at 20:00 (JST), March 31 AS

The United Nations Security Council has blacklisted 27 tankers and 21 shipping companies over alleged involvement in oil and coal smuggling by North Korea.

Diplomats from North Korea and the European Union are arranging talks between EU officials and a senior North Korean Foreign Ministry official.

Israeli troops opened fire on Palestinian demonstrators in Gaza. At least 15 people were shot dead and more than 1400 others were injured.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20180331200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : united nation security blacklisted
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180331_11/

The United Nations Security Council has blacklisted 27 tankers and 21 shipping companies over alleged involvement in oil and coal smuggling by North Korea.

The UNSC Sanctions Committee on North Korea announced on Friday that the ships and companies are now subject to asset freezes and port entry bans.

The tankers include those registered in North Korea, China, Panama, and Singapore. They are used to transport oil and coal.

The ships and the companies are alleged to have been involved in transfers of oil refinery products and other goods to North-Korean flagged ships at sea in violation of the Security Council's sanction resolutions.

The newly-listed ships include the 2 tankers -- one registered in North Korea and the other in Dominica -- which a Japanese Self-Defense Force patrol plane spotted side by side in open waters in the East China Sea in January.

The new designations were proposed last month by the US government.

US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley said in a statement the designations stem from efforts by the US and the UN Security Council to maximize pressure on the North and shut down its maritime smuggling activities.

Japanese diplomatic sources welcomed the move. They said it is significant the council has showed unity in stepping up pressure on the North.

Key words : diplomat north european
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180331_07/

Diplomats from North Korea and the European Union are arranging talks between EU officials and a senior North Korean Foreign Ministry official.

EU diplomatic sources tell NHK that the arrangements are being made for Kim Son Gyong, Director General of the North Korean Foreign Ministry's European Department.

Kim is expected to visit Brussels as early as next week to meet senior officials of the European Commission, the EU's executive body, and the European External Action Service, the EU's diplomatic service.

The 2 sides are likely to discuss the EU's ongoing development aid to North Korea, as well as its sanctions against the country.
Kim is said to be already in Europe, and is scheduled to visit several countries in the region through April.

The Swiss foreign ministry told NHK that its officials had met Kim on Thursday.

Diplomatic sources say North Korea appears to be seeking an opportunity for Ri Su Yong, the vice chairman of the Workers' Party, to visit Europe.

Ri is in charge of international affairs and was among the delegates who accompanied North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on a trip to Beijing this week.

Kim is expected to hold a summit with South Korean President Moon Jae-in on April 27th and with US President Donald Trump by the end of May.

Key words : north vice airport
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Key words : israeli troop shot dead
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180331_04/

Israeli troops opened fire on Palestinian demonstrators near the border fence with the Gaza Strip. At least 15 people were shot dead and more than 1400 others were injured.

The demonstrators were protesting Israel's refusal to allow the return of millions of Palestinian refugees.

Palestinians and their descendants, totaling 5.3 million people, have been unable to return to their homeland following the creation of the state of Israel 70 years ago.

On Friday, more than 10,000 Palestinians gathered in the Gaza Strip. Some had arrived on buses. The mass of people took part in a protest dubbed "The March of Return."

When some young demonstrators moved closer to the heavily guarded border area, Israeli troops fired live bullets and tear gas at them. Local health authorities say 15 people died and 1416 were wounded in the clash.

A Palestinian woman said her homeland was taken when Jewish people rushed in from across the world 70 years ago. She added that Palestinians have the right of return.

Palestinians plan to continue the tent protest until May 15th, the 70th anniversary of the date when Palestinians were expelled from their homeland.

Key words : member countries failed defuse
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180331_14/

Member countries of the UN Security Council have failed to reach a consensus over the issuing of a statement on Israel's use of deadly force against Palestinian protesters.

Kuwait requested an emergency meeting of the council on Friday. The call followed a march to the Gaza border fence by more than 10,000 Palestinian demonstrators. Israeli troops opened fire, killing at least 15 people and wounding more than 1400.

UN Assistant Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Taye-Brook Zerihoun, called for an independent investigation into the incident. He said lethal force should only be used as a last resort.

Some council members, including Britain, France and Russia, expressed concerns over the shootings, while a Swedish delegate condemned them.

But a representative of the US, which backs Israel, blamed what he called "bad actors who use protests as a cover to incite violence."

The Security Council plans to continue debating the incident. It remains unclear whether the world body will be able to come up with concrete measures to defuse the situation.

Key words : Russia 140 people leave
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180331_06/

Russia has ordered about 140 people to leave the country. Diplomats from 25 nations, such as the United States and Britain, are among those being expelled.

This is in retaliation for the expulsion of Russian diplomats by countries around the world, after the attempted assassination of a former Russian spy and his daughter.

Russia's foreign ministry summoned ambassadors and diplomats from 23 countries on Friday, and informed them of the countermeasure.

Russian officials said that the number of diplomats from a particular country, being forced to leave, will be the same as the number of Russians who were driven out of that country.

29 nations and NATO have decided to expel more than 150 Russian people, including diplomats.

Russia has disclosed that it told Britain to reduce the number of British diplomats and staff members in the country. Moscow apparently wants London to have the same number of diplomats and staff members in Russia that Russia currently has in Britain.

Key words : government similar measure Kono
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Key words : US report expressed concern
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180331_08/

A US government report has expressed concern about what it calls Japan's non-tariff barriers to auto imports, and says President Donald Trump's administration will insist that Japan remove them.

The office of the US Trade Representative used its annual report, released on Friday, to highlight foreign tariffs and regulations that discourage US trade and investment.

The report addresses the US trade deficit with China, which amounted to 375.2 billion dollars last year. It blames China for the problem, and accuses the Asian giant of violations of intellectual property rights and overproduction of metals.

The report says the US trade deficit with Japan in 2017 amounted to 68.8 billion dollars. It calls on Tokyo to provide greater access to its markets for agricultural products such as beef and rice.

It also says a range of non-tariff barriers impede access to Japan's auto market and are keeping sales of US vehicles low.

Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer said President Trump is fully committed to addressing unfair foreign trade barriers. He said the administration will use every available tool to ensure that Americans are treated fairly.

at 20:00 (JST), March 30 AS

Japan's government is believed to be closely monitoring the progress for an expected US-North Korean summit.

Japan and China are finalizing plans for China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi to visit Tokyo from April 15th.

Japan's government has compiled a basic plan for the ceremonies related to Emperor Akihito's abdication and Crown Prince Naruhito's accession next year.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20180330200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : government closely
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180330_05/

Japan's government is believed to be closely monitoring the progress for an expected US-North Korean summit. The apparent intention is to be ready to make behind-the-scenes arrangements with Pyongyang to explore the possibility of dialogue, including a bilateral summit.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un held his first meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing this week. Kim will also meet South Korean President Moon Jae-in on April 27th for the 3rd inter-Korean summit. He is also likely to meet US President Donald Trump.

Members of the Japanese governing and opposition parties are concerned that events may leave the country behind.

Japanese government officials say North Korea may also hold a summit with Russia.

Other officials say direct talks with North Korea will eventually be necessary to resolve the issue of the abduction of Japanese nationals by that country.

A senior Japanese government official says a number of diplomatic channels are being explored to contact North Korea.

The official adds that matters will depend on the US and North Korea as what matters most for Pyongyang is having the safety of its regime guaranteed.

