2019年5月29日水曜日
2019年5月28日火曜日
at 20:00 (JST), May 28
Police say one child and one man were killed and 17 others injured in a mass stabbing near Tokyo on Tuesday.
US President Donald Trump has left Japan, after a four-day visit as the first state guest of the country's new Reiwa era.
A Japanese court has dismissed the compensation claims filed by two women who were forcibly sterilized decades ago under the now-defunct Eugenic Protection Law.
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20190528200000_english_1.mp3
Key words : police say killed
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190528_22/
Police say one child and one man were killed and 16 others injured in a mass stabbing near Tokyo on Tuesday. They say the alleged attacker also died from self-inflicted wounds.
The assault occurred at around 7:45 a.m. as a group of elementary school children were waiting to board a school bus in Kawasaki City, Kanagawa Prefecture.
Eyewitness reports say a man who appeared to be in his 50s approached the group with knives in both hands and started attacking them.
Police and firefighters say 16 children, one man and one woman were taken to hospital for injuries. They include a 11-year-old girl and a 39-year-old man who later died.
Sources close to the investigation say the man was stabbed in the back and was the parent of one of the children at the scene.
Police believe the suspect is a resident of Kawasaki City. They apprehended him near the scene, but he had stabbed himself in the neck and was unconscious. He later died in hospital.
Police say they found two knives at the scene and are investigating the case as murder.
The site is a residential area about 250 meters northwest of Noborito Station on the JR and Odakyu railway lines.
Key words : Abe called for
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190528_27/
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has called for urgent measures to protect children going to and coming home from school.
Abe summoned education minister Masahiko Shibayama and National Public Safety Commission chair Junzo Yamamoto to the prime minister's office on Tuesday to discuss the mass stabbings in Kawasaki City, near Tokyo, earlier in the day.
Abe later told reporters he is outraged that the attacker targeted young children. He said he offers condolences to the victims' families and wishes survivors a speedy recovery.
Abe added that ensuring children's safety is a priority, and revealed he has instructed his Cabinet ministers to draw up necessary measures.
Key words : Trump left Japan
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190528_24/
US President Donald Trump has left Japan, concluding his four-day visit as the first state guest of the country's new Reiwa era.
Air Force One left Tokyo's Haneda Airport, heading back home shortly after 1 p.m. on Tuesday.
Earlier in the day, Trump took a helicopter to Yokosuka, near Tokyo, and boarded a Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer. He and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe addressed the vessel's crew and others on the ship.
Trump also visited an American warship anchored nearby and gave a speech to US soldiers in which he stressed the strength of the alliance between the two countries.
After arriving in Japan on Saturday, the president played golf with Abe the next day. He also watched the final day of the Grand Sumo tournament with the First Lady and presented "The US President's Cup" to the winner, Asanoyama.
On Monday, the president visited the Imperial Palace and had an audience with Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako. The Emperor took the throne on May 1.
Trump also held talks with Abe and exchanged opinions on a wide range of issues. The president expressed eagerness to swiftly conclude bilateral trade negotiations aimed at reducing the US deficit.
Key words : Abe reaffirmed share
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190528_30/
The US government says President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe have reaffirmed the strength of their alliance and have highlighted steps to boost cooperation in security, economy, and other areas.
The Department of State released a statement on Monday summarizing the achievements of Trump's four-day state visit to Japan.
It says the two leaders were able to enhance and deepen their shared vision of a free and open Indo Pacific region in a new era of US-Japan relations.
The statement also says collaborative efforts will continue toward advancing a rules-based maritime order, improving energy security, and ensuring secure and resilient telecommunications systems. They apparently had China in mind.
Washington says the two countries also reaffirmed cooperation in energy and infrastructure investment beneficial to both sides.
And the two leaders said they would work together to boost security in cyberspace and development in the space and medical fields.
The statement also says Japan's continued direct investment into the US is strengthening bilateral economic ties.
It mentions Toyota Motor's plan to invest nearly 13 billion dollars by 2021. It also refers to a one billion dollar investment planned by Toyota Motor, Softbank and Denso to help Uber develop self-driving cars and technology.
Key words : top trade comment by
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190528_32/
Japan's top trade negotiator says a comment by US President Donald Trump during Monday's summit reflects his hope for a bilateral deal at an early date.
Trump said he expects to make an announcement on trade, probably in August.
Toshimitsu Motegi, Minister for TPP and Japan-US Trade Negotiations, said on Tuesday, "I think the president was expressing hope that talks will advance as quickly as possible toward something that is mutually beneficial."
Trump also said the US is not bound by the Trans-Pacific Partnership, or TPP, a multinational trade agreement ratified by Japan.
The president was referring to Japan's reluctance to open its market to American farm products beyond what Tokyo agreed to under the free trade pact.
Motegi said he interprets the comment as being a reminder that the US has withdrawn from the TPP.
Motegi cited a joint statement with Washington last September, saying it clearly stipulates that Japan would not go beyond past pacts on opening its market. The minister added the statement is based on an agreement by the leaders of the two countries.
Key words : Japanese court
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190528_28/
A Japanese court has dismissed claims for state compensation filed by two women who were forcibly sterilized decades ago under the now-defunct Eugenic Protection Law. But it declared that the law was unconstitutional.
About 25,000 people are said to have been sterilized under the law that was in effect from 1948 through 1996 on the grounds that they suffered from mental disorders, genetic diseases or other ailments.
Two women in Miyagi Prefecture, northern Japan, now in their 60s and 70s, were forced to have the procedure when they were teenagers.
They demanded a combined sum of 71.5 million yen or about 650,000 dollars in compensation from the state, citing violation of their human rights.
The Sendai District Court's Presiding Judge Motoyuki Nakashima dismissed the women's claims on Tuesday.
However, he pointed out that the Eugenic Protection Law violated Japan's Constitution.
The ruling is the first among seven lawsuits across Japan pertaining to forced sterilization.
Key words : lower house unanimously
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190528_29/
Japan's Lower House unanimously passed a bill to revise the country's child abuse prevention law on Tuesday. The bill has been sent to the Upper House, and will be enacted during the current Diet session.
The bill was approved by a Lower House committee last Friday after it was modified to reflect proposals from opposition parties.
The bill bans parents from physically punishing children as a means of discipline. It requires doctors to be stationed at child welfare centers to share their expertise.
The modified bill incorporates additional measures to tackle child abuse. These include urging experts to offer advice to abusive parents, and increasing child welfare officials in each municipality based on population and number of abuse reports.
The move by the legislature comes after a series of high-profile cases of child abuse. Last year, a 5-year-old girl died in Tokyo after her parents allegedly neglected to feed her or provide medical care. In January, a 10-year-old girl was found dead at her home near Tokyo, a suspected case of physical abuse by her father. Her mother allegedly failed to stop it.
Key words : military drill Taiwan airstrike
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Key words : government report
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190528_17/
A Japanese government report has highlighted the need for the country to improve its basic research capabilities.
The Cabinet approved this year's white paper on science and technology on Tuesday.
The paper describes the importance of basic research, calling it a foundation for social development that can bring new values to society and people's lives in future.
Referring to basic studies undertaken by Japanese researchers, the report says they have made accomplishments worthy of Nobel Prizes.
It also says that Japan's international position in terms of the number of high-quality scientific papers has fallen in recent years.
The white paper warns that Japan's presence in the basic research sector may shrink further.
It cites the example of a Nobel-Prize winning study on blue light-emitting diodes by Professor Hiroshi Amano of Nagoya University. He ran his experiments more than 1,500 times.
The report says a long-term perspective is needed as basic research is time-consuming and often produces results which are difficult to understand.
It says Japan is at a crossroads in deciding how to stimulate and develop fundamental research, and that the national goal must be to reach a consensus through discussion.
Key words : news key word segment science and technology in Japan
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Key words : traditional local industry
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2019年5月27日月曜日
at 20:00 (JST), May 27
The leaders of Japan and the United States are trying to present a united front on North Korea as they try to pressure the country to give up its nuclear and missile programs.
Iran's foreign minister has underscored the country's determination not to yield to growing pressure from the United States.
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles has proposed a merger with Renault.
