at 18:30 (JST), September 12

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/20230912183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : train kim reportedly
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230912_06/

North Korea's ruling Workers' Party newspaper has reported that the country's leader Kim Jong Un left the capital Pyongyang for Russia on a special train on Sunday afternoon.

The Rodong Sinmun on Tuesday carried photos showing Kim wearing a black outfit while walking on a red- carpeted platform at a station with military honor guards in attendance. Kim is also shown boarding the green-colored train.

Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui and other officials are reportedly accompanying him on the trip.

The latest report followed an announcement by North Korea on Monday that Kim would soon visit Russia to hold talks with President Vladimir Putin.

This will be Kim's first visit to Russia in four years, and his second summit with Putin. Kim visited Russia in April 2019.

It will also be the North Korean leader's first confirmed overseas trip since the coronavirus pandemic.

The train appears to be heading to Vladivostok in the Russian Far East. The details of the schedule have not been released.

Key words : abused human rights relief
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230911_26/

A group of alleged victims of sexual misconduct by the late founder of leading Japanese talent agency Johnny & Associates has applied to the Japan Federation of Bar Associations for human rights relief.

Nine men lodged applications with the JFBA on Monday. They say last Thursday, the agency acknowledged for the first time that Johnny Kitagawa sexually abused minors for many years and pledged to compensate his victims.

But they say it is unclear how each victim will be identified and how relief will be provided.

The group called on the JFBA to guide the agency as it identifies victims, helps to heal their mental scars and draws up measures to prevent recurrences.

Representative of the group Hiramoto Junya told reporters the victims now feel that their prospects are somewhat brighter. But he added that in reality, they have not been acknowledged as victims, nor have they received a direct apology. He said this must be the first step.

Johnny & Associates released a comment to NHK, saying it will engage in sincere dialogue with the people who have come forward.

The agency also says it plans to swiftly address a number of issues, including specific compensation and how to rebuild corporate governance.

Key words : suntory
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230912_07/

An increasing number of Japanese companies are reviewing their relationships with a major talent agency, Johnny & Associates, due to a sexual abuse scandal involving the firm's late founder.

Johnny & Associates admitted on Thursday that its founder Johnny Kitagawa sexually abused many minors over a long period of time.

Beverage maker Suntory Holdings says it has decided not to sign a new contract with the agency. Suntory has asked the agency to come up with a plan to support victims and prevent recurrences. It says it will only sign a new contract, if the agency draws up a satisfactory plan. The beverage maker says it made the request in writing on Monday. Suntory also says it asked the agency to strengthen corporate governance.

Nissan Motor says, for the time being, it will not use performers from Johnny & Associates for sales promotion activities, including new advertisements. The automaker says abuse is against one of its corporate policies. The policy requires respect for human rights.

Nissan says it will review its decision, if the talent agency implements preventive measures.

Nippon Life Insurance has also decided not to sign a new ad contract with the agency.

Two major Japanese beverage makers, Kirin Holdings and Asahi Group Holdings, earlier announced that they would stop creating new ads with entertainers under contract with the agency.

Key words : thailand
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230911_34/

Thailand's new prime minister, Srettha Thavisin, has outlined his government's policy priorities. In his first parliamentary speech, Srettha expressed his determination to amend the country's Constitution implemented under the military-backed government.

"The government will engage in discussions to emphasize the importance of involving citizens from all regions in designing a modern and mutually acceptable democratic constitution," he said.

Srettha stressed the importance of holding a referendum on constitutional revision. But he didn't give a specific time frame. The current Constitution stipulates upper house lawmakers are picked by the military.

Srettha also said his administration will drop mandatory military conscription and cut the number of high-ranking armed forces personnel.

Srettha described Thai economy as "sick" from COVID-19 pandemic. He said the government plans some stimulus policies, including a handout of 10,000 baht, or about 280 dollars, through digital wallets.

On the international front, Srettha didn't directly mention Myanmar, where fierce fighting resulting in civilian casualties continue after military coup two years ago.

Srettha is from the Pheu Thai Party, which came second in the May election, after the pro-democratic Move Forward Party. Pheu Thai formed a coalition with pro-military parties, but without Move Forward.
That calculated political move has stirred criticism from the public.

Key words : bank of japan end of hit 0.705
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230911_23/

The yield on Japan's 10-year government bond has risen to its highest level since January 2014.

It hit 0.705 percent at one stage on Monday.

A move by the Bank of Japan in July to slightly relax its grip on long-term yields has been putting upward pressure on the benchmark bond's yield.

BOJ Governor Ueda Kazuo has since indicated the possibility of another tweak in the near future. He has told the media that "all the materials" for a decision on monetary policy are likely to be gathered by the end of this year.

He said the lifting of the BOJ's negative-interest rate policy is one choice.

Fixed-interest rates on mortgages usually reflect the benchmark bond's rates.

Japan's leading banks have raised their fixed rates to apply in September in the wake of rising long-term interest rates.

Key words : eight major launching
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230912_15/

Eight major Japanese companies have announced they are launching a firm to set up a common digital asset infrastructure. They say they will also issue their own cryptocurrency backed by legal tender.

The businesses announced on Monday they will jointly launch "Progmat" in October. They include Mitsubishi UFJ Trust and Banking, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Bank and NTT Data.

"Having similar infrastructure systems reduces efficiency," Saito Tatsuya, founder of Progmat, said. "Progmat is designed to create one, strong network."

Officials say the firm will now study how to issue its own currency-based crypto asset, or stablecoin. They say it will be tied to the yen, dollar and other currencies, and utilize blockchain technology.

The officials say they hope to start issuing their stablecoin next summer. They say it will help expedite payments for cross-border trade and cut transaction fees, among other benefits.

Key words : nakamura south next year
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230912_02/

Fourteen-year-old Japanese "Go" player Nakamura Sumire intends to shift her base of professional activity to South Korea next year. The country is known for yielding a number of talented players of the traditional board game.

The Nihon Ki-in, Japan's association of "Go," says Nakamura has applied to South Korea's association to play in the country as a visiting player starting next year.

Nakamura turned professional at the age of 10, becoming the youngest player to ever do so at that time. She won the Women's Kisei title in February at the age of 13 years and 11 months to become the youngest holder of a major female title in Japan.

The move comes after the Japanese association last month decided to recommend her to play in South Korea as a visiting "Go" player.

If approved, she will start competing in South Korea in March and will no longer be able to take part in title games in Japan.

Officials say this is the first time a Japanese player belonging to the Nihon Ki-in will move their base to a foreign country.

Kobayashi Satoru, the head of the Japanese association, said the organization supports the hopes of players to improve their skills in a more competitive environment.

He said some people may be disappointed at the news, but he believes Nakamura's transfer to South Korea will be welcomed by fans in both countries.