at 20:00 (JST), April 30 AS

エラー 2042

エラー 2042

エラー 2042

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20180430200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : Kono
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Key words : relative left
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180430_15/

Relatives of Japanese nationals abducted to North Korea have left for Washington ahead of the first ever summit between the leaders of the US and the North.

The group left Narita Airport near Tokyo on Monday.

It includes Takuya Yokota whose sister, Megumi, was abducted in 1977 when she was a first-year junior high school student.

They will later be joined by Koichiro Iizuka. Iizuka was just one year old when his mother, Yaeko Taguchi, was kidnapped in 1978.

During their stay in the US, the group will meet key government officials to ask for help in bringing home their loved ones.

The group is also scheduled to attend a symposium at UN headquarters in New York. They will join a defector from North Korea and the parents of Otto Warmbier to call for cooperation to deal with human rights violations by the North.

Warmbier died soon after his release from more than one year of captivity in the North.

Yokota said he wants to tell as many US government officials as possible that abductees' families are calling for the immediate return of all the victims.

Yokota said not much time is left, as the victims' parents are getting old. He said he hopes to make the upcoming visit their last one to the US and wants Pyongyang to be aware that this is the last opportunity to resolve the issue.

US President Donald Trump has expressed his willingness to provide full support to abductees' families to get their loved ones back.

Key words : south implementing
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Key words : US secretary ABC demonstrate
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180430_04/

The new US secretary of state has disclosed that he told North Korea's leader the US will maintain pressure on Pyongyang until it takes concrete action toward denuclearization.

In an ABC News program on Sunday, Mike Pompeo said the US will require "steps that demonstrate that denuclearization is going to be achieved." He said the US is "not going to take promises or words."

Pompeo revealed that he explained the US stance and a "complete, verifiable and irreversible mechanism" for denuclearization during his recent meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Pompeo noted that in an expected US-North Korean summit, the US will seek an agreement on the denuclearization mechanism and its implementation.

He said the best outcome would be that the 2 leaders can agree that they are going to direct their teams to deliver denuclearization. He said Kim is going to have to "make a big decision."

Although Pompeo remained cautious about whether North Korea is trustworthy, he noted that Kim is ready to discuss denuclearization with the US. Reflecting on his visit to Pyongyang, he said he believes there is a real opportunity.

Key words : security adviser
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180430_12/

US President Donald Trump's new national security adviser, John Bolton, says the United States has the Libya model in mind to denuclearize North Korea.

US President Donald Trump is planning a summit with North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un to address the nuclear issue.

Bolton told Fox News Sunday that the US wants evidence the country has made a strategic decision to give up all of its nuclear weapons.

He said Trump sees potential for a historic agreement, but that there is also the potential for no deal at all.

Bolton referred to Libya, which announced a plan in 2003 to give up its weapons of mass destruction, and later implemented it.

He stressed the need for Pyongyang to first denuclearize the Korean Peninsula while the international community maintains sanctions.

Bolton said it could be very important for North Korea to follow the Libya model and disclose everything related to its nuclear weapons program with full international verification.

In a separate interview with another news organization, Bolton said 3 US citizens detained by North Korea are very much on Trump's mind. He said freeing them before the upcoming summit will demonstrate the North's sincerity.

Key words : china foreign 2-day
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180430_13/

China's Foreign Ministry says its minister will make a 2-day visit to North Korea starting on Wednesday.

Wang Yi will visit North Korea at the invitation of his North Korean counterpart, Ri Yong Ho.

It is believed Wang will be briefed on the historic inter-Korean summit and discuss the proposed US-North Korean summit.

Key words : Putin excluded
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180430_11/

President Vladimir Putin says that Russia should not be excluded from efforts to bring peace to the Korean Peninsula.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in briefed Putin by telephone on Sunday about his summit with North Korea's leader.

The presidential offices of Russia and South Korea say Putin and Moon praised the Panmunjom declaration. Moon reportedly asked Putin for Russia's continued cooperation.

Putin said that Russia plans to be involved with projects designed to promote cooperation between the 2 Koreas.

One such initiative he cited was connecting train networks in the 2 Koreas with the Trans-Siberian Railway.

Moon proposed joint research to explore areas of cooperation among the 3 nations.

Putin stressed that the involvement of all nations concerned is essential for the political resolution of issues on the Korean Peninsula.

Russia has been calling for resumption of 6-party talks involving Russia, the United States, China, Japan and the 2 Koreas.

Key words : south defense ministry joint
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180430_19/

South Korea's Defense Ministry says it will dismantle loudspeakers broadcasting propaganda against North Korea starting on Tuesday.

Ministry spokesperson Choi Hyun-soo said on Monday that the move is in line with agreements from Friday's inter-Korean summit.

She added she expects the North to take the same measures.

In the joint declaration signed by South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the 2 countries agreed to halt propaganda broadcasts, the distribution of fliers, and all other hostile acts near the military demarcation line from May 1st.

Seoul has been blasting South Korean news, K-pop music and statements on human rights across the demarcation line, prompting the North to take similar action.

Last Monday, just before the summit meeting, the South Korean military stopped propaganda broadcasts across the border. North Korea's military reciprocated by stopping its broadcast against the South.

Key words : time zone
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180430_10/

North Korea's state-run media says the country will return to the same time zone as South Korea on May 5th.

The report says North Korea's parliament will adopt a decree on Monday to move the country's clock forward by 30 minutes.

It says leader Kim Jong Un told South Korean President Moon Jae-in at Friday's summit that his heart ached when he saw 2 clocks showing Pyongyang and Seoul times on a wall at the meeting venue.

The report says Kim then proposed synchronizing his country's time zone with South Korea's.

In 2015, North Korea created its own "Pyongyang Time" by setting its clock 30 minutes behind the South's.

Pyongyang says the proposed move is the first practical step towards reconciliation and unity between the 2 Koreas.

Key words : prime crown investment
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Key words : kono pledge
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at 20:00 (JST), April 29 AS

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and South Korean President Moon Jae-in have discussed the details of Friday's inter-Korean summit.

South Korea's presidential office says North Korean leader Kim Jong Un told President Moon Jae-in on Friday he is ready to hold talks with Japan at any time.

Prime Minister Abe is on a 5-day tour of the Middle East. He will be the first leader of a major country to visit both Israel and Palestine since the United States recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital last December.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20180429200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : Abe discussed
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180429_16/

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and South Korean President Moon Jae-in have discussed the details of Friday's inter-Korean summit.

The 2 leaders held phone talks for about 40 minutes from 10 AM on Sunday. Moon told Abe that he had conveyed Japan's stance on giving priority to resolving the issue of the Japanese nationals abducted by the North.

Abe also had phone talks with US President Donald Trump on the same topic on Saturday.

Abe welcomed the inclusion of denuclearization in the joint statement, and said he expects concrete action from the North.

He said Japan will do what it can to help, and he wants to continue working closely with South Korea and the United States.

Moon responded that he took up the abduction issue in his meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, as Abe had requested.

Abe and Moon agreed to work together to resolve the matter as soon as possible.

Abe also welcomed the news that North Korea will close its nuclear test site by the end of May.

He said he expects the North to take concrete steps towards disposing of all weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles in a complete, verifiable and irreversible way.

The 2 leaders agreed to work closely with the United States on the preparations for the US-North Korean summit, and to persuade the North to take concrete action to settle various issues, including the abductions and its nuclear and missile programs.

They also agreed to hold a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of next month's trilateral summit of Japan, South Korea, and China.