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20190527200000_english_1.mp3
Key words : leaders of Japan and trying to wrapped up
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190527_31/
The leaders of Japan and the United States are trying to present a united front on North Korea as they try to pressure the country to give up its nuclear and missile programs.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and President Donald Trump wrapped up talks in Tokyo and reaffirmed their commitment to the alliance between their countries.
Abe says he and Trump are on the same page regarding North Korea. Trump has said he's not concerned about the firing of missiles, and said the US policy against the North is peace through strength.
The Japanese prime minister said Trump also offered his full cooperation on an issue important to Japan -- the abductions of Japanese nationals. Trump met with the families of some of them earlier and promised to work to bring them home.
The Japanese prime minister stressed he wants to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un without any conditions to resolve the issue.
The two leaders also spoke about trade talks that kicked off in April. Abe says he and Trump agreed to speed them up and aim for an early agreement.
Trump agrees. He says that they hope they'll have more to announce on trade "very, very soon."
But Trump made sure to highlight his chief complaint. He said that his country's trade deficit with Japan is unbelievably large and wants to ensure that US exports will have what he calls "a fair and neutral footing."
Key words : Trump pledged
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190527_29/
US President Donald Trump has pledged his full support to help bring back Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea.
Trump is on a four-day state visit to Japan. Along with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, he met the families of victims on Monday.
Sakie Yokota, the mother of abductee Megumi Yokota, and Koichiro Iizuka, the son of abductee Yaeko Taguchi, were among those who gathered at the State Guest House in Tokyo.
Trump said the stories of the families are very sad, and that he can see why Prime Minister Abe feels so strongly about the abduction issue.
Trump conveyed full readiness to help resolve the issue, and pledged to work with Abe to bring their "daughters, sons and mothers" home.
This is Trump's second meeting with families of abductees. The first came during a visit to Japan in November 2017.
Abe acknowledged that President Trump has again used his time to lend an ear to the stories of the families.
The Japanese prime minister said Trump raised the abduction issue at his summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Hanoi.
Abe also said the way he wishes to address the issue was later conveyed to Kim by Trump. He praised the US president for his continued diplomatic efforts that are in line with the feelings of the abductees' families.
Iizuka asked Trump to support them so he can be reunited with his mother, who he has not seen for 41 years.
Yokota thanked Trump for his second meeting with the families, and for his concern about the abduction issue. She says the families are in awe, and place their trust in the president.
Key words : Trump become the first welcome
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190527_15/
US President Donald Trump has become the first foreign head of state to meet Japan's new Emperor who took the throne at the start of the month.
The President and the First Lady met with Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako inside the Imperial Palace.
It's the most official and prestigious opportunity for any guest to Japan.
Earlier, the Trumps were greeted with a welcome ceremony.
They received a salute by the Self-Defense Forces' guard of honor.
In the evening, the Imperial couple will host a state banquet in honor of the Trumps.
The US president will soon sit down with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. They're expected to discuss the ongoing negotiations about a trade deal.
There are still sticking points.
Trump has complained about the size of his country's trade deficit with Japan.
Abe is expected to outline Japanese investment in the US and at this point, is unlikely to agree to much more than speeding up talks.
In a tweet Sunday, Trump signaled he's willing to wait for results until after Japan's Upper House elections this summer.
North Korea is also expected to be on the agenda. Earlier this month, the country fired short-range ballistic missiles.
But Trump says he's not disturbed by them. He suggests he expects the North will take action toward denuclearization.
Abe is again expected to ask for Trump's support to resolve the issue of abducted Japanese nationals. More than a dozen were taken by North Korean agents in the 70s and 80s.
Key words : Iran foreign minister underscore
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190527_05/
Iran's foreign minister has underscored the country's determination not to yield to growing pressure from the United States.
Mohammad Javad Zarif spoke in Iraq on Sunday at a joint news conference with the country's Foreign Minister Mohamed Alhakim.
Zarif said Iran will defend itself against any war efforts, whether they be economic or military ones.
The administration of US President Donald Trump sent an aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East and tightened economic sanctions against Iran.
Zarif said Iran proposed signing a non-aggression pact with its Gulf Arab neighbors. He said Iran wanted to build balanced relations with them.
Ties have been strained between Iran and some Gulf nations, including Saudi Arabia, a US ally.
The Trump administration said on Friday that it will sell weapons to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Jordan.
Key words : possible Brexit
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190527_08/
A possible "no-deal" Brexit is taking center stage as eight candidates compete to succeed British Prime Minister Theresa May.
May announced her resignation on Friday, so the ruling Conservative Party will hold a leadership election.
Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt, his predecessor Boris Johnson, and International Development Secretary Rory Stewart immediately announced their bids.
Environment Secretary Michael Gove and former House of Commons leader Andrea Leadsom joined the race on Sunday.
Johnson has pledged to make sure that Britain leaves the European Union by the October deadline with or without a deal.
Stewart has criticized Johnson's stance, saying he would not serve in the cabinet of a prime minister that pushes for a no-deal Brexit.
Some Conservative Party supporters were critical of May's leadership as she failed to pull Britain out of the EU. Those people may have supported the newly-established Brexit Party in the European Parliament elections.
Most of the eight candidates are leaning toward a no-deal Brexit, raising concerns in the country's business community.
Key words : fiat merger
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190527_34/
Fiat Chrysler Automobiles on Monday proposed a merger with Renault. The French automaker says it will hold a board meeting on Monday to discuss the offer.
Fiat Chrysler says the merger would create the world's third-biggest carmaker. The move is aimed at taking the lead in developing electric vehicles and self-driving technologies.
Fiat Chrysler says it also wants to work with Japan's Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors. Those two firms already have an alliance with Renault. The proposed merger would initially see 11 members on the board of the new entity, including one from Nissan.
The combination of the four firms would create the world's biggest auto alliance with annual sales of more than 15 million vehicles.
Renault is also pushing for business integration with Nissan. But the Japanese automaker is resisting the proposal. Nissan officials say they want to maintain the firm's independence.
Key words : Hiroshima sit-in
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190527_32/
In Hiroshima, people including survivors of the 1945 atomic bombing of the city have held a sit-in protest against a subcritical nuclear test conducted in February by the United States.
About 80 people from 12 groups gathered on Monday at the cenotaph for atomic bomb victims in the Peace Memorial Park. They held a banner condemning nuclear tests of all kinds.
Toshiyuki Mimaki, a representative of the atomic bomb survivors' group in Hiroshima, met reporters following the 20-minute sit-in.
He said the group believes the world is only halfway toward abolishing nuclear weapons, despite progress such as the adoption of the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons at the United Nations.
Mimaki expressed readiness to appeal to public sentiment by launching a signature drive and taking other steps.
The groups said they will send letters of protest to US President Donald Trump and others through the US embassy.
A US government laboratory announced last week that the country held a subcritical nuclear test on February 13.
Mimaki said he was outraged, and that all atomic bomb survivors want nuclear weapons abolished during their lifetime.
Key words : chief cabinet
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190527_23/
Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary says the recent US subcritical nuclear test is not prohibited by a UN test ban treaty because it did not produce a nuclear explosion.
Yoshihide Suga told reporters on Monday that a discussion is needed on how to deal with such tests while pursuing nuclear disarmament. He said Japan aims for a world without nuclear weapons.
Suga was commenting on the announcement by the US Department of Energy's Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory that it carried out a subcritical nuclear test in Nevada in February.
Suga said he understands that the experiment did not involve a nuclear explosion, which is prohibited under the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty.
He said Japan places importance on having the treaty take effect as a specific step in pushing for nuclear disarmament.
Suga said that should be the initial goal to achieve.
He went on to say the issue of subcritical and other tests that do not produce nuclear explosions should be discussed as part of the efforts to pursue nuclear disarmament.
Key words : south civilian
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190527_28/
South Korea says it has started a new "civilian-military exercise" after the cancellation of an annual joint military drill with the United States.
About 480,000 people from the military, the government and businesses are taking part in the four-day exercise that began on Monday.
The government says the exercise involves computer simulations of a contingency, as well as responses to natural disasters and accidents.
