at 18:30 (JST), August 31

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/20230831183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : marks one week
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230831_01/

The operator of the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant says there has so far been no trouble with the release of treated and diluted water into the ocean as Thursday marks one week since the start of the release.

The plant suffered a triple meltdown in the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Water used to cool molten fuel at the plant has been mixing with rain and groundwater.

The accumulated water is treated and stored in more than 1,000 tanks in the plant. They currently hold some 1.35 million tons of treated water, reaching 98 percent of the tanks' capacity.

The water is treated to remove most radioactive materials, but still contains tritium.

Tokyo Electric Power Company has been diluting the treated water before discharging it to reduce tritium concentrations to about one-seventh of the World Health Organization's guidelines for drinking water.

TEPCO says no problems have emerged with discharge or other equipment. It says each day about 450 tons of treated water is mixed with more than 700 times that volume of seawater before being released. The company says it had discharged over 2,900 tons of treated water as of Wednesday.

TEPCO has been taking water samples from the sea within 3 kilometers of the plant daily to check tritium levels since the discharge. It says tritium concentrations have been below the detectable level of 10 becquerels per liter.

Tritium concentrations have also been lower than the detectable level in seawater monitoring conducted by the Environment Ministry and Fukushima Prefecture, and in fish caught in waters near the plant that were examined by the Fisheries Agency.

TEPCO plans to release 7,800 tons of treated water over 17 days in the first round and 31,200 tons through March. The amount is equivalent to that stored in about 30 tanks.

The release of the treated and diluted water is expected to continue for about 30 years.

Local fishers and others are opposed to the discharge, citing concerns about reputational damage. Observers say the government and TEPCO must ensure safety over the long term and provide information with high transparency.

Key words : north two tactical
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230831_08/

North Korea says it conducted a tactical nuclear strike exercise and launched two ballistic missiles on Wednesday in response to joint military drills being held by the United States and South Korea.

The General Staff of the Korean People's Army said that it fired the tactical ballistic missiles northeastward from Pyongyang International Airport. The announcement was carried by the ruling Workers' Party newspaper Rodong Sinmun on Thursday.

It said the tactical nuclear strike exercise simulated the destruction of South Korea's major command centers and operational airfields. It also said the missiles were detonated at an altitude of 400 meters above the target island.

The Rodong Sinmun carried a photo of a missile believed to be a solid-fuel type being fired from a mobile launch pad on a runway. Solid-fuel missiles are a type that can be launched swiftly. There was also a photo of a missile exploding over an island.

North Korea's military said Wednesday's drill was in response to the joint drills by the US and South Korea involving US B-1B bombers the same day. It said it would never sit back and watch the "reckless actions" of the US and South Korean militaries.

South Korea's military said the North fired two short-range ballistic missiles from an area in or around Sunan, near Pyongyang, late Wednesday. The North's announcement is believed to be referring to these launches.

Key words : north kishida
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230831_14/

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has strongly criticized the latest missile launches by North Korea.

Kishida spoke to reporters on Thursday, the morning after North Korea fired two ballistic missiles.

Japan's Defense Ministry says the missiles appear to have fallen outside Japan's exclusive economic zone.

Noting that North Korea has frequently been firing ballistic missiles, Kishida said Pyongyang's actions are unacceptable, as they threaten the peace and stability not only of Japan, but the region and international community.

The prime minister added that the launches are a breach of United Nations Security Council resolutions.

Kishida said Japan will continue intelligence-gathering and surveillance, and do its best to ensure peace and security in partnership with the United States and South Korea.

Key words : cambodia hun
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230830_32/

Cambodia's new prime minister Hun Manet will make his first appearance at the UN General Assembly next month.

The focus is on whether he will try to improve relations with Europe and the United States, as he strengthens ties with China.

Hun Manet laid out his foreign policy on Tuesday in his first speech as prime minister. He is the son of longtime leader Hun Sen, and became leader himself a week ago.

He stressed a policy of diplomacy in all directions.
He said he will continue friendly relations with all countries in a neutral and independent way, based on national interests.
Ahead of the speech, he held a series of meetings with US Senate officials. He reportedly said he is ready to strengthen ties and expand cooperation with the US.

Europe and the US imposed sanctions when his father was in power over human rights concerns as he clamped down on opposition parties.

Hun Manet has plenty of experience with Western countries. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point, and earned a PhD in economics from the University of Bristol in England. He went on to become commander of the Royal Cambodian Army.

Key words : province four people dead
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230830_22/

Authorities in the inland Chinese province of Sichuan say last week's landslides at a construction site has left four people dead and 48 others missing. They have also detained five people for initially underreporting the number of missing people.

China's state-run Xinhua news agency and other media outlets report that rainstorms triggered a flash flood at a highway construction site in Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture on August 21. Workers were caught in the disaster.

Initial reports said 79 people were rescued and search efforts for six missing people were underway at the site.

But local authorities said on Wednesday people in charge of the construction work deliberately underreported the number of missing people.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has ordered all-out efforts to find the missing people and for a thorough investigation at the site.

In July, a Communist Party newspaper carried an article highlighting Xi's achievements in flood control projects.

But after that, floods and landslides occurred in the country's north and northeast, caused by record rainfalls.

Some Chinese people have since used social media to voice their complaints about the authorities' disaster management.