The Japanese government is expected to coordinate with the US, South Korea, and China to determine to what extent North Korea is ready to denuclearize itself.

Key words : as north abductee
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180330_21/

As North Korea moves forward with planned summits with South Korea and the United States, a group of Japanese abductees' families are demanding its government use these developments as an opportunity to bring back their loved ones.

The families are calling on Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to remind President Trump when they are scheduled to meet next month.

Shigeo Iizuka, representative of the abductees' families, said, "A great chance has come. We want Kim Jong Un to return our family members."

Japan's government says at least 17 of its citizens were abducted to North Korea during the 1970s and 80s.

Five were returned after the Japan-North Korea leaders' summit in Pyongyang in 2002. But the other 12 remain unaccounted for.

NHK sources say a summit between Kim and Abe is a strong possibility.

A high-ranking Japanese official said the government is using various diplomatic channels to communicate with the North.

But the official said it will all come down to how the US - North talks turn out.

Key words : Japan China finalizing
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180330_29/

Japan and China are finalizing plans for China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi to visit Tokyo from April 15th.

Chinese government sources tell NHK that Wang is expected to meet Japan's Foreign Minister Taro Kono as well as Prime Minister Shinzo Abe during a 2-day visit.

Wang is likely to brief the Japanese leaders on the recent summit in Beijing between Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

He may also discuss the details of Chinese Premier Li Keqiang's proposed visit to Japan in early May.

The Japanese government is planning to invite Li for a 3-way summit with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and South Korean President Moon Jae-in.

It also hopes to arrange a meeting between Abe and Li.

Foreign Minister Wang also serves as China's State Councilor, which is equivalent to the rank of vice premier. He last met Kono in January in Beijing.

Wang's previous visit to Japan was in August, 2016 for a foreign ministerial meeting between Japan, China and South Korea.

Key words : government compile
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180330_12/

Japan's government has compiled a basic plan for the ceremonies related to Emperor Akihito's abdication and Crown Prince Naruhito's accession next year.

The plan says the ceremonies will honor the traditions of the Imperial Family, and that the concept and procedures will adhere to the ceremonies for the accession of the current Emperor in 1989.

The abdication ceremony will be held on April 30th. It will be the first abdication in the country's Constitutional history.

The accession ceremony will take place on May 1st, followed by 4 other ceremonies. The new Emperor will declare his accession in a ceremony on October 22nd, and a parade will be held on that day.

The government will set up a ceremonies committee later this year, headed by the prime minister.

The Cabinet is expected to approve the basic plan on Tuesday of next week.

Key words : foreign India
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180330_19/

The foreign ministers of Japan and India have agreed to cooperate in the development of the Indo-Pacific region.
Japan's Taro Kono told Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in Tokyo his government plans to provide yen loans worth about 1.4 billion dollars.

The money would be spent on several projects including construction of a subway system in Mumbai. The officials agreed to cooperate on upgrading other infrastructure, including ports and a high-speed railway network.

The latest decision brings to 3.6-billion dollars the total amount of loans Japan has pledged for India in the fiscal year that ends Friday. The amount is the highest on record for the two countries.

Japan and India have also agreed to establish a new framework.

Their governments and private sectors will be able to discuss economic cooperation and other issues under the arrangement.

Key words : Insight Water forum Brazil
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Key words : metropolitan
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180330_25/

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has released its first estimate of maximum storm surges triggered by a super typhoon hitting Tokyo Bay.

The central government made legal revisions 3 years ago to simulate maximum levels of storm surges at major bays across Japan after a series of typhoon and storm disasters.

Tokyo's estimate is based on a scenario that a typhoon with a central atmospheric pressure of 910 hectopascals has made landfall in the Kanto region, without its strength being diminished.

It says storm surges as high as 6 meters will hit Tokyo Bay, leaving low-lying areas flooded to a depth of more than 5 meters. It adds that the water could be 10 meters deep in some places.

The estimate also says that 17 of Tokyo's 23 wards -- an area as wide as 212 square kilometers -- could be inundated. These areas include key business and commercial districts.

It warns that the flooding may continue for more than one week, forcing about one million residents to leave their home wards for other municipalities.

An evacuation plan for such a scenario is still being discussed.

Each ward is required to produce a hazard map with information on evacuation routes and shelters, and to coordinate with Tokyo and the central government over related measures.

Key words : US space send
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180330_24/

The US space agency is preparing to send its first robotic lander to Mars to probe deep below its surface.
Findings from the mission could shed light on the origins of rocky planets like Earth.

NASA officials told reporters on Thursday that the InSight lander is to launch no sooner than May 5th and land on Mars in November.

The lander is equipped with a seismometer to observe quakes caused by volcanic activity or severe temperature changes. It also has a thermal probe that can bury itself 5 meters underground to measure heat flow.

Researchers hope to study the densities and structures of rocks and other underground materials by analyzing the tremors and heat that travel through them.

Mars has been free of tectonic plate movements since its birth 4.5 billion years ago or earlier. The history of its early days is said to be preserved deep below its surface.

NASA's principal investigator for InSight said the lander is like a time machine that will help scientists learn how Earth and other rocky bodies were formed.

Data gained from InSight could help future manned missions to Mars. US venture SpaceX plans to send a manned ship to the planet in 2024.

at 14:00 (JST), March 29 AS

North and South Korea have agreed to hold a summit of their leaders on April 27th.

The Japanese government is arranging a summit between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and US President Donald Trump to exchange views on North Korea.

The White House has responded positively to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's surprise visit to China and his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20180329200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : north hold a summit agreement
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180329_27/

North and South Korea have agreed to hold a summit of their leaders on April 27th.

The agreement came at a ministerial-level inter-Korean meeting held on Thursday at a facility on the North Korean side of the border truce village of Panmunjom.

According to a joint news statement issued after the meeting, officials agreed that South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will meet at a South Korean facility in Panmunjom.

It will be the third inter-Korean summit and the first in over a decade.

The officials also agreed to hold working-level talks next Wednesday in Panmunjom to discuss matters such as protocol and security for the summit.

At Thursday's meeting, South Korea's delegation was led by Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon. North Korea's delegation was led by Ri Son Gwon, the head of the Committee for the Peaceful Reunification of Korea.

South Korean presidential spokesperson Kim Eui-kyeom said South Korea hopes to make the forthcoming summit an epoch-making turning point to bring peace to the Korean Peninsula.

Key words : arranging Abe
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180329_09/

The Japanese government is arranging a summit between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and US President Donald Trump to exchange views on recent developments involving North Korea.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made a surprise visit to Beijing earlier this week for his first summit meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Kim is set to meet South Korean President Moon Jae-in next month, and is expected to meet Trump after that.

Abe said the Japanese government has been gathering and analyzing information on the meeting in Beijing with grave interest. He added the government will also seek a briefing from China.

Japan hopes to have Abe meet Trump on April 18th in Florida to reaffirm the close Japan-US partnership ahead of the first-ever US-North Korea summit. This will be Abe's sixth meeting with Trump.

He plans to confirm their earlier agreement to maximize pressure on North Korea until the country gives up its nuclear and ballistic missile programs in a complete, verifiable and irreversible manner.

Abe will also seek US cooperation in resolving the abductions of Japanese nationals by North Korea, and exemption of Japan from steep tariffs on steel imports by the US.

Key words : Kono stressed keep up
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180329_22/

Japan's Foreign Minister Taro Kono has stressed the need to keep up pressure on North Korea until the country takes concrete actions to denuclearize.