South Korea and the US had conducted the annual joint drill named "Ulchi Freedom Guardian exercise" until last summer, but it was cancelled this year, after the first US-North Korean summit last year.
A Defense Ministry spokesperson stresses that Seoul is fully implementing an agreement signed last year with Pyongyang aimed at easing military tensions and that the exercise is defensive in nature. South Korea is apparently trying not to upset North Korea.
The latest exercise comes after the North fired missiles twice this month.
The North's state-run media on Saturday criticized the South Korean military. It said the South persists in carrying out hostile military acts, which contradict the movement toward inter-Korean reconciliation and peace.
Key words : record high month of May
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190525_22/
Record high temperatures for the month of May were observed across much of Japan on Saturday.
Daytime temperatures topped 35 degrees Celsius in Taketa City, Oita Prefecture. It was the first time this year that the temperature has hit the 35-degree mark in any part of the country.
Record high temperatures for the month were recorded at 140 observation points out of 900 across the country.
In central Tokyo, the mercury reached 31.9 degrees Celsius. Daytime highs were 30 degrees Celsius or higher at 425 places across Japan.
Temperatures will rise even further on Sunday. The unusual heat wave for May is expected to continue.
Fukushima City can expect a high of 37, Kyoto 35 and central Tokyo 33.
Key words : fire department
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190527_18/
The Tokyo Fire Department says 107 people were taken to hospitals in the Japanese capital over the weekend due to possible heatstroke.
Central Tokyo saw the mercury top 30 degrees Celsius on Saturday and Sunday as an unseasonal heat wave hit the country.
Fire Department officials say the number of heatstroke patients treated in hospitals in Tokyo has reached 237 so far in May. The figure for the same period last year was 142.
Last Friday, 12 high school students at an athletic meet in Tokyo's Itabashi Ward were taken to hospitals because of possible heatstroke.
The officials are urging people to drink a lot of water, avoid sunlight, ventilate their rooms, and take other precautions against heatstroke.
Key words : Mexican
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190527_20/
Mexican authorities say large quantities of cocaine have been found in the body of a Japanese man who died on a plane in Mexico.
Judicial authorities in the northern state of Sonora said in a statement on Sunday that 246 packets of the drug were found in the man's stomach and intestines.
They say the 42-year-old apparently died of an overdose.
The man was on a flight on Friday from Mexico City to Narita Airport near Tokyo. Authorities say the man began convulsing shortly after the plane took off. He was later pronounced dead.
The man had travelled from Colombia's capital Bogota to Mexico City.
State authorities suspect he may have been smuggling the cocaine. They plan to investigate the case jointly with the federal government.
The Japanese Embassy in Mexico City also says it is looking into the man's death.
Key words : Asanoyama feels very happy
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190527_22/
Sumo wrestler Asanoyama says he will try to use his first tournament win to build his confidence.
Asanoyama spoke to reporters at the Takasago stable in Tokyo on Monday, one day after winning the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament. The rank-and-file wrestler clinched the title with 12 wins and three losses.
US President Donald Trump, who is on a state visit to Japan, watched bouts on the final day of the tournament with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. Trump presented Asanoyama with "The United States President's Cup."
Asanoyama said he feels very happy that he could maintain his own style throughout the tourney despite the pressure he felt.
The wrestler's ranking is expected to rise sharply in the next tournament in July.
Asanoyama said the July tournament will be different because he is expected to face Yokozuna Grand Champions and more Ozeki wrestlers. He said he will train hard to make up for his shortcomings.
2019年5月26日日曜日
at 20:00 (JST), May 26
Key words : Peru tsunami
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190526_23/
The US Geological Survey says an earthquake registering a magnitude of 8.0 hit Peru on Sunday.
The USGS says the quake was centered in a northern part of the country, and has an estimated depth of 109 kilometers.
The USGS initially said the quake's magnitude was 7.5.
The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center says there is no possibility of tsunami.
Key words : president cup sumo Asanoyama
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Key words : Abe confident
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190526_14/
US President Donald Trump has said he is confident North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will keep his promise, suggesting that Trump remains open to dialogue with Pyongyang despite its recent missile tests.
Trump took to Twitter shortly before he went out to play golf with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in Japan.
He said "North Korea fired off some small weapons, which disturbed some of my people, and others, but not me."
North Korea fired short-range ballistic missiles earlier this month.
US National Security Advisor John Bolton said on Saturday there was no doubt that the missile launches violated UN Security Council resolutions.
Nuclear talks between the US and North Korea have been in a stalemate after Trump and Kim failed to reach a deal in their second summit in Hanoi.
The issue will be one of the top items on the agenda when Trump and Abe sit down for talks on Monday.
Key words : first lady digital art
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190526_19/
The first ladies of Japan and the United States have enjoyed digital art works at a museum in Tokyo's Odaiba district.
The 10,000 square-meter museum features state-of the-art digital technology. It's run by teamLab, a group that has exhibited digital art in Japan and abroad.
Akie Abe and Melania Trump arrived there around 10 AM on Sunday.
They visited a room where stick-shaped LED light bulbs shine like falling rain, and another room with mirrors and lamps hanging from the ceiling that constantly changed color.
The first ladies were then joined by a group of schoolchildren, and together with them they drew pictures of fish on paper. The pictures were converted to digital images and projected onto a wall showing them swimming in the sea.
When the children asked Melania for her autograph, the US First Lady wrote "Be Best!" That's the slogan of her campaign against online bullying.
The first ladies are scheduled to join their husbands to watch the final day of the Grand Sumo Tournament before having dinner at a restaurant in Tokyo.
Key words : world health no longer
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190526_10/
The World Health Organization has officially decided to stop classifying transgender people as mentally ill.
WHO member states adopted the new edition of the International Classification of Diseases during an annual assembly in Geneva on Saturday. It is the first update of the illness list in 29 years.
They now describe gender identity disorder as "gender incongruence" and it is no longer listed in the chapter of mental disorders.
The WHO says the right of people to receive medical services, such as surgical operations to make them sterile, should be guaranteed.
A representative from Denmark welcomed the latest changes, saying that it is a big step forward to allow everyone to lead a life with dignity.
The WHO hopes that the action will help to eliminate discrimination against transgender people and promote public understanding of them.
Key words : south film
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190526_12/
A South Korean film titled "Parasite" has won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. It became the first film from the country to win the top prize.
The winner was announced on Saturday, the last day of the 72nd edition of the festival.
South Korean director Bong Joon-ho's "Parasite" was one of 21 films in competition for the Palme d'Or. They included American director Quentin Tarantino's latest movie.
"Parasite" is a black comedy depicting social disparities in South Korea.
The story revolves around a family of four who are all unemployed. The eldest son gets a job tutoring the children of a wealthy company owner. But this gets him entangled in unexpected events.
Bong is known for his hit movies such as "the Host."
This is the second straight year for an Asian film to win the Palme d'Or. Last year, the top prize was awarded to "Shoplifters" by Japanese director Hirokazu Koreeda.
Key words : group of tatami
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190525_09/
A group of young tatami straw mat artisans from Japan have put on a demonstration of their skills in the United States.
The five specialists re-covered a selection of old tatami at the Anderson Japanese Gardens in the suburb of Chicago.
The team repaired the mats, removed from a tea house and other buildings, and also explained to visitors the process of making tatami, as well as the benefits of tatami for the human body and environment.
One visitor said she was impressed by the meticulous work.
Yoshiaki Kagami, one of the tatami artisans, said he was pleased to see people enjoying the distinctive smell of tatami, and that he hopes to introduce them to other countries as well.
Key words : heat 39 degree
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190526_20/
Scorching heat hit Japan on Sunday. The temperature shot up to over 39 degrees Celsius in the northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido. That's a national record high for May.
In the town of Saroma, the mercury reached 39.5 degrees Celsius, an all-time high for the prefecture.
Other parts of the prefecture also saw record highs.
The Meteorological Agency says that's due to a warm air mass of a type not usually seen until August moving over Hokkaido.
Daytime highs reached over 35 degrees other parts of the country.
In Tokyo, the mercury hit 32.6 degrees, renewing the capital's record for the month.
Authorities are advising people to take measures to prevent heatstroke.