Key words : presidential ready to
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180429_12/

South Korea's presidential office says North Korean leader Kim Jong Un told President Moon Jae-in on Friday he is ready to hold talks with Japan at any time.

Moon talked with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe by phone on Sunday to brief him about Friday's inter-Korean summit.

The presidential office says Moon told Kim that Prime Minister Abe is ready to hold talks with the North, and hopes to settle historical issues and normalize diplomatic ties with the North.

It says Kim replied the North is ready to hold talks with Japan at any time.

Moon told Abe about this and said he would be happy to serve as a bridge between Japan and the North.

In Friday's summit, Moon took up the issue of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korean agents decades ago. Officials in Seoul haven't disclosed how Kim Jong Un responded.

Key words : mother kidnap
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Key words : Trump may meet
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180429_14/

US President Donald Trump says he and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un may meet over the next 3 or 4 weeks.

Trump made the remark at a meeting of his supporters in Michigan on Saturday.

He described the inter-Korean summit on Friday as a very good talk.

He also said he thinks his meeting with Kim would happen over the next 3 or 4 weeks.

He said he thinks the meeting will be a very important one, and will go well.

Key words : united start monitoring
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180428_20/

A Canadian patrol aircraft was seen landing at the US Kadena Air Base in Okinawa Prefecture in southern Japan on Saturday.

Japan's Defense Ministry says the United States and other countries will start monitoring North Korea's illicit ship-to-ship transfers of goods with foreign vessels at sea to evade UN Security Council sanctions.

An NHK camera captured the Canadian plane touching down around 10:30 AM.

Sources say it is one of the military aircraft the Defense Ministry said Australia and Canada will dispatch to the base.

The US military will play a leading role in coordinating the operation, which is aimed at pressuring the North to denuclearize.

It is extremely rare for multiple non-Japanese forces to operate from Japan.

Municipalities surrounding the base have expressed concerns about a possible increase in noise, and plan to call an emergency meeting to discuss measures.

Key words : Abe 5-day tour both
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180429_17/

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is on a 5-day tour of the Middle East. He will be the first leader of a major country to visit both Israel and Palestine since the United States recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital last December.

Abe left Tokyo for the United Arab Emirates on Sunday.

He told reporters that the Middle East is an extremely important region for Japan in terms of energy supply.

He said Japan has been supporting efforts to solve problems in the region such as the civil war in Syria and the refugee crisis, and has established friendly ties with each country.

The Prime Minister said he wants to use that mutual trust to contribute to peace and security of the Middle East.

He said he will call on both Israelis and Palestinians to engage in the peace process in a constructive way.

Abe will visit Jordan after the UAE.

Key words : Hokkaido
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at 20:00 (JST), April 28 AS

The issue of how North Korea will denuclearize, has been left to the discussion at the summit between United States and North Korea.

エラー 2042

Australia and Canada will dispatch military aircraft to a US base in Japan to monitor illicit ship-to-ship transfers involving North Korean vessels.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20180428200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : issue of denuclearize between
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180428_05/

The issue of exactly how North Korea will abandon its nuclear weapons, and how the country will denuclearize, will be discussed at the United States-North Korea summit.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un wrapped up their historic summit in the truce village of Panmunjom on Friday. That was the 3rd inter-Korean summit, and the first in 10-and-a-half years.

They signed the Panmunjom Declaration, which affirms their aim to bring about a nuclear-free Korean Peninsula.

But the declaration does not stipulate how or when North Korea will abandon its nuclear weapons, and Kim did not mention denuclearization.
In the declaration, the 2 Koreas also agreed to try to formally end the Korean War. This year marks the 65th anniversary of the 1953 armistice.

They said they will seek 3-way talks with the United States or 4-way talks with the US and China.

The declaration includes specific plans designed to establish peace on the peninsula and to develop bilateral ties.

A joint liaison office is to be established in Kaesong, in southwestern North Korea.

Red Cross officials from both countries are expected to discuss the resumption of reunions for families that were separated by the Korean War.

Moon plans to visit the US in May and brief President Donald Trump about his meeting with Kim in Panmunjom.

Moon and Trump are also expected to exchange views about the US-North Korea summit. South Korea will try to serve as a bridge between the US and the North.

Key words : north reported peace and security
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180428_13/

North Korean state news has reported on the summit between the North's leader Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in.

The Korean Central News Agency said on Saturday Kim and Moon discussed issues including bilateral relations, peace and security, and denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

The agency reproduced the joint statement with the same wording used by the South. It said Kim and Moon have pledged to work for "complete denuclearization" of the Korean Peninsula and agreed on a "common goal of a "nuclear-free" the peninsula.

Key words : Trump expressed determination
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180428_07/

US President Donald Trump has welcomed the outcome of Friday's inter-Korean summit.

He expressed a determination to see the Korean Peninsula denuclearized through his upcoming summit talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

Trump made the comments while welcoming the US Olympic and Paralympic medalists to the White House on Friday.

He said he hopes that the people of North and South Korea can someday live in harmony, prosperity and peace, adding that: "it could happen."

The president said when he began, people said there were 2 alternatives: let North Korea have what they have, or go to war.
He added that now they "have a much better alternative than anybody thought even possible."

Trump said he will be meeting with Kim Jong Un in the coming weeks and they will seek to denuclearize the entire Korean Peninsula.

He said hopefully the day will come when Olympic athletes can compete on a Korean Peninsula that is free of nuclear weapons, and where all Koreans can live together.

Key words : ASEAN welcomed
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Key words : Australia Canada
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180428_09/

NHK has learned from Japanese defense sources that Australia and Canada will dispatch military aircraft to a US base in Japan to monitor illicit ship-to-ship transfers involving North Korean vessels.

The sources say the patrol aircraft are soon expected to be sent to the US Kadena Air Base in Okinawa Prefecture in southern Japan.

The UN says North Korea is transferring goods with foreign vessels at sea to evade UN Security Council sanctions that were imposed against the country's nuclear and weapons programs.

The US military will play a leading role in coordinating the operations of these aircraft, and will also share information with Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force.
The MSDF has sent its ships and patrol aircraft to the East China Sea for monitoring activities.

A British frigate that arrived at the US Yokosuka Naval Base, south of Tokyo, this month will also join the monitoring effort.

It is extremely rare for multiple non-Japanese forces to operate from Japan.

Key words : palestine united nations
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180428_14/

Palestine's ambassador to the United Nations has called for an independent investigation into Israel's use of deadly force against protesters in the Gaza Strip.

Riyad Mansour sent a letter to the UN Secretary-General and the chair country of the UN Security Council on Friday, asking for cooperation in such a probe.

The request comes after 38 Palestinians were killed by Israeli military gunfire during weeks of protests by refugees since March 30th.

Mansour said in the letter that Israel's actions violate international law.

Many countries at a UN Security Council meeting the previous day pointed to the necessity of an independent investigation.

But the United States expressed its opposition to a probe. US Ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, blamed the Islamic fundamentalist group Hamas for attacking Israel while using Palestinian people as human shields.

Mansour told reporters Haley's comments demonstrate her insensitivity to the tragedy facing the Palestine people.

Key words : leader Germany
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180428_10/

The leaders of Germany and the United States remain at odds over new US tariffs on steel and aluminum.

Chancellor Angela Merkel and President Donald Trump met in Washington on Friday.

The US has granted the European Union a reprieve from the tariffs until May 1st.

Merkel asked for a permanent exemption. She told reporters after the meeting that the decision now lies with Trump.