His remarks were made in connection with a surprise summit between North Korea and China held in Beijing earlier this week.

Kono was speaking on Thursday at the Upper House Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.

Kono said North Korea has not publicly announced its intention toward denuclearization, and that activity continues at its nuclear-related facilities. He said there is still a need to keep close watch on the situation.

Kono was also asked about the possibility of a summit between Japan and North Korea and a resumption of the six-party talks on the North's nuclear program.

The foreign minister said Japan will observe the outcome of the North's summits with the South and the US, and consider how best to resolve the North's nuclear and missile issues as well as abduction of Japanese nationals.

Asked when the government learned of the summit between the leaders of China and North Korea, Kono said Japan shares intelligence with the US and South Korea. He said the government does not make public what kind of information it received and when.

Key words : white positively
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180329_07/

The White House has responded positively to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's surprise visit to China and his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.

White House spokesperson Sarah Sanders said at a press briefing on Wednesday that the United States feels things are moving in the right direction.

Sanders said Kim left his country for the first time since becoming the leader of North Korea, and the United States considers that to be a positive sign that the maximum pressure campaign has been working.

The United States and its allies have been spearheading efforts to put pressure on Pyongyang to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula.

As for the circumstances allowing a US-North Korea summit to take place by the end of May, Sanders stressed the need for the North to deliver on its announced commitment to halting nuclear and missile tests.

Earlier, Trump showed expectations for a planned US-North Korea summit by tweeting that he received a message from Xi that Kim looks forward to a meeting of the two leaders.

Key words : Bach preparation
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180329_29/

International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach is starting a visit to North Korea.

Bach flew into an airport in Beijing on Thursday afternoon and left for Pyongyang later in the day.

At the airport, he told reporters that he will discuss North Korean athletes' preparations for future Olympics, including the Tokyo Games in 2020 and the Beijing Winter Games in 2022.

Bach said last month that he was making arrangements to visit North Korea after the PyeongChang Winter Games. He said he was invited by the country's Olympic committee.

Bach's visit comes after the IOC successfully helped with reconciliatory moves between North and South Korea at the PyeongChang Games.

Bach apparently hopes to make the IOC's presence felt in the international community by visiting Pyongyang before an inter-Korea summit in April, to be followed by a US-North Korea summit.

The North Korean side is believed to be hoping for greater support from the IOC for future Olympics as the country faces international sanctions over its nuclear and missile programs.

Key words : Japan Sugiyama
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180329_11/

Japan's new ambassador to the United States says Japan will seek US cooperation in resolving the abductions of Japanese nationals by North Korea.

Shinsuke Sugiyama formally assumed the position on Wednesday by handing a letter of credence to President Donald Trump at the White House.

In his first news conference as Japan's envoy to Washington, Sugiyama said he was warmly received by Trump.

He said he thinks Japan-US relations are at their best and that his role as ambassador is to maintain and strengthen them.

In reference to the planned summit meeting between Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Trump, Sugiyama said recent developments on North Korea will be one of the key issues.

He said resolving the abductions of Japanese nationals by North Korea is a top priority for Japan, along with the North's nuclear and missile development. He added Japan will use the opportunity to remind the US side of the importance of the abduction issue.

On the US imposition of steep tariffs on steel and aluminum imports that included Japan, Sugiyama said the measure is extremely regrettable. He said Japan must work out appropriate ways to respond.

Key words : joint drill
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180329_17/

The number of joint drills conducted by Japan and the US has more than tripled since new Japanese national security laws were implemented 2 years ago.

Thursday marked 2 years since Japan put into force the security laws, which allow the country to exercise the right to collective self-defense in a limited manner.

Since the laws took effect, Japan's Self-Defense Forces have taken on new duties. For example, they have been protecting US naval vessels and aircraft. They have also been supplying fuel to US Aegis destroyers that monitor potential missile launches by North Korea.

The number of joint exercises and US drills involving Self-Defense Forces personnel totaled 65 in fiscal 2017, which ends in March.

That's up more than 3-fold from fiscal 2015, the period immediately before the new laws took effect. The figure doesn't include undisclosed exercises.

The Japanese government says it will strengthen bilateral defense cooperation, through such drills and other measures, in view of North Korea's nuclear and missile development programs and China's increasing maritime activities.

Key words : Insight Abe scandal
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Key words : Akihito martial arts
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180329_23/

Japan's Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko viewed a karate demonstration in the southwestern prefecture of Okinawa on Thursday. The martial art originated in the prefecture.

On the third day of their tour of Okinawa, the Emperor and Empress visited the Okinawa Karate Kaikan, a facility that opened last year on the prefecture's main island.

Karate has been chosen as an Olympic sport for the 2020 Games in Tokyo. The local government built the facility to help spread the martial art.

A local official who showed the Imperial couple around the facility explained the origin of karate.

The official said karate developed from an ancient Ryukyu Kingdom fighting style called "te," meaning hand, which was mixed with martial arts from China and Japan's mainland.

The Imperial couple later viewed karate practitioners perform "kata," or patterns of movement. Some of the practitioners, now in their 70s and 80s, have been named intangible cultural assets by the prefecture.

The Emperor and Empress applauded their performances enthusiastically.

Afterward, the Emperor walked over to them and said he hopes they will continue to contribute to karate's development.

The Imperial couple is scheduled to return to Tokyo Thursday evening.

Key words : utility vehicle
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180329_24/

New versions of sports utility vehicles or SUVs are receiving much of the attention in the New York International Auto Show.

The event opened on Wednesday, featuring more than 40 makers and brands from around the world.

Toyota unveiled its new version of one of its compact SUVs which was also the most popular model in the US last year.

The maker says this new version offers an improved performance and better fuel efficiency.

Acura, Subaru, and Volkswagen are also showcasing their SUVs for the US market.

Meanwhile, Nissan unveiled its newly designed best-selling sedan.

Looking at the whole US market, new vehicle sales fell last year for the first time in 8 years, as fewer owners replaced their existing cars.

Auto analysts say manufacturers are aiming to maintain sales of existing models, rather than focusing on state-of-the-art concept cars.

at 20:00 (JST), March 28 AS

China says North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has indicated that his country is willing to work toward denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula.

NATO is expelling 7 Russian diplomats as part of the international response to the nerve-agent attack against a former Russian spy and his daughter in Britain.

The number of foreign residents in Japan has hit a new record high.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20180328200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : China says indicated
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180328_13/

China says North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has indicated that his country is willing to work toward denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula.

China's state-run Xinhua News Agency says Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un held a summit in Beijing. The report says Kim was in China from Sunday to Wednesday.

Xi reportedly welcomed what he said were positive changes that have taken place on the Korean Peninsula this year.

Xi said China is adhering to the goal of denuclearizing the peninsula, safeguarding its peace and stability, and solving problems through dialogue.

He added that China will continue to play a constructive role on the issue, and work with all parties.

Xinhua quoted Kim as saying that it is North Korea's consistent stand to be committed to the denuclearization of the peninsula, in accordance with the will of late President Kim Il Sung and late General Secretary Kim Jong Il.

Kim said North Korea is determined to transform inter-Korean ties into a relationship of reconciliation, and is willing to have a dialogue and hold a summit with the United States.

Kim is due to meet with South Korean President Moon Jae-in in late April and with US President Donald Trump by the end of May.

