at 14:00 (JST), August 31 AS

The UN special envoy for Syria has warned against the potential use of chemical weapons in the country's civil war.

Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso has agreed with Chinese vice premiers that protectionist trade policies will help no one.

Japan's Meteorological Agency says torrential rain has caused a river to overflow in Ishikawa and Yamagata Prefecture on the Sea of Japan coast.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20180831140000_english_1.mp3


Key words : UN syria warned
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180831_10/

The UN special envoy for Syria has warned against the potential use of chemical weapons in the country's civil war.

Staffan de Mistura spoke to reporters in Geneva on Thursday.

President Bashar al-Assad's government is reportedly planning an all-out offensive in the northwestern province of Idlib, the largest opposition stronghold.

The United States, which supports opposition forces, has expressed concern that the Assad government and Russia may use chemical weapons.

Russia, which backs the Assad government, says the US and Britain are trying to have some opposition forces use chemical arms.
The UN special envoy warned both sides not to use chemical weapons. He said the potential use of chemical weapons would be totally unacceptable.

Key words : senior Japanese government
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180831_05/

A senior Japanese government official says he has sounded out Russia on conducting another on-site survey together this autumn for proposed joint economic activities on Russian-held islands claimed by Japan.

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's special advisor Eiichi Hasegawa and Senior Deputy Minister for Foreign Affairs Takeo Mori met Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Igor Morgulov in Moscow on Thursday. A bilateral summit in Russia is scheduled for September.

After the talks, Hasegawa told reporters that his side asked Russia to carry out another joint survey as early as possible. The survey was supposed to be held on the islands this month but was postponed because of bad weather.

Russia controls the islands. Japan claims them. The Japanese government maintains the islands are an inherent part of Japan's territory. It says the islands were illegally occupied after World War Two.

Mori said his side conveyed concern to Morgulov about Russia's plan to stage joint massive military drills with China in September in a region including the islands.

Mori said the drills run counter to the stance of the Japanese government.

Key words : Aso has agreed protectionist
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180831_01/

Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso has agreed with Chinese vice premiers that protectionist trade policies will help no one.

Aso is in Beijing for the "Japan-China Finance Dialogue". The meeting is held by Japanese and Chinese financial officials to discuss economic cooperation. It will take place on Friday.

On Thursday, Aso met Chinese Vice Premier Han Zheng. He later had talks with another vice premier, Liu He, who is in charge of trade and economic policies.

They discussed trade issues, the global economy, and economic policies.

Aso said both sides agreed that protectionist measures are in no country's interest. The Trump administration in the United States is imposing high tariffs on Japanese and Chinese products.

Aso reportedly pointed out the need to act based on World Trade Organization rules.

Officials say he also asked China, which is taking retaliatory steps against the United States, to act calmly in responding to the US trade policies.

Key words : meteorological overflowed Nanao
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180831_15/

Japan's Meteorological Agency says torrential rain has caused a river to overflow in Yamagata Prefecture on the Sea of Japan coast in the country's northeast. Intermittent heavy rains are hitting parts of the northeast and the neighboring Hokuriku region along the coast.

The agency is calling on people in the region to beware of landslides, overflowing rivers, thunderstorms and tornadoes.

The rain is caused by a front running across the region and an influx of moist air.

Some places in the region have received more than 200 millimeters of rain since before dawn on Friday.

Between 9 and 10 AM, the city of Nanao in Ishikawa Prefecture in the Hokuriku region measured rainfall of 44 millimeters.

At shortly past 7 AM, Yamagata Prefecture and the local meteorological observatory confirmed that the Mogamioguni River had overflowed.

As of 10 AM, several other rivers in the region had reached heights that could lead to flooding. Residents near those rivers have been ordered or advised to evacuate.

Landslide warnings have been issued for parts of the prefectures of Yamagata, Akita, Miyagi, Niigata, Ishikawa and Toyama.

In some areas, roads and residential areas are flooded. There are also landslides in some areas that have damaged buildings.

The weather agency says localized downpours accompanied by thunderstorms are expected in the region until Saturday.

It adds that heavy rains are also expected in areas along the Sea of Japan coast in western Japan from before dawn Saturday.

Key words : UN anti-discrimination comfert
#N/A


Key words : cambodian
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180831_06/

A Cambodian court on Thursday approved a further 6 months in detention for the leader of the now-dissolved main opposition party.

Kem Sokha, who headed the Cambodia National Rescue Party, has been in custody for nearly a year.

He was arrested in September of last year on suspicion of treason. The United States and European countries have been calling for his immediate release.

The government of Prime Minister Hun Sen forced the opposition party to disband last year. As a result, his governing party won all of the seats in the general election in July of this year. Western countries are questioning the legitimacy of that election.

Earlier this month, Cambodian authorities released 2 journalists on bail and granted pardons to convicts, including political activists and former lawmakers of the opposition party.

But the latest court ruling is likely to spark criticism from Western nations.

Key words : chairman statue
#N/A


Key words : leaders of 7
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180831_02/

Leaders of 7 nations around the Bay of Bengal in the Indian Ocean have begun a meeting for regional economic cooperation.

The 2-day summit of the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation, or BIMSTEC, opened in Nepal's capital Kathmandu on Thursday.

The regional framework brings together India, Nepal, Myanmar, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Thailand, and Sri Lanka. It seeks to build an economic zone spanning South and Southeast Asia. The member nations have a combined population of 1.6 billion.

On the first day, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders gave speeches.

Modi indicated his intention to deepen cooperation among South and Southeast Asian countries through infrastructure and other projects.

He stressed that development and prosperity of the Bay of Bengal region is necessary and that India will make contributions under its policy of putting its neighbors first.

The participants are expected to discuss cooperation on a broad range of topics, including security and disaster response.

India is trying to strengthen its political and economic ties with Southeast Asian nations under its Act East policy. The nation is leading the BIMSTEC talks and also supporting road improvement, port development, and other undertakings in Thailand and Myanmar.

Analysts believe India is seeking to bolster ties with its neighbors to counter the growing influence of China, which is promoting the Belt and Road initiative.

Key words : Japan unemployment
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180831_17/

Japan's unemployment rate for July stood at 2.5 percent. The internal affairs Ministry says that's up 0.1 point from June.

However, officials at the labor ministry say the ratio of job offers to applicants last month rose to the highest level in 44 and a half years.

They say the ratio of job openings to seekers was 1.63 in July, up 0.01 point from June.

That means there were 163 job openings for every 100 people looking for work. It was the highest ratio since January 1974.

The officials say the security and building-construction industries have been taking on more workers.

They say demand for labor continues to grow amid Japan's moderate economic recovery.

Key words : argentina
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180831_16/

Policymakers at Argentina's central bank have decided to raise the key interest rate to 60 percent from 45 in a bid to control inflation as the currency sinks to an all-time low.

This is having a ripple effect on bond and currency markets as well, as investors try to position their investments accordingly.

Argentina hiked rates from 40 to 45 percent earlier this month.

The peso has been dropping amid a sluggish economy as investors seek safety by moving their funds to the US.
The currency plunged to a record low on Thursday, down 10 percent from the previous day.

Argentina is not the only developing country in turmoil.
A drop in the Turkish lira has also led investors to unload the currencies of emerging economies.

Argentinian President Mauricio Macri is struggling to convince the markets that he can stimulate economic growth while cutting fiscal deficits and combating inflation. But many investors aren't buying that. They are concerned that Latin America's third -largest economy could soon default.

Thursday's rate hike came a day after President Macri asked for the early release of a 50-billion-dollar loan from the International Monetary Fund.

The IMF says in a statement it will call for tighter monetary and fiscal policies in response to the peso's decline.

Key words : apple
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180831_21/

Apple is expected to unveil new iPhone models in September.

Officials at the US IT giant have told the media an event is set for September 12th at the Steve Jobs Theater at its headquarters in Cupertino, California.