Trump complained about the trade imbalance between the US and the European Union, making particular mention of vehicles. He said he would press for the removal of EU trade barriers to correct the imbalance.

European Union officials have discussed the possibility of imposing retaliatory tariffs on US goods.

Key words : Fuji
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180428_15/

A US court has temporarily blocked the merger of Japan's Fujifilm Holdings with US firm Xerox.

US media outlets reported that the court in New York issued the injunction on Friday. The judge determined that Xerox CEO Jeff Jacobson put his own interest before that of shareholders.

Major Xerox shareholder Darwin Deason filed a lawsuit against the proposed merger, saying the deal undervalues Xerox. Investor Carl Icahn also opposes the plan.

Fujifilm aims to strengthen its competitiveness by combining Xerox and Fuji Xerox, a subsidiary of Fujifilm. But Friday's decision may make the Japanese firm rethink the strategy.

Fujifilm issued a statement saying the decision was a surprise.

The company said it believes the merger will greatly benefit the shareholders of both Fujifilm and Xerox, and that it will consider all options, including whether to appeal the decision.

at 20:00 (JST), April 27 AS

エラー 2042

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has welcomed the inter-Korean summit as possitive mood.

The US government has issued a statement welcoming the inter-Korean summit just before it started at the truce-village of Panmunjom on Friday.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20180427200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : 65 years end of statement
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Key words : proponent
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180427_40/

Proponents and opponents of the ongoing inter-Korean summit have staged rallies in a South Korean park near the military demarcation line.

A pro-North Korean civic group set up a large screen at Imjingak park on Friday to watch a broadcast of the summit. About 100 people gathered around the screen.

They shouted, "We are united," as South Korean President Moon Jae-in met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on the screen.

A woman in her 30s said she wants the 2 leaders to continue to meet each other frequently and quickly realize the unification of the Korean Peninsula.

She said she hopes the North Korean nuclear issue will be resolved in a peaceful manner.
About 200 protesters also rallied nearby. They included members of conservative groups.

One of them read out a declaration that criticizes Kim for continuing to develop nuclear weapons and for undermining peace.

Some people held up models of Kim and Moon riding on a ballistic missile together. They said people should exercise caution concerning North Korea, which has repeatedly carried out provocations.

A woman in her 80s said the North has broken its promise to abandon its nuclear program. She said the summit is a meeting to deceive people and represents a bogus peace.

Key words : Abe welcomed
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180427_51/

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has welcomed the outcome of the inter-Korean summit. He expressed hope that North Korea will take concrete action in the wake of the historic meeting.

Abe spoke to reporters on Friday about the summit between South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

He noted that Moon and Kim had a sincere discussion about the North's denuclearization and other issues. He said he welcomes the talks as a sign of progress toward the resolution of issues concerning North Korea.

He said he appreciates Seoul's efforts to arrange the summit.

Abe said he hopes that North Korea will take concrete action following the inter-Korean summit and a US-North Korea summit that may take place in the weeks ahead.

He said his government will keep a close eye on the situation in North Korea.

He said he will be briefed by Moon over the phone about the details of the discussions at the summit.

Abe expressed hope that Japan, the United States, and South Korea will work closely to comprehensively resolve the North Korean nuclear and missile issues, as well as the issue of abductees taken to the North.

He said he will seek the cooperation of the international community, including China and Russia.

Abe said his government will analyze the joint declaration issued by Moon and Kim to consider how Japan should respond.

He said the government will compare the declaration with a previous one issued by former South Korean President Roh Moo-hyun and then leader of the North, Kim Jong Il.

Abe dismissed concerns that Japan might be left out of negotiations on North Korean issues.

He said he and US President Donald Trump reaffirmed during their recent summit that they share the same basic approach on the matter.

He said he also held talks with Moon based on his discussions with Trump.

Key words : US government
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180427_22/

The US government has issued a statement welcoming the inter-Korean summit just before it started at the truce-village of Panmunjom on Friday.

The statement, by White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders, was released on Thursday, local time. It expressed hope that the talks which she calls "historic" will achieve progress toward peace and prosperity for the Korean Peninsula.

It said the United States appreciates the close coordination with its ally South Korea.

It added that the US is looking forward to continuing robust discussions in preparation for the planned meeting between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in the coming weeks.

The release of a White House statement just before a summit in which the US leader is not involved is considered unusual.

Key words : China welcomed historic step
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180427_48/

China has welcomed the inter-Korean summit, applauding the 2 countries' leaders for taking a "historic step" toward peace.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told reporters on Friday that China praises the countries' political decision and courage.

Hua quoted famed Chinese writer Lu Xun as saying "After all of the suffering, the brotherly friendship still exists; with a smile, let's forget about the debt of gratitude and revenge."

She said China hopes the 2 Koreas take the opportunity of the summit to pave the way for a new journey of long-term peace and stability on the peninsula.

Key words : Insight new party
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Key words : finance ministry decided recently
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180427_42/

Japan's Finance Ministry has decided to impose a financial penalty on a recently resigned top bureaucrat for sexually harassing a female reporter.

The ministry on Friday announced that former administrative vice finance minister Junichi Fukuda will receive a 20-percent cut of his salary for 6 months.

Fukuda has already resigned so the equivalent amount will be deducted from his retirement allowance, which the ministry has yet to pay him.

Ministry officials told reporters that it's deeply regrettable that Fukuda undermined public trust and disrupted Diet deliberations, and apologized to concerned parties.

The officials said Fukuda denies the allegation, but admits having dined with the reporter on April 4th.

They also said he failed to present evidence to refute the allegation.

The ministry said it has informed Fukuda of the decision and he accepted the penalty, although he continues denying the allegation.

The ministry said it closed its investigation into the case.

The officials said sexual and power harassment is absolutely unacceptable, and the ministry must transform itself so it won't be seen as an organization that tolerates harassment.

Key words : Japanese government inappropriate
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180427_33/

The Japanese government says it considers it inappropriate to limit the job of reporters to men as a way to prevent sexual harassment.

The stance, approved at a Cabinet meeting on Friday, is seen as a dismissal of a reported remark by Finance Minister Taro Aso about a sexual harassment scandal involving the ministry's top bureaucrat.

The bureaucrat is accused of having sexually harassed female reporters, a claim he has denied.

Several weekly magazines reported later that Aso said the issue can be solved only by replacing female reporters with male ones.

Friday's government statement came in reply to an opposition lawmaker who asked whether the government believes it appropriate to limit the job of reporters to men to prevent sexual harassment.

The statement also said the government is working to prevent discriminatory treatment based on gender.

Key words : football
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at 20:00 (JST), April 26 AS

South Korean President and North Korean leader will meet at a facility on the South Korean side on the line to divide two countries on Friday.

Japanese Prime Minister says Japan, the United States and South Korea will work closely together to make North Korea take concrete steps to resolve various issues.

Japanese Prime Minister says he is planning to visit the Middle East during the spring holidays period.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20180426200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : south facility on agenda
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180426_08/

South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will meet at a facility on the South Korean side of the military demarcation line in the truce village of Panmunjom on Friday.

The inter-Korean summit will be the first in more than a decade. Attention is focused on whether the meeting will lay the groundwork for the first-ever US-North Korea summit aimed at denuclearizing the North.

The main agenda of the previous 2 inter-Korean summits in 2000 and 2007 was economic cooperation. However, in Friday's summit, Moon plans to directly confirm Kim's willingness for denuclearization, and create an environment for the US-North Korea summit to take concrete steps towards that.