Xinhua quotes Kim as saying that the issue of denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula can be resolved if South Korea and the US respond to its efforts of goodwill while taking progressive and synchronous measures for the realization of peace.

Kim's trip to China was his first to a foreign country since he became North Korea's supreme leader in April of 2012, and the meeting with Xi his first summit.

Key words : Abe gather analyze
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180328_17/

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says Japan will gather and analyze information on the recent China-North Korea summit, while asking China to give details.

Abe made the comment at an Upper House committee meeting on Wednesday.

Abe said it was disclosed that North Korea had asked China for a dialogue prior to the planned inter-Korean and US-North Korea summit meetings.

He said such a change in North Korea's attitude is the result of an unwavering international campaign to apply maximum pressure on the country, in which even China and Russia participated. He added that Japan has taken the leadership in making it a worldwide campaign.

Abe also said the emphasis should not be on just holding talks, but on forcing North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons and missiles.

He said he will continue working with other countries to have Pyongyang take concrete actions toward denuclearization, and stressed that sanctions should be kept in place until it happens.

Key words : NATO expelling nerve-agent
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180328_08/

NATO is expelling 7 Russian diplomats as part of the international response to the nerve-agent attack against a former Russian spy and his daughter in Britain.

Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters on Tuesday that the attack was the first use of a nerve agent on the soil of the alliance's member states.

The 7 diplomats are among the roughly 30 officials working at the Russian mission in Brussels.

NATO took the step after 19 of its 29 member countries decided to expel Russian diplomats.

Despite the expulsion, Stoltenberg announced that NATO will maintain a framework for political dialogue with Russia. He indicated that the alliance wants to avoid an escalation of tensions.
So far, 26 countries, including the United States, Britain, Germany and Ukraine, have decided to expel Russian diplomats.

Key words : ruling testimony deepen
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Key words : foreign resident
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180328_04/

The number of foreign residents in Japan has hit a new record high, but there are also more cases of people overstaying their visas.

The Justice Ministry's Immigration Bureau says about 2.56 million foreigners were living in Japan at the end of last year.

That's up 7.5 percent from the year before and is the highest figure since record-taking began in 1959.

Chinese are the largest group with more than 730,000 residents, followed by about 450,000 South Koreans. The number of Vietnamese residents surged 31.2 percent last year to more than 262,000.

The bureau says the number of foreigners who overstayed their visas increased for the 4th straight year to about 66,500.

In many of these cases, people entered Japan on tourist or other types of short-term visas, but stayed in the country after finding work.

Officials plan to intensify their crackdown on illegal foreign residents. They are also encouraging visa violators to voluntarily visit an immigration office. Under the "departure order" system, they will be able to leave Japan without being detained.

Key words : Insight Mt. Fuji conservation
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Key words : watchdog reactor
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180328_19/

Japan's nuclear watchdog has approved a detailed plan for decommissioning the Monju prototype fast-breeder nuclear reactor.

Dismantling of the plant in Fukui Prefecture, central Japan, will take 30 years to complete.

The Nuclear Regulation Authority approved the plan submitted by the Japan Atomic Energy Agency at a regular meeting on Wednesday.

It calls for dismantling the reactor in 4 phases, ending by March, 2048.

The first phase aims to remove all the nuclear fuel in about 5 years, and is expected to start this year in July.

Questions remain about whether fuel removal from a fast-breeder reactor can be done safely. Removal and safe disposal of liquid sodium coolant is also a concern, as it burns furiously in contact with air or water.

The cost of the decommissioning is estimated to exceed 3.5 billion dollars, and it could go higher if earthquake proofing measures are included.

The government decided in December 2016 to scrap the reactor after a series of accidents and other safety problems.

The Monju was once considered a pillar of Japan's nuclear fuel recycling policy. The project has cost taxpayers 9.4 billion dollars so far.

at 20:00 (JST), March 27 AS

エラー 2042

エラー 2042

A special train believed to be carrying a North Korean VIP has left Beijing.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20180327200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : former finance speaking
#N/A


Key words : bureau chief refuse 46 times
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180327_27/

Former Finance Ministry bureau chief Nobuhisa Sagawa refused to answer questions at least 46 times during his Diet testimony about a scandal-filled land deal.

Sagawa testified before lawmakers at the Upper House and Lower House Budget Committees on Tuesday over the falsification of documents related to the heavily discounted sale of state-owned land to a private school operator.

Sagawa was grilled by 17 lawmakers.

He dodged questions at least 46 times during his sworn testimony, citing the possibility of criminal prosecution or his status as a target of investigation.

The questions Sagawa declined to answer concerned whether he knew about the alterations, who ordered them, and when and why.

The repeated refusals prompted opposition lawmakers to complain that Sagawa's Diet testimony was meaningless.

Key words : prosecutor Osaka voluntary basis
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180327_25/

Prosecutors in Osaka have been interviewing Finance Ministry officials on a voluntary basis as part of their probe into the falsification of documents pertaining to the sale of state-owned land to a private school operator.

Last year, prosecutors accepted lawyers' complaints regarding breach of trust involving the land deal, as well as complaints that former Financial Bureau chief Nobuhisa Sagawa and others destroyed public documents and evidence.

They learned that the documents had been tampered with during the course of their investigation.

Sources say a Finance Ministry official told prosecutors that Sagawa ordered the alterations.

Prosecutors are also said to have knowledge of an e-mail sent by a Financial Bureau official to the Ministry's Osaka bureau, ordering the falsifications.

If Sagawa ordered the falsifications, he could be charged with creating false public documents.

But two or more senior prosecutors say that holding Sagawa criminally responsible would require proof that he fundamentally changed the content of the documents into falsehoods.

Investigators have reinforced their team with prosecutors from across Japan. They plan to question Sagawa to find out who ordered the document falsifications and why.

Key words : Japan preparing as soon as
#N/A


Key words : ratify
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180327_22/

Japan is ramping up for the 11-nation Trans-Pacific Partnership to take effect as soon as possible.
The government has finalized a bill to ratify the trade deal.

The TPP will come into force after 6 of the signatories complete domestic procedures such as gaining parliamentary approval.

Japan hopes to lead that drive by obtaining Diet approval within the current session, which ends in June.

Cabinet ministers also decided on another bill to amend 10 related domestic laws necessary for putting the pact into effect.

It includes support measures for beef and pork producers, and an extension of the protection period for copyrights.

The 11 countries signed the deal earlier this month.
It covers most of the terms agreed on before US withdrawal last year.

But 22 items included in the original TPP will be put on hold in hope that Washington will come back to the table.

Key words : GSDF
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180327_11/

Japan's Ground Self-Defense Force is undergoing the largest reorganization since it was formed 64 years ago.

The GSDF launched a new Ground Central Command on Tuesday.

GSDF troops have been overseen by 5 regional armies.

Ultimate authority will now be vested in the new body.

It will assume unified command over all troops across the country, under the orders of the Defense Minister.

The aim is to respond to the changing security environment, including the need for stronger defense of the remote Nansei Islands in the southwest.

A new Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade is due to be launched for the purpose of remote island defense.

This unit will also come under the direct control of the new command.

Critics argue the new entity will make command and control procedures more time-consuming.

Others say vesting authority in a single entity reminds them of the concentration of power in the military before and during World War Two.

They say transparency must be ensured in managing the new restructured organization.

Key words : Insight SDF Rapid Deployment
#N/A


Key words : special train has left
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180327_30/

A special train believed to be carrying a North Korean VIP has left Beijing.