2019年5月25日土曜日
at 20:00 (JST), May 25
Key words : Trump arrived
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190525_16/
US President Donald Trump has arrived in Japan for a four-day state-visit.
Trump landed at Haneda Airport in Tokyo onboard Air Force One at around 5 p.m. on Saturday.
He will attend a reception with Japanese business leaders at the US ambassador's residence in Tokyo on Saturday evening.
On Monday, Trump will become the first foreign head of state to meet Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako following the Emperor's accession on May 1.
He will then hold summit talks with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The leaders are expected to discuss bilateral trade negotiations and other issues including China, North Korea and Iran.
Attention is focused on whether Trump will press for concessions in the trade talks.
On Sunday, Trump is scheduled to play golf with Abe, and then attend the final day of the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament at the Kokugikan sumo arena in Tokyo. He will present a special trophy to the winning wrestler.
A senior US official says the visit will focus on celebrating the start of Japan's new Reiwa era that began with the Emperor's accession.
Key words : streets closed
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190525_12/
Tokyo police are beefing up security ahead of the state visit of US President Donald Trump. They are deploying a record number of officers for any visiting US president.
Trump is due to arrive at Tokyo's Haneda Airport on Saturday evening. He will stay for four days.
Tokyo Metropolitan Police say they are mobilizing 25,000 officers and putting the capital under round-the-clock protection.
Police vehicles in formation and uniformed officers can be seen on duty in streets around the neighborhood of the US embassy. Metal barricades have been erected at intersections to block entry of cars.
Checkpoints have also been set up at various places, including sites Trump is scheduled to visit.
Some sections of expressways and other roads in the capital will be temporarily closed for Trump's motorcade.
Police have asked for public understanding over inconvenience caused by the tightened security.
Key words : strong earthquake landslide
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Key words : US government nuclear test
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190525_13/
A US government laboratory says the country held a subcritical nuclear test in the state of Nevada on February 13.
The Department of Energy's Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory made the announcement on Friday.
The test was the first of its kind since December 2017, and the second under the administration of President Donald Trump. It was the 29th in the United States.
The laboratory says the experiment, dubbed "Ediza," used high explosives to implode plutonium and captured "numerous, detailed scientific measurements."
It says the experiment helped enhance the safety of the country's nuclear stockpile.
The US government announced a new nuclear strategy in February last year that is aimed at enhancing deterrence and countering Russia and China.
The government is modernizing the country's nuclear arsenal through nuclear tests, and introducing low-yield nuclear weapons.
The latest test was conducted just before the second US-North Korea summit in February, meaning the Trump administration was demanding Pyongyang abolish its nuclear weapons while it was trying to enhance its own.
The revelation is expected to prompt criticism from anti-nuclear groups.
Key words : Trump send military
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190525_08/
US President Donald Trump has announced that he is sending about 1,500 military personnel to the Middle East in an effort to bolster defenses against Iran.
The US administration has said the threat posed by Iran is imminent. It has sent a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and bombers to the region.
Trump said on Friday that Washington will be sending "a relatively small number of troops, mostly protective" and that he doesn't think Iran wants to fight the US.
The Defense Department says the additional troops will maintain reconnaissance aircraft and missile defense systems.
A senior official said Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps was involved in the sabotage of Saudi Arabian and other tankers earlier this month, and that the threats were becoming more complex.
Key words : French police
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190525_10/
French police are hunting for a suspected bomber after a blast in the southeastern city of Lyon injured at least seven people. They suspect it is a terrorist attack.
The explosion occurred on Friday on a pedestrian street in the heart of the third largest city in France. Government officials say none of the injured are in critical condition.
French media report that footage from a security camera shows a man placing a package at the site before leaving on a bike.
The site of the explosion is usually busy with shoppers as there are many restaurants and stores there.
Interior Minister Christophe Castaner instructed police across the country to be more vigilant at public places and sports or religious event sites.
Security remains high in France after the 2015 deadly terrorist attacks in Paris. But attacks have continued. In December, a random shooting in the eastern city of Strasbourg killed five people.
Key words : all nippon
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190525_04/
All Nippon Airways debuted flights of a double-decker Airbus A380 from Narita Airport north of Tokyo, bound for Hawaii on Friday.
The aircraft is one of the largest in the world, measuring 72 meters long and two stories high along its entire length. It has 520 seats -- more than double the average of planes used for flights to Hawaii.
ANA is the first Japanese airline to use the huge plane on the route between Narita and Hawaii.
ANA President Yuji Hirako said various efforts have been made so that passengers can get a feel for Hawaii the moment they board the plane. He said he hopes passengers will be able to relax and enjoy the flight.
ANA plans to introduce two more planes and boost the number of its passengers to compete against its main rival Japan Airlines, which is the leader on this route.
Key words : Trump expected to discuss Iran
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190525_16/
US President Donald Trump has arrived in Japan for a four-day state-visit.
Trump landed at Haneda Airport in Tokyo onboard Air Force One at around 5 p.m. on Saturday.
He will attend a reception with Japanese business leaders at the US ambassador's residence in Tokyo on Saturday evening.
On Monday, Trump will become the first foreign head of state to meet Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako following the Emperor's accession on May 1.
He will then hold summit talks with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The leaders are expected to discuss bilateral trade negotiations and other issues including China, North Korea and Iran.
Attention is focused on whether Trump will press for concessions in the trade talks.
On Sunday, Trump is scheduled to play golf with Abe, and then attend the final day of the Summer Grand Sumo Tournament at the Kokugikan sumo arena in Tokyo. He will present a special trophy to the winning wrestler.
A senior US official says the visit will focus on celebrating the start of Japan's new Reiwa era that began with the Emperor's accession.
Key words : 3 days forecat 4 selected cities
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2019年5月24日金曜日
at 20:00 (JST), May 24
British Prime Minister Theresa May says she'll step down as Conservative leader June 7 amid deadlock over Brexit.
The Japanese government has revised its economic assessment downward for the second time this year.
エラー 2042
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20190524200000_english_1.mp3
Key words : May step down amid dead
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190524_44/
British Prime Minister Theresa May says she'll step down as Conservative leader June 7 amid deadlock over Brexit.
May read out a statement at Number 10 Downing Street on Friday.
She said the Conservative Party will start procedures the following week to select a new party leader.
May said she will resign as prime minister once her successor is chosen.
May faced a backlash after proposing on Tuesday the possibility of holding a second referendum on Britain's departure from the European Union.
Her about-face angered many Conservative lawmakers. The leader of the House of Commons, Andrea Leadsom, stepped down in protest.
May has now been forced to resign without completing Brexit, her most important mission.
Key words : government revised its monthly
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190524_47/
The Japanese government has revised its economic assessment downward for the second time this year. It says there are weaknesses for both exports and industrial production due to the Chinese economic slowdown. But the government has kept its overall view unchanged, saying the economy is recovering at a moderate pace.
Cabinet ministers endorsed the monthly economic report at a meeting. The report says exports "are in a weak tone," and that the US-China trade dispute remains a risk. It lowered its assessment for industrial output, especially for the electronic parts and semiconductor manufacturing sectors.
The report also says weakness is seen in business investment. But the report maintained that the economy is recovering moderately as a whole.
A key index of business conditions for March suggested the economy may be in a recession.
But the Cabinet Office contends that the employment and income environments are improving and corporate earnings remain strong. It also says it is unlikely that domestic demand will lose ground soon.
Key words : Trump will visit Naruhito
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Key words : Abe considering
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190524_29/
Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is considering a visit to Iran, apparently to ease tensions between the country and the United States. Such a visit would be the first by a Japanese prime minister since 1978.
Informed sources say Abe is thinking of making the visit in mid-June at the earliest, to meet Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. Abe is expected to make a final decision after meeting US President Donald Trump in Tokyo on Monday.
Abe has valued Japan's traditional friendly ties with Iran. He has met Rouhani every year since 2013 on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.
Last week, he held talks with Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who made a surprise visit to Japan.
They confirmed that the two countries will maintain and develop their ties. Abe also expressed hope that Iran will continue to adhere to its nuclear deal with major powers.