Moon appears ready to work closely with the administration of US President Donald Trump. He plans to brief Trump over the phone soon after the summit. He is also expected to travel to the US to meet with Trump in mid-May.

Some people in South Korea have voiced opposition as it is believed that Moon, hoping to make the summit a success, is unlikely to raise North Korea's human rights record and acts of terrorism in the past.

About 40 people rallied in front of the presidential office on Wednesday. They included families whose loved ones were taken by the North during the Korean War.

They called for the issue to be taken up at the summit, along with the abduction of Japanese nationals.

On Wednesday, a press center for reporters covering the summit opened on the outskirts of the South Korean capital, Seoul.

The presidential office says about 3,000 members of the media have already registered. That's more than double the number that covered the 2 previous inter-Korean summits.

Key words : prime closely together
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180426_12/

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says Japan, the United States and South Korea will work closely together to make North Korea take concrete steps to resolve issues including its nuclear and missile programs and the abduction of Japanese nationals.

On Thursday Abe attended a Lower House budget committee, briefing members on his meeting with US President Donald Trump earlier this month.

Abe said it is meaningless to have talks with the North merely for the sake of talks, and Pyongyang should not be rewarded simply for agreeing to having a dialogue.

He stressed the international community needs to remain committed to applying maximum pressure on the North until it takes concrete steps.

He pledged that Japan, the US and South Korea will cooperate to make sure that Friday's inter-Korean summit and the expected US-North Korea summit will make the North take concrete action on the abduction, nuclear and missile issues and other matters.

He added that Japan will at the same time keep up maximum pressure in close coordination with China, Russia and other countries.

Referring to a telephone conference with South Korean President Moon Jae-in on Tuesday, Abe said he had asked Moon to put the issue of abductions of Japanese nationals on the agenda at Friday's summit.

Abe explained that Moon had said he plans to convey Abe's stance and tell the North's leader Kim Jong Un that the resolution of the abduction issue will contribute to peace-building in Northeast Asia.

Key words : Japanese visit middle east
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180426_19/

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says he is planning to visit the Middle East during the spring holidays that begin this month.

Abe told a Lower House budget committee on Thursday that he will make the tour if the situation, including the Diet schedule, allows. He said he will visit the United Arab Emirates, Jordan, Israel and Palestine.

Abe said the Middle East region is important to Japan from the viewpoint of energy security. He said he aims to strengthen multi-layered relations with the region in such fields as the economy, security and advanced technology, in addition to securing stable energy sources.

Abe also said he will urge constructive engagement by Israelis and Palestinians to realize peace in the Middle East, as Japan has a relationship of trust with both parties.

The Prime Minister said Japan wants to actively contribute to Middle East peace by providing aid for Palestinians' economic independence and other measures.

Key words : syria humanitarian
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180426_09/

The prolonged war in Syria is resulting in donor fatigue among countries struggling to provide humanitarian aid to people displaced by the fighting.

More than 80 countries and organizations took part in a 2-day donor conference in Brussels that wrapped up on Wednesday.

The participants pledged new aid measures and raised 4.4 billion dollars. But the amount fell short of the UN target of 6 billion dollars because the United States has refused to contribute.

In addition to the lack of funds, the UN special envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, expressed concern that the prolonged chaos would allow Islamic State militants to make a comeback.

EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini called on Russia and Iran to urge the government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to agree to peace talks.

Key words : Kono called
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180426_02/

Japan's Foreign Minister Taro Kono has called for the creation of an international framework that will extend aid to Syria in a sustainable manner.

Kono made the appeal at an international donor conference for Syria that was held in Brussels on Wednesday.

He condemned the suspected use of chemical weapons in Syria by the government of President Bashar al-Assad, calling it inhumane and intolerable.

Kono expressed readiness to work with the international community on developing a system that will identify those who use chemical weapons in a bid to prevent a recurrence of the tragedy.

Kono also announced that Japan will provide emergency financial aid worth 14 million dollars to Syrian refugees, including those who have fled to Jordan and Lebanon.

Noting that prolonged support for the war-torn country is increasingly burdening donor nations, Kono stressed the need for an international framework to provide sustainable aid to Syria.

Kono later told reporters that he fears nations will become cash-strapped while providing support to Syria.

He said Japan is one of the many countries that run a fiscal deficit. He suggested an international tax may be considered to come up with the funding for aid.

Key words : Insight
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Key words : Japanese financial
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180426_18/

A Japanese entrepreneur has urged the United Nations and other international organizations to make their financial assistance more accessible in developing countries.

Makoto Goda is the chief executive of Nippon Biodiesel Fuel, which has introduced biofuel and electronic money to farmers in Mozambique.

He was invited to a UN conference in New York on Wednesday on private-sector investment in developing economies. The UN recognizes his business as a model case for supporting sustainable development.

Goda said financial support from the African Development Fund has been a great help, but he found that the procedures were too complicated.

He also said small and mid-sized companies have no idea how to access the massive funds operated by governments and international organizations, and what is needed now is someone to bridge the 2 sides.

Key words : school children
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180426_23/

A high court in northeastern Japan has ordered local governments to compensate families of schoolchildren who died in the 2011 earthquake and tsunami disaster.

Seventy-four students at Okawa Elementary School in Ishinomaki City, Miyagi Prefecture, died in the disaster. The families of 23 of the children filed a lawsuit against the city and the prefecture, demanding damages. A lower court in October 2016 ordered local governments to pay damages.

The Sendai High Court on Thursday ruled that the prefecture and the city should pay the families a total of slightly more than 13 million dollars, or about 90,000 dollars more than was ordered by the lower court.

The high court said the school failed to prepare adequately before the disaster on March 11th, 2011.

Presiding Judge Hiroshi Ogawa said it was possible to predict before the disaster that tsunami could reach the school. He added that it had failed to clarify evacuation sites and routes in its anti-disaster manual.

The plaintiffs' lawyers say the ruling is the first to acknowledge inadequate disaster preparedness and award damages in a suit involving a quake-triggered tsunami.

The lower court had said the school was negligent in how it evacuated the children, and that they could have been saved if they had been taken to safety quickly.

Key words : member prosecutor
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180426_21/

A member of a Japanese all-male pop group has been referred to prosecutors for suspected indecent behavior with a high-school girl. The news is having widespread repercussions.

Tatsuya Yamaguchi, a 46-year-old member of the band TOKIO, is accused of forcibly kissing a high-school girl at his home in February this year. Tokyo police have sent papers to prosecutors on suspicion of an indecent sexual assault.

In a news conference on Thursday, Yamaguchi apologized for the incident. A lawyer for the 5-member group's agency said Yamaguchi will be suspended indefinitely from his entertainment activities.

Fukushima Prefecture has begun removing posters featuring the group. The prefecture has used TOKIO in posters and TV commercials to promote the safety of local produce since fiscal 2012. This was after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant suffered meltdowns following the massive quake and tsunami in 2011.

TOKIO members have also been working as special ambassadors to promote a tour of the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic flags.

Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike told reporters on Thursday that it is very disappointing because she likes TOKIO and their songs and she thinks Yamaguchi has lots of fans.

She says she understands that Tokyo Metropolitan Government officials are working on how to handle the existing images featuring Yamaguchi.

But Koike added that she wants other TOKIO members to keep working as flag tour ambassadors.

Businesses are also being affected. Suzuki Motor has decided to stop airing a TV commercial featuring the group. TOKIO has been the image character for a Suzuki compact car for the past 3 years.

The automaker has also removed images of TOKIO from a website promoting the model and says it will discuss whether to renew its contract with the group.