They refrained from disclosing further details. But they're expected to roll out fresh iPhones, as Apple often highlights new products around that time of year.

Last year, it unveiled the iPhone X, priced at over 900 dollars. That marked the 10th anniversary of the introduction of the first model.

The US media is reporting that Apple is expected to unveil a successor to the iPhone X, as well as a model with a 6.5-inch screen.

The new products would impact earnings of not only Apple, but also those of its Japanese parts suppliers.

The firm's shares rose to an all-time high after the date of the event was announced.

Key words : cutting in Europe
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180831_08/

AI-equipped cutting-edge products appear certain to draw attention at a major consumer electronics exhibition in Europe.

Reporters were allowed a preview of the trade fair in Berlin ahead of its opening on Friday. More than 1,800 companies are taking part in the show.

South Korea's LG is displaying a cleaning machine that uses steam and vibrations to remove bacteria, smells, and creases from clothing. It can recognize spoken instructions in 37 languages.

Japan's Panasonic is promoting a kitchen system that displays meal preparation processes and assists in cooking through such means as opening an oven without being told to.

And Sony is unveiling a smartphone that can predict app usage based on time and location. For instance, its screen shows news and weather forecasts during the morning commute and games and pastimes at home at night.

Sony President and CEO Kenichiro Yoshida stressed that what's needed is not just technology, but to actually make appliances user friendly.

Key words : mushroom
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180831_03/

The operator of the "Mushroom Train" in central Japan has held a sampling event for meals to be served on a local train this autumn.

"Mushroom Train" is the most popular of the gourmet rides organized year round by the Akechi railway company in Gifu Prefecture.

On Thursday, tourism and other officials enjoyed various dishes, such as mushroom rice and mushroom soup, during a trip on the local train.

One participant said she is pleased to have had the chance to eat mushrooms which she seldom comes across.

And an Akechi railway official said she hopes the event train will allow passengers to enjoy autumn cuisine and scenery.

The event train will operate from September 5th to November 30th.

at 20:00 (JST), August 30 AS

Locals attending a public hearing in Japan's northeast have criticized the plan to release water containing radioactive tritium into the sea Many people at a public hearing have criticized a plan to release water containing radioactive tritium into the sea from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant.

Workers have begun removing nuclear fuel at the Monju fast-breeder reactor in central Japan.

Ministers from 16 Asia-Pacific countries are meeting in Singapore to discuss a regional free trade pact.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20180830200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : public hearing
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180830_17/

Many people at a public hearing have criticized a plan to release water containing radioactive tritium into the sea from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant.

A government panel of experts held the meeting in the town of Tomioka in Fukushima Prefecture on Thursday to discuss how to deal with the contaminated water.

About 100 people, including local residents, and heads of organizations were invited to take part.

Contaminated water is generated daily at the plant in the process of cooling the damaged reactors. The water is being treated to get rid of radioactive substances, but tritium is difficult to remove. About 920,000 tons of water containing tritium is currently being stored at the plant.
Among the possible options to dispose of the tritium-laced water, the government says diluting and releasing it into the sea is the quickest and most inexpensive way.

A local fisherman who attended Thursday's hearing said he fears that releasing contaminated water will undo all the progress that has been made since fishing resumed on a trial basis. Other participants also stated negative views.

But a researcher from Osaka expressed support for releasing the water while monitoring radiation levels.

The panel will hold more public hearings on Friday in Koriyama City in Fukushima Prefecture and in Tokyo.

The experts will study the opinions expressed at the hearings before submitting their proposal to the government.

Key words : Insight why the public hearing was held at this point
#N/A


Key words : removing nuclear
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180830_18/

Workers have begun removing nuclear fuel at the Monju fast-breeder reactor in central Japan.

The reactor, in the city of Tsuruga, Fukui Prefecture, is slated to be dismantled over a roughly 30-year period. The operator, the Japan Atomic Energy Agency, made the decision in 2016, citing the huge cost of ensuring safety.

Workers on Thursday began moving nuclear fuel from a storage container near the reactor to a detached storage pool. It's the first key step in the decommissioning process.

Agency President Toshio Kodama urged the roughly 550 workers to make safety their priority.

The operator hopes to move 100 fuel assemblies into the storage pool by yearend.

But the work is challenging. The reactor's nuclear fuel is cooled by a type of sodium that ignites on contact with water or moisture in the air.

In addition, Monju's fuel assemblies aren't placed the same as those in ordinary reactors.

Key words : atomic agency take 70 years
#N/A


Key words : ministers meeting
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180830_35/

Ministers from 16 Asia-Pacific countries are gathering in Singapore, discussing a regional free trade pact. The countries hope to conclude the negotiations by the end of the year.

RCEP pulls together Japan, China, South Korea, India, Australia and New Zealand along with the ASEAN nations. This sprawling bloc, if it ever happens, will account for half of the world's population and 30 percent of the global economy.

Singapore's Trade Minister Chan Chun Sing said, "The substantial conclusion of RCEP by the end of 2018 will reaffirm our region's continued support for free trade against the back drop of rising protectionist sentiments."

Delegates are holding two days of talks. They've got a long list of items to get through -- how to scrap tariffs, protect intellectual property rights and set up rules for online trading. The say they still hope to get an agreement done by December.

But they're facing an uphill battle to iron out their differences. The ministers are expected to issue a statement on Friday, when they wrap up the meeting.

Key words : UN command
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180830_24/

The UN command supervising the demilitarized zone between North and South Korea says it disapproved of a joint survey of a railway linking the two sides.

The command on Thursday acknowledged its disapproval of the test run scheduled for last week. It says it has asked the South Korean side for details of the plan.

The 2 Koreas agreed at their summit in April to connect railway lines through the zone.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in expressed hope to hold a groundbreaking ceremony for the link this year.

In July, the 2 sides carried out joint inspections of the Gyeongui and Donghae lines, on the western and eastern sides of the Korean Peninsula respectively.

The test planned for last Thursday was aimed at finding where repairs are needed.

The UN command's disapproval came at a time of little progress in US-North Korean negotiations on the North's denuclearization. The commander of the US Forces in South Korea also supervises UN forces there.

The US administration is apparently wary about progress in inter-Korean cooperation.

Key words : child welfare child abuse
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180830_22/

Child consultation centers across Japan handled more than 130,000 reported child abuse cases in fiscal 2017, a record high.

The welfare ministry on Thursday released the figures for the year through March 2018 at a meeting of the heads of child consultation centers nationwide.

The ministry said the centers handled 133,778 reports of abuse by parents or other guardians on children under the age of 18. The number is up by more than 11,000 from the previous year.

More than half, or 72,197, of the cases fell into the category of psychological abuse that includes verbal abuse and display of domestic violence in front of children.
There were 33,223 cases of physical abuse, 26,818 cases of neglect and 1,540 sexual abuse cases.

The number of handled cases has been rising every year since record-taking began in 1990.

A notable increase can be seen in the number of cases involving children witnessing violence within the family.
The welfare ministry says this is due to the growing number of reports from police.

The ministry says not just child consultation centers but local governments need to get involved to strengthen community-wide efforts to deal with the problem.

Key words : monster galaxy
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180830_20/

A team of international scientists has made the first close observation of a star-generating "monster galaxy" that was formed shortly after the Big Bang.

The team, led by a Japanese astronomer, used a radio telescope to observe a monster galaxy 12.4 billion light years from the Earth.

A number of these galaxies have been identified so far. They were formed in the early years of the universe and are thought to be nurseries of stars.

The researchers found that gas and dust, which are the ingredients of stars, are concentrated in the middle of the monster galaxy and at 2 locations several thousand light years from its center.

In many other galaxies, the clouds of gas and dust are more evenly spread in the shape of a disc. The researchers say the monster galaxy's distinctive structure may be a factor behind its star-forming power.

