Welcome to NHK NewsLine. I'm Morishita Erika in Tokyo.
PUTIN READY TO DECLARE VICTORY DAY CEASEFIRE WITH UKRAINE
Russia is ready to declare a temporary ceasefire with Ukraine during its Victory Day celebrations next week.
The Kremlin says President Vladimir Putin relayed the idea to his US counterpart, Donald Trump, in a phone conversation.
Russia commemorates the surrender of Nazi Germany in World War II on May 9.
A Russian presidential aide said on Wednesday Trump actively supported Putin's idea of a pause in fighting.
The aide blamed Ukraine for prolonging the conflict, encouraged by European countries and with their support.
He said that Putin and Trump expressed similar assessments of the government in Kyiv.
The two leaders also discussed the situation in Iran.
00:01:04 話者 10/Trump
He told me he'd like to be involved with the enrichment if he can help us get it.
I said I'd much rather have you be involved with ending the war with Ukraine.
00:01:15 話者 1
The Kremlin said Russia put forward proposals aimed at resolving the differences surrounding the Iranian nuclear program.
ZELENSKYY: UKRAINE TO INCREASE LONG-RANGE STRIKES ON RUSSIA
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says his country will step up long-range attacks on Russia. This comes amid the spate of strikes on Russian energy infrastructure.
Ukrainian forces are increasing attacks on such facilities in an effort to disrupt energy sales that fund the invasion. They hit an oil refinery in southern Russia earlier this week.
Zelenskyy said in a social media post his country is in a new stage in the use of Ukrainian weapons to limit the potential of Russia's war.
He added that Ukraine will extend the range of its attacks and that long-range strikes are justified.
Russian President Vadma Putin said on Tuesday Ukraine is resorting to openly terrorist methods.
He said Ukraine is losing territory every day and is now relying on terror both against military personnel and against civilians.
CHINA SAYS JAPAN MUST NOT POSSESS NUCLEAR WEAPONS
China has called for Japan to be prevented from acquiring nuclear weapons.
The comments were made at the Nuclear Disarmament Conference in New York.
A review conference of the parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons began on Monday at the United Nations Headquarters.
The head of the Chinese Foreign Ministry's Armed Control Department, Sun Xiaobo, claimed Japan is pushing to revise its pacifist constitution.
He added that country is trying to reveal its three non-nuclear principles and said the acquisition of nuclear weapons must be prevented.
Japanese ambassador to the Conference on Disarmament, Ichikawa Tomiko, rejected the claim. She said Japan's government remains committed to these three principles.
00:03:24 話者 11/Ichikawa Tomiko
Japan, as the only country to have ever suffered atomic bombings in war, will continue to work closely with the international community to realize a world without nuclear weapons.
00:03:39 話者 1
China countered by saying Japan has long stockpiled quantities of plutonium that far exceed civilian needs.
Ichikawa denied this, saying there are no issues related to nuclear non-proliferation.
TRUMP WON'T ACCEPT OFFER WITHOUT NUCLEAR DEAL
US President Donald Trump and his team have been discussing Iran's latest offer this week.
Tehran has reportedly proposed to first open the Strait of Hormuz and lift the blockade while postponing the nuclear talks.
But US media outlets are reporting that Trump has no intention of accepting it.
US news site Axios says Trump will maintain a naval blockade until Tehran agrees to a nuclear deal.
It says Trump views the blockade as somewhat more effective than the bombing.
Axios also cites sources as saying the US Central Command is preparing a short and powerful wave of strikes against Iran.
The move is aimed at breaking the deadlocked negotiations.
But the sources say Trump had not ordered any attacks as of Tuesday night.
Trump posted another warning on social media.
He says that Iran can't get their act together and they don't know how to sign a non-nuclear deal.
He later told reporters that Iran needs to give up. When asked if the US needs to launch more strikes, Trump wouldn't give a clear answer.