A delivery service company, Yamato Transport, has decided to suspend the airing of commercials featuring the group.

at 20:00 (JST), April 25 AS

South Korean officials say the country's president will meet with his American counterpart in the middle of May.

A press center for reporters covering the upcoming inter-Korean summit opened on the outskirts of the South Korean capital, Seoul, on Wednesday.

An international group for journalists says the situation for people working in media is deteriorating.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20180425200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : south will meet counterpart
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180425_21/

South Korean officials say the country's president will meet with his American counterpart in the middle of May.
Moon Jae-in is expected to travel to the US to meet with Donald Trump.

Moon is expected to fill Trump in on a separate summit that is taking place later this week.

Moon is meeting with North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un.

Officials say at the US meeting, Moon and Trump will also likely discuss a possible face-to-face meeting between Trump and Kim.

Key words : reporter covering
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180425_27/

A press center for reporters covering the upcoming inter-Korean summit opened on the outskirts of the South Korean capital, Seoul, on Wednesday.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un are scheduled to meet at the truce village of Panmunjom on Friday.

The 10,000-square-meter center has seating for 1,000 reporters and a large video screen to display live broadcasts of the summit. South Korean government officials will hold news briefings at the site, and experts will also hold debates there.

The presidential office says about 3,000 members of the media have already registered. That's more than twice the number that signed up to cover the 2 previous inter-Korean summits, in 2000 and 2007.

Interest is high among foreign media outlets. Many reporters and camerapersons arrived at the press center on Wednesday to pick up their press cards. In all, about 860 people are on hand to cover the first inter-Korean summit in 10-and-a-half years.

Key words : foreign minister launched protest
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Key words : What can be expected from ips cell based therapy
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Key words : police Okinawa landfil
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180425_19/

Police took action to remove protesters at a coastal area in Japan's southern prefecture of Okinawa, on Wednesday. The day marks one year after the start of full-scale landfill work to relocate a US marine base there.

Crowds of activists held a sit-in protest outside the gate of US Camp Schwab in Nago City. The area is adjacent to the planned reclamation site. About 80 canoes and boats carrying protesters were also at sea nearby.

The US Marine Corps Futenma Air Station is located in a densely-populated area of Ginowan City in Okinawa. In 1996, the governments of Japan and the United States agreed to close it once alternative facilities became available. The project involves building 2 V-shaped runways off the district of Henoko in Nago.

Full-scale landfill work began on April 25th last year, when the Defense Ministry's regional bureau started work to build seawalls off the district.

The Okinawa Defense Bureau has been building 7 seawalls on the coast on the northern side of the reclamation site. It plans to start placing soil and sand at the site when the seawalls are complete, probably in July.

In a February mayoral election in Nago, incumbent Mayor Susumu Inamine, who is against the relocation project, lost to Taketoyo Toguchi, who pledged to voters to revitalize the local economy.

Inamine is one of 3 candidates who all lost mayoral elections in Okinawa this year. They were backed by Okinawa Governor Takeshi Onaga who has been trying to block the relocation project by various means including lawsuits.

Key words : head of campaign abolish
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180425_13/

The head of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons says public action is important to get governments to support a UN nuclear weapons ban treaty.

ICAN Executive Director Beatrice Fihn was speaking at the Tribeca Film Festival in New York on Tuesday. She was there to receive the Tribeca Disruptive Innovation Award. ICAN won last year's Nobel Peace Prize.

Fihn urged support for the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, calling nuclear weapons illegal, unethical, and the cause of catastrophic damage.

Fihn said "The biggest military, the richest countries are kind of scared of the bunch of activists. It shows how vulnerable they are to public pressure."

Only 7 countries and territories have ratified the treaty, while 50 are needed for it to come into force. The lack of support is blamed partly on pressure from the United States and other nuclear powers.

Japanese peace activist Koko Kondo received the Tribeca award along with Fihn. Kondo experienced the atomic-bombing of Hiroshima when she was 8 months old.

Key words : international journalist
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180425_26/

An international group for journalists says the situation for people working in media is deteriorating.

The Paris-based Reporters Without Borders on Wednesday released its 2018 World Press Freedom Index, its annual report. It ranks 180 countries and territories by evaluating the level of media freedom.

Norway topped the list for the second consecutive year. North Korea was at the bottom, the same as last year.

The report says the situation is deteriorating in Europe, despite the fact it has been a traditionally safe environment for journalists.

Malta plunged 18 places to 65th from last year and Slovakia dropped 10 notches to 27th due to the killing of journalists in those countries since last year.

The United States fell 2 places to 45th, as President Donald Trump often uses the expression "fake news" and is hostile toward the media.

Japan was ranked 67th, up 5 notches, but still the worst among the Group of 7 industrialized countries. The journalist group says this is due to insufficient discussion on the country's state secrecy law.

Key words : animated
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180425_22/

Japanese animated film company Studio Ghibli has unveiled the basic design of its theme park set to open in Aichi Prefecture, central Japan, in 2022.

Aichi Governor Hideaki Ohmura revealed on Wednesday that the prefecture and the studio agreed to build Ghibli Park on the site of the 2005 Aichi Expo in Nagakute City.

The park is to feature Ghibli film-related buildings such as towers from "Howl's Moving Castle," which are to serve as the main gate. The antique shop from "Whisper of the Heart" and Kiki's home from "Kiki's Delivery Service" are also planned.

Areas based on "Princess Mononoke" and "My Neighbor Totoro" are to include outdoor replicas of the films' characters and a forest pathway.

Ohmura said concepts of the Aichi Expo, such as ecological coexistence and the wonders of nature, are alive in Ghibli films.

He expressed hope that the park will be full of dreams and fantasy for visitors from around the world.

Key words : automaker green
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180425_30/

Automakers from around the world are in Beijing to showcase their latest models.
Many are preparing for China's big push to green auto technology by rolling out electric vehicles.

Manufacturers from 14 countries and regions are taking part in the Beijing International Automotive Exhibition.

BAIC Motor has unveiled a new sedan that can run more than 500 kilometers on a single battery charge.

A Shanghai-based maker is displaying an electric SUV. The firm is one of the many start-ups in China, developing vehicles that use alternative energy sources.

China is the world's biggest auto market and competition among makers of electric vehicles is expected to intensify.

The government plans to set a sales quota for EVs and plug-in hybrids.

at 20:00 (JST), April 24 AS

Japan's Prime Minister and South Korean President have agreed to keep maximum pressure on North Korea until the country takes concrete steps toward denuclearization.

US Acting Secretary of State has called on the international community to keep pressure on North Korea until the country completes denuclearization.

Delegates to a preparatory meeting for the 2020 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference have clashed over a UN nuclear ban treaty adopted last year.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20180424200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : prime agreed
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180424_33/

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and South Korean President Moon Jae-in have agreed to keep maximum pressure on North Korea until the country takes concrete steps toward denuclearization.

Abe and Moon spoke by phone for about 40 minutes on Tuesday afternoon, ahead of Friday's inter-Korean summit.

Abe welcomed North Korea's announcement that it will halt its nuclear tests, but stressed the need to urge the country to take specific action.

He briefed Moon on his meeting last week with US President Donald Trump, and said he hopes to continue working closely with South Korea and the US as the North Korean situation changes rapidly.
Moon thanked Abe for explaining the Japan-US summit in detail and supporting a successful inter-Korean summit.

The 2 leaders reaffirmed their bilateral and trilateral partnership for the inter-Korean summit and the planned first-ever US-North Korea summit.

