at 18:30 (JST), September 14

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/20220914183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : hamada austin first
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220913_12/

Japan's Defense Minister Hamada Yasukazu is due to hold his first in-person talks with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin later this week.

Hamada will leave Tokyo on Tuesday for a four-day visit to the United States.

Hamada apparently hopes to affirm close bilateral cooperation as China is ramping up military pressure on Taiwan, including the staging of large-scale drills. China's moves came following a visit to Taipei by US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Hamada is also likely to convey Japan's resolve to fundamentally reinforce its defense capabilities within five years by revising its National Security Strategy and two other key documents by the year-end.

Hamada told reporters before his departure that it is important to meet Austin face-to-face and build a personal relationship.

He said he hopes to affirm that Japan and the US will seek greater conformity in their respective defense strategies.

Key words : thailand sentenced
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220913_34/

Thailand's court has sentenced a protester to two years in prison for insulting the monarchy by wearing a Thai traditional dress at a demonstration, an act believed to be mocking the Queen.

On Monday, a criminal court sentenced the 23-year old for joining a satirical fashion show in Bangkok in October 2020. The event called for reforming the country's monarchy.

Thousands of anti-government protesters had filled Thailand's streets after July, 2020, demanding resignation of the country's prime minister who came to power when he led a coup in 2014. Some people also criticized the monarchy amid severe conditions during the pandemic.

The Thai Lawyers for Human Rights group has said more than 200 activists have been charged with insulting the monarchy in the past two years.

Key words : honda
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220913_27/

Honda Motor says it will press ahead with electrification of motorcycles as part of its effort to achieve carbon neutrality.

The world's largest motorcycle manufacturer announced on Tuesday it plans to roll out 10 or more electric models globally by 2025.

Takeuchi Kohei, Executive Vice President of Honda Motor, said, "Motorbikes present different types of problems in pursuing carbon neutrality from four-wheeled vehicles. But we will promote electrification to maintain our position as a top manufacturer."

The company said it is aiming for annual sales of one million electric bikes within five years, rising to 3.5 million by 2030. It predicts that would be the equivalent of 15 percent of its total sales.

Honda says it wants to achieve carbon neutrality for all of its motorcycles during the 2040s by shifting to electric motors and engines that run on ethanol derived from plants.

Honda's move is expected to accelerate the shift to electric bikes.

Japanese competitor Kawasaki Motors is already planning that most of its new models in developed-country markets will be fully electric or hybrid by 2035. Yamaha Motor says it wants 90 percent of its bikes to be electric by 2050.

Key words : politician cutting ties
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/videos/20220902165925883/

Japanese politicians say they're cutting ties with a religious group that's come under scrutiny this summer. A cult expert and former American member of the organization says its influence stretches far. NHK World's Imasaki Tsunehide reports.