00:05:26 話者 10/Trump
I don't know, it depends. We have talks, we're having talks with them now, and we're not flying anymore with 18-hour flights every time we want to see a piece of paper.
We're doing it telephonically, and it's very nice.
00:05:39 話者 1
Iran's state TV quotes a security source as calling the blockade maritime piracy and banditry. The source warns that it will be met with practical and unprecedented action.
And says Iranian forces have been showing restraint so far to give diplomacy a chance.
JAPAN BOND YIELD HIGHEST SINCE 1999 AS CRUDE OIL SURGES
The yield on Japan's benchmark government bond reached levels not seen in about 27 years in trading on Thursday.
This comes as uncertainty surrounding talks between the US and Iran affected a broad range of markets in Tokyo.
The 10-year bond yield topped 2.5%. That's the highest since February 1999.
Analysts say bond investors are selling out of concern that soaring crude oil prices due to the Iran conflict may further fuel inflation in Japan.
WTI crude oil futures spiked in New York overnight, briefly topping $110 per barrel.
That's the highest in about three weeks. Sentiment is said to be shifting among investors.
Many had expected negotiations to fully reopen the Strait of Home moves would advance, but their outlook is becoming increasingly pessimistic as the stalemate continues between the two sides.
Investors are also selling the yen and buying the dollar as a safe-haven asset.
On Thursday in Tokyo, the Japanese currency weakened to the mid-160 range against the dollar, the lowest level in about a year and nine months.
Stocks are also seeing a broad sell-off.
The Nikkei 225 fell just over 1% to close at 59,284 on Thursday.
Market sources say that with oil futures climbing again, investors are becoming increasingly concerned about the outlook for the bond, stock and currency markets.
JAPAN AIMS TO BOOST FOOD EXPORTS TO BANGLADESH
Japan's agriculture minister has met with his Bangladesh counterpart as part of efforts to increase Japanese food exports to the South Asian nation.
Suzuki Norikazu and Mohammed Amin al-Rashid sat down in Dhaka on Wednesday.
Suzuki's visit follows the signing of an economic partnership agreement between the two countries in February.
He said Japan aims to boost shipments of food items like Wagyu beef, as well as forestry and fisheries products.
Rashid said Bangladesh is seeking technological support in the areas of agriculture and food safety. Suzuki toured a supermarket in Dhaka after the meeting.
He learned about the varieties of rice and other food items sold there.
00:08:51 話者 21/Suzuki Norikazu
We will work to develop markets in countries like Bangladesh that have traditionally had friendly relations with Japan and where the appreciation of Japanese food is deepening.
00:09:04 話者 1
Bangladesh has a population of more than 170 million and is expected to experience further economic growth.
Japan is keen to see its food products gain a larger share of the market especially as rice is a staple food in the country.
WOMAN ATTACKED BY BEAR IN TOYAMA, CENTRAL JAPAN
A woman was attacked by a bear in a residential area in the central prefecture of Toyama when she was out walking her dog. Authorities later put down a bear near the scene.
Toyama city officials say the incident occurred on Wednesday night.
The woman in her 40s was taken to a hospital and is conscious.
Possible bear sightings were reported in the area after the incident.
City officials, local hunters and police began searching for the bear that attacked the woman on Thursday morning.
The city says it put down a bear Thursday afternoon in an emergency operation which allows hunting guns to be used that was authorized by the local government.
00:10:19 話者 33
SURVIVING A BEAR ATTACK Urban areas
Japan had a spike in bear attacks last fall. Now bears are heading into urban areas again.
This bear doesn't run even in car lights. More bear attacks could be possible in the months ahead as their food supply drops in the summer. What can we do to protect ourselves?
If you inadvertently encounter a bear, do not turn your back and run away.
That could make the bear aggressive. Slowly step backwards while facing the bear.
If an attack is imminent, lie face down on the ground and cover your head.
Be particularly cautious in the early morning hours, as bears are active around that time.