Abe asked Moon to put the issue of abductions of Japanese nationals on the agenda at his meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

The 2 also reaffirmed their commitment to resolve the abductions issue together.

Key words : US called on keep pressure
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180424_09/

US Acting Secretary of State John Sullivan has called on the international community to keep pressure on North Korea until the country completes denuclearization.

Sullivan made the call at a foreign ministerial meeting of the Group of 7 nations as they wrapped up their discussions on the situations in North Korea, Syria and Russia on Monday in Toronto, Canada.

At a news conference after the talks, Sullivan said that the G7 countries remain united in opposition to North Korea continuing unlawful nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

He urged all countries around the world to take action and reinforce the message to Pyongyang, and to rigorously enforce the UN Security Council resolutions.

Sullivan also said that international unity is essential, as countries continue to push diplomatic and economic pressure until the North concedes to complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization.

Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland, who chaired the meeting, noted that the ministers spent a lot of time on their discussions of Russia.

She warned that Russia's actions are jeopardizing the order of the international community that is based upon the rule of law.

Key words : delegates preparatory
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180424_06/

Delegates to a preparatory meeting for the 2020 Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference have clashed over a UN nuclear ban treaty adopted last year.

The 10-day meeting kicked off at the United Nations' European headquarters in Geneva on Monday.

One item on the agenda is the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons.

The treaty was backed mainly by UN member nations that do not possess nuclear arms.

Nuclear powers and countries protected by the nuclear umbrella, such as Japan, opposed the pact on security grounds.

At the meeting, a US delegate suggested that banning nuclear weapons is not realistic in the face of threats from Russia and North Korea, and stressed the need to assess the global security situation.

A delegate from Austria, which backs the ban treaty, argued that as long as there are countries that justify nuclear arms for security reasons, other nations will embark on nuclear development.

Participants at the meeting also spoke about North Korea's recent announcement that it will suspend nuclear and missile tests.

A Chinese delegate welcomed the move and called for the creation of a framework that would contribute to denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula, as well as its long-term peace and stability.

A South Korean representative called the North's announcement a "positive step forward," but added that sanctions on the North would continue until Pyongyang takes concrete steps toward denuclearization.

Key words : busy making preparation
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Key words : Insight Niigata restart nuclear plant
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Key words : Japan emergency financial
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180424_31/

Japan's government has announced it will provide emergency financial aid worth 10-million dollars to a UN agency for Palestinian refugees which has been struggling since the United States froze part of its contributions.

The Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday that this is part of Japan's plan to assist 6 UN agencies operating in Syria, Jordan and Lebanon. The agencies are being seriously affected by the Syrian conflict. About 70 percent of the donations will go to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East, or UNRWA.

The US government withheld in January more than half of its planned funding installment for the agency, saying that it needs to review its operations.

The US decision is affecting the agency's mission to provide Palestinian refugees with education and medical services. The country's contributions have covered about 30 percent of the agency's budget.

When UNRWA Commissioner-General Pierre Krahenbuhl visited Japan in January, Foreign Minister Taro Kono said that the agency's activity is important as it contributes to the stability of the Middle East.

Key words : around 100
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180424_22/

Around 100 Japanese and US officials have gathered to discuss infrastructure development in the Indo-Pacific region.

Both government and business officials attended the inaugural meeting in Washington on Monday, with the goal of exploring regional cooperation.

The meeting aims to counter China's influence in the Indo-Pacific region, which is growing through Beijing's Belt and Road infrastructure expansion initiative.

US Assistant Secretary of State Manisha Singh urged the meeting to focus on expanding regional cooperation between governments and private businesses in Japan and the US, in terms of infrastructure projects.

She also emphasized the importance of challenging countries and businesses that do not follow international rules.

During the meeting, officials discussed how they could cooperate with infrastructure projects in 4 categories - energy, transportation, telecommunication and water supply.

Highlighting one example of cooperation, US officials unveiled plans for exports of liquefied natural gas to Asian countries. Japan will help the nations construct infrastructure to handle these LNG imports.

Key words : driver killing 10 people attack
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180424_28/

A driver that has plowed a van into pedestrians in Canada's largest city of Toronto, killing 10 people, rented the vehicle used in the incident.

Canadian authorities point out that the incident was deliberate, but not likely part of an organized terror plot. They are, however, looking into whether the suspect was influenced by extremist cells.

The van ran into pedestrians on a sidewalk along a busy street for more than 2 kilometers on Monday, killing 10 people and injuring 15 others.

Police detained a man who was driving the van.
The suspect is 25-year-old Alek Minassian from a Toronto suburb.

A car rental company that operates mostly in the US and Canada revealed to NHK that one of its vehicles was used in the attack.

The Islamic State militant group has been urging would-be terrorists to use rented vehicles if they cannot buy their own cars to drive into crowds.

Key words : Japan fishery
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at 20:00 (JST), April 23 AS

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary has welcomed North Korea's pledge to suspend its nuclear and missile tests. But he said Japan will continue to seek the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

South Korea's Defense Ministry says it has suspended propaganda broadcasts across the military demarcation line with North Korea ahead of the inter-Korean summit scheduled for Friday.

Japan's Emperor and Empress have joined Sweden's King and Queen in visiting an exhibition on the Swedish botanist in Tokyo.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20180423200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : chief welcomed
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180423_22/

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga has welcomed North Korea's pledge to suspend its nuclear and missile tests. But he said Japan will continue to seek the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

Suga told reporters on Monday that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un made the pledge himself, and even went further to say his country will actively contribute to building a world without nuclear weapons. Suga said the move is a step forward.

Suga then noted that there will be no change in the Japanese government's policy, which aims for a complete, verifiable and irreversible abandonment of all weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles.

He said the government will continue coordinating its North Korean policy with South Korea and the United States ahead of the inter-Korean and US-North Korea summits.

Key words : south suspended
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180423_12/

South Korea's Defense Ministry says it has suspended propaganda broadcasts across the military demarcation line with North Korea. The move comes ahead of the inter-Korean summit scheduled for Friday.

Ministry spokesperson Choi Hyun-soo announced on Monday morning that the loudspeaker campaign had been halted at midnight.

Choi said in a statement that the step is aimed at helping to reduce military tensions and creating an atmosphere for peaceful talks.

She expressed hope that it will help to stop the criticism and propaganda from both sides and lead to "Peace, a New Start," the slogan for the summit.

South Korean loudspeakers have blared out news, music and statements on the importance of human rights across the demarcation line.

The campaign is intended to inform North Koreans about the advanced society of their southern neighbor.

The South Korean military stopped the broadcasts once before, but resumed them after the North carried out its 4th nuclear test in January 2016.

North Korea produces its own propaganda broadcasts, and has repeatedly demanded that Seoul halt its campaign.

Key words : senior north rewarded
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180423_13/

A senior US official says North Korea will not be rewarded unless the country abandons its nuclear programs.

The US State Department official, who took part in a foreign ministerial meeting of G7 countries in Canada, spoke to NHK and other media outlets.

The diplomat referred to a recent announcement by North Korean leader Kim Jong Un that his country will halt nuclear tests and test-firings of intercontinental ballistic missiles.

The official said the announcement is good news and consistent with recent statements issued by the North.

The official also said that the United States expressed at the G7 meeting its determination not to repeat past mistakes, and that the US wants Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear development.

The official stressed that maximum pressure on the North will continue until denuclearization is achieved.

The electronic version of the Wall Street Journal on Sunday quoted US government officials as saying that President Donald Trump will not make any compromise to the North, such as lifting of sanctions, unless it abandons its nuclear development.