The head of the team, Kenichi Tadaki of Japan's National Astronomical Observatory, says the study has helped to shed light on the mechanism of how stars are created at an enormous rate in a monster galaxy. He says his team hopes to resolve the question of why gas is concentrated at certain locations.

The outcome of the research was published in the latest edition of the British journal Nature.

Key words : government official under growing pressure
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180830_29/

Government officials are under growing pressure to get Japan ready for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. They say one area that needs a big boost in funding is cyber security.

The Cabinet Secretariat is asking for 38 million dollars for the next fiscal year to bolster defenses against cyber-attacks. That's an increase of 70 percent from this year.

Some of the funds would pay for a new office that can share intelligence with the organizer of the Games, local authorities and businesses.

Officials also want to commission independent experts to assess the vulnerability of Japanese infrastructure.

Authorities are concerned that hackers could target electricity grids, water supplies, and transportation networks.

Key words : Japanese researcher heatstroke
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180830_26/

Japanese researchers have conducted a series of tests along the marathon course, which will be used during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, to assess ways of protecting spectators and athletes from heatstroke.

The tests were conducted on Thursday by experts from Hosei University and the Japan Weather Association.

The experts flew a drone equipped with a camera, which is capable of measuring temperatures with infrared light, along the marathon course in central Tokyo. It glided at an altitude of 150 meters.

The drone flew repeatedly at 30-minute intervals to measure the surface temperatures on ordinary paved roads, and on those paved with a special coating.

The data will be used to determine how the temperatures changed, and how effective the coating was at keeping the surface temperatures from rising.

The researchers also recorded surface temperatures around the clock, from the rooftop of a building about 120 meters high, to determine how the temperatures changed over time.

In another test, students wearing instruments, which measured their heart rates and how much they sweat, were asked to stand in the sun, in the shade, and in an area where some water had been sprinkled.

Associate Professor Shun Kawakubo of Hosei University said that studying ways to protect against heatstroke will save lives before, during, and after the Olympic Games. He also said that effective measures can be developed by studying the effects of high temperatures on the human body and on roads.

at 20:00 (JST), August 29 AS

Japan's top government spokesman has declined to comment on a US newspaper report that Japan and North Korea met secretly in Vietnam last month.

US Defense Secretary James Mattis has suggested the United States may resume military exercises with South Korea.

US says it stands ready to engage with North Korea when its leader is ready to deliver on his commitments to completely denuclearize his country.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20180829200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : top government
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180829_21/

Japan's top government spokesman has declined to comment on a US newspaper report that Japan and North Korea met secretly in Vietnam last month.

The Washington Post reported in its electronic version on Tuesday that a top Japanese intelligence official, Shigeru Kitamura, met a senior North Korean official in charge of reunification, Kim Song Hye. They reportedly discussed the North's abductions of Japanese nationals.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told reporters on Wednesday that he's aware of the report but will not comment on behalf of the government on such reports.

Suga said the government continues to do its utmost toward comprehensive resolution of pending issues with North Korea, including its abductions of Japanese nationals and nuclear and missile programs.

The Washington Post also says US President Donald Trump launched into a "blistering critique" of Japan's trade policies when he met Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the White House in June.

Trump reportedly told Abe that he remembers Pearl Harbor.

Suga said the remark was not made.

Key words : US defense suggested
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180829_11/

US Defense Secretary James Mattis has suggested the United States may resume military exercises with South Korea. The remark comes amid slow progress in diplomatic talks on North Korea's denuclearization.

Mattis spoke to reporters at the Defense Department on Tuesday. He said the US suspended several of the largest exercises as a good-faith measure coming out of the Singapore summit.

He was referring to the Department's decision to suspend 3 drills to support diplomatic negotiations after US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met in June.

One of the suspended programs was a drill with South Korea in August.

Mattis said the US has no plans to suspend any more exercises.

He added no decision had been made on when to resume the drills and further steps would be discussed with the State Department.

Skepticism is growing in the United States as to whether North Korea actually intends to give up its nuclear program.

On Friday, President Trump called off a trip by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to North Korea, saying sufficient progress was not being made with respect to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

Key words : south resuming
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180829_30/

South Korea's presidential office says resuming military drills with the United States is subject to discuss between the 2 countries.

Presidential office spokesperson Kim Eui-kyeom said on Wednesday that the issue should be discussed and decided during a review of progress in denuclearizing North Korea.

Kim added that South Korea had not received a request for such talks from the US side.

The remarks came after US Defense Secretary James Mattis said the US has no plans to suspend any more military exercises with the South.

The spokesperson also referred to a planned summit between South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Pyongyang next month.

He added that with North Korea and the US deadlocked over the issue of denuclearization, there is an even bigger need for an inter-Korean summit.

Key words : US ready to engage
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180829_12/

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says the United States stands ready to engage with North Korea when its leader is ready to deliver on his commitments to completely denuclearize his country.

President Donald Trump on Friday postponed Pompeo's visit to North Korea, citing a lack of progress on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert read out a statement from Pompeo during a briefing on Tuesday.

The statement says the US stands ready to engage when it is clear that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un is ready to deliver on the commitments he made at the Singapore summit with Trump to completely denuclearize his country.

Several US media outlets are reporting that the Trump administration decided on the postponement in response to a letter from Vice Chairman of the North's ruling Workers' Party, Kim Yong Chol.

CNN television reported on Tuesday that the letter warns the US that denuclearization talks are "again at stake and may fall apart."

The State Department has not confirmed the report.

Key words : upcoming gubernatorial election
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180829_32/

Opposition lawmaker Denny Tamaki has declared his candidacy in the gubernatorial election in Okinawa Prefecture next month. The election is to choose the successor to Takeshi Onaga, who died after an illness in early this month.

Tamaki, who is a Lower House member and the Secretary General of the opposition Liberal Party, told a news conference on Wednesday that he will run as an independent.

He affirmed his intention to support Onaga's last wish. That is to oppose the central government's plan to relocate the US Marine Corps Futenma Air Station to the Henoko district of Nago City within the prefecture. Tamaki pledged to try to prevent the construction of a new base in Henoko.

In the election, former Ginowan City mayor Atsushi Sakima has already announced his intention to run at the request of the Liberal Democratic Party, which is the largest party in the ruling national coalition. The LDP was at odds with the late governor. A partner in the ruling national coalition, the Komeito party, also backs Sakima. Another party Nippon Ishin, or Japan Innovation Party, is expected to follow suit.

Tamaki has received the support of the opposition Japanese Communist Party, the Social Democratic Party and others, who also backed Onaga.

Three other people have declared their candidacy, but the upcoming election is likely to be a virtual 2-way battle between Tamaki and Sakima.

The election campaign period will begin on September 13th and the voting will be held on the 30th.

Key words : Insight significance of peace messanger
#N/A


Key words : chinese authorities
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180829_26/

Chinese authorities say they will cooperate with their Japanese counterparts to crack down on smugglers of potentially dangerous sleeping pills.

China's Public Security Ministry on Wednesday expressed alarm that drugs such as the Japanese sleeping pill flunitrazepam are being smuggled into China through use of social networking sites.

In Japan, flunitrazepam is prescribed by medical institutions. It can cause hyperactivity and hallucinations if mixed with alcohol.

Giving or selling the drug to others without permission is banned in Japan and China. But 24 people have reportedly been implicated in smuggling the drug in China this year.
The deputy director of the ministry's narcotics control bureau, Deng Ming, said there have been incidents linked to drug abuse at entertainment facilities.

He expressed hope of sharing information with Japanese authorities for a speedy crackdown.

Illegal drugs are rampant in China. Since Japanese sleeping pills are easier to obtain than stimulant drugs, Chinese authorities are concerned they could spread among the country's youth.

Key words : camera market
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180829_20/

Japan's digital camera market has been sluggish due to the popularity of camera-equipped smartphones, but is now showing signs of a turnaround.