Diplomatic sources speculate that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un or his younger sister may have met Chinese President Xi Jinping.

The train departed from a railway station at around 3:00 PM on Tuesday and headed east. The train had arrived in China's capital the day before.

On Tuesday morning, a convoy of about a dozen black vehicles left the state guest house under tight security. They were later seen in the Zhongguancun district, home to many high-tech firms and universities.

Chinese and North Korean state-run media have had no reports of a delegation traveling to China.

There have been no reports about Kim Jong Un's activities in the North's media for 3 weeks. His younger sister Kim Yo Jong visited South Korea last month as his special envoy.

Key words : Hokkaido
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180327_21/

A court in Hokkaido, northern Japan, has found the captain of a North Korean boat guilty of theft but gave him a suspended prison term.

The Hakodate District Court sentenced the 45-year-old captain to 30 months in prison, as prosecutors demanded, but suspended for 4 years.

The captain admitted that he and 9 other crewmembers stole 39 items last November, when the wooden fishing boat stopped at an uninhabited island in Hokkaido.

The stolen items, including a power generator and home appliances, which were kept in a hut and a lighthouse, were worth about 53,000 dollars.

Presiding judge Takeshi Hashimoto said the captain led the malicious act and caused a large amount of losses.

He said the act is impermissible but the accused admitted the charges and showed remorse.

The captain will be sent to an immigration office for deportation procedures.

Eight of the crewmembers have already been deported to North Korea. One is in hospital in Japan being treated for tuberculosis.

Key words : Akihito arrived
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180327_26/

Japan's Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko have arrived in Okinawa for their likely final visit to the southwestern island prefecture before the Emperor's abdication next year.

Okinawa Governor Takeshi Onaga welcomed the couple at Naha Airport on Tuesday afternoon. The two waved to many people gathered there.

This is their 11th visit to the island. The trip was arranged due to the couple's strong wish.

They first visited Peace Memorial Park in Itoman City to pay tribute to those who died in fierce ground battles between Japanese and US troops in the closing days of World War Two.

They offered white chrysanthemums at a national cemetery that holds the remains of more than 180,000 people.

The couple talked to bereaved family members who gathered at the cemetery. The Emperor praised a former leader of a bereaved families' association for her contribution.

The Empress told a 98-year-old woman who lost her husband in battle to be well.

On Wednesday, the two are to visit Japan's westernmost island of Yonaguni for the first time.

Key words : panasonic
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180327_24/

Panasonic has opened a so-called smart town that aims to cut CO2 emissions by using renewable energy to power local homes and businesses.

The town was constructed on a 3.8-hectare plot in Yokohama. The site was formerly a factory owned by the Japanese electronics maker.

The town hosts a housing complex, a shopping center, a student dormitory and an R&D center run by IT giant Apple.

The organizers plan to generate some of the town's electricity using solar panels.

They've also built a hydrogen refueling station. A car-sharing service using fuel-cell vehicles that don't emit carbon dioxide is also planned.

Key words : stock easing
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180327_28/

Tokyo stock prices rose across the board on Tuesday mainly due to easing concerns over trade tensions between the United States and China.

The benchmark Nikkei stock average of 225 selected issues marked its second-largest gain of the year. It ended at 21,317, up 551 points from Monday's close.

The TOPIX index ended at 1,717, up 45 points.

The rise followed the previous day's surge in New York stock prices due to comments by US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. He said in an interview that the United States and China are holding constructive talks on trade issues.

Market sources in Tokyo say investors bought stocks as prices in major Asian stock exchanges rose. They say investors also took more risks as the dollar strengthened against the yen in the currency market.

at 20:00 (JST), March 26 AS

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says his wife has consistently denied allegations that she urged a school operator to press ahead with a controversial land deal.

South Korea has won an exemption from US President Donald Trump's steel tariffs.

Saudi Arabia says debris from ballistic missiles fired from neighboring Yemen has killed one Egyptian citizen and injured 2 others in the capital Riyadh.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20180326200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : Abe consistently
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180326_14/

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says his wife has consistently denied allegations that she urged a school operator to press ahead with a controversial land deal.

Abe spoke at an Upper House committee meeting on Monday. Former Finance Ministry official Nobuhisa Sagawa is scheduled to give sworn testimony in the Diet on Tuesday on changes made to documents related to the deal.

The ministry recently admitted to altering the documents.

It sold state-owned land to school operator Moritomo Gakuen for a fraction of its market price. This has sparked allegations of preferential treatment.

Abe's wife, Akie, was the honorary principal of a new school to be opened on the plot.

References to Akie were among the entries removed from the original. They include a remark she reportedly made urging Moritomo to press ahead with the transaction.

A member of the opposition Democratic Party told Abe that Moritomo's former head, Yasunori Kagoike, told opposition lawmakers last week that Akie made the comment. He asked Abe whether he thinks his wife could be held accountable.

Abe rejected Kagoike's comment. He said his wife has denied the allegations, and an unaltered document clearly shows she had nothing to do with the deal.

Abe said he has not shied away from answering questions about his wife.

Abe also said he hopes former Financial Bureau chief, Sagawa, will clarify what happened in his upcoming testimony.

Abe added the government has to do whatever is needed to uncover the truth and that he supports setting up an investigation body in the Diet.

Sagawa's successor, Mitsuru Ota, told the committee that the Finance Ministry has identified an employee who altered the documents. But he declined to reveal who it is citing the ongoing investigation to determine who gave the order.

Key words : Abe will not categorically
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180326_13/

Japan's prime minister says he will not categorically rule out the possibility of a trilateral summit among Japan, the United States and North Korea sometime in the future to solve the issue of Japanese nationals abducted by the North.

Shinzo Abe was answering questions in an Upper House committee on Monday. He said now is not the time to hold 3-way talks, and that such a summit can take place only when progress on the abductions issue can be expected.

On the possibility of a bilateral summit between Japan and North Korea, Abe said Japan is communicating with North Korea through its embassy in Beijing and other channels, but that he would not go into detail.

Abe also said there is no point in holding talks merely for the sake of holding talks. He stressed that resolving the abductions issue is crucial for Japan.

Abe also said he hopes to see progress on the issue at the planned US-North Korean summit and that he plans to use the preceding Japan-US summit in April for that purpose.

Key words : south tariff
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180326_20/

South Korea has won an exemption from US President Donald Trump's steel tariffs. But the country has accepted a quota on exports of the metal to the United States.

South Korea's trade minister Kim Hyun-chong says this removes uncertainties for domestic steelmakers.

The country is one of seven US trading partners given temporary waivers from steel and aluminum tariffs that Washington implemented on Friday. South Korea is the first to get the US to exclude duties on steel.

In exchange, the country will cap its exports of the metal at 2.68 million tons a year, which equals 70 percent of South Korea's annual average shipments to the US between 2015 and 2017.

Analysts say Washington granted the exemptions in return for concessions from Seoul in amending the Free Trade Agreement between the two countries. Trump has said the deal is unfair.

The US secured a 20-year delay in eliminating tariffs on South Korean pickup trucks.

Japan, along with China, was not granted a reprieve.
Talks had been underway since January.

Key words : saudi
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180326_23/

Saudi Arabia says debris from ballistic missiles fired from neighboring Yemen has killed one Egyptian citizen and injured 2 others in the capital Riyadh.

The Saudi military says it shot down 7 missiles late Sunday night.

Riyadh has been the target of similar attacks, but this is the first one that has resulted in a fatality.

