at 18:30 (JST), March 25

Asian View

"Asian View" is a five-minute news segment broadcast by NHK WORLD-JAPAN. It features the latest news and deep analysis from Japan and the rest of Asia. Listen to "Asian View" and get the latest information from a region that's playing an increasingly important role in the world.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20220325183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : north successfully first
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220325_07/

North Korea said it has successfully test-fired a new type of intercontinental ballistic missile, the Hwasong-17, on Thursday.

The state-run Korean Central News Agency reported early on Friday that the country fired the missile in the presence of the leader Kim Jong Un. It marked the first launch of that type of intercontinental ballistic class missile.

North Korea fired the missile on Thursday afternoon from a suburb of Pyongyang toward the Sea of Japan.

It was estimated to have fallen into the water about 150 kilometers west of the Oshima Peninsula on Japan's northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido. The landing area was within Japan's exclusive economic zone.

Key words : kishida unforgivable
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220325_06/

Japan's prime minister said the Group of Seven leaders confirmed they will jointly address North Korea's nuclear and missile programs following its launch of what appeared to be a new type of intercontinental ballistic missile.

Kishida Fumio spoke on Thursday in Belgium, where he attended the G7 summit. He had earlier condemned the launch, calling it unforgivable and outrageous.

Japanese government officials said they think the level of the threat posed by North Korea is now greater due to an apparent advance in its missile technology.

They also said they plan to work more closely with officials from the United States, South Korea and other relevant nations to study ways to respond, such as imposing additional sanctions on Pyongyang.

North Korea fired the missile on Thursday on a so-called lofted trajectory, which has a steeper launch angle than usual.

The missile is estimated to have fallen into the Sea of Japan about 150 kilometers west of the Oshima Peninsula on Japan's northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido. The landing area is within Japan's exclusive economic zone.

It flew about 71 minutes and reached an altitude of more than 6,000 kilometers. Both figures are records for North Korea's missile technology.

The Japanese government believes the missile may be capable of reaching the US mainland, as it was estimated to be able to travel more than 10,000 kilometers on a normal trajectory.

Key words : japan pledge 100
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220325_12/

Japan's Prime Minister Kishida Fumio says the country will offer an additional 100 million dollars in humanitarian aid to Ukraine and neighboring countries supporting it amid the Russian invasion.

Kishida made the announcement at an emergency summit of the Group of Seven countries held in Brussels, Belgium on Thursday.

He told the summit that the conflict has pushed the world to a historic crossroads, where the basis of international order is at risk. He stressed that the international community should deal with the situation resolutely in a concerted manner.

Japan's announcement of fresh aid comes in addition to the 100 million dollars it pledged earlier.
Kishida said Japan will also send healthcare and hygiene personnel to help Ukrainians taking shelter in neighboring countries. He also said Japan will continue accepting Ukrainian evacuees.

He said the government will accelerate efforts to revise relevant legislation to revoke Russia's "most-favored nation" trade status at the current session of the Diet.

He added that Japan will further strengthen financial sanctions on Russia to prevent it from evading them by turning to digital assets. He also announced the banning of exports to 81 arms industry-related organizations and the freezing of assets in Japan of some wealthy people known as oligarchs, who are said to be close to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Kishida also referred to the crisis's impact on the global economy.
He expressed concern that the Russian invasion has driven the prices of energy and food higher. He said it is important for the G7 nations to work jointly to support economies hit by the higher prices, promote free trade and ensure energy security.

Speaking to reporters after the summit, Kishida said the meeting served as an important opportunity where members confirmed their strong determination to never tolerate Russia's outrageous act and to lead efforts to maintain the international order.

He added that he told other G7 members that Japan will take a resolute stance against Russia, despite Russia's announcement of suspending bilateral peace treaty talks. The prime minister said Japan will closely coordinate views with other members as the chair of next year's G7 summit in dealing with Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Key words : toshiba underscore
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220325_17/

A vote by Toshiba shareholders that rejected a restructuring plan has dealt a heavy blow to the Japanese conglomerate, leaving its future uncertain.
Management's plan was to split the company in two.

Toshiba did not say how many supporting votes it got for the plan during the extraordinary meeting on Thursday.
The vote underscored a widening gap between management and activist investors who hold a major stake in the company.

In a statement afterward, the firm said it "accepts the opinion of the shareholders" and will make its best efforts to build trust with them. It also says Toshiba will "reconsider its strategic options to enhance corporate value continuously."

Toshiba came up with the original plan in November. It would have spun off the firm into three independent companies. A revision three months later recommended a two-way split.

Toshiba management is expected to re-examine its corporate strategies. Some shareholders believe it should consider becoming an unlisted company by buying back its shares in the market from investors.

It remains unclear whether management's next plan will gain understanding of the activist investors and others, and put an end to the turmoil.

Key words : ukraine Fujiwara Kiichi
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