Key words : learned espionage
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230831_06/

NHK has learned that a Japanese man has been indicted in China after being detained on what are thought to be espionage charges.

The man in his 50s was taken into custody in Shanghai in December 2021. He was served an arrest warrant in June last year.

The sources say Japan's Consulate-General in Shanghai confirmed that he was indicted in mid-August this year.

Japanese government sources say the Chinese side has not disclosed details of the indictment.

An anti-espionage law was enforced in China in 2014. The sources say since then at least 17 Japanese have been detained in the country for alleged involvement in spying under the law. They say nine of them were given prison terms.

Their trials were held behind closed doors. China has not revealed what they did to break the law.

Key words : india space agency confirmed
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230830_31/

India's space agency says its moon rover has confirmed the presence of sulfur on the lunar surface. This comes just a week after its unmanned spacecraft made a historic landing on the moon's south pole, where none had gone before.

The Indian Space Research Organisation announced that the rover's laser instrument had confirmed the presence of sulfur. Other elements detected include oxygen, iron, calcium and aluminum.

The agency said the rover made measurements in place on the composition of the surface near the pole.

The craft, called the Chandrayaan-3, touched down on Wednesday last week. The rover was sent out to explore a challenging spot with uneven terrain. Scientists believe the area could contain water in the form of ice.

India has made other moves to expand its presence in space. It has announced it will launch its first solar observation satellite this Saturday.

Key words : two japanese fuel
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230830_16/

Two Japanese companies are working on a joint project that will use a new and efficient method of converting carbon dioxide into fuel.

Osaka Gas and oil wholesaler Eneos will build a large-scale plant for the technology known as "methanation."
It combines carbon dioxide with hydrogen to produce methane, the key component of city gas.

Methanation is drawing attention as a more efficient way of cutting greenhouse-gas emissions than the existing method, which uses liquefied natural gas.

Osaka Gas will collect CO2 from factories. Eneos will acquire hydrogen made overseas with renewable energy.

The two gases will be synthesized, producing enough methane to meet the annual demand of a quarter of a million households by 2030.

Miyagawa Tadashi, Vice President of Osaka Gas, says, "We aim to realize carbon-neutrality by 2050. This project is a significant effort to achieve that goal."

The companies say the methanation facility will be the first large-scale one in Japan. They say its site will be in the Osaka Bay area.

at 18:30 (JST), August 30

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/20230830183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : expert talent agency step down
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230829_29/

A team of outside experts probing sexual abuse allegations at Japanese talent agency Johnny & Associates has released a report urging the company's president to step down.

Several men who used to belong to the agency as boys have accused its founder and former president Johnny Kitagawa of sexual misconduct. Kitagawa died in 2019.

In May, the agency set up a team of outside experts on law, sexual abuse and mental health.

The team announced at a news conference on Tuesday that it submitted its report to the agency.

The team interviewed 23 victims, including former backup dancers known as Johnny's Juniors, who were mostly teenagers waiting to make their debuts.

It says it confirmed that Kitagawa began sexually abusing boys in the 1950s, and repeatedly assaulted a number of Johnny's Juniors from the early 1970s through the mid-2010s.

The team attributes the problem to Kitagawa's sexual deviance, his older sister's failure to take action despite knowing of his behavior toward boys, and her efforts to cover it up. She effectively took care of managing the agency.

The company's current president is her daughter, Julie K. Fujishima. The experts point out negative aspects of the family-run business, and suggest that she resign.

To prevent a recurrence, the team urges the agency to admit abuses by Kitagawa, apologize sincerely to the victims and quickly begin talks with them.

It also suggests the agency immediately set up a program to compensate the victims.

Key words : kim tactical
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230829_20/

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has hinted that the country will strengthen its naval forces by deploying tactical nuclear weapons.

State-run Korean Central Television reported on Tuesday that Kim visited the navy command and delivered a speech on Sunday, ahead of Navy Day, which the country celebrated on Monday. Kim was reportedly accompanied by his daughter.

During his speech, Kim mentioned the trilateral summit that the leaders of Japan, the US and South Korea held in the United States earlier this month. The three leaders agreed to hold trilateral exercises regularly.

Kim said, "Owing to the reckless confrontational moves of the US and other hostile forces, the waters off the Korean Peninsula have been reduced into the world's biggest war hardware concentration spot, the most unstable waters with the danger of a nuclear war."

He also said that the navy will become a component of North Korea's nuclear deterrence. Kim indicated that "units of different services would be equipped with new weaponry according to the policy of expanding the tactical nuclear weapons operation specified in the line of building the state nuclear force."

Details of the plan have yet to be unveiled. But Pyongyang has a program aimed at developing submarine-launched ballistic missiles, or SLBMs.

North Korea also announced on August 21 that it had conducted a naval strategic cruise missile drill. The missile is designed to carry a tactical nuclear warhead.

The announcement came as the US and South Korean militaries were taking part in their regular joint exercises. During drills, the troops simulated responses to emergencies on the Korean Peninsula. The exercises are scheduled to end on Thursday.

Kim's speech was apparently aimed at raising morale within the military and keeping security cooperation among the US, South Korea and Japan in check.

Key words : india launch study the sun
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230829_38/

Less than a week after successfully landing a spacecraft on the moon, India says it will soon launch its first satellite to study the sun.