Saudi authorities say Houthi anti-government forces in Yemen were responsible for the attack. The Shia forces are supported by Saudi Arabia's longtime adversary, Iran.

In a televised speech that almost coincided with the launch, a Houthi leader said their missiles would destroy the Saudi air-defense system.

The attack is believed to have been a show of resolve by the Houthi to keep on fighting, as Monday marks 3 years since Saudi Arabia and its Sunni coalition partners began a military intervention in Yemen's civil war.

The conflict is increasingly being seen as a proxy war between Saudi Arabia and Iran.

The fatal missile attack is raising fears that the row between the 2 regional powerhouses could escalate.

Key words : Insight spring sumo tournament
#N/A


Key words : transport asked
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180326_18/

Japan's transport ministry has asked a local district court to impose a fine on Nissan for conducting improper vehicle safety checks.

Ministry officials have concluded that the Japanese automaker's management bears extremely grave responsibility for lax oversight that led to the scandal.

Nissan allowed unauthorized workers to conduct final vehicle inspections for years. And even after the company disclosed the problem, improper testing at one plant continued.

The ministry has decided to seek a court order to slap an administrative fine on the company, although it stopped short of filing a criminal complaint.

Nissan President and CEO Hiroto Saikawa was summoned to the ministry on Monday.

Transport Minister Keiichi Ishii handed him a business improvement order, the second since last September.

Saikawa told reporters that Nissan will fully implement measures to prevent a recurrence and strive to win back trust.

Saikawa said, "My responsibility is to steer Nissan to put a thorough end to this long-running malicious practice. It is a very serious duty."

Ministry officials want to make sure Nissan honors its pledge to fix the problem.

They plan to conduct unannounced on-site inspections, and ask the company to report 4 times a year on how it's implementing preventative steps.

Key words : Toshiba
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180326_19/

Toshiba might not be able to sell its semiconductor subsidiary by the end of this month as planned.
Officials at the struggling electronics firm say that's because China's anti-trust watchdog has yet to approve the deal.

Toshiba decided in September to sell the subsidiary to a Japan-US-South Korean consortium for 2 trillion yen, or about 19 billion dollars.

Company officials say anti-trust authorities in Japan, the US, the EU, South Korea, Taiwan, the Philippines and Brazil have approved the sale. But so far China hasn't.

Toshiba wanted to complete the deal by the end of March to help pay off its debts ... and avoid being delisted from the Tokyo Stock Exchange.

The company raised over 5 billion dollars in December by selling shares to overseas investors. That would prevent Toshiba from being delisted even if the sale of the chip unit is delayed. Still, the firm wants to sell the subsidiary as soon as possible.

Shareholders may oppose selling the profitable chip unit if China's antitrust assessment process drags on .....or if the country comes up with conditions that could lead to a transfer of Japanese technology.

Key words : robot
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180326_16/

Robots are a common sight on factory floors. But recently robotic technology is going beyond, and now helping automate office work at Japanese companies that are facing major labor shortages.

Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance has rolled out robotic technology that can handle over 300 different tasks.
Computers have replaced workers, collecting the name, age and vehicle type of each policyholder in calculating car insurance premiums.

Teppei Oka of Mitsui Sumitomo Insurance said, "According to our calculations, each year the technology cut about 350 thousand work hours."

That's the average number of work hours put in by about 200 people in a full year.

A major rental property firm adopted similar technology last year.

Computers scan hand-written information from customers and fill in spreadsheets. The goal is to cut about 20 thousand work hours annually.

Tetsuo Murayama of Leopalace21 said, "We hope to improve customer satisfaction and strengthen the operations that only humans can handle."
Officials of a consulting firm specializing in such technology say that last year robotic process systems were adopted by more than 400 companies.

Key words : crowds domestic
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180326_21/

Crowds of domestic and foreign tourists are enjoying the sight of cherry blossoms in full bloom at a park in Wuhan City in China's inland province of Hubei.

The park at East Lake is one of the country's major cherry blossom spots with more than 10,000 trees of around 60 varieties.

Up to 80,000 people a day visit the scenic location during the cherry blossom season.

The first cherry trees at the park were presented by former Japanese prime minister Kakuei Tanaka to the widow of former Chinese premier Zhou Enlai in1979. The gift came after the 2 countries signed a peace and friendship treaty 40 years ago.

The park operator started developing the cherry trees 20 years ago with the aim of making East Lake equal to the world's leading cherry blossom spots, such as Hirosaki City in northeastern Japan and Washington DC.

A tree doctor from Hirosaki has been providing technical advice.

The operator says the trees went into peak bloom one week earlier than usual due to the warm weather. The season for viewing will continue until mid-April.

A local resident says cherry blossoms are a symbol of Japan, but they are popular in China as well.

at 20:00 (JST), March 25 AS

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says he will get to the bottom of a document-alteration scandal involving Finance Ministry officials, and regain public trust.

Massive rallies calling for stricter gun control have swept across the United States, in the wake of a school shooting rampage in Florida in February.

Japan's ski jumper Sara Takanashi has set a new world record for the most World Cup wins, clinching her 54th career victory in an event in Germany.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20180325200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : Abe scandal regain
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180325_13/

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says he will get to the bottom of a document-alteration scandal involving Finance Ministry officials, and regain public trust.

Abe spoke at a convention of his Liberal Democratic Party in Tokyo on Sunday. About 3,500 lawmakers and local chapter representatives were in attendance.

The prime minister apologized to the people for the scandal. He said he is ultimately responsible for the problem, which has been undermining public trust in the administration.

Abe promised to drastically reform government organizations to prevent a recurrence.
Earlier this month, the Finance Ministry admitted to altering more than a dozen documents related to a state land sale in 2016.

The ministry sold the land in western Japan to a school operator, Moritomo Gakuen, for millions of dollars below its market value.

The prime minister's wife, Akie Abe, was slated to become the school's honorary principal, sparking allegations of favoritism.

The document alteration included removing references to Akie's name and details that indicate the price was pre-negotiated.

On Sunday, the prime minister also stressed his commitment to amending the Constitution.

He noted that members of his party have been discussing possible amendments, including acknowledging the existence of Japan's Self-Defense Forces in the basic law.

He said it is the LDP's responsibility to put a reference to the SDF in the document and put an end to the debate over the constitutionality of the SDF.

LDP Secretary-General Toshihiro Nikai said the party aims to hold in-depth discussions on the matter in the Commission on the Constitution in both houses of the Diet, draw up an amendment proposal, and put it to a national referendum.

Key words : massive rallies
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180325_08/

Massive rallies calling for stricter gun control have swept across the United States, in the wake of a school shooting rampage in Florida in February.

Hundreds of thousands of people, from all generations, filled the streets of Washington on Saturday. Many of them carried placards that read, "No more gun violence," and "Protect children, not guns."

The rallies were organized by students at the Florida high school where 17 people were gunned down by a former student.

A high school student at the Washington rally says it may take a long time to restrict guns, but the important thing is for young people to speak out.

Similar events were organized in more than 800 locations in Central America, Europe and elsewhere.

In the US, whenever a shooting rampage occurs, calls are made for tougher gun control.

However, some people are vehemently opposed to stricter laws, saying guns are necessary to defend themselves.

US President Donald Trump's proposal to arm teachers to ensure safety at school is causing controversy.

Opinions are divided as to how to prevent tragedies like last month's school shooting from happening again.