Stay safe.
TOKYO POLICE PUT HAMMER ATTACK SUSPECT ON WANTED LIST
00:11:18 話者 1
Tokyo police have placed a suspect on a nationwide wanted list in connection with attacks that left five people injured.
The man allegedly struck two students with a hammer-like object in western Tokyo on Wednesday.
The suspect, wanted on suspicion of attempted murder, is 44-year-old Takabayashi Teruyuki of Fusa City.
Investigators say he allegedly struck a male high school student in the face multiple times in Fusa. Another male student was also attacked.
Investigators say seven young people, including the two boys, had gathered near a restaurant at the time.
Police officers rushed to the scene and the suspect sprayed liquid at them using an agricultural sprayer. Three officers reportedly suffered injuries.
Police initially said the man had barricaded himself inside his home nearby after the incident. But when officers entered the house several hours later, he had already fled.
Police are searching for the suspect and are calling on the public for information.
PRODUCTION OF CHILDREN'S DAY FLAGS IN FULL SWING
Workshops in western Japan are stepping up production of large flags traditionally hosted in Kochi Prefecture for Children's Day.
In the city of Kami, Mitani Yasukiyo's workshop is busy ahead of the May 5 national holiday.
On one prospective flag, the craftsman is carefully painting over a sketch of a lucky treasure ship.
Another features a client's pet dog alongside Momotaro, a heroic boy born from a peach in Japanese folklore. The flags are called Hurahu.
The term is said to be derived from the English or Dutch word for flag.
They represent wishes for the healthy development of children.
00:13:32 話者 44/Mitani Yasukiyo
Each brushstroke reflects my great hope that every child will grow up in good health.
00:13:41 話者 1
Mitani knows the furafus are intended to last a lifetime.
He says he hopes the children will come to appreciate the gift from their families.
Those were the main stories for this hour.
♫～ 3-DAY FORECAST ～♫
That's all for this edition of NHK Newsline.
I'm Morishita Erika in Tokyo. Thank you for joining us.
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Easy Japanese
00:15:09 話者 2
Hi there.
Welcome to Easy Japanese from NHK World Japan.
I'm Erico Kojima.
00:15:15 話者 3
And I'm Michael Reese.
Let's have fun learning Japanese together.
00:15:19 話者 2
Today we bring you lesson nine on expressions for asking the names of things you don't know.
00:15:30 話者 3
The main character of our skit is Tam, a student from Vietnam who lives in Harusan House.
Tam has come to the basement deli of a department store with her housemate Kaito and his American friend, Mike.
00:15:42 話者 2
Such places are called depachika in Japanese.
Let's listen to the skit for lesson 9.
Kokoga, depachika daiyo?
I don't know...
I don't know.
Itadakimasu! Oh, I see this! Let's review the skit line by line.
00:16:24 話者 3
Kaito says to Tam.
00:16:28 話者 2
This is the department store's basement deli.
00:16:31 話者 3
Kaito's friend Mike says.
00:16:35 話者 2
They have all kinds of food.
It's great.
00:16:39 話者 3
Tam is astounded by the variety.
00:16:44 話者 2
Wow, this is amazing.
00:16:46 話者 3
Something catches her eye.
00:16:50 話者 2
What is this?
00:16:52 話者 3
Kaito answers.
00:16:56 話者 2
Pickled daikon radish.
00:16:58 話者 3
Mike encourages Tam to try a sample.
00:17:03 話者 2
Do you want to try it?
00:17:05 話者 3
Tam takes a piece and says, Itadakimasu.
00:17:08 話者 2
Yes, thank you.
00:17:10 話者 3
After taking a bite.
00:17:12 話者 2
Oh, I see this.
It's good.
00:17:15 話者 3
Kaito has another recommendation.
00:17:19 話者 2
Do you want to try this one too?
00:17:22 話者 3
Tam really took a liking to the basement deli.
By the way, Eriko, could you explain where the name Debachika comes from?