Competition among camera makers is intensifying as new models are being launched to attract young users. This market segment tends to take pictures that look good on social media sites.

Camera maker Nikon has announced new mirrorless digital camera models for the first time in 3 years. They are interchangeable-lens cameras that are smaller and lighter than single-lens reflex ones.

The new models are high-end cameras equipped with large image sensors, providing high imaging quality equivalent to that of single-lens reflex cameras.

Nikon will put the new models on sale at around 4,000 dollars next month.

In the mirrorless camera market, Sony has been leading in high-end models. Canon plans to introduce its new model by the end of the year.

Fujifilm has decided to raise production of interchangeable lenses for mirrorless cameras to 1.7 times the current level.

Nikon Senior Vice President Nobuyoshi Gokyu expressed his hope of attracting people who know the joy of taking pictures with smartphones and want to upgrade to mirrorless cameras. Gokyu says he wants Nikon to have the top share in the mirrorless camera market.

The Camera and Imaging Products Association says shipments of mirrorless cameras in Japan increased last year for the first time in 4 years. Domestic shipments from January to June this year showed a 9 percent increase year-on-year.

By contrast, shipments of single-lens reflex cameras have been declining every year since 2014. Their shipments over the past 6 months fell 24 percent from the same period last year.

Single-lens reflex cameras are known for their high-quality pictures. But they are heavy and difficult to use.

Officials of the association note that single-lens reflex cameras are priced higher than mirrorless ones.

They say these factors have contributed to the drop in shipments.

Key words : east Japan
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180829_25/

East Japan Railway Company held the first media preview on Wednesday of its new station being built in central Tokyo.

JR East plans to open the station in the spring of 2020, in time for the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games that summer. It will stand between Shinagawa and Tamachi stations, and the Yamanote and Keihin Tohoku commuter lines will stop there.

The company says about 70 percent of the planned work has been completed.

The station building has 3 stories above ground and one below. It was designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, who also designed the new national stadium for the 2020 Games.

The building features white roofs and big glass walls. The railway tracks are already in place.

Kuma said he believes that railway stations will play a bigger role in people's lives. He added that he hopes the new station will fit in well with the surrounding streets.

A JR East official expressed hope that the station will give visitors to the 2020 Games a fresh impression of Japan.

The new station's name will be chosen from proposals submitted by the public. The winning entry will be announced by winter.

at 20:00 (JST), August 28 AS

A Japanese government probe has found that ministries and agencies have overstated the number of their employees with disabilities by more than 3,000.

Japan's annual defense report stresses the need to introduce a new ballistic missile defense system, citing nuclear and missile threats from North Korea.

A major American newspaper is reporting that US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's trip to North Korea was called off due to a confrontational letter from Pyongyang.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20180828200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : Japanese government probe has found
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180828_80/

A Japanese government probe has found that ministries and agencies have overstated the number of their employees with disabilities by more than 3,000.

Government offices, along with private businesses, are required by law to include a certain percentage of disabled people in their workforces.

Labor minister Katsunobu Kato reported the results of the probe at a ministerial meeting on Tuesday.
The inquiry was launched after allegations emerged of padding by the central and local governments.

The probe covered 33 ministries, agencies and other entities. As of June of last year, 27 of them -- or 80 percent -- had inflated the number of disabled workers by a combined 3,460.

This was done by counting those without the necessary documentation and medical certificates as having disabilities.

Counted correctly, the percentage of government workers with disabilities fell from 2.49 percent to 1.19, below the legally required 2.3 percent.

The National Tax Agency had overstated the number the most, counting roughly 1,020 employees as disabled. It was followed by the Land, Infrastructure and Transport Ministry with about 600, and the Justice Ministry with about 540.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga told the meeting that the situation was inexcusable. He said the government will launch a ministerial liaison council and a team including third-party experts to study the problem.

Suga said local administrative authorities will also be asked to check their records. He said the government will compile by around October a comprehensive plan to strengthen internal checks and measures to achieve the legal percentages.

Labor minister Kato apologized for the padding on Tuesday.

Kato expressed regret that government ministries and agencies that should serve as models for private businesses in employing the disabled were involved in such practices.

He said he has confirmed that diabetics and others who should not be considered as disabled were counted as such.

He added that he will ask an investigative panel to determine whether this was intentional or the result of misunderstanding.

Kato urged all ministries and agencies to make sure that their workforces have the legally required percentage of disabled people this year. He said if they cannot, they should draw up a plan to do so next year.

Kato added that employees who were wrongly hired as disabled will keep their jobs.

Key words : annual defense
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180828_16/

Japan's annual defense report stresses the need to introduce a new ballistic missile defense system, citing nuclear and missile threats from North Korea.

The white paper was reported to the Cabinet on Tuesday.

It notes that it was significant that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un clearly committed to denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula in his June 12th summit with US President Donald Trump.

But it says the North remains an unprecedented, serious and immediate threat.

It refers to the country's deployment of ballistic missiles within range of Japan, and its nuclear and missile development that shows increasing operational capacity.

The report says Japan is set to strengthen its capabilities to counter ballistic missile attacks. It says introducing the new ground-based ballistic missile defense system Aegis Ashore will dramatically enhance the nation's defence.

The paper describes China as a security concern to the region and to the world, saying it is unilaterally escalating activities in areas around Japan.

China has been increasing its maritime activities in the South China Sea and other waters.

Key words : major American
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180828_27/

A major American newspaper is reporting that US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's trip to North Korea was called off due to a confrontational letter from Pyongyang.

The Washington Post says it's not clear what the exact message was, but that it was sufficiently belligerent that the US government decided to call off Pompeo's journey.

The paper posted an article online on Monday based on the accounts of 2 senior administration officials.

It says Pompeo received a secret letter from Kim Yong Chol, the vice chairman of North Korea's ruling Workers' Party Central Committee, on Friday morning.

Pompeo reportedly showed the letter to President Donald Trump.

Trump tweeted on Friday that he cancelled the trip because he felt that the US government was not making sufficient progress with respect to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

State Department officials have told NHK that Trump made the decision after consulting with his security team, and that they have nothing more to add for the moment.

Key words : Japan host women
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180828_26/

Japan will host its annual international conference on empowering women next March along with Women 20, a conference launched by the Group of 20.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga revealed the plan to reporters on Tuesday.

Every year, the government holds World Assembly for Women. It invites top female leaders from around the world to exchange views on various topics related to empowering women.

Suga said the next meeting, the 5th, will be held simultaneously with the W20, a body aimed at boosting economic empowerment of women under the G20, on March 23rd and 24th.

The G20 summit is scheduled for June of next year in Osaka, western Japan.

Suga expressed hope that by hosting the 2 conferences at the same time, Japan's efforts to reach the goal will be made known worldwide and that the chances for women to play greater roles in society may improve.

Key words : Insight what does it need to boost paralympic
#N/A


Key words : Australia
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180828_32/

Australia's new prime minister Scott Morrison has launched his cabinet, replacing his predecessor and Liberal Party colleague Malcolm Turnbull.

Cabinet ministers were sworn in on Tuesday at a ceremony in the capital, Canberra.

Morrison assumed his post on Friday after Turnbull stepped down amid slumping public support for his ruling coalition.

The country expects parliamentary elections by next May.

The latest polls showed Morrison's approval rating at 33 percent, 6 percentage points lower than that of the leader of the main opposition party.

Morrison reappointed Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton, apparently to maintain unity of his Liberal Party and regain public support. Dutton had quit the post in a challenge to the former prime minister.

Morrison's government faces diplomatic tests such as managing ties with Australia's biggest trade partner China. The 2 countries' relations soured after the previous administration adopted policies to prevent Chinese influence in Australian politics.

Key words : industry group
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180828_34/

Industry groups from Japan and China have agreed to create a unified standard for devices used to charge batteries in electric vehicles.