The Indian Space Research Organisation says it will launch the Aditya-L1 from the southern state of Andhra Pradesh on September 2.

After a four-month-long journey, the craft will be placed in a halo orbit about 1.5 million kilometers from the Earth. Its mission includes observation of the solar atmosphere, which is over a million degrees Celsius, and explosive events called "flares."

As for the moon, India's Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft has been exploring the uncharted south pole. Scientists say the area may contain water in the form of ice.
India is the fourth country to land a spacecraft on the moon, after the former Soviet Union, the United States and China.

Key words : lgbtq india
#N/Ahttps://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/videos/20230803181810451/

India's Supreme Court to rule on landmark same-sex marriage case

India's highest court will soon rule on whether to allow same-sex marriage. For LGBTQ couples, it would be a life-changing moment. But is India's government ready for change? NHK World's Fujie Risa has this story.

at 18:30 (JST), August 29

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/20230829183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : trade dialogue metal
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230829_N01/

US and Chinese officials are making efforts to mend their frayed ties. US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said they are working toward more "stable" relations. But she said US officials would not compromise on issues of national security.

Raimondo met in Beijing on Monday with Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao. He said he was pleased to have the opportunity to "coordinate in the fields of economy and trade."

Last October, US officials introduced new rules limiting Chinese access to advanced chips. Earlier this month, Chinese officials restricted exports of gallium and germanium, metals that are needed to make some types of semiconductors.

The two sides have not resolved those differences. They did agree to set up a working group on trade and investment which would include government officials and representatives of the private sector. Raimondo said US officials would host the first meeting early next year.

Raimondo also announced a platform to exchange information on export controls. "This is meant to be a dialogue where we increase transparency, and we are clear about what we are doing as it relates to export control enforcement," Raimondo said.

Key words : industry minister tasted
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230828_37/

Japan's industry minister has paid a visit to Fukushima Prefecture. He sampled some of the local seafood, after Japan began discharging treated and diluted water from the damaged Fukushima Daiichi plant last week. It's part of a push to prevent any harmful rumors.

Industry minister Nishimura Yasutoshi tasted sashimi caught off the coast of Fukushima Prefecture on Friday, just one day after the release began.

Nishimura also met with local business owners, telling them the government is committed to transparency.

He said: "We will continue to confirm the safety and disclose all of the data in a transparent manner. That is the best way to prevent any reputational damage."

Japan's Fisheries Agency has analyzed fish caught within 10 kilometers of the plant. It says it found that levels of tritium were below what's considered "detectable."

But that hasn't stopped an apparent harassment campaign.

The Fukushima Daiichi plant's operator says it's received 6,000 spam calls since the release began. They appear to be originating from China. A number of unrelated Japanese businesses, including hotels and restaurants, have also been targeted.

Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has urged Beijing to address the harassment campaign. He says China should be open to a scientific dialogue.

Kishida said: "Without that discussion, numerous spam calls, believed to be from China, have been made. People have thrown stones at the Japanese embassy and Japanese schools in China. This is obviously regrettable."

NHK spoke with an expert who says China may be allowing the campaign to continue to deflect attention away from domestic issues.

Professor Korogi Ichiro of Kanda University of International Studies said: "China's economy is very sluggish and serious problems have emerged, such as the property sector crisis and a high youth unemployment rate. The government may be using the release to help vent some of the discontent building in Chinese society."

Korogi also says China's suspension of all Japanese seafood imports could be used as a diplomatic tool in other trade disputes between Beijing and Tokyo.

The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant suffered a triple meltdown in the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Water used to cool molten fuel at the plant has been mixing with rain and groundwater, seeping into damaged reactor buildings.

The water is treated to remove most radioactive substances, but still contains tritium. Before releasing the treated water into the sea, the plant's operator dilutes it to reduce tritium levels to about one-seventh of the World Health Organization's guidelines for drinking water.

Before the accident, Fukushima Daiichi discharged around 2.2 trillion becquerels of tritium into the ocean per year.

Under the current plan, the plant's operator says it will not exceed 22 trillion becquerels annually. That is far lower than tritium released from other nuclear facilities around the world, including in South Korea and China.

Key words : taiwan founder
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230828_20/

Hon Hai Precision Industry founder Terry Gou says he will run in Taiwan's presidential election next year as an independent candidate.

Gou said at a news conference in Taipei on Monday that the ruling Democratic Progressive Party needs to be brought down. He said that in the past seven years of the DPP's rule, it has led Taiwan toward the danger of war and that it has made mistakes in its domestic policies.

Gou is the founder of Hon Hai, also known as Foxconn, one of the world's largest contract manufacturers of electronic devices.

He is known in Japan for leading a takeover of major electronics maker Sharp in 2016.

Hon Hai has large investments in China and Gou is a major shareholder. During Monday's news conference, he said that if China threatens to confiscate Hon Hai's assets for not complying with its policies, he would reply, "Yes, please do it." Gou stressed that he has never been under China's control and does not follow its instructions.

Gou had sought to run as the candidate for Taiwan's largest opposition party, the Kuomintang, in the January election, but the party chose New Taipei City Mayor Hou Yu-ih. Gou once expressed support for Hou, but has been touring Taiwan in recent weeks on his own account.

The KMT said Gou's move was extremely regrettable. It also said it believes Gou will ultimately support the KMT and Hou and will work with them to bring down the ruling party.