00:17:30 話者 2
Sure.
In department stores, the deli is usually in the basement floor.
DEPA is short for department store or depato.
By adding basement, chika, after it, you've got DEPA CHIKA.
Today's key phrase is, what is this?
Remember it, and you'll be able to ask the names of things you don't know.
Here it is word by word.
Kore is this.
It's used to point to something near you.
The wa that follows is a particle that shows the topic of the sentence.
Nan is an interrogative meaning what.
Today we have two points to talk about.
The first is demonstratives.
They're used to indicate something.
When singling out something close to you, say kore or this.
If it's something close to the person you're talking to, use sore or that.
When you want to talk about something that's far from you or the person you're speaking to, you use are or that over there.
As for the second point, when asking the name of something you don't know,
Finish the sentence with nan desu ka or what is.
Point to the thing, use one of the following demonstratives, kore, sore, are, add wa, and complete the sentence with nan desu ka to ask.
00:19:14 話者 3
So, if you want to ask about something that's close to you, you'd say kore wa nan desu ka.
00:19:21 話者 2
Exactly.
00:19:22 話者 3
Give it a try.
Listen and repeat.
Were you able to say it well?
00:19:45 話者 2
Now, listen to a customer asking a question to the clerk at the depachika.
Here's what it means.
00:20:10 話者 3
Excuse me, what is this?
00:20:13 話者 2
We learned that when you want to inquire about something to someone you don't know, you start off with sumimasen.
Excuse me?
00:20:23 話者 3
It's tea.
Listen and repeat.
00:20:35 話者 2
Let's try asking about other things.
A friend is eating something.
Ask what it is.
When referring to something near the person you're talking to, you use that.
Remember?
Give it a try.
This time, the friend will answer, so ask again.
This, it's taiyaki.
00:21:32 話者 3
Taiyaki is a Japanese pastry shaped like a sea bream fish.
00:21:36 話者 2
Next, you see something being grilled in a store somewhat away from you.
Ask a friend what that is.
When you're referring to something far away, you use that over there.
Now, go ahead.
The friend will answer the question, so ask again.
That is takoyaki.
Takoyaki is a kind of food shaped like a ping pong ball.
It's a grilled, flour-based batter with a piece of octopus inside.
Today's bonus phrase is this line by Tam.
Try to memorize it.
Oishii desu.
Oishii desu means it's good or it's delicious.
Sometimes we just say Oishii for short.
00:22:48 話者 3
This time, listen and repeat.
00:22:53 話者 2
Oishii desu.
00:22:59 話者 3
Try saying this when you've eaten something delicious.
00:23:03 話者 2
Listen to today's skit once again.
Kokoga de bachika daiyo?
I don't know what to do.
Itadakimasu.
Oh, I see this.
00:23:40 話者 3
Next up, Kaito is your food guide, talking about department store basement delis.
00:23:49 話者 2
So Michael, have you ever been to the basement deli of a department store, Depachika?
00:23:53 話者 3
Yes I have, many times in fact.
00:23:56 話者 2
Depachika sell a wide variety of foods such as ready-made dishes, bento box lunches, desserts, and bread, and not just Japanese food.
Look around and you're likely to find Western, Chinese, and much more.
00:24:09 話者 3
They're very convenient.
And you can buy your favorite dishes and then eat them at home or in your hotel room.
00:24:16 話者 2
Even just looking around is fun.
You'll come across food from famous restaurants, luxury items, and rare delicacies.
00:24:23 話者 3
And you can taste some of the food, right?
00:24:25 話者 2
Yes.
It depends on the store, but many places offer samples.
You might get pickled vegetables or cheese or ready-made dishes or dessert.
Keep your eyes open and shop around in Depachica, the treasure troves of food.
We hope you enjoyed today's Easy Japanese.
00:24:49 話者 3
Be sure to tune in again.
This is NHK World Japan English Radio Service.
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