Kim reportedly presented to visiting CIA Director Mike Pompeo a vision to achieve denuclearization with both sides making compromises in parallel over the next several years.

The newspaper says that the Trump administration is skeptical of the North Korean plan and prefers a different approach which would advance denuclearization at once.

Key words : emperor
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180423_17/

Japan's Emperor and Empress have joined Sweden's King and Queen in visiting an exhibition on the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in Tokyo.

Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko arrived at the museum in Chiyoda Ward on Monday morning. They were met by King Carl Gustaf and Queen Silvia, who are on a 4-day visit to Japan.

Princess Mako, the eldest grandchild of the Imperial couple, greeted the visitors. She is a researcher at the museum.

The exhibition is part of a series of events marking 150 years of Japan-Sweden ties. It features books and other writings by the 18th-century botanist, physician and zoologist known as the father of modern taxonomy.

Works by 2 other Swedish botanists are also on display.

The Japanese and Swedish couples toured the exhibition of about 60 items that include botanical reference books.

The Emperor is known for his taxonomic study of fish. He showed great interest in the display and asked if scientific names started with the first edition of a book by Linnaeus that was published in 1735. The Emperor stayed at the venue beyond the scheduled time.

The Emperor visited Sweden in 2007 to attend a ceremony marking the 300th anniversary of Linnaeus's birth. He was named an honorary member of Uppsala University, the botanist's alma mater, on that occasion.

The Tokyo exhibition will be open to the public from Tuesday.

Key words : finance retirement step down
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180423_19/

Japan's Finance Ministry says its top bureaucrat, who is at the center of a sexual harassment scandal, will receive about 53 million yen, or nearly half a million dollars, in retirement allowances if he resigns without reprimand.

Ministry officials disclosed this to opposition lawmakers on Monday.

Administrative Vice Finance Minister Junichi Fukuda denies allegations that he sexually harassed female reporters, but says he is resigning because he cannot fulfill his duties under the circumstances.

The opposition lawmakers demanded that he admit to the allegations and apologize.

They also demanded that the ministry reprimand him.
But the ministry officials said that would be up to Finance Minister Taro Aso, who has authority over personnel matters.

After Fukuda announced his intention to step down on Wednesday of last week, Tokyo-based broadcaster TV Asahi revealed that one of its female reporters had been harassed by him.

Key words : Insight tuna catch
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Key words : chinese 36 people
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180423_28/

The Chinese foreign ministry says 36 people, mainly tourists from China, were killed in a major traffic accident in North Korea late Sunday.

The ministry said on Monday that the accident occurred south of Pyongyang, in North Hwanghae Province. 32 Chinese tourists and 4 North Koreans were confirmed dead, while 2 Chinese sustained heavy injuries.

Details of the accident have yet to be made known.

China's state-run Central Television released video footage from the accident site. It showed rain falling on an overturned, heavily damaged bus. Medical personnel were seen treating victims.

Central Television also released a photo of North Korean Vice Foreign Minister Ri Kil Song offering a silent prayer for the victims alongside Chinese Embassy staff. Ri is in charge of Chinese affairs.

North Hwanghae Province is home to Kaesong, a UNESCO World Heritage site with many historic monuments dating to the Goryeo kingdom. It is a popular destination for foreign tourists.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lu Kang said the government is sending medical personnel and other support staff to work with the North Koreans.

Key words : executive major portion
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180423_23/

Executives at Nissan Motor say eco-friendly cars will account for a major portion of their profits in the near future. Electric and hybrid vehicles currently make up 20 percent of the company's sales in Japan. They say that figure will jump to 50 percent by 2025.

The Japanese automaker plans to release 3 new electric vehicles, and 5 types of what it calls "e-Power" hybrids by the end of fiscal 2022.

E-Power hybrids use a small gasoline engine to charge a high-output battery when necessary. The wheels are powered solely by an electric motor.

The new electric lineup will also include a mini-vehicle and a sport utility vehicle. Automakers are bracing for tough competition in the electric car market, as regulators tighten environmental rules.

Toyota expects EVs to account for roughly half of its global sales by 2030. Honda hopes to see two-thirds of its models go electric by the same year.

at 20:00 (JST), April 22 AS

Japanese and Canadian foreign ministers have agreed to continue "maximum pressure" on North Korea despite the country's pledge to suspend nuclear and missile launch tests.

エラー 2042

Afghan security officials say a suicide bombing at a voter registration center in Kabul has killed at least 31 people and injured more than 50.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20180422200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : Japanese Canadian
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180422_11/

Japanese and Canadian foreign ministers have agreed to continue "maximum pressure" on North Korea despite the country's pledge to suspend nuclear and missile launch tests.

Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono held talks with his Canadian counterpart, Chrystia Freeland, on Saturday ahead of a Group of 7 foreign ministers' meeting in Canada.

Kono stressed the need to continue pressuring North Korea to abandon all weapons of mass destruction and missiles. He said the North's pledge fell short of the level of the demands of the international community.

Freeland agreed with Kono, and the 2 ministers confirmed they would cooperate on measures to prevent Pyongyang evading sanctions.

They also confirmed that the Group of 7 will send a strong message at the foreign ministers' meeting, as well as at a summit in June, that they will work closely together to tackle issues facing the international community, including those of North Korea.

The ministers also signed an agreement to share supplies and services between Japan's Self-Defense Forces and the Canadian armed forces in disaster relief and other operations.

Key words : Abe upcoming
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Key words : relative abducted
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Key words : financial minister
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180422_06/

Financial ministers and central bank chiefs of the International Monetary Fund's policy making body have warned of trade conflicts as downside risks of the world economy.

The members of the International Monetary and Financial Committee, or IMFC, released a communique on Saturday after a 2-day meeting in Washington.

The communique said that the growth of the global economy "has further strengthened and is increasingly broad-based."

But it also expressed concerns over increasing trade and geopolitical tensions.

This comes as trade friction between the United States and China continues since US President Donald Trump introduced measures to limit imports.

The committee highlighted the importance of fighting protectionism and keeping markets open, citing the conclusions of the G20 Summit in Hamburg last year.

The IMFC Chairman and Governor of the South African Reserve Bank, Lesetja Kganyago, said at a press conference that the members shared the view that trade is significant for global economic recovery.

He added that countries should continue to use the multilateral system in dealing with global challenges.

Key words : Afghan
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180422_16/

Afghan security officials say a suicide bombing at a voter registration center in Kabul has killed at least 31 people and injured more than 50. It is the latest attack aimed at sabotaging a long-delayed parliamentary election.

The Amaq news agency, which has links with the Islamic State group, reports that the militants carried out the attack.

The officials say a man blew himself up on Sunday near the gate of a high school that serves as a voter registration center, and that victims include women and children.

Voter registration began this month for a lower house election set for October. The poll has been delayed for 3 years due to the deteriorating security situation.

Key words : more than lined
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180422_12/

More than a hundred thousand people have lined the route of a parade honoring Olympic figure skating champion Yuzuru Hanyu.

The parade took place Sunday afternoon on the main street of Sendai in northeastern Japan's Miyagi Prefecture. The city is Hanyu's birthplace.

Hanyu won a gold medal at the PyeongChang Winter Olympics in February. He is the first male figure skater in 66 years to win gold medals in 2 straight Olympics.

Hanyu received a prefectural honor award from Miyagi Governor Yoshihiro Murai before the parade started. The figure skating star also won a gold medal in the Sochi Olympic Games 4 years ago.