According to elections regulations, Gou needs to gather about 290,000 signatures, which is 1.5 percent of all eligible voters, to qualify as an independent candidate.

The ruling DPP has named Vice President Lai Ching-te as its candidate. Another opposition force, the Taiwan People's Party, has chosen Ko Wen-je to run in the presidential race.

Analysts have noted that opposition votes could be split if Gou runs. Talks for cooperation among the opposition camps are expected to intensify as they aim for a change of government.

Key words : bali special tax
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230828_36/

The Indonesian resort island of Bali says it will impose a special tax on foreign visitors starting next year.

The island's governor says the levy will be used to protect the nature and cultural heritage of the so-called "Island of the Gods."

The Bali provincial government plans to charge 150,000 rupiahs, or about 10 dollars per person. It will start as early as February.

Bali's governor says the money will be used to improve infrastructure to attract future tourism.

The number of foreign visitors to the island has been recovering from the steep drop during the pandemic. More than 2 million people visited in the first half of this year.
The governor says the new tax won't disrupt the recovery, as foreigners have worked for Bali's environment and sustainable tourism in the past.

But the island has been facing frustration with some visitors, who have been disrespectful of the local culture and religion.

A Russian man was deported for uploading half-naked photos to social media taken at the top of a sacred mountain.

The local government has issued a list of "dos and don'ts" for tourists to promote understanding of local values and encourage people to behave themselves.

Key words : former resident russia
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230828_22/

August is the time for many Japanese to pay their respects to their ancestors. But former residents of four Russia-held islands are not allowed to visit their family graves in the Northern Territories. So dozens of them and their family members have offered prayers at a ceremony held on the sea.

Sixty-eight people set off from Nemuro Port in Hokkaido on Monday morning aboard a ship built specifically for former islanders to visit the territories.

Yamamoto Shigeki, the head of an association working to resolve Northern Territories issues, said the situation remains tough.

He said he hopes the participants will be able to honor their ancestors in locations as close to their hometowns as possible.

The ship stopped behind the so-called median line between the Nemuro Peninsula and the disputed islands, before returning to the port in the afternoon.

Monday's ceremony is the first of six such events scheduled to be held by September 30. About 400 people from across Japan are due to take part.

This is the second straight year that an at-sea ceremony has been held.

Former residents used to be allowed visa-free visits to the islands, but these have been suspended since Russia's invasion of Ukraine last year. It is not known when they can be resumed.

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

Key words : afghanistan agriculture
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230829_07/

Japan and a United Nations agency plan to cooperate in promoting agriculture in Afghanistan using the irrigation method devised by late Japanese doctor Nakamura Tetsu.

Afghanistan has been suffering from a serious food shortage, as prolonged drought has affected crop harvests. In 2021, the Taliban regained power in the country.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency, or JICA, and the Food and Agriculture Organization, or FAO, will launch a new project to help Afghanistan boost food production with financial aid granted by the Japanese government.

At a signing ceremony in the capital Kabul on Monday, Japanese Ambassador to Afghanistan Okada Takashi and an FAO representative exchanged documents.

Okada said, "Japan will continue to support Afghans to help themselves so that they can rebuild their livelihoods."

The new project aims to promote the irrigation method created by Dr. Nakamura, who was fatally shot in Afghanistan in 2019. He had dedicated himself to improving the lives of the Afghan people.

As the local head of the Japanese NGO Peshawar-kai, Nakamura had worked on farmland regeneration projects, including the construction of irrigation systems, in Afghanistan for many years.

His method makes it easier for local people to maintain and operate irrigation facilities. Members of the Peshawar-kai will help renovate the facilities and train local people in the eastern province of Kunar.

The project is expected to improve the livelihoods of about 12,000 people in the province.

Key words : tokyo anime
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230828_26/

Tokyo has long been a center of Japanese anime culture and a draw for fans from around the world. Now local officials plan to give the industry a home in the capital.

Tokyo's metropolitan government has leased a building in the Ikebukuro district where many anime-related shops are located.

The space is set to open on October 31. It will display sketches and scripts from popular animation. It will also stage large-scale exhibits.

The "anime hub" will be operated by an industry association. The group plans to hold workshops so visitors can experience the creative process behind the craft and see the latest works. The facility will also have a shop for anime goods.

at 18:30 (JST), August 28

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/20230828183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : japanese school harassment egg
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230828_02/

Japanese-related facilities in China have observed acts of harassment since Japan started releasing treated and diluted water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the sea.

A stone was found to have been thrown into the grounds of a Japanese school in Qingdao, Shandong Province, on Thursday, when the water discharge began.

Eggs were hurled into the compound of another Japanese school in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, on Friday.

The operators of the schools say neither children nor buildings were harmed in the incidents. They are stepping up security of the compounds.

Officials at the Japanese Embassy in Beijing and the Japanese Consulates-General in China say they have been receiving many calls of protest and nuisance.

Embassy officials say they increased the number of security staff to prepare for unpredictable situations. They say Chinese security authorities also boosted personnel being deployed around the embassy.

The officials say they will monitor developments before deciding whether to go ahead with events where they invite ordinary people into the embassy.

Some posts on the Chinese social media platform Weibo are urging consumers to avoid using Japanese cosmetics. But they cite no convincing reasons why people should do so.