The Trump administration pulled out of the deal last year and reimposed sanctions on Tehran. Iran has countered by announcing a partial suspension of its obligations.
Tension has mounted since the United States sent an aircraft carrier strike group and a bomber task force to the Middle East, citing what it called an imminent threat from Iran. Washington is also considering sending more troops to the region.
Key words : Trump suggested issue
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190524_14/
US President Donald Trump has suggested the issue of Huawei Technologies could be included in US-China trade talks.
Trump said on Thursday at White House: "Huawei is something that's very dangerous. You look at what they've done from a security standpoint, from a military standpoint, it's very dangerous. So it's possible that Huawei would be included in some kind of a trade deal."
The US administration has banned American firms from doing business with Huawei, citing concerns that Chinese authorities are able to illicitly obtain data from its networks.
In the background are the escalating trade tensions between the world's two largest economies, as they impose tit-for-tat tariffs on each other.
Negotiations to find a breakthrough remain stalled and there's no telling when they might resume.
Key words : amazon stopped
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190524_34/
Amazon Japan has stopped selling new products of Huawei, further impacting the Chinese telecom equipment maker already hit by US government restrictions.
Amazon Japan lists the latest Huawei smartphones, PCs and other items as out of stock as of Friday. The online retailer's website says problems were found in operating systems of the firm's electronics.
Google has reportedly stopped providing its Android smartphone operating system for new Huawei products.
Earlier this month, the US government banned American firms from doing unauthorized business with Huawei.
Key words : Sharp location
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Key words : Suga keep on
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190524_19/
Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga says the government will keep on urging South Korea to agree on forming an arbitration panel to settle the bilateral issue over wartime labor.
Suga was speaking to reporters on Friday.
He referred to a meeting between Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono and his South Korean counterpart Kang Kyung-wha in France on Thursday. He said Kono urged South Korea to take concrete action immediately to settle the issue in a responsible manner.
Suga declined to disclose details about how South Korea reacted. But he added that so far the country has yet to agree to setting up an arbitration panel over the matter.
Suga said the South Korean government is obliged to agree to arbitration based on a 1965 bilateral agreement.
It stipulates that if any disputes regarding its interpretation and implementation are not resolved through bilateral discussions, they must be referred to an arbitration committee that includes a third country.
Last year, South Korea's Supreme Court ordered Japanese companies to pay damages to those who say they or their relatives were forced to work for the firms during World War Two.
But Tokyo says the issue of the right to claim compensation was settled completely and finally under the 1965 bilateral agreement.
Key words : Japan has agreed Indonesia
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190524_40/
Japan has agreed to offer Indonesia about 46 million dollars in grant aid to help Sulawesi Island recover from last year's earthquake and tsunami.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency, or JICA, has been working with the Indonesian government in planning the island's reconstruction.
About 22.8 million dollars of the aid will go to rebuilding bridges and roads destroyed by tsunami.
Another 18 million dollars will be invested in constructing a telecommunications system to warn residents of tsunami and earthquakes quickly and accurately.
Around 5.5 million dollars will be spent on construction equipment.
September's earthquake and tsunami on the island killed over 2,000 people. Liquefaction intensified damage over a vast area.
The Japanese government plans to continue supporting recovery efforts in Indonesia. It has been discussing plans with the Indonesian government to help rebuild infrastructure in other disaster-hit areas.
Key words : India landslide victory 90 seats
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190524_42/
Narendra Modi appears set for a second term as India's prime minister, after a landslide victory in the world's largest democracy. Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party is on track to increase its majority in the Lower House.
In his victory speech, the 68-year-old promised to represent his country as a whole and put all his energy into serving the people.
With nearly all votes tallied early Friday, Modi's party was ahead with 302 seats. The opposition, led by Rahul Gandhi's Congress Party, was on track to secure 90 seats.
Gandhi, who hails from an influential political family, conceded the defeat at a news conference on Thursday night.
Modi's campaign centered on his business-friendly policies and benefited from a strong Indian economy, which has been growing by around seven percent a year.
Modi is expected to face a host of challenges over his next five-year term. Chief among them are high youth unemployment and poverty in rural India, which is home to more than 60 percent of the population.
Key words : Tokyo police 15 Japanese
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190524_28/
Tokyo police have arrested 15 Japanese men over fraud as they were being flown back to Japan from Thailand. Thai police had detained them in March on suspicion of working illegally in the country.
The group of men aged from 22 to 54 left Suvarnabhumi Airport near Bangkok on Friday morning. They covered their faces and did not respond to reporters' questions.
Shortly after leaving Thailand, Japanese investigators arrested three of the suspects on a flight to Narita Airport, and the remaining 12 on a plane flying to Haneda Airport.
The men are suspected of swindling a resident of Fukui City in central Japan. Japanese police say the woman paid about 2,700 dollars after being told that she owed money for accessing a website.
Japanese investigators allege that the group, based in the resort city of Pattaya, swindled some 640,000 dollars from about 80 people between January and March.
They say they plan to uncover the full details of the group's activities and to find out who was directing them from Japan.
Key words : automaker mazda
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190524_33/
Automaker Mazda put a new 3-series sedan and hatchback on the market on Friday in Japan.
Company officials said the vehicles will be available with an upgraded engine in October.
Mazda is known for its high-performance engines featuring fuel-saving technology it calls Skyactiv.
It says the new Skyactiv-X engine combined with a hybrid system will boost fuel efficiency by about 20 percent.
The MAZDA3-series is a successor to the AXELA series and is known outside Japan as MAZDA-3.
Mazda Motor President and CEO Akira Marumoto said the new engine is a realization of Mazda's aim to make driving fun.
He said they also hope the better fuel efficiency appeals to buyers.
Mazda plans to end production of vehicles running only on gasoline and diesel by 2030.
Key words : hot weather first time
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2019年5月23日木曜日
at 20:00 (JST), May 23
Japan's government will seek funding in the budget for next fiscal year for studies aimed to detecting telecommunications equipment with malicious functions.
Elections are underway to choose 751 representatives from the 28 member nations of the European Union for the blocks parliament.
An exhibition of manga claimed to be the largest ever held outside Japan opens Thursday at the British Museum in London.
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20190523200000_english_1.mp3
Key words : government seek funding
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190523_20/
Japan's government will seek funding in the next fiscal year's budget for studies to detect telecommunications equipment with malicious functions.
The US Commerce Department last week banned American companies from doing business with Huawei and its 68 affiliates in the US and other countries, including Japan.
The Japanese government's cyber-security task force discussed the issue at a meeting on Thursday.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga noted that the threat of cyber-attacks is growing due to the increasing merger of real and virtual worlds.
He urged Cabinet ministers to help society forge pro-active preventive measures.
The task force also decided to request funding to upgrade the system used by the government and data security companies to share information on cyber-attacks.
The task force also revised the guidelines for utilities and other key infrastructure services. The new guidelines urge companies to store key data in servers in Japan, and to set up backup systems to avoid the loss of data in disasters.
Key words : Panasonic
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190523_06/
Japanese electronics maker Panasonic says it is ending its business with Huawei, following the US decision to ban sales of parts to the Chinese tech giant.
Panasonic has been providing electronic parts and other items to Huawei. The company says its products, including software, that use parts and technology from US firms may be covered by the ban.
The Japanese company ordered its group firms to examine any involvements they may have with Huawei.
Panasonic says it is complying with US regulations on export control.
Huawei says more than 100 Japanese firms have contracts with it.
Key words : US Treasury negotiation
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190523_14/
US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin has acknowledged that trade negotiations with China are deadlocked, but expressed hope that talks will continue.
Speaking before the House of Representatives Financial Services Committee on Wednesday, Mnuchin said China has taken "a big step backward" but that he still hopes the two sides can get back to the table.
The United States raised tariffs on 200 billion dollars' worth of Chinese imports from May 10. China retaliated with a plan to impose additional import duties on 60 billion dollars' worth of US products from June 1.
The world's two largest economies appear to have no immediate plan to resume high-level trade talks. Concerns are growing that the trade dispute will persist.
Key words : Mike peace between
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190523_24/
US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says the White House's "vision for peace between Israel and the Palestinians" will be unveiled this summer.