The 2 sides signed a memorandum in Beijing on Tuesday. They aim to combine their standards for so-called fast chargers, and put a new one into practical use by 2020.

They also plan to develop a charger with an output of more than 500 kilowatts. That's over 10 times as powerful as devices now used in Japan, and will allow large vehicles to be recharged in a short time.

CHAdeMO Association President Toshiyuki Shiga said, "China already has a vast number of charging stations. I think Japan can increase its global influence through this joint development."

There are now five types of fast-chargers. The unified standard would cover more than 90 percent of the global market.

China is the world's largest market for electric vehicles.
Observers say Japanese makers of battery chargers will find it easier to enter the market under a unified standard.

Key words : Toyota Uber
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180828_21/

Toyota Motor said it will invest 500 million dollars in US ride-hailing company Uber to help develop self-driving vehicles.

Toyota said the investment will advance the companies' partnership as competition intensifies in the race to commercialize self-driving vehicles.

Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi says the partnership is a natural fit and signals a commitment to developing world-class technologies.

In a related move, four auto-parts makers in the Toyota group will form a joint venture to develop software for self-driving vehicles.

Denso President & CEO Koji Arima says, "The 4 companies will combine know-how to help promote self-driving technology that allows safe and secure transportation for everyone."

The parts makers say the JV will supply its software to Toyota and other carmakers in Japan and overseas.

Toyota Motor has said it aims to commercialize auto-driving technology for expressways by 2020.

Key words : Indian
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180828_05/

The Indian government has succeeded in flying a passenger plane using biofuel. It was a test aimed at weaning the country off foreign oil imports.

Demand for crude oil is surging in India in tandem with its high economic growth.

The country relies on imports for about 80 percent of its oil needs, and the government aims to cut the rate by 10 percent by 2022.

The flight test on Monday was conducted jointly by the government and Indian budget airline SpiceJet.

The aircraft traveled about 250 kilometers in one hour and landed at an airport in New Delhi.

Plant-derived biofuel was mixed with conventional jet fuel so that it accounted for 25 percent of the total.

Indian science minister Harsh Vardhan told reporters that environment-friendly biofuel would help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and the country's oil imports.

The Indian government aims to counter surging oil demand with plans to promote the use of biofuel. The country's aviation market is forecast to become the world's 3rd largest in 2 years.

The development of new technologies to lower biofuel production costs will be a key issue.

Key words : Japanese police
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180828_29/

Japanese police are investigating the deaths of 4 elderly hospital patients who are thought to have died of heat stroke after air conditioners on their floors broke down.

The Gifu Prefectural Police Department says it is looking into the deaths after receiving a call on Monday night.

The caller said the patients died on Sunday and Monday of possible heat stroke.

Two men and 2 women aged between 83 and 85 died at Y&M Fujikake Daiichi Hospital in the city of Gifu.

Police say the patients were on the 3rd and 4th floors. The air conditioners on those floors had been out of order for about a week, during which time the hospital was using fans while awaiting repairs.

The hospital's director, Yosei Fujikake, said he didn't see any problem with the way he addressed the situation.

Fujikake told reporters that 9 fans were used after the air conditioners broke down on August 20th.

He said he requested repairs on that day and was told that it would take a month. No one has yet come to make repairs.

Patients in serious condition were reportedly relocated to rooms with air conditioning. But the 4 who died did not have air conditioning, although some of them had serious complications, such as from asthma.

Key words : Sakura middle east
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180828_28/

Fans in the Middle East are among those mourning the passing of manga artist Momoko Sakura.

Sakura's most popular animation Chibi Maruko-chan was broadcast in 60 countries and territories around the world.

In the Middle East it was translated into Arabic with the title Maruko Saghira, or Little Maruko. It was accompanied by a theme song from the region.

A twitter posting in Arabic on Monday announcing the news of Sakura's death has been retweeted more than 1,600 times.

A Palestinian fan on twitter said that Maruko was the best childhood animation.

Another fan from Egypt posted a message with a teary emoji, expressing gratitude to Sakura.

at 20:00 (JST), August 27 AS

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has announced that he will seek a third consecutive term of the presidency of the main ruling Liberal Democratic Party.

Japan plans to extend emergency aid to a UN agency for Palestinian refugees amid growing concern over the agency's financial difficulties caused by the US freezing its financial assistance.

Nissan Motor has launched a production of new electric vehicles that plant in China.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20180827200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : Abe seek
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180827_10/

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has announced that he will seek a third consecutive term of the presidency of the main ruling Liberal Democratic Party.

He will face off against former LDP Secretary-General Shigeru Ishiba, the only other candidate who has entered the race so far.

The vote is set to take place on September 20th, and will be the party's first contested election in 6 years. Abe was re-elected without opposition 3 years ago.

Abe, who was visiting the southern prefecture of Kagoshima on Sunday, said he's ready to lead efforts to prepare the country for the future and that the election centers on how this should be done.

Meanwhile, Ishiba said he hopes to have a good debate on key issues such as social security and economic policy.

The winner will be decided by votes cast by party members of the Diet and rank-and-file members.

Abe, who seems to have already secured a majority of the lawmakers' support, also hopes to win more than half the votes of the party members.

Key words : chief cabinet discuss
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180827_21/

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary says ministers will meet on Tuesday to discuss ways to ensure that employment quotas will be met for people with disabilities.

Yoshihide Suga announced the step on Monday following the recent revelation that government ministries and local authorities inflated their disabled staff numbers.

Administrative bodies and businesses are required by law to include a certain percentage of people with disabilities in their workforces.

The labor and welfare ministry has been investigating the alleged practice. Suga told reporters that the results of the probe will be made public at Tuesday's meeting.

He added that the relevant ministers will use the results to discuss ways to prevent a recurrence and ensure the quotas will be met at government offices.

Key words : Japan plans to emergency
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180827_05/

Japan plans to extend emergency aid to a UN agency for Palestinian refugees amid growing concern over the agency's financial difficulties caused by the US freezing its financial assistance.

Sources say the Japanese government will release the aid by the end of this week, extending 5.4 million dollars to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees.

The funds will be used to provide food aid to one million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip who are facing one of the most serious humanitarian crises in the region.

UNRWA could be forced to suspend its activities by the end of next month if it fails to fill a more than 200 million dollars shortfall.

Before it halted the funding, the United States had provided 30 percent of the UN agency's operating costs to provide food, education and medicine for 5.3 million Palestinian refugees.

The administration of US President Donald Trump has hardened its stance against the Palestinian leadership to secure support from pro-Israel voters in the upcoming midterm Congressional elections.

The United Nations is calling on the international community to step up and provide emergency aid for UNRWA.

The Japanese government appears to have decided to respond to the UN call from a humanitarian viewpoint, despite the US decision.

Key words : Insight clean up pollution in India
#N/A


Key words : registration
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180827_22/

Registration of candidates for local elections has begun in Taiwan ahead of voting day on November 24th. Posts up for grabs include the mayor's offices of Taipei and Kaohsiung.

Candidates began filing their candidacy for 22 gubernatorial and mayoral posts on Monday, the start of the 5-day election registration period.

Major parties view the upcoming elections as a prelude to the presidential election in 2020.

Members and affiliates of political parties were seen chanting their parties' slogans in a show of support as candidates registered.

Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party, led by President Tsai Ing-wen, won 13 of the 22 posts in the elections held 4 years ago.

Eager to maintain the momentum, members are campaigning on the party's efforts to reform Taiwan's pension system and labor standards.

The ruling party is also calling for solidarity, as China continues its efforts to isolate Taiwan.

Meanwhile, the main opposition Nationalist Party, which has for long held the helm of Taiwan, has launched a campaign against the Tsai administration in a bid to win back power.

Nearly half of voters do not support any party. How these independent voters evaluate the Tsai administration will likely determine who wins the local elections.