A person posted a list of cosmetics-related Japanese firms that have brands the individual appears to believe are radioactive.

Some Japanese cosmetics firms are responding on their websites for the Chinese market. They say the products they sell in China have no safety problems as they have met various standards.

The Chinese government suspended all imports of Japanese seafood last week after Japan started the discharge of what Chinese state-run media called "nuclear-contaminated water."

The Fukushima Daiichi plant suffered a triple meltdown in the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Water used to cool molten fuel at the plant has been mixing with rain and groundwater.

The accumulated water is treated to remove most radioactive substances, but still contains tritium. Before releasing the treated water into the sea, the plant's operator dilutes it to reduce tritium levels to about one-seventh of the World Health Organization's guidelines for drinking water.

Key words : north citizen pandemic
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230827_06/

North Korea has ended its ban on citizens returning to the country that was started during the coronavirus pandemic.

The North's ruling Workers' Party newspaper Rodong Sinmun reported on Sunday an announcement by The State Emergency Epidemic Prevention Headquarters.

The decision was likely made because the pandemic situation has eased.

The newspaper says citizens who return will undergo medical observation at quarantine wards for one week.

North Korea has been maintaining strict border controls during the coronavirus pandemic.

But Pyongyang resumed flights to and from Beijing and Vladivostok in Russia's Far East this month, ending a three-and-a-half-year suspension.

More than 100 North Koreans boarded a flight to Pyongyang at an airport in Beijing on Tuesday.

A South Korean intelligence organization says that Pyongyang is easing border controls to help revitalize economy.

Observers say that prolonged international sanctions have weakened its economy and strict pandemic protocols have dealt it an additional blow.

Key words : evergrande net loss
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230828_17/

Chinese real-estate developer Evergrande Group has reported net loss for the January-to-June period is about 33 billion yuan, or about 4.5 billion dollars.

The company filed for Chapter 15 bankruptcy protection with a US court earlier this month. It went into default after the Chinese government tightened restrictions on the property sector.

Evergrande still appears to have many challenges ahead. It racked up a total of over 75 billion dollars of net losses during 2021 and 2022. The company also reports total liabilities to the end of June 2023 at nearly 2.4 trillion yuan, or over 327 billion dollars.

The developer has been seeking ways of rebuilding its business since its bankruptcy filing.

Trading of the firm's shares resumed on Monday on the Hong Kong Exchange after a 17-month-long suspension. The company said on Friday it had "adequately" fulfilled exchange guidance issued by the exchange.

Evergrande's negotiations with creditors are expected to proceed with difficulties. Tight conditions will likely continue for the company as China's real-estate market remains sluggish.

Key words : china india border
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230826_01/

The leaders of India and China have agreed to seek a solution to a long-running border dispute that has at times seen tensions spill over.

India's Foreign Ministry says Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed the issue on the sidelines of an international summit in South Africa on Thursday.

The Indian side says Modi told Xi that maintaining peace in border areas is essential for the normalization of bilateral ties.

China's Foreign Ministry says Xi agreed that the two countries should handle the issue properly.

India and China share a provisional border known as the Line of Actual Control. But they have on occasion been unable to prevent military clashes from breaking out.

In June 2020, fighting resulted in casualties on both sides, and they remain apart in their border claims.

Observers say Modi is hoping to improve ties with China ahead of the Group of 20 summit in India next month.

Key words : myanmar
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230828_05/

Myanmar's military says it has ordered a diplomat of Timor-Leste, formerly known as East Timor, to be expelled for engaging with an opposition organization despite repeated warnings.

It said on Sunday that Timor-Leste's charge d'affaires must leave Myanmar no later than September 1.

Myanmar's military designated the pro-democracy National Unity Government as a terrorist group three months after it launched a coup in February 2021.

The military said what it called irresponsible actions by Timor-Leste's government are not only harming diplomatic ties between the two countries, but also encouraging the terrorist group to further commit violations in Myanmar.

Timor-Leste's government condemned the expulsion. It said in a statement that it "reiterates the importance of supporting all efforts for the return of democratic order in Myanmar and expresses its solidarity with the Myanmar people."

Last month, Timor-Leste invited a senior official of the National Unity Government to attend the swearing-in ceremony of the prime minister. The official also met Timor-Leste's president and confirmed their cooperation to restore democracy in Myanmar.

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is seeking to mediate dialogue between Myanmar's military and pro-democracy forces.

Key words : kanagawa anthem
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230827_13/

An event to support people evacuated from Ukraine was held in Yokohama, near Tokyo.

About 100 evacuees were invited to the event at the office of the Kanagawa prefectural government on Sunday.

The participants took photos together and wrote messages of peace and gratitude for Japan's support on papers shaped like sunflowers, which are a symbol of Ukraine.

They sung Ukraine's national anthem and folk songs to commemorate the country's Independence Day on August 24.

The day also marked 18 months since Russia's invasion of their country began.

A woman who arrived in Japan with her mother in December said they have been able to lead a relaxed life thanks to support from people here.

She also said she hopes the conflict will end soon with victory for Ukraine.

Prefectural official Yada Kenji said local authorities will help address the challenges the evacuees are facing, such as finding housing and work.

at 18:00 (JST), August 27

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20230827180000_english_1.mp3


Key words : environment 11 location 10 becquerels
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230827_11/

Japan's Environment Ministry has published the results of its research on seawater following the release of treated and diluted water from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. It says the concentration of tritium at every monitoring point was below the level set as detectable.