Key words : seven people
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180325_15/

Seven people fell while climbing in the Yatsugatake Mountains in central Japan's Nagano Prefecture on Sunday. Police say 3 died, while the other 4 are being treated in hospital.

A mountain climber walking near the group reported the accident to police at about 8:30 AM local time.

The party consisted of 5 men and 2 women of various ages from the Kansai region.

A police helicopter took the 4 who were conscious to a hospital. One of them is severely injured.

The party is believed to have been heading to 2,805-meter-high Mount Amida from 2,370-meter-high Mount Tatsuba.

Police are trying to confirm the climbers' names and their itinerary.

Key words : ski jumper Germany
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180325_05/

Japan's ski jumper Sara Takanashi has set a new world record for the most World Cup wins, clinching her 54th career victory in an event in Germany.

The bronze medalist in the PyeongChang Olympics posted 100.5 meters in her first attempt on Saturday, topping gold medalist Maren Lundby from Norway and other rivals.

Takanashi fell short of improving the distance in her second jump, but managed to maintain the top spot with a total of 227.1 points.

The victory is her first for this season and 54th overall at a World Cup competition. It makes the 21-year old the solo record holder for World Cup wins in ski jumping for both men and women.

Takanashi said her first jump was good but her timing and aerial posture were off in the second trial.
She said it was amazing that she could win another title.

Austria's Daniela Iraschko-Stolz was runner-up and Lundby came in third.

Key words : Obama told tokyo
#N/A


Key words : transport
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180325_17/

Japan's Transport Safety Board is investigating an incident that forced the temporary closure of a runway at Fukuoka Airport on Saturday morning.

A Peach Aviation A320 aircraft stopped on the runway when a front tire blew out after landing.

No-one was injured, but some flights were cancelled or diverted to other airports.

The board designated it as a grave incident that could have caused an accident. Three investigators examined the punctured tire and the damaged wheel of the aircraft on Sunday.

A passenger said the plane started shaking after the front tires touched the ground.

Key words : thousands of observed blackout
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180325_11/

Thousands of cities across the world observed a one-hour blackout on Saturday to draw attention to environmental issues such as climate change.

The World Wide Fund for Nature, or WWF, began the "Earth Hour" event in 2007. More than 7,000 cities took part this year.

Major tourist spots like the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Parthenon in Athens went dark at 8:30 PM local time. Lights were also switched off in Hong Kong and Taiwan.

In New Delhi, a man who experienced the event said that small efforts all over the world could help save a lot of energy.

The WWF hopes the event will make people think about what they can do in their daily lives to protect the environment. That includes turning off lights when they're not needed and shoppers bringing their own bags instead of using plastic bags provided by stores.

Key words : credit card
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180325_14/

Credit card companies in Japan are restricting the use of their cards to buy cryptocurrencies, following the disappearance of massive amount of NEM from the crypto exchange, Coincheck.

JCB has decided to ban the purchase of virtual currencies using the cards it issues, or those that carry its brand. It cites the alleged theft of NEM and the violent fluctuations of prices due to speculative trading.

The company says it will not sign contracts with domestic cryptocurrency exchanges, and will urge its partners overseas to do the same.

Mitsubishi UFJ NICOS is considering banning purchases of virtual currencies with its cards, while LIFECARD has decided not to sign contracts with crypto exchanges.
There are concerns that cryptocurrencies could be used for money laundering.

Major banks in the United States and Britain have already banned purchases of cryptocurrencies with credit cards issued by their group companies.

at 20:00 (JST), March 24 AS

South Korea's government says it has agreed with North Korea to hold a ministerial talk on Thursday to discuss details of a planned inter-Korean summit.

proposed level to next week エラー 2042

Chinese Vice Premier Liu He has told US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin that China is ready and capable of safeguarding its national interests.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20180324200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : south ministerial to discuss
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180322_24/

South Korea's government says it has proposed holding ministerial level talks with North Korea next week to discuss details of a planned inter-Korean summit.

The two Koreas have agreed to hold a summit of their leaders in late April on the South's side of the truce village of Panmunjom. It would be the first such summit in 10-and-a-half years and the 3rd overall.

South Korea's Unification Ministry on Thursday announced that it proposed holding a ministerial level meeting on March 29th on the North's side of Panmunjom. It hopes to discuss the date and agenda for the summit.

It says Unification Minister Cho Myoung-gyon will head South Korea's delegation, as he did in the high-level inter-Korean talks held in January.

The presidential office and the National Intelligence Service will each send a single official.

South Korea will dispatch an art troupe of about 160 members, including a pop singer and a girl group, to Pyongyang on March 31st.

Key words : US researcher
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180324_06/

US researchers analyzing satellite imagery of a nuclear test site in North Korea report slower activities, which is noteworthy amid the country's recent desire for dialogue. But the researchers do not rule out possibility of a temporary suspension.

A Johns Hopkins University team on Friday released satellite imagery taken on March 17th of the Punggye-ri nuclear test site in the country's northeast region.

Nuclear tests have been conducted in an underground tunnel complex at Punggye-ri. The research team said excavation work was underway in the West Portal tunnel complex after the country's 6th nuclear test last September.

The US researchers say that as recently as March 2nd, work was observed at the site, with multiple mining carts observed near the tunnel, and newly dug sand piled up.

They say no such work could be confirmed in the March 17th photo, in which no mining carts are seen, and they noted the absence of freshly excavated sand.

The US team says the March 2nd imagery confirmed people moving around outside military accommodations and other facilities. But they say no such activity was seen on March 17th.

Key words : Japan trade ask
#N/A


Key words : chinese premier
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180324_17/

Chinese Vice Premier Liu He has told US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin that China is ready and capable of safeguarding its national interests.

China's state-run Xinhua news agency says Liu spoke with Mnuchin by phone on Saturday.

Their call came after US President Donald Trump's decision on Thursday to impose 25 percent tariffs on a broad range of imports from China. Trump claims that the country's trade practices violate US intellectual property rights.

The duties, which will go into force under Section 301 of the Trade Act, are expected to be levied on around 10 percent of Chinese imports, worth about 50 billion dollars.

Xinhua says Liu told Mnuchin that the measure violates global trade rules, and is detrimental to the interests of China, the United States, as well as the whole world.

But Liu expressed the hope that the 2 sides will stay rational and work together to maintain the overall stability of their economic and trade relations.

Xinhua says Liu and Mnuchin agreed to stay in communication on the issue.

Key words : French interior minister Paris
#N/A


Key words : nhk watchdog
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180324_11/

NHK has learned that at least 4 Japanese financial institutions listed by a nuclear-weapons watchdog as investing in firms involved in the production of nuclear weapons have internal policies forbidding such ties.

The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, or ICAN, says 329 banks and asset management firms in 24 countries and regions invested in companies involved in nuclear weapons production over a 3-year period starting in 2014.

NHK contacted 7 Japan-based banks and other institutions listed by the Nobel Peace Prize-winning group. Asked about ICAN's findings, 3 of the firms said they do not currently deal with such companies. Four institutions did not reply.

At least 4 said their internal regulations restrict them from investing or providing loans to businesses related to nuclear weapons production.

ICAN says 30 non-Japanese companies have suspended such investments following the adoption last year of the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

Yuki Tanabe, an official at the Japan Center for a Sustainable Environment and Society, says banks and other institutions could be accused of lacking social responsibility by doing business with such companies -- even when they have no direct deals with them, or have policies against such investments.

