and export curbs Japan has put on sensitive materials.

Last week, David Stilwell, the top US diplomat for East Asia, told South Korean officials that the United States, as a close friend and ally of both nations, will do what it can to support their efforts to resolve the situation.

Some South Korean officials are voicing support for mediation by the US.

Key words : newspaper secretly help
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Key words : Iran arrested
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190723_01/

Iran says it has arrested 17 people on allegations of spying for the US Central Intelligence Agency.

Iran's intelligence ministry made the announcement on Monday amid ongoing tensions between the two countries.

The ministry said the 17 suspects are Iranian nationals who were employed by public organizations and private corporations.

The ministry says the individuals tried to provide CIA officers with classified information on Iran's nuclear and military facilities. It says they were arrested around March and some have been sentenced to death.

The ministry stated further that the arrested people had served as spies for several months, but it said no confidential information had fallen into the hands of US officials.

The ministry also said CIA officers had contact with some of the 17 suspects when they visited US embassies outside Iran to obtain visas to enter the US. It claimed the officers had promised to give the suspects US citizenship and jobs in return for spying.

Foreign reporters were also invited to Monday's news conference. The ministry showed them photos and a video that it claims shows the CIA officers who had contact with the suspects.

Key words : Trump denied religious
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190723_02/

US President Donald Trump has denied Iran's claim that it has captured 17 spies working for the US Central Intelligence Agency.

Trump tweeted on Monday that the claim is "totally false."

He described it as "just more lies and propaganda" from a "Religious Regime" that "has no idea what to do."

Key words : United States sanction crude
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190723_14/

The United States is imposing sanctions on a Chinese state-run company for buying Iranian crude oil in breach of a US ban.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a speech on Monday that Zhuhai Zhenrong and its chief executive will now be subject to penalties. The decision means they will have their assets frozen in the United States and be barred from transactions with US citizens.

Pompeo said the measure is part of a maximum pressure campaign against Iran. He said the United States cannot tolerate more money going to Iran's supreme leader, putting the lives of American troops at risk.

US media outlets say this is the first time the administration of President Donald Trump has punished a Chinese company for violating the US embargo on Iranian oil.

China, which opposes the embargo, is the world's largest importer of Iranian crude oil.

Key words : Britain foreign initiative
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190723_16/

Britain's Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt is proposing a European-led initiative to protect international vessels in the Persian Gulf.

The call follows the seizure of a British-flagged tanker by Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps in the Strait of Hormuz on Friday.

Iran says the tanker violated international maritime regulations, a claim dismissed as groundless by the British government. It called an emergency meeting on Monday.

Hunt told parliamentarians after the meeting that the tanker seizure was an act of "state piracy."

He said Britain will seek to create a European-led mission to ensure safe passage of vessels in what he called a vital region.

He said the new scheme would contribute to a US-proposed coalition of allies to ensure security in the area.

Bu he said the European mission would not be part of the US policy of putting pressure on Iran as Britain remains committed to preserving the Iran nuclear deal.

He did not say whether Britain will impose its own sanctions against Tehran.

Key words : Philippine
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190723_17/

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has voiced concern over China's claims to the South China Sea, in an apparent bid to deflect criticism of his conciliatory approach to his country's powerful neighbor.

Duterte made the remark in his annual state of the nation address in Manila on Monday.

Duterte noted it was a problem that China was in possession of the South China Sea and claims all the resources there.

But he said avoiding armed conflict and protecting Philippine's territorial waters and natural resources compels his country to perform a delicate balancing act.

Since becoming president three years ago, Duterte has taken a conciliatory approach to China, effectively shelving the territorial dispute.

But the strategy is drawing growing criticism at home since it does not appear to be paying dividends.

A collision last month between a Chinese vessel and a Philippine fishing boat in a disputed area of the sea also triggered a public outcry.