The ministry collected samples from 11 locations for laboratory testing on Friday, a day after the start of the discharge of the treated water.

At least one of the sampling points was located about 40 kilometers from the plant's outlet for the water.

The ministry says the tritium levels at all the 11 locations were less than 10 becquerels per liter -- the minimum level the government says is detectable through testing.

The ministry says when an analysis was carried out before the release of the water in the same sea areas, the levels hit 0.14 becquerels per liter at the highest.

It says it will conduct a more detailed analysis.

Environment Minister Nishimura Akihiro said he confirmed that the discharge has had no harmful impact on human beings or the environment.

The ministry has published the result on its website and on social media. It also plans to continue monitoring of seawater on a weekly basis for the time being.

Key words : fisheries agency too low
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230826_14/

Japan's Fisheries Agency says the levels of tritium in fish caught off the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant were too low to be detected, after the plant's operator began releasing treated and diluted water from the plant into the ocean.

The agency has been conducting regular monitoring of radioactive materials in fishery products from Fukushima and neighboring prefectures since the accident at the plant.

Officials plan to conduct sample testing of tritium levels in fish caught within waters 10 kilometers from the nuclear plant daily for about one month, following the start of the water discharge on Thursday. They will publish the results one or two days later.

The Fisheries Agency on Saturday published its first analysis results, after examining an olive flounder and a gurnard caught the previous day.

The results show that the tritium levels in the fish were "not detectable," as they were less than around 10 becquerels per kilogram -- the minimum level the government says is detectable in the testing.

The agency also plans to analyze fish caught in a wider area in an effort to prove the safety of Japan's marine products.

The Fukushima Daiichi plant suffered a triple meltdown in the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Since then, water used to cool molten fuel at the plant is mixing with rain and groundwater, seeping into the damaged reactor buildings.

The water is being treated to remove most radioactive substances, but still contains tritium. Before the release, the operator is diluting the treated water to reduce tritium levels to about one-seventh of the World Health Organization's guidelines for drinking water.

Key words : china opposes water release
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230826_19/

The Japanese embassy in Beijing is urging Chinese authorities to take strict action in accordance with the law with abusive phone calls being made from China to individuals and organizations in Japan.

China strongly opposes Japan's release of treated and diluted water from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the ocean and suspended all imports of seafood from Japan on Thursday.

The Japanese embassy says phone calls from China are being made to individuals and organizations in Japan that are not related to the treated water release.

Japanese people living in China are also being targeted.

A Japanese restaurant in Guangzhou in southern China says a Chinese visitor threatened to report the establishment to the authorities if it was using Japanese-made ingredients.

Another restaurant was reportedly investigated by the authorities, without prior notice, to see if it was using Japanese seafood.

Japanese companies and department stores were attacked after the Japanese government purchased the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture from a private Japanese owner in 2012.

Japan controls the islands. The Japanese government maintains the islands are an inherent part of Japan's territory. China and Taiwan claim them.

The embassy is calling on Japanese nationals living in China not to speak unnecessarily loudly in Japanese when they go out.

Key words : nishimura explain
#N/A


Key words : japanese embassy high alert
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230827_01/

The Japanese embassy in Beijing is on high alert for possible strong reactions after Japan started to release treated and diluted water into the ocean from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant on Thursday.

China strongly opposes the action despite the water being treated and diluted to reduce its tritium levels to about one-seventh of the World Health Organization's guidelines for drinking water. The country immediately suspended all imports of seafood from Japan.

Embassy officials say abusive phone calls are being made from China to individuals and organizations in Japan that are unrelated to the release.

The embassy has called on Chinese authorities to take strict action in accordance with law.

A concert featuring a Japanese pianist, scheduled to be held at the embassy on Saturday, was postponed. Organizers cited security concerns as the event would be attended by Japanese residents.

When the Japanese government purchased the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture from a private Japanese owner in 2012, some anti-Japanese demonstrations grew violent, and inflicted damage to Japanese companies and department stores.

Japan controls the islands. The Japanese government maintains the islands are an inherent part of Japan's territory. China and Taiwan claim them.

So far this time, no major troubles have been confirmed. However, the embassy says the possibility of unexpected developments cannot be ruled out. It is warning Japanese residents to act cautiously and refrain from speaking Japanese loudly when they go out.

Key words : coalition postpone
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230826_18/

Japan's junior coalition party, Komeito, says it will postpone its leader Yamaguchi Natsuo's three-day visit to China, which was scheduled from Monday.

The party said on Saturday that China told it the timing was not appropriate given the state of bilateral relations, indicating that Japan's release of treated and diluted water from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the ocean is behind it.

Komeito says it consulted with China to reach the decision to postpone the visit.

Yamaguchi had said he wanted to visit China for the first time in four years to meet members of the Chinese Communist Party's leadership and hand Prime Minister Kishida Fumio's letter to Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Komeito quoted the Chinese side as saying it attaches importance to the exchanges the party has maintained for a long time, and recognizes the effort it made to make Yamaguchi's visit happen.

China strongly opposes Japan's release of treated and diluted water from the Fukushima Daiichi power plant into the ocean, and has suspended all imports of seafood from Japan.