Key words : Nissan
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180827_32/

Japanese automakers see big opportunities in China's growing market for electric vehicles. Nissan Motor is planning to roll out some of its latest models from a local factory.

Nissan is the first Japanese carmaker to produce EVs under its own brand in China. Production has gotten underway in Guangzhou in the south of the country.

Nissan says the "Sylphy Zero Emission" can run about 340 kilometers on a single charge. It goes on sale next month.

Company officials also say they're going to expand their local EV line-up with 5 new models by the end of next year.

Nissan Motor President and CEO Hiroto Saikawa said, "China is the world's biggest auto market. The country is also starting to lead the world in the development of new technologies. We will sell EVs that are attractive to consumers in China."

Honda will introduce EVs in the country by the end of the year. Toyota and Mazda plan to do so in 2020.

Over 650,000 electric vehicles were sold in China last year. The government has set a sales target for eco-friendly cars that run on electricity and other alternative power sources of 7 million units in 2025.

Key words : self-driving
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180827_24/

A self-driving taxi has started cruising the streets of central Tokyo. The cab is on a 2-week trial run, picking up passengers.

Japanese venture firm ZMP developed the vehicle. The company has teamed up with local taxi operator Hinomaru Kotsu.

The first passengers were a family of 3. They used a smartphone app to open the doors.

The cab is making 4 round-trips a day between an office building near Tokyo station and a major commercial tower about 5 kilometers away in the Roppongi area.

There's a driver on board just in case. But most of the navigation is done automatically, including turning at intersections and changing lanes.

Officials at the companies say this is the first time in the world for a self-driving taxi to carry paying customers.

One of the passengers said, "The ride was quite smooth. It was amazing that driving was done almost automatically."

Hinomaru Kotsu President & CEO Kazutaka Tomita said, "We're facing a severe challenge from labor shortages. So we hope to tap self-driving technology to make up for a lack of drivers, as well as improving convenience."

The company is aiming to commercialize autonomous taxis by the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The trial runs until September 8th.

Key words : temperature
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180827_28/

Temperatures topped 35 degrees Celsius on Monday across much of western and eastern Japan.

Japan's Meteorological Agency says a high pressure system pushed up the mercury.

The day's highest temperature was 37.8 degrees in Koshigaya City in Saitama Prefecture, near Tokyo, and Kuwana City, Mie Prefecture, central Japan.

It reached 36.7 degrees in Nagoya City. This was the 33rd day this year the city has seen heat of over 35 degrees. It's the longest heatwave since record-keeping began in 1910.

Elsewhere, temperatures hit 36.4 degrees in the city of Kyoto and 35.8 degrees in central Tokyo.

As children return to classes in the city of Yaizu, Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan, elementary and junior high schools are taking measures to protect them. Teachers at one school handed out ice packs for pupils to wrap around their necks.

One of the school principals said he hoped to help children avoid heatstroke through the use of refrigerants.

at 20:00 (JST), August 26 AS

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has officially announced he will run in the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in September.

North Korea made no mention of nuclear arms on the anniversary to mark the start of its "military first" policy on Saturday.

Health officials in Japan are advising people to get vaccinated against rubella as the number of cases increases, especially in and around Tokyo.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20180826200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : Abe officially
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180826_16/

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has officially announced he will run in the Liberal Democratic Party's leadership election in September.

Abe announced his candidacy during a visit to Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, on Sunday.

An election win would give him a 3rd term as the leader of the main governing party.

He told reporters he won overwhelming support from the Japanese people when he called a snap general election last year, and that it is his responsibility to respond to the people's mandate.

Abe said Japan faces a turning point in its history over the next few years. He pointed to next year's notable events, such as Emperor Akihito's abdication and the first summit of the Group of 20 nations in the country. He also mentioned the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics in 2020.

Abe expressed his resolve to take leadership in creating a new nation for a coming era with a new emperor.

He said he is confident he is mentally and physically strong enough to pursue this mission.

Key words : north nuclear arm
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180826_03/

North Korea made no mention of nuclear arms on the anniversary to mark the start of its "military first" policy on Saturday.

This is in stark contrast to last year's anniversary, when the country vowed to make a 1000-fold increase in its nuclear capabilities in an editorial of the ruling Workers' Party newspaper, Rodong Sinmun.

Observers say the North refrained from asserting that it's a nuclear power, given the agreements it has reached with the United States and South Korea on denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

The country's state-run TV urged the public to work toward the thorough implementation of a new strategic policy presented by the Workers' Party in April.

The new policy calls for all-out efforts to rebuild the economy while vowing to close nuclear test sites and suspend test launches of intercontinental ballistic missiles.

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump decided on Friday to cancel Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's trip to North Korea. He cited what he sees as insufficient progress regarding the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

Trump's decision highlighted a growing division between the 2 countries. Observers say this may draw an angry reaction from the North, which claims it has already taken concrete steps toward denuclearization.

Key words : Kono called postponement
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180826_08/

Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono has called the postponement of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's visit to North Korea justifiable.

He also stressed that Japan will continue working closely with the United States to bring about the denuclearization of North Korea.

Kono told reporters in Los Angeles that he had spoken with Pompeo by phone. He said that the US secretary explained the reason for the postponement.

The foreign minister said he and Pompeo reiterated that the international community must work together to implement the UN Security Council's resolutions, and to realize the goal of denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula.

Kono also said that they agreed to step up efforts to detect illegal ship-to-ship transfers of goods headed to the North.

Key words : US senator
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180826_10/

US Senator John McCain, who was battling an aggressive form of brain cancer, has died at his home in Arizona. He was 81 years old.

McCain survived five and a half years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam. Later, he became a powerful figure in Washington. He served as a senator for six terms.

In 2008, he became the Republican nominee for president of the United States. He lost to then- Democratic candidate Barack Obama.

McCain was also an outspoken critic of President Donald Trump's policies and attacks on the media.

On Friday, just five days before his 82nd birthday, McCain's family announced that he had chosen to discontinue medical treatment.

President Trump expressed his condolences on Twitter. He stated, "My deepest sympathies and respect go out to the family of Senator John McCain. Our hearts and prayers are with you!"

Key words : Trump reaching
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180826_04/

US President Donald Trump says his country is close to reaching a deal with Mexico on the North American Free Trade Agreement.

On Saturday, Trump tweeted, "A big Trade Agreement with Mexico could be happening soon!"

The Trump administration says NAFTA is depriving American workers of jobs. The administration has been renegotiating the pact since August, 2017. The trade agreement also involves Canada.

After 3-party talks failed to narrow differences, the US started discussing the issue of automotive tariffs with Mexico.

The Trump administration may be trying to put pressure on Canada by reaching an agreement with Mexico first.

Revamping NAFTA, with the aim of reducing the US trade deficit with the 2 countries, was one of Trump's key campaign promises. He is hoping to complete the process before the US mid-term elections in November.

Key words : earthquake Iran
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180826_11/

A magnitude 6.0 earthquake has struck western Iran, killing at least one person.

The US Geological Survey reported that the quake occurred at 2:43 AM local time at about 90 kilometers northwest of the city of Kermanshah near the border with Iraq. It was about 10 kilometers deep.

Local media reported that more than 50 people were injured.

Last November a 7.3 magnitude quake hit the Kermanshah province resulting in more than 500 deaths.

Key words : health official
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180826_12/

Health officials in Japan are advising people to get vaccinated against rubella as the number of cases increases, especially in and around Tokyo.

Rubella is a viral infectious disease that causes fever and rashes. Babies born to women who contract the disease during pregnancy are at risk of developing eye, ear or heart disorders.

The National Institute of Infectious Diseases says more than 110 people were infected with the disease in Tokyo and in neighboring Chiba Prefecture combined, as of August 19th.

The nationwide figure has passed 170, exceeding last year's total by more than 70.

The institute is recommending vaccination to males in their 30s to 50s who have not contracted rubella and have no records of vaccination.

