at 18:30 (JST), April 19

Asian View
"Asian View" is a five-minute news segment broadcast by NHK WORLD-JAPAN. It features the latest news and deep analysis from Japan and the rest of Asia. Listen to "Asian View" and get the latest information from a region that's playing an increasingly important role in the world.





https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20230419183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : arrested throw upper house
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230418_22/

NHK has learned that the man arrested on suspicion of throwing an explosive device at Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio had unsuccessfully sued the government over electoral eligibility.

Police are investigating whether the legal issue is related to the suspect's motive.

The prime minister was about to give a speech in support of a by-election candidate at a fishing port in the western city of Wakayama on Saturday when attempted attack occurred.

Kimura Ryuji, who is 24 years old, was arrested on the spot.

NHK learned the suspect filed a damages suit with the Kobe District Court last year that claimed the government prevented him from vying for an Upper House seat.

Court records show that Kimura maintained that the 30 years or older age qualification, as stipulated for candidacy in the election under the public offices election law, is in violation of the Constitution.

He also claimed that an article of the law requiring an Upper House election candidate to make a 3-million-yen deposit, equivalent to about 22,300 dollars, also violates the Constitution.

He demanded compensation from the government worth 100,000 yen, or more than 700 dollars, for what he claimed was psychological suffering after being ruled ineligible to stand in last July's Upper House election.

The court dismissed the case last November, arguing that the age qualification and the deposit system are reasonable requirements for candidacy. Kimura appealed the ruling last December.

A relevant judgment from the Osaka High Court is expected to be handed down next month.

Key words : india free trade
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230418_39/

India and Russia have started talks on a free trade agreement to further enhance their economic ties, which have deepened since Western countries imposed sanctions on Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine.

Russia's Trade and Industry Minister and India's Foreign Minister attended a business event in New Delhi on Monday. Both expressed eagerness to step up negotiations on a trade treaty.

India has now become a major buyer of Russian oil.
The country's overall imports from Russia in the 12 months through March nearly quadrupled from the previous period, to about 46 billion dollars.

New Delhi wants to narrow its growing trade deficit with Moscow, which has been India's largest supplier of military equipment for decades.

Experts say the trade talks signal a clear step closer in the two countries' economic relations, even as Western countries are pushing India to distance itself from Russia.

India hasn't explicitly criticized Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Instead, it has called for a peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue.

Key words : automaker motor show
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230418_35/

Automakers from around the world are showcasing their electric vehicles at one of the world's largest motor shows in Shanghai.

The 10-day event began on Tuesday. More than 1,000 companies are taking part.

One out of every four new cars sold in China last year were electric, plug-in hybrid or fuel-cell models. The ratio is expected to rise this year to around one-third, or over 9 million vehicles.

Chinese EV maker BYD rolled out an SUV at the event.

Toyota unveiled two concept EVs. Honda is displaying three electric models. All are being shown to the public for the first time.

Japanese automakers are said to be lagging behind in China, the world's largest EV market.

Key words : religion related child abuse
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