Key words : yamaguchi nhk
#N/A


Key words : ukraine pilot died
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230827_10/

Ukraine's defense ministry says three Ukrainian pilots died in a plane crash during a mission, including a fighter jet pilot known for his contribution to the fight against Russia in a unit called "The Ghost of Kyiv."

The Ukrainian Air Force announced that the crash involving two military planes occurred in the sky over the northwestern region of Zhytomyr during a combat mission on Friday.

The announcement said those killed include a pilot with the call sign "Juice."

CNN reported that "Juice" was a member of "The Ghost of Kyiv," which defended central and northern Ukraine at the onset of the war.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, "Ukraine will never forget all those who defended its free sky."

The defense ministry called the demise of the three pilots a "tragic loss." The incident came as the ministry is working to accelerate training of pilots to fly F-16 fighter jets, following the announcement by nations supporting Ukraine that they would supply them to the country.

Britain's defense ministry said on Saturday that the Ukrainian counteroffensive had put Russian forces under pressure in the eastern Ukrainian city of Bakhmut and southern Ukraine. It said Ukraine continues to gradually gain ground in the south.

It added that there is a possibility that Russia will increase the intensity of its offensive efforts on the eastern front in the next two months.

Key words : north ended its ban
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230827_06/

North Korea has ended its ban on citizens returning to the country that was started during the coronavirus pandemic.

The North's ruling Workers' Party newspaper Rodong Sinmun reported on Sunday an announcement by The State Emergency Epidemic Prevention Headquarters.

The decision was likely made because the pandemic situation has eased.

The newspaper says citizens who return will undergo medical observation at quarantine wards for one week.

North Korea has been maintaining strict border controls during the coronavirus pandemic.

But Pyongyang resumed flights to and from Beijing and Vladivostok in Russia's Far East this month, ending a three-and-a-half-year suspension.

More than 100 North Koreans boarded a flight to Pyongyang at an airport in Beijing on Tuesday.

A South Korean intelligence organization says that Pyongyang is easing border controls to help revitalize economy.

Observers say that prolonged international sanctions have weakened its economy and strict pandemic protocols have dealt it an additional blow.

Key words : agriculture ministry encourage
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230827_02/

The Japanese agriculture ministry plans to encourage domestic companies to invest in overseas storage facilities for farm products. This comes amid rising concerns about food security.

Global food supplies are being jeopardized by Russia's invasion of Ukraine and other factors. The ministry wants to ensure that Japan will be able to continue to obtain stable supplies of grain and feed.

When Japanese firms consider making investments in storage facilities or logistics centers abroad, they conduct investigations to determine whether the envisioned projects will be profitable. The ministry says it will cover half the cost of those investigations.

The ministry plans to ask for about 200 million yen, or around 1.37 million dollars, in its fiscal 2024 budget request to pay for the expenses. The 2024 fiscal year begins in April.

Japan relies on imports of wheat, rapeseed and corn that is used to feed livestock. The prices of those imports have been soaring since Russia's invasion of Ukraine began. That has put a heavy strain on Japanese farmers and consumers.

Key words : firework competition
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230827_04/

About 18,000 fireworks lit up the sky over Daisen City on Saturday. Daisen is located in the northern Japanese prefecture of Akita.

Twenty-eight pyrotechnic firms from across Japan took part in the 95th Omagari Fireworks Competition. The event is one of the largest of its kind in the country.

It was the first time in four years that the annual event was held without any coronavirus restrictions. The competition was canceled in 2020 and 2021. Last year it was held, but there were not many food items and beverages for sale.

At one point, yellow and green fireworks were used to create an image of a sunflower, which is Ukraine's national flower. After that, 2,000 fireworks were ignited in rapid succession in the space of about five minutes. That was the climax of the event, and the spectators responded by applauding enthusiastically.

A man, who came from Tokyo with his wife, said he was moved by the spectacular views. He also said it was good that they were able to drink cool beverages, while they watched the show this year.

at 18:00 (JST), August 26

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20230826180000_english_1.mp3


Key words : further support
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230826_10/

Japan's government has begun looking at ways to further support the country's fishing industry in the wake of China's import ban on Japanese seafood.

Chinese customs authorities on Thursday announced all imports of seafood from Japan would be suspended following the release of treated and diluted water from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the ocean.

China is the largest importer of Japanese seafood. Last year, Japan exported marine products worth 87.1 billion yen, or about 595 million dollars.

The Japanese government says the ban is expected to have a major impact on the fishing industry.

The scallop industry is one of those under consideration for additional support. Scallops account for more than half of seafood exports to China.

Some Japanese scallops processed in China are said to be exported to third countries, including the United States.

The government is considering ways to circumvent China by helping set up seafood processing facilities in Japan and establishing sales channels.

The government has already set up a fund worth about 546 million dollars to deal with reputational damage caused by rumors associated with the water release.
It is set to compile additional support measures while analyzing the impact of China's import ban.

Key words : un security ishikane
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230826_09/

Several countries at an emergency UN Security Council meeting have condemned North Korea's second attempt to launch a military reconnaissance satellite using ballistic missile technology.

Japan and the United States said Thursday's launch was another violation of UNSC resolutions.

But permanent Security Council members China and Russia defended Pyongyang. They blamed the US for raising regional tension.

Council members met on Friday at the request of countries including Japan and the United States. North Korean Ambassador to the UN Kim Song also participated.