Pompeo made the remark in Washington on Wednesday. He gave a speech at a celebration of Israel's 71st Independence Day that was organized by the Israeli embassy.
Pompeo noted that the vision will offer an opportunity of a brighter future for the Palestinian people.
He stressed the US support for Israel, citing the relocation of the US embassy to Jerusalem and other measures.
President Donald Trump has shown willingness to serve as a mediator for peace talks between the Israelis and the Palestinians.
Washington says it will hold an international conference in June to discuss economic assistance for the Palestinians.
But Palestinian leaders have strongly criticized the Trump administration's pro-Israel policies.
Key words : US media report
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190523_18/
US media report that the defense department is set to present plans to the White House for thousands of additional troops in the Middle East to beef up readiness for a possible attack by Iran.
Reports from CNN and other media say the Pentagon will brief senior administration officials about plans at the White House on Thursday.
Reuters reports that the Pentagon has received a request for 5,000 additional troops from US Central Command, which oversees military operations in the Middle East.
But it is unclear whether President Donald Trump will approve plans for more troops.
Washington has sent a nuclear-powered aircraft carrier and bombers to the Middle East, citing imminent threats from Iran. But opposition Democrats and some media question the credibility of the threats.
There are concerns that more troops could further escalate tensions between the US and Iran.
Key words : senior US
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190523_12/
A senior US administration official has indicated that the focus of President Donald Trump's upcoming visit to Japan will be on celebrating the new era rather than on discussing trade.
The president and the first lady will be in Japan as state guests from Saturday through Tuesday. Trump will be the first foreign leader to meet Emperor Naruhito, who ascended the throne on May 1.
In a background teleconference on Wednesday, the official said the president's visit comes at a historic moment for Japan.
Trump is seeking a bilateral trade agreement with Japan, and is expected to discuss trade at his meeting with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Monday.
But the official noted that the main purpose of the trip is to celebrate the new roles of the Emperor and Empress and the start of the Reiwa era.
Trump is expected to address troops and personnel at the US naval base in Yokosuka, near Tokyo, on Tuesday.
The official said the president will likely talk about the strength of the Japan-US alliance, and its importance in deterring aggression in the region.
Key words : US navy two of
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190523_29/
The US Navy says two of its warships have sailed through the Taiwan Strait. This is the fifth consecutive month that US warships have used the waterway.
The US Navy's Seventh Fleet told NHK that the USS Preble and a replenishment vessel transited through the strait between Wednesday and Thursday.
The fleet says the passage demonstrates the US commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific, and the Navy will continue to fly, sail and operate anywhere international law allows.
The US government has recently stepped up its dispatch of warships to the Taiwan Strait and the South China Sea.
On Sunday, the Preble destroyer conducted a "Freedom of Navigation" operation in waters in the South China Sea that are claimed by China.
The US government has been increasing pressure on China amid the escalating trade dispute between the two countries.
Observers say the US military's latest move is aimed at putting pressure on China in the security field as well.
Key words : elections underway European
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190523_31/
European Parliament elections are underway to choose 751 representatives from the 28 member nations of the European Union.
The elections, to be held every five years, started in Britain and the Netherlands on Thursday, followed by voting in the other member countries through Sunday.
Britain is taking part since it has not yet been able to complete procedures for leaving the European Union.
The central issue facing the union's approximately 400 million eligible voters is whether they support the EU's integration process so far.
Currently, two pro-EU centrist parties have 401 seats, to maintain a comfortable majority in the Parliament.
But the latest opinion polls by media firm Politico indicate that the centrist parties may fall short of the majority, with only about 315 seats.
By contrast, right-wing parties skeptical of the EU are increasing their support in Italy, France and other countries, with their calls for taking back power from the union.
The latest opinion polls suggest that these skeptic parties will win a third of the seats in the Parliament.
A major increase in the number of seats held by these parties could put the brakes on the EU's traditionally liberal policy on trade, immigration and refugees.
Key words : president of seven
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190523_35/
The president of Seven & i Holdings has apologized to shareholders for a row that's hurting the firm's stock price. Ryuichi Isaka says the argument between the Seven-Eleven convenience store chain and franchisees has prompted the company to rethink its approach.
Executives initially rejected a request by one store owner for a reprieve from the chain's 24-hour opening policy.
The owner said he couldn't find enough workers to stay open round-the-clock. The case made headlines and shined a light on the problems being faced by many convenience store franchisees across Japan.
Isaka told a meeting of shareholders that the chain is now taking a more flexible approach. He says it will have a close look at the results of an ongoing test of shorter opening hours.
The head of the convenience store chain said executives will meet with store owners every month to see how they're faring.
Some shareholders say the firm hasn't acted fast enough to resolve the disagreement. They're angry about the impact on the firm's share price, which has tumbled by more than 20 percent.
Key words : Sugihara
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190523_26/
The son of Japanese diplomat Chiune Sugihara, who helped thousands of Jews flee Nazi persecution during World War Two, has met survivors his father saved and their descendants.
Sugihara worked at the Japanese consulate in Lithuania during the war. He is believed to have saved the lives of about 6,000 Jews by issuing transit visas against orders from Tokyo.
The late diplomat's fourth son, Nobuki Sugihara, gave a talk on Wednesday at a Holocaust museum in New York.
Nobuki explained how his father issued the visas from a humanitarian standpoint when Jewish lives were in danger.
He said his father wanted to do what he could to help save lives. Nobuki also said his father wanted peace.
About 170 survivors and their descendants conveyed their gratitude to the diplomat's son at the event.
A woman, whose father reached the United States thanks to the visa, said he always used to talk about Sugihara until his death at the age of 100. She said if it weren't for Sugihara, neither she, nor her many relatives, would be here.
Speaking to NHK after the event, Nobuki said his father treated people with respect and did not discriminate against others. He said he wants people to learn that hatred based on discrimination is futile.
Key words : exhibition
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190523_19/
An exhibition of manga claimed to be the largest ever held outside Japan opens Thursday at the British Museum in London.
Media were given a preview of the exhibition which features about 70 manga titles by 50 artists from various ages in Japan.
Works on display include Osamu Tezuka's "Astro Boy," Eiichiro Oda's "ONE PIECE" and Yoichi Takahashi's "Captain Tsubasa."
The exhibition presents Japanese manga as a visual narrative art form with roots in picture scrolls and ukiyoe woodblock prints hundreds of years ago.
It illustrates how manga deal with a wide spectrum of themes, including Japan's indigenous Ainu culture and sexual diversity. It also shows how the art form evolved into animated cartoons, or anime, and video games.
The curators have also included displays explaining characteristics such as manga are usually read from right to left. There are also manga-inspired art objects.
The British Museum began exhibiting manga in 2006 and has been adding comic books and original artwork to its collection.
Curator Nicole Rousmaniere says manga "is a powerful visual language, a visual way of storytelling that is only getting more and more current with Instagram, with social media."
She says she hopes the exhibition will give a deeper understanding of manga not just to young generations who are already familiar with it, but to a wider range of audience.
The exhibition runs until August 26.
Key words : paralympic
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190523_32/
Japan's minister in charge of the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games says he will work harder to provide information about the event.
Shunichi Suzuki met International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons in Tokyo on Thursday. Parsons is in Japan for a meeting to check preparations for the game.
Suzuki briefed him on efforts by the governments of Japan and Tokyo to ensure sufficient accommodations for people with disabilities.
The minister said para-sports are drawing more attention but that public interest in the Olympics is still higher.
Parsons said he hopes the Paralympics will lead to a change in society that enables people with disabilities to live more actively.
2019年5月22日水曜日
at 20:00 (JST), May 22
Major Japanese mobile-phone carriers say they will postpone sales of the new Huawei P30 smartphone after the US banned its firm's doing business with Chinese tech giant.
Japanese and US officials say they need to resolve disagreements over import tariffs and other issues before they can reach a trade agreement.
Violent protests continue in Indonesia over the results of last month's election.
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20190522200000_english_1.mp3
Key words : major Japanese
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190522_34/
China's embattled Huawei Technologies has taken a fresh hit in Japan. Major Japanese mobile-phone carriers KDDI and SoftBank say they will postpone sales of the new Huawei P30 smartphone. The device was set for a Japan release later this month.