Key words : government panel
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180324_12/

A Japanese government panel has drafted a plan to identify and nurture experts who can promote the country's culture, products and services to the world.

The Minister for "Cool Japan" Strategy, Masaji Matsuyama, heads the panel, which is working to raise the profile of Japan overseas through its traditions, manga, anime, food, fashion, technology and more.

The draft includes a plan to allow foreign experts in anime and fashion to acquire residency permits more easily.

Currently, only researchers, business owners and some other foreign workers can apply for the permits under eased requirements.

The draft also calls on the government to support a new category of vocational university that will be allowed to open from the 2019 academic year. It says the government should assist with efforts to recruit experts as teachers in fields such as anime and tourism.

The draft also urges the government to launch a career consultancy website to connect companies with foreign graduates of schools in Japan.

The panel will finalize the draft on Monday.

at 20:00 (JST), March 23 (Autoscroll)

Steep tariffs ordered by US President Donald Trump for steel and aluminum imports have come into force. Trump exempted some of America's close allies from the duties, but not Japan.

エラー 2042

North Korea has called on the United States to lift its sanctions against the country.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20180323200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : steel import into force
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180323_27/

Steep tariffs ordered by US President Donald Trump for steel and aluminum imports have come into force.

Trump exempted some of America's close allies from the duties, but not Japan.

The tariffs of 25 percent on steel and 10 percent on aluminum took effect on Friday.

The Trump administration says China's overproduction of the metals has led to a flood of unfairly priced imports that pose a threat to US national security.

The White House granted a temporary reprieve for Canada, Mexico, the European Union, Australia, South Korea, Argentina and Brazil.

It says the "pause" will last until May 1st, pending discussions with the 7 economies.

The White House says other US security allies are welcome to discuss the possibility of an exemption.

On Thursday, Trump referred to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe as a "great guy" and a "friend of mine." But he said the days when Japan and other countries were able to take advantage of the US are over.

Trump made the remark while signing a memorandum authorizing heavy unilateral tariffs on Chinese products.

Key words : top regrettable
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180323_20/

Japan's top government spokesman says it would be extremely regrettable if Japan were subjected to US tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said on Friday that the Japanese government has repeatedly asked to be excluded from the tariffs. He said it has explained that imports from Japan do not adversely affect US national security.

Suga added that even if Japan is not excluded, the government will continue to press the United States.

Key words : china commerce ministry
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180323_21/

China's commerce ministry says it's preparing to take countermeasures to the US tariffs on steel and aluminum imports.

It will target 128 US products including dry fruit, wine and stainless-steel pipes. Those imports were worth about 3 billion dollars last year.

Chinese officials say they will discuss the issue with their US counterparts.

Key words : Trump decided
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180323_09/

US President Donald Trump has decided to impose heavy tariffs on a broad range of imports from China over trade practices that his administration claims violate US intellectual property rights.

Trump made the decision on Thursday. The duties will go into force under Section 301 of the Trade Act, which allows US authorities to impose unilateral sanctions in response to what they determine to be unfair trade practices.

Trump said the tariffs will be levied on up to 60 billion dollars of Chinese imports. China accounts for the largest share of the US trade deficit.

Speaking at the White House, Trump said he continues to have "tremendous respect" for Chinese President Xi Jinping.

But he stressed that the US trade deficit is the largest of any country in the history of the world and is "out of control."

Trump signed a document to order the Office of the Trade Representative to make a list of products subject to the levies. The tariffs will take effect after the creation of the list.

The Trump administration plans to file a complaint at the World Trade Organization over its claim that China is infringing US intellectual property rights. It says it will also consider restricting Chinese investment in the US.

Trump has been taking a hard-line stance on trade issues, particularly against China, ahead of mid-term congressional elections set for this autumn. Trade friction between the 2 nations is likely to intensify further.

Key words : share price tokyo
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180323_31/

Share prices in Tokyo suffered their second biggest single-day loss this year over concerns about intensifying trade tensions between the United States and China.

The benchmark Nikkei Average lost more than 1,000 points at one time in trading on Friday.

The index finished at 20,617, down 974 points from Thursday's close. It's the first time since October that the index has closed below 21,000.

The TOPIX index of all first-section issues closed at 1,664, down 62 points.

The slide came after the US government announced heavy tariffs on Chinese imports and China said it would prepare countermeasures.

Market sources say investors are increasingly worried that the frictions may intensify, affecting Japanese companies.

They say investors are waiting to see if the US will add Japan to the list of countries that are exempted from steep tariffs on steel and other products.

Key words : Trump choice
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Key words : north called on
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180323_24/

North Korea has called on the United States to lift its sanctions against the country.

A commentary in Friday's edition of the ruling party newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, said the current positive atmosphere on the Korean Peninsula is the sole result of North Korea's initiative and efforts.

It also noted that if the US maintains its sanctions, this would mean that the country has not given up its hostile policy towards North Korea. The commentary repeated North Korea's view that the sanctions have failed.

Pyongyang has yet to officially comment on a possible meeting by May between US President Donald Trump and the country's leader, Kim Jong Un. This would be the first summit of a North Korean leader and a sitting US president.

Key words : Thailand set up
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Key words : Insight thailand
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Key words : Genkai
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180323_22/

The Number 3 reactor at the Genkai nuclear power plant in Saga Prefecture, southwestern Japan, has been restarted for the first time in 7 years and 3 months.

Kyushu Electric Power Company initiated restart procedures on Friday by removing the control rods that suppress atomic fission.

The company says the reactor will reach criticality -- a self-sustained nuclear reaction -- early on Saturday, and begin power generation and transmission on Sunday. The reactor is expected to go into commercial operation in late April.

The reactor runs on MOX fuel, which is a mixture of plutonium extracted from spent nuclear fuel and uranium.

It is the 7th reactor to be restarted under new regulations introduced for commercial nuclear power plants after the 2011 Fukushima accident.

The six reactors currently in operation are 2 at the Sendai plant in Kagoshima Prefecture, one at the Ikata plant in Ehime Prefecture, 2 at the Takahama plant in Fukui Prefecture, and one at the Ohi plant, also in Fukui.

Kyushu Electric plans to restart the No. 4 reactor at the Genkai plant in May.

The Genkai plant is located in a coastal area, with 20 small islands within a 30-kilometer radius. Experts point out the importance of evacuation plans for the islanders in the event of a nuclear accident in bad weather.

Key words : Fukushima London
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180323_17/

The governor of Fukushima Prefecture has promoted local farm products in London in a bid to ease lingering concerns about the safety of foods from the nuclear-accident-hit prefecture.

Masao Uchibori was in London on Thursday on the first leg of a 4-day European tour. The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant suffered meltdowns following a massive earthquake and tsunami in 2011, raising fears about food safety.

At an event to disseminate information on Fukushima at the Japanese Embassy in London, Uchibori thanked the people of Britain for their support over the past 7 years.

He vowed to continue efforts to rebuild his prefecture's disaster-stricken areas.

At the event, British government officials and businesspeople were served dishes made from ingredients produced in Fukushima, including a new variety of large-grain rice and premium beef.

Some of the guests said they had never tasted such delicious sushi and that they will definitely buy foods from Fukushima.

The governor told reporters that unfounded rumors have yet to be eradicated overseas. He pledged to work to restore the reputation of Fukushima's agricultural products by implementing thorough safety measures.

The governor and his team will move on to France on Friday.