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.