The Japanese carriers will also stop taking preorders for the phones. The reason they're giving is they need to confirm whether Huawei can reliably supply the phone amid the continuing US-China trade war.
Officials at Japanese telecom giant NTT Docomo say they've also suspended preorders for the phone.
An official at Huawei said on Tuesday the company has no plans to change its smartphone sales targets in Japan, despite US restrictions on its business.
Huawei Technologies Japan declined to comment on the moves. It says it will offer its new models in Japan as scheduled, through home electrical stores.
Key words : US department
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190522_31/
The US Department of Homeland Security has warned users of Chinese-made drones that the devices may be sending the users' information to the Chinese government via the internet.
CNN reported that the department issued an alert on Monday, saying that Chinese-made drones are a potential risk to an organization's information. The notice says the US government has strong concerns about any technological product that takes American data into the territory of an authoritarian state.
The alert urges organizations that carry out operations affecting national security or functions critical to the country to remain especially vigilant, as they may be at greater risk of espionage and information theft.
The alert calls on users to take appropriate precautions, including turning off the internet connection on devices and removing secure digital cards from them.
A drone requires access to the internet to send visual images it captures to the user and to obtain data on its location.
The US notice does not name any specific manufacturers. But as Chinese-made drones hold a dominant share in the global market, some media outlets say it appears to be the latest step taken by the US government against the alleged threats from devices made in China, following its targeting on China's telecom giant, Huawei Technologies, for business restrictions.
Main Chinese drone manufacturer DJI issued a statement to allay any concern over possible data theft.
DJI, headquartered in Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, accounts for 70 percent of the global market of drones for civilian use.
It says safety is at the core of everything the company does, and the security of its technology has been independently verified by the US government and leading US businesses.
The company also says that for customers working in government or critical infrastructure, it is ready to provide drones that do not transfer data via the internet.
Key words : Chinese State-run
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190522_35/
Chinese state-run media say three major airlines in China have asked US aircraft maker Boeing to compensate for the grounding of their 737 Max jets.
Airlines of various countries have grounded their Boeing 737 Max planes after two passenger aircraft of the same model crashed in recent months.
Chinese state-run media reported on Tuesday that China Eastern Airlines formally requested the compensation for damage caused by the grounding of its 737 Max aircraft and delayed deliveries of its orders.
They also reported on Wednesday that Air China and China Southern Airlines followed suit.
The three airlines are said to have 53 Boeing 737 Max planes.
Some observers see their compensation claim as a countermeasure against Washington in the US-China trade conflict.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lu Kang told reporters on Wednesday that any company should not be reproached for pursuing its interests through legal means.
A Boeing 737 Max crashed in October last year in Indonesia, killing all 189 people on board, and another crashed immediately after takeoff in Ethiopia in March this year, leaving 157 people dead.
Key words : Japanese and
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190522_19/
Japanese and US officials say they need to resolve disagreements over import tariffs and other issues before they can reach a trade agreement. The countries kicked off working-level discussions in Washington on Tuesday.
A Japanese government official spoke to reporters after the meeting, saying automobiles and agricultural products are high on the agenda.
The US is urging Japan to lower its levies on American farm goods. But Japan is apparently not ready to accept the terms.
The Japanese official said the next talks will involve Japan's top trade negotiator, Toshimitsu Motegi, and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer.
He said the two officials will discuss what issues to go over during Monday's Japan-US summit in Tokyo.
Key words : violent protest
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190522_38/
Violent protests continue in Indonesia over the results of last month's election. Local media say at least one person is dead.
The trouble started after opposition candidate Prabowo Subianto made claims of widespread cheating.
His supporters have been gathering outside the election commission's office in Jakarta to protest the results.
The demonstrations turned violent on Tuesday night. A police dormitory and a number of vehicles were set on fire. Authorities say nearly 70 people have been arrested so far.
The election commission announced that the official count early on Tuesday showed President Joko Widodo had won 55 percent of the votes.
Prabowo had 44 percent. He says he plans to contest the election results in court.
Prabowo took the same action when he lost to Joko five years ago.
The country's election watchdog says it has found no evidence of vote-rigging.
The violence is not showing any signs of abating, so the US, UK and Japan have all issued travel advisories that are warning their citizens to stay away from areas with protests.
Key words : south nuclear
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190522_30/
South Korea's nuclear regulators are investigating how a reactor in the southwest of the country was not shut down after its output exceeded the limit in its technical specifications.
The Nuclear Safety and Security Commission says the incident occurred on May 10 at the Hanbit Nuclear Power Plant in Jeollanam-do province.
The reactor's thermal output quickly exceeded the 5 percent limit after an unlicensed worker experimentally removed a control rod from Unit One as part of regular inspections.
Output temporarily rose to 18 percent, but the reactor kept operating for about 11 and a half hours before being shut down manually.
The commission says there was no leakage of radioactive material, and output dropped below the limit when the control rod was put back in place.
The plant operator, Korea Hydro and Nuclear Power Company, told NHK there was no safety risk because the reactor is designed to shut down automatically when output reaches 25 percent.
But the commission on Monday ordered KHNP to suspend the reactor's operations, citing violations of the Nuclear Safety Act.
Commission officers have been designated as special judiciary police officers and are examining how the removal of the control rod was monitored.
South Korean media are calling for a thorough investigation and measures to prevent a recurrence, suggesting there could have been a serious accident.
Key words : business people casino
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190522_02/
Business people at a gaming expo in Macau are showing interest in Japan as a potential market as the country has passed legislation to allow integrated resorts that include casinos.
The three-day trade fair, one of the largest of its kind in Asia, opened on Tuesday.
About 200 companies from the United States, Japan and elsewhere are showcasing the latest slot machines and roulette tables.
A seminar focusing on Japan as a potential casino market drew about 100 business people and investors.
A consultant told the participants that integrated resorts are expected to help revive regional communities.
The consultant also said the key to success for companies entering this sector is to cooperate with local governments and businesses.
Key words : today's news keywords segment casino
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Key words : parts maker
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190522_20/
Auto parts makers from around the world have gathered in Yokohama, near Tokyo, to showcase innovations in vehicle technology.
Some 600 companies are represented at this year's Automotive Engineering Exposition.
French auto parts maker Valeo has designed a security feature that ensures drivers don't accidentally leave children or pets in a car.
The system relies on a sensor that detects breathing. The firm says that eventually it will be able to send an alarm to the driver's smartphone.
Japanese light manufacturer Ichikoh Industries has designed LEDs that can be mounted on self-driving vehicles.
The lights form arrows and text to alert pedestrians to the vehicle's intended movements.
Visitors to the expo can also test-ride a self-driving bus.
The exposition runs until Friday at Pacifico Yokohama.
Key words : officials Nagasaki
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190522_33/
Officials in the Japanese city of Nagasaki have aired out a register of atomic bomb victims to protect it from dampness in the coming rainy season.
The city began compiling the register in 1968. One-hundred eighty-one of its books contain the names of 179,226 victims of the Nagasaki atomic bombing on August 9, 1945.
Another book contains the names of 58 people exposed to the Hiroshima bombing 3 days before. Their relatives asked that the names be on the Nagasaki register.
A last book, which is still blank, is set aside for victims whose names are unknown.
At Nagasaki's national peace memorial hall on Wednesday, 11 city officials began the work after offering a silent prayer at 11:02 a.m., the time the bomb was dropped.
Last February, the city expanded the register to include those exposed to the bombing outside a state-recognized area. As a result, the names of 53 people were added last year.
The names of victims who have died from last August to this July are to be added before the books are returned to the safe on August 9.
2019年5月21日火曜日
at 20:00 (JST), May 21
Japan's Foreign Minister has urged South Korean President to exercise leadership in solving the bilateral issue of wartime labor.
Japan's Finance Minister has suggested that the country's economy will pick up despite some weakness seen in domestic demand.
Nearly 350 foreigners have passed Japan's exam for working visas under a new system aimed at easing the country's labor shortage.