The same advice is also given to people who frequently come in contact with pregnant women and their families, as well as women who have the possibility of getting pregnant.

Key words : crowds of
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180826_13/

Crowds of people have gathered to enjoy free grilled fish at a festival in northeastern Japan.

The event was held on Sunday in Ofunato City, Iwate Prefecture, to celebrate the season's first catch of Pacific saury. The city boasts one of the largest landings of the fish in Japan.

7,000 fish, freshly caught the previous day, were grilled over charcoal and served. An inviting smell filled the venue.

Catches in waters off Japan have been dwindling in recent years. But the Fisheries Agency forecasts this year's number of saury in the area will increase from last year.

One visitor said he comes to the festival every year and the saury always tastes great.

at 20:00 (JST), August 25 AS

A US Department of State official says a planned trip by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to North Korea has been postponed. The official told NHK that the postponement was the result of discussions between President Donald Trump and security officials.

The United States has reactivated the Second Fleet in the Atlantic Ocean and launched a new initiative to develop weapons. The move comes amid concerns over perceived threats from Russia and China.

US President Donald Trump's administration has said it will cut more than 200 million dollars in economic aid to the Palestinians.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20180825200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : Mike has been postponed
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180825_11/

A US Department of State official says a planned trip by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to North Korea has been postponed. The official told NHK that the postponement was the result of discussions between President Donald Trump and security officials.

Trump said on Twitter on Friday that he asked Pompeo not to go to North Korea, as he feels sufficient progress has not been made with respect to the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

Trump said he does not believe that China is helping with the denuclearization process as much as it was before, because of his much tougher stance on trade with China.

Earlier on Thursday, Pompeo had told reporters he would visit North Korea next week.
Pompeo said using diplomacy to resolve the North Korean security threat remains one of Trump's greatest priorities.

Trump added on Twitter that Pompeo looks forward to going to North Korea in the near future, most likely after the trade dispute with China is resolved.

Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono, who is visiting San Francisco, spoke with Pompeo by phone. Pompeo explained the reason for the postponement and sought Japan's understanding.

They reaffirmed that Japan and the United States will work closely together to make North Korea take concrete steps to denuclearize.

Key words : new satellite
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180825_12/

A US research group says new satellite imagery indicates North Korea is preparing for a large-scale military parade on its Foundation Day next month.

The group released its analysis of the visual material on its "38 North" website on Friday. Photos of the training ground outside Pyongyang were taken on Wednesday.

The Foundation Day parade is scheduled for September 9th. The researchers say pictures show about 120 military vehicles in formation practicing on the facility's roads. They say the vehicles include what appear to be transporter-erector-launchers for Scud-class missiles.

The group says the number of shelters erected at the heavy equipment storage area has increased since August 12th, indicating the upcoming parade will likely be considerably larger than the one held in February.

The February event showcased missiles, including a new ICBM-class type known as the Hwasong-15.

The researchers say no transporter-erector-launchers for ICBMs have yet been observed.

Arrangements are reportedly ongoing for Chinese President Xi Jinping to attend the parade.

Attention is focused on what North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will say about Pyongyang's efforts toward denuclearization, and its relations with the United States and South Korea.

Key words : United reactivated
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180825_10/

The United States has reactivated the Second Fleet in the Atlantic Ocean and launched a new initiative to develop weapons. The move comes amid concerns over perceived threats from Russia and China.

The Navy's Second Fleet oversees the northern Atlantic Ocean. It was disbanded in 2011 by the Obama administration due to defense budget cuts.

A ceremony re-establishing the fleet took place on Friday at the naval station in Norfolk, Virginia.

Chief of Naval Operations, Admiral John Richardson, noted that a resurgent Russia has prompted a change in the security environment.

He said the best way to avoid a fight is to "develop the most powerful and deadly and competitive Navy possible."

On the same day, the Army launched a new organization called Futures Command in Houston, Texas. Officials say it will cooperate with US universities and businesses to research and develop new generations of weapons.

Key words : Trump cut more than
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180825_13/

US President Donald Trump's administration has said it will cut more than 200 million dollars in economic aid to the Palestinians.

The State Department made the announcement on Friday. The funds were originally planned for aid projects in the West Bank and Gaza.

A senior official with the State Department said it undertook a review of the assistance to ensure the funds are spent in accordance with US national interests and provide value to US taxpayers.

The official said that as a result of that review, at the direction of Trump, the decision was made to redirect the funds to "high-priority projects elsewhere."

The Trump administration has maintained a halt on US funding to the UN agency supporting Palestinian refugees since January. It is a retaliatory measure against the Palestinians' sharp reaction to the US recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

The Palestine Liberation Organization accused the Trump administration of "exercising economic meanness" by punishing Palestinians.

It said the Palestinian people and leadership will not be intimidated and will not succumb to coercion.

Observers say Trump aims to demonstrate his hardline stance against Palestine to his pro-Israel supporters ahead of the mid-term elections in November.

They also say Trump aims to put Palestinians in financial difficulty to bring them back to the negotiating table to discuss peace in the Middle East.

Key words : fire china
#N/A


Key words : NHK has learned half
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180825_05/

NHK has learned that there are about half as many people with disabilities employed by the Japanese government's ministries as figures suggest.

Administrative institutions and businesses are required by law to hire a certain amount of people with disabilities. The labor and welfare ministry has been investigating government offices after it was learned that more than 10 may have inflated their numbers.

Sources say the probe found that about 3,400 workers were counted as having disabilities, even though they did not carry the necessary identification.

In some cases, people were counted as having a disability based on the results of a health check-up.

Last year, 2.49 percent of people working at the central government's offices were said to have disabilities. That's higher than the required 2.3 percent. The latest probe is expected to bring the proportion down to less than 1.5 percent.

The ministry is expected to disclose the results of its investigation on Tuesday.

Key words : Japan house
#N/A


Key words : women soccer
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180825_08/

Japan has won the women's Under-20 soccer World Cup title for the first time.

The final in France on Friday was played against Spain, which beat Japan in the group stages.

The Spanish players were on the offensive at the beginning. But a series of superb saves by Japan's goalkeeper prevented the Spaniards from scoring.

Japan scored first in the 38th minute. In the second half, the Japanese squad added 2 more goals. With the score of 3-1, Japan secured its first-ever title in the Under-20 World Cup in its 5th time taking part.

Women's World Cup tournaments are currently held under 3 categories -- one without age limits; Under-20; and Under-17.
Japan has become the first country to win titles in all 3 categories.

at 20:00 (JST), August 23 AS

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has discussed North Korea-related issues with US President Donald Trump.

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A new round of US tariffs on Chinese imports kicked in on Thursday, with additional duties of 25 percent on 16 billion dollars' worth of Chinese products.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20180823200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : Abe discussed
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180823_02/

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has discussed North Korea-related issues with US President Donald Trump.

The 2 leaders spoke over the telephone for about 40 minutes on Wednesday. Their last phone conversation came soon after the US-North Korea summit in June.

Abe told reporters that they discussed the 2 countries' policies on North Korea in a detailed manner.

Abe said he explained Japan's efforts on resolving the abduction of Japanese nationals by the North. He noted that he asked Trump for his country's cooperation. Abe said Trump gave reassurances it would do so in line with Japan's stance.

The Japanese prime minister stated that Japan and the US totally agree on the need for complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

Abe said his government will continue to do everything it can to resolve the issues of North Korea's nuclear and missile programs and, above all, the abduction issue. He expressed a desire to also work with South Korea, Russia, and China on those issues.

Key words : Kono commander agreed
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Key words : US research
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180823_17/

A US research group says dismantling work at a missile testing site in North Korea appears to have halted.

On Wednesday, the 38 North group released its analysis of satellite imagery from August 16th of the Sohae Satellite Launching Station in Tongchang-ri, in the country's northwest.