Hanyu told crowds of fans that he is glad to be back in Sendai with another gold medal. He thanked them and said their cheers and support helped him earn the medal.

The parade took about 40 minutes to travel the one- kilometer-long route to Sendai City Hall.

Crowds of people, including tourists from other countries, lined the street. Some waved fans with the words "Thank you" written on them. Others held up placards with newspaper clippings about Hanyu.

The event's organizer says 108,000 people watched the parade. That's 16,000 more than the parade held to honor Hanyu 4 years ago.

Key words : summer-like
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180421_24/

A summer-like spell of hot weather has gripped Japan, with temperatures soaring above 30 degrees Celsius across the country.

The Meteorological Agency says clear skies prevailed nationwide on Saturday due to a high pressure system over the Japanese archipelago. It adds that warm southerly winds blew into areas along the Sea of Japan coast and elsewhere.

Daytime highs hit 32.1 degrees in Kawamoto Town in the western prefecture of Shimane, and 31.8 degrees in both Toyooka City in the western prefecture of Hyogo and Marumori Town in the northeastern prefecture of Miyagi.

Temperatures topped 30 degrees at 27 observation points from northeastern to southwestern Japan.

Record-high temperatures for the month of April were recorded at 19 points.

More hot weather is forecast for Sunday. The daytime high in central Tokyo will likely hit 28 degrees, the highest this year.

The Meteorological Agency is advising people to drink plenty of fluids to prevent heatstroke.

at 20:00 (JST), April 21 AS

North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un has announced his country will suspend nuclear and missile tests from Saturday and will also shut down a nuclear test site.

The US newspaper is reporting that 3 Americans held by North Korea could be released to coincide with the summit between the US and the North.

Finance ministers and central bank governors from the Group of 20 economies have agreed to aim for economic growth by promoting trade.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20180421200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : north announced
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180421_12/

North Korea's state-run media reports that leader Kim Jong Un announced his country will suspend nuclear and missile tests from Saturday and will also shut down a nuclear test site.

The Korean Central News Agency reported on Saturday that Kim made the announcement at a plenary meeting of the ruling Workers' Party central committee in Pyongyang on Friday.

Kim reportedly said there is no longer the need for the nation to conduct any nuclear tests or test launches of medium and long-range as well as intercontinental ballistic missiles.

Kim also said the mission at the nuclear test site in the northern region has ended.
The Workers' Party also made clear that North Korea will cooperate and hold dialogues with neighboring countries to ensure peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

Key words : Abe welcomed
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180421_18/

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has welcomed the announcement by North Korea, but added that Japan will closely watch the steps taken by Pyongyang.

Abe told reporters on Saturday that he will pay careful attention to see if the move leads to a complete, verifiable and irreversible abandonment of nuclear arms, weapons of mass destruction and missiles.

Abe said Japan and the United States thoroughly discussed how to deal with possible changes in North Korea at the summit earlier this week.

He added that based on that basic policy, Japan, the US and South Korea will work together.

Key words : Trump welcomed announcement
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180421_14/

US President Donald Trump has welcomed the announcement by North Korea.

He tweeted: "North Korea has agreed to suspend all Nuclear Tests and close up a major test site. This is very good news for North Korea and the World - big progress!"

He added that he's looking forward to the US-North Korea summit.

Key words : south welcomed decision
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180421_17/

South Korea has welcomed North Korea's announcement it will halt nuclear and missile tests and shut down its nuclear test site.

The presidential office said in a statement on Saturday the decision represents "meaningful progress" for denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula, which the world wishes for.

It said Pyongyang's decision will create a "very positive environment" for the success of the upcoming summits with Seoul and Washington.

The office said it would make its best efforts to prepare for the summit, so talks may lead the way toward denuclearization and a lasting peace on the peninsula.

Key words : wall street reporting
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180421_21/

The Wall Street Journal is reporting that 3 Americans held by North Korea could be released to coincide with the summit between leader Kim Jong Un and US President Donald Trump.

The electronic version of the US newspaper said on Friday that Kim gave the assurance to CIA Director Mike Pompeo when the 2 met earlier this month.

The Journal quoted people briefed on the meeting as saying Kim told Pompeo the release of the detainees could be paired with the summit. The meeting is expected to be held next month or in early June.

The Americans are being detained for committing what Pyongyang says are "hostile acts" against North Korea, and other reasons.

Trump told reporters after his talks with Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe earlier this week that his government has been negotiating over the detainees. He expressed confidence about their release.

Key words : annual report
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180421_19/

The US government has criticized North Korea over its human rights violations. The annual report issued by the State Department also indicated Washington's willingness to pursue human rights together with the nuclear and missile issue.

In its report released on Friday, the State Department highlights North Korea, China, Russia and Iran as countries that violate human rights "on a daily basis". It says governments of those countries are forces for instability.

Regarding North Korea, the document cites the alleged assassination of the North Korean leader's brother Kim Jong Nam and the executions of government officials and citizens.

A senior State Department official in charge of human rights, Michael Kozak, said at a news conference that the United States is equally concerned by North Korea's nuclear development and the human rights question.

The document also accuses China of intensifying its crackdown on citizens in the Tibet Autonomous Region and the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Participants at Friday's news conference asked questions about US foreign policy issues including human rights under the administration of President Donald Trump.

Trump has been criticized for his strict policies against immigrants.

Key words : finance minister aim economic
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180421_06/

Finance ministers and central bank governors from the Group of 20 economies have agreed to aim for economic growth by promoting trade.

They wrapped up their 2-day meeting in Washington on Friday.

During the meeting, delegates expressed the concern that protectionist policies and a further escalation of US-China trade friction could slow down the global economy.

The financial leaders confirmed that they will work together to promote trade and global economic growth.

Argentine Treasury Minister Nicolas Dujovne, who chaired the meeting, told reporters that, despite some differences, the participants agreed that trade has greatly contributed to economic growth.

Key words : opposition continue
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180421_04/

Japan's opposition parties will continue to boycott Diet deliberations next week. They are demanding that Finance Minister Taro Aso resign over a series of ongoing scandals. The ruling parties plan to go ahead with deliberations, despite the opposition's boycott.

The opposition parties want Aso to take responsibility for the falsification of official documents by ministry officials, and for the alleged sexual harassment of a reporter by a top bureaucrat.

But the finance minister says he has no intention of stepping down. He said it is his responsibility to investigate the allegations.

Regarding a separate scandal, the opposition parties are also demanding that Prime Minister Abe's former secretary be summoned to testify as a sworn witness, in connection with the opening of a veterinary school.

The opposition parties believe that Abe's close friend may have received preferential treatment, when he sought permission to open the school.

Key words : US democrat
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180421_16/

US Democrats have filed a lawsuit alleging a conspiracy by then-candidate Donald Trump's campaign and Russia to disrupt the 2016 presidential election by means of a cyber attack.

The Democratic National Committee filed the compensation suit with a federal court in New York on Friday.

The complaint says a Russian intelligence agency hacked the Democratic Party computer network and disseminated information obtained there through WikiLeaks. It also alleges Russia found a willing partner in the Trump campaign.

Defendants named in the suit include Trump's son Donald Trump Jr., and son-in-law, Jared Kushner, but not the president himself.

Trump representatives have called the lawsuit baseless, and accused Democrats of electoral misconduct.

Republicans on the House Intelligence Committee looking into the claims said last month they found no evidence of collusion, and that they had ended their probe.

Democrats have rejected the panel's conclusion, continuing their showdown with Republicans.