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20190521200000_english_1.mp3
Key words : foreign minister urged exercise
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190521_24/
Japan's Foreign Minister Taro Kono has urged South Korean President Moon Jae-in to exercise leadership in solving the bilateral issue of wartime labor.
Kono was speaking to reporters in Tokyo on Tuesday, a day after the Japanese government asked South Korea to agree to establishing an arbitration panel in line with a 1965 bilateral agreement. The request came as South Korean Prime Minister Lee Nak-yon said his government cannot resolve the issue alone.
Kono said Japan has dealt with the issue while reserving its complaints, but it can wait no longer now that Seoul says what it can do is limited. He described the present situation in bilateral relations as crucial.
Kono called on President Moon to deal with the matter with responsibility.
He added that if Seoul says what it can do at home is limited, it should naturally agree to set up an arbitration panel. He also hinted at bringing the matter to an international court if necessary.
Key words : Suga has asked
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190521_28/
Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga has asked South Korea's new ambassador to Japan to quickly establish an arbitration panel to address the bilateral issue of wartime labor.
Suga spoke to Nam Gwan-pyo when he made a courtesy call on Tuesday to mark the start of his time in Tokyo.
Suga referred to Japan's repeated requests to South Korea in line with a 1965 bilateral agreement to set up an arbitration panel that includes a member from a third country.
He said that under the agreement, South Korea is held responsible, so he wants the country to quickly resolve the issue.
Tokyo and Seoul have been at odds over a series of South Korean court rulings ordering Japanese firms to pay damages to those who say they or their relatives were forced to work for the companies during World War Two.
Meanwhile, on North Korean issues, Suga and Nam recognized that it's important for their two countries to work together.
Key words : finance minister
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190521_25/
Japan's Finance Minister Taro Aso has suggested that the country's economy will pick up despite some weakness seen in domestic demand.
Aso commented on the preliminary GDP figure released Monday that shows an annualized growth rate of 2.1 percent for the January to March period. That marks the second-straight quarter of expansion. But corporate investment and consumer spending fell.
Aso said that business investment was not so strong, and that companies appear to have postponed their spending a bit. But he said that jobs and corporate profits remain at high levels, and that Japan's economic fundamentals are firm. Aso also said spending from this fiscal year's budget is just getting underway, suggesting a bump in economic growth.
Key words : nearly 350
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190521_33/
Nearly 350 foreigners have passed Japan's exam for working visas under a new system aimed at easing the country's labor shortage.
The first results of the exams, which began last month, were announced on Tuesday.
Out of 460 foreign candidates, 347, or about 75 percent, passed the exam for visas to work in the restaurant industry.
Successful applicants will be able to start working as early as July, depending on the results of their Japanese language proficiency tests.
Last month, job-seekers in the restaurant industry reached nearly 3 times the available number of exam slots on just the first day of the application period. This caused the agriculture ministry to schedule an additional exam within the month.
The ministry also plans to increase the number of exam dates and venues for June, and will accept about 2,000 applications.
More than 140,000 foreigners are already working in the restaurant industry. The government plans to admit up to 53,000 foreign workers over the next five years.
Key words : labor ministry
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190521_26/
Japan's labor ministry has requested the operator of the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant to carefully manage the safety of foreigners hired for decommissioning work.
Tokyo Electric Power Company, or TEPCO, announced last month that it plans to allow foreigners to work at the facility through Japan's new visa program.
The ministry sent a notice to the utility on Tuesday instructing it to secure a level of safety for foreigners that is at least equal to what is offered to Japanese workers.
It requests that TEPCO manage foreign workers' radiation exposure levels and keep their Japanese language skills in mind when conducting safety training. The ministry has asked the company to deliberate and report back.
Labor Minister Takumi Nemoto told reporters that most foreigner workers in Japan under the new visa program are not used to the country's labor customs, and will return to their countries in about five years.
He said such factors should be taken into account when establishing a safety management system.
Nemoto added that under the current system, extremely cautious deliberation is necessary on whether to have the foreign workers engage in decommissioning and other radiation-related work.
Key words : Koike plans to
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190521_29/
Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike says she plans to draw up by December a strategy to effectively reduce the city's carbon dioxide emissions to zero by 2050.
Koike announced her plans at the Urban 20 Mayors Summit talks, which began in the Japanese capital on Tuesday.
Representatives from 26 major cities around the world are taking part in the event to discuss global warming, sustainable economic growth and other shared concerns.
The Paris Agreement on climate change aims for virtually zero emissions of global greenhouse gases by the latter half of this century.
Japan's government has set a goal of cutting domestic emissions by 80 percent by 2050.
The Tokyo Metropolitan government has gone a step further, and plans for effectively zero emissions in Tokyo by 2050.
The strategy will include a 40 percent reduction in incinerated plastic waste by 2030.
The U20 Mayors Summit wraps up on Wednesday with a joint statement, which will be formally presented to the Group of 20 summit in Osaka next month.
Key words : US government eased
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190521_18/
The US government has eased some restrictions on business dealings with Huawei Technologies for three months, about a week after the Chinese telecom giant was blacklisted.
The US Commerce Department last week banned American companies from doing business with Huawei and its 68 affiliates in the US and other countries, including Japan.
On Monday, the US Commerce Department partially eased restrictions on transactions between US companies and Huawei for three months. The measure is designed to limit the impact of the company being blacklisted on its customers around the world.
The department said the move was aimed at maintaining existing networks using Huawei products and providing software updates to existing Huawei handsets.
Relevant business transactions with Huawei and its affiliates based on contracts signed before last Thursday were permitted between May 20 and August 19.
The department said it will judge later whether to extend the exemption beyond three months.
Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross said in a statement that the new authorization is intended to give telecommunications providers that rely on Huawei equipment time to make other arrangements.
Some regional telecom companies in the US are using Huawei equipment in order to cut costs.
Key words : Indonesian president re-elected
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190521_10/
Indonesian President Joko Widodo was re-elected for his second term in last month's presidential vote.
According to the official result, released by the country's election commission on early Tuesday, Joko won 55.5 percent of votes. His challenger, retired military general Prabowo Subianto, captured 44.5 percent in the April 17 election.
Joko obtained wide public support by implementing infrastructure projects and attracting foreign investment to the country, achieving annual economic growth of around five percent during his first term.
Prabowo has refused to accept Joko's victory, claiming widespread cheating in vote-counting. He is urging his supporters to take to the streets to protest.
The Indonesian government has deployed more than 30,000 police officers and troops in the capital Jakarta to brace for possible unrest.
Key words : Disney
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190521_27/
Tokyo DisneySea has begun its largest expansion project ever.
The operator, Oriental Land, started construction on a 100,000-square meter parking lot for the 2.3 billion dollar project.
The new area will be called Fantasy Springs and consist of three areas inspired by the Disney films "Frozen," "Tangled," and "Peter Pan."
It will include four attractions, a hotel, and restaurants, and is scheduled to open by March 2023.
At a groundbreaking ceremony on Tuesday, Oriental Land Chairman and CEO Toshio Kagami said he aims to make the resort the only one of its kind.
Walt Disney Company Chairman and CEO Robert Iger also attended the event and expressed support for the project.
A record of more than 32 million people visited the Tokyo Disney Resort in fiscal 2018. But it continues to face tough competition from Universal Studios Japan and others.
Key words : news key word segment We take a deeper look at Tokyo Disney attractions
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Key words : group of researcher artificial
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20190521_13/
A group of researchers says artificial intelligence was able to detect early stage lung cancer with more than 90 percent accuracy in a test, showing its potential to help doctors make more accurate readings.
The study conducted by the group that included IT giant Google and Stanford University was published in the journal Nature Medicine on Monday.
First, the group used more than 42,000 CT lung scans from patients with various conditions to train computers to recognize patterns in a process known as deep learning.
They then had the computer system analyze 6,716 CT scans with known diagnoses. The software detected lung cancer in early stages with an accuracy ratio of 94 percent.
They said AI missed tumors or misdiagnosed benign spots as tumors in only a few cases.
The system performed as well as expert radiologists when earlier scans were available. It did slightly better than experts when no prior scan was available.
Lung cancer is the most fatal cancer in countries including the United States and Japan. Finding tumors at an early stage is crucial in treating the disease.