The group says that while there was significant progress in dismantling the facility from July to early August, there has been no new activity since August 3rd.

It also says the components previously removed remain stacked on the ground.

The group does not offer any analysis as to why dismantlement work has stopped.
Its findings come at a time when the United States and North Korea remain divided in their negotiations on denuclearization by the North.

After the US-North Korea summit in June, US President Donald Trump said North Korean leader Kim Jong Un had promised to destroy a major missile engine testing site "very soon."

Dismantling the Sohae Satellite Launching Station was regarded as an important step to show that North Korea would keep its promise.

Key words : new round
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180823_25/

A new round of US tariffs on Chinese imports kicked in on Thursday, with additional duties of 25 percent on 16 billion dollars' worth of Chinese products. China responded immediately with tariffs on the same scale.

President Donald Trump's administration says the step, based on section 301 of the US Trade Act, is in response to unfair transfers of US technology and intellectual property to China.

The US is collecting extra duties on 279 items, including plastic products, semiconductors and optical fibers.

Combined with the punitive tariffs that took effect in July, 50 billion dollars' worth of Chinese imports are now subject to extra duties.

China has responded with tariffs on the same scale.
The Chinese measures target 333 US goods, including aviation fuel, diesel vehicles and medical equipment.

In an interview with CNBC, US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said the US economy is surging and he doesn't feel that the US as a country is being bothered very much by Chinese retaliations.

The Trump administration is also preparing to slap higher duties on an additional 200 billion dollars' worth of Chinese imports.

US and Chinese officials began talks in Washington on Wednesday, resuming the formal trade negotiations that had been stalled since June. But it's not clear whether the talks will lead to any solutions amid the escalating trade friction.

Key words : Islamic
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180823_20/

The Islamic State group has released what it claims to be a speech by its leader Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, for the first time in nearly a year.

The audio recording posted online on Wednesday is about 50 minutes long.

In the first purported speech since September 2017, the speaker urges the group's followers to carry out attacks around the world.

He praises last month's shooting in the Canadian city of Toronto that killed 2 people, and urges his followers to do the same. He says if they carry out shooting and bombing attacks wherever they are, it would have the same value as carrying out 1,000 operations inside the territory controlled by the group.

Referring to the civil war in Syria, the man says Syrian government forces appear to be preparing to invade Idlib province, the last remaining rebel stronghold. He urges members of the anti-government forces to join the Islamic State fighters.

Reports that Baghdadi is dead have not been confirmed.
His whereabouts are unknown.

The authenticity of the latest recording has not been verified. But the Islamic State group apparently hopes to use the speech to shore up support after losing most of the land under its control in Iraq and Syria.

Key words : china says
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180823_30/

China says its officials, in cooperation with Vietnamese authorities, detained more than 480 people by June for drug smuggling.

China's Public Security Ministry on Thursday held a news conference on its anti-drug operation in Nanning in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, which borders Vietnam.

Ministry officials said it detained 483 people and seized about 260 kilograms of drugs including heroin and stimulants.

China has stepped up its anti-drug operation as it faces the spread of drug abuse, pointing out an increase in smuggling from Laos and Myanmar via Vietnam.

An Guojun, a senior official at the ministry, said China uncovered many cases by exchanging information with Vietnamese officials.

China and Vietnam have been at odds over sovereignty of areas in the South China Sea.

But the news conference was also attended by Vietnamese officials.

Key words : Australia banned
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180823_27/

Australia has banned 2 Chinese telecom firms, Huawei Technologies and ZTE, from supplying equipment for its planned next-generation 5G mobile network, citing security concerns.

The Australian government announced on Thursday that the involvement of suppliers "likely to be subject to extrajudicial directions from a foreign government" would leave its network vulnerable to unauthorized access.

The statement did not specifically name any companies, but an Australian government official told NHK that the order was aimed at Huawei and ZTE.

Some Australian telecom firms had been considering signing contracts with the Chinese companies as suppliers for their 5G network projects.

Huawei's Australian arm, which has denied that it is controlled by Beijing, wrote on Twitter on Thursday that the Australian government's decision is an "extremely disappointing result for consumers."

Australia has recently been stepping up efforts to exclude Chinese interests from its market. The latest development may further strain bilateral relations.

Key words : mitsubishi
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180823_18/

NHK has learned that Tokyo prosecutors searched subsidiaries of Mitsubishi Materials last month in connection with their alleged data falsification.

Starting last November, 5 group companies were found to have faked data on the quality of their products, including rubber, copper and aluminum. The subsidiaries include Mitsubishi Cable Industries, Mitsubishi Aluminum Company and Diamet Corporation.

People familiar with the matter say prosecutors searched multiple group firms in July on suspicion of violating the unfair competition prevention law.

The prosecutors are expected to shed light on the irregularities by analyzing confiscated documents and interviewing the people involved.

Mitsubishi Materials released a report in March on the results of an investigation into the alleged data falsification by its subsidiaries.

The report says one group company may have started tampering with data around 1977 and management was aware of the practice.

The report says products with fabricated data were shipped to hundreds of companies.

Key words : Japanese sporting
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180823_26/

Japanese sporting goods maker ASICS Corporation and telecom giant NTT have unveiled a prototype of a new shirt with a sensor to help wearers avoid heatstroke.

The 2 firms showed the prototype on Thursday.

A small sensor on its back monitors the wearer's heartbeat, temperature and humidity in the shirt, and heat from the sun.

The sensor sends the data to the wearer's smartphone so that the person can check his or her physical condition. If the data indicate risk of heatstroke, the device notifies the wearer.

The firms say they will work to improve the device's accuracy so that it can be used by people working long hours outside as well as the elderly and children.

The companies say they plan to put the shirt into practical use by the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.

An official at the ASICS Institute of Sport Science says people have been relying on their own sense to drink water to stay hydrated, but that the device can tell them when to do so.

The official says the device will be helpful for children and elderly people who have trouble maintaining proper body temperature.

Key words : Akihito visited
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180823_21/

Japan's Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko have visited a farming settlement created by people repatriated from northeastern China after World War Two.

The Emperor and Empress have been staying in the resort town of Karuizawa in Nagano Prefecture since Wednesday.

On Thursday, the couple visited the Oohinata settlement at the foot of Mount Asama in the northeastern part of the town.

The settlement was developed by those who returned to Japan from former Manchuria after having emigrated there before the war. They lost many of their families and friends on their way home, amid the turmoil following the end of the war.

Holding each other's hand, the Emperor and Empress walked slowly along a footpath beside the fields where work to harvest lettuce and other vegetables was underway.

The couple talked to the farmers from time to time and wished them well.

The Emperor and Empress will continue to rest in Karuizawa and Kusatsu, another resort town in neighboring Gunma Prefecture, before returning to Tokyo on Wednesday next week.

Key words : France paper
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180823_09/

An exhibition showcasing works of art created with Japanese traditional paper is drawing visitors in France.

The exhibition began on Wednesday at the Louvre Museum in Paris. It is part of a cultural event called "Japonismes 2018" to commemorate the 160th anniversary of friendship between the 2 countries.

Among the items on display are works by Japanese paper craft artist Eriko Horiki based on cat-themed pieces by Kenji Yanobe.

One of them, a 3-meter-high feline image, is illuminated from the inside, making the curving line of the cat's body loom gently.

A large object nearly 3 meters long and 8 meters wide and titled "a scroll" depicts the adventures of cats throughout time. It relies on the legend that felines were cherished during the Age of Exploration for protecting food stored on a ship from mice and the comfort they gave to seamen.

A French visitor says the cats appear to be alive. He states that he was impressed by the technique. He adds it is his understanding that Japanese paper has a history of several hundred years and it is so beautiful.

Yanobe says the paper craft turned out better than he had hoped for as it was given life by material derived from plants.

Horiki says she will be happy if the charm and potential of Japanese traditional paper come to be widely known.

The exhibition will run through August 28th.