Japan's Ambassador Ishikane Kimihiro said the launch severely threatens the peace and security of Japan and the entire international community.

He added that the launch is not about the right to use outer space or the North's right to self-defense.

He said it is about the violation of Security Council resolutions and this is about the issue of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction.

US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield urged Pyongyang to engage in dialogue.

Directly looking at North Korea's ambassador, she said, "I offer that to you today --- We have made clear we have no preconditions for engagement and are prepared to discuss any topic of concern to your government."

But Kim repeated his country's claim that the launch is an exercise of the right of a sovereign state recognized under international law.

He said North Korea does not recognize the UNSC resolutions and is not bound by them.

He said the "launch of the reconnaissance satellite is an exercise of the legitimate right to self-defense to deter the ever increasing hostile military acts of the United States and its followers."

Key words : north criticized release
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230826_12/

China and North Korea have criticized Japan at a United Nations Security Council meeting for its release of treated and diluted water from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the ocean. Japan rejected their claims, and demanded that they base their statements on scientific evidence.

The emergency meeting on Friday was called to condemn North Korea's failed attempt to launch a military reconnaissance satellite.

The North's Ambassador to the UN Kim Song repeated his country's position that the launch is an exercise of "legitimate rights" to safeguard national sovereignty and security interests.

Referring to the water discharge, he said the Security Council should denounce what he called "Japan's heinous crime against humanity," which is jeopardizing the safety and security of all people and the marine ecological environment.

Japanese Ambassador to the UN Ishikane Kimihiro responded that any allegations that lack scientific evidence cannot be accepted.

China's deputy permanent representative to the UN, Geng Shuang, joined North Korea in criticizing Japan, saying he wanted to explain Beijing's position on this occasion.

The North Korean envoy then sought to speak again and called for the suspension of the water release.

Ishikane subsequently explained that the water is mixed with large amounts of seawater and diluted to reduce levels of tritium, a radioactive substance.

The final tritium level is about one-seventh the amount allowed by World Health Organization guidelines for safe drinking water.

Key words : western analyst assassination
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230826_N02/

A Kremlin spokesperson has denied claims that the Russian government was involved in the killing of mercenary leader Yevgeny Prigozhin. Some analysts had suggested that President Vladimir Putin ordered his assassination.

Prigozhin and nine others were killed on Wednesday when the business jet they were on crashed northwest of Moscow. Many Western analysts have come to believe that the crash was orchestrated by Russia's security agency. They have suggested that it was revenge for Prigozhin and other members of his Wagner mercenary group staging a mutiny in June.

However, Russian Presidential Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov said on Friday that those claims are an "absolute lie."

Peskov said, "When covering this issue, it is necessary to rely exclusively on facts. And there are not many facts yet."

The president of neighboring Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, played a role in negotiating an end to the mutiny. He said he had warned Prigozhin that Russian agents would "squash" him "like a bug." However, he now claims that Putin is not to blame.

Lukashenko said, "I know Putin. He is a prudent, very calm, and even a slow person when making decisions on other, less complex issues. So, I cannot imagine that he did it."

The Wagner Group played a large role in the war in Ukraine, fighting alongside regular Russian forces. Analysts with the British defense ministry said on Friday that Prigozhin's death will destabilize the organization. They believe that none of his potential successors have the same "audacity" and "brutality."

Key words : aeon mall cambodia
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230826_03/

Major Japanese retailer Aeon Mall has opened a logistics center in southern Cambodia.

The port of Sihanoukville is the only one in the country accessible by large container vessels. A project to develop it into an international hub is underway, with assistance from Japan.

Aeon Mall's new 30,000-square-meter logistics center is located in a special economic zone adjacent to the port. The opening ceremony was held on Friday.

The center features a bonded warehouse, allowing businesses to store imported goods without paying duties for a certain period of time.

Only firms with subsidiaries in Cambodia are eligible, but others will be able to use it as part of a trial.

China is increasing its presence in Sihanoukville by expanding infrastructure investment. Japan aims to catch up through public- and private-sector efforts to promote trade.

Deputy Chief of Mission of the Japanese Embassy in Cambodia Taninai Ichitomo says Japan has long been committed to the development of the port.

He says the new center will contribute to the growth of Cambodia and help realize a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Key words : kitaguchi
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230826_08/

Javelin thrower Kitaguchi Haruka has become the first Japanese female to win a gold medal in the event at the World Athletics Championships.

Kitaguchi came into the competition, which is being held in Budapest, ranked number one in the world.

She threw over 61 meters in the first round, and moved into second place in the third round with a throw of 63 meters. Kitaguchi dropped to fourth place before her final throw, but won gold with a distance of 66 meters, 73 centimeters.

Kitaguchi is the first track and field athlete to be informally chosen as a member of Japan's team at the Paris Olympics next year.

Kitaguchi told reporters that she had planned on making history at the World Athletics Championships.

She added that she is glad to win gold in front of her parents.

Kitaguchi said, "It is not easy to stay at the top, but I will keep on trying."

at 18:30 (JST), August 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/20230825183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : urging china discussion
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230825_03/

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio says his government is urging China through a diplomatic channel to immediately lift its blanket import ban on Japanese seafood.

Kishida spoke on Thursday after China imposed the restriction in response to the start of the discharge of treated and diluted water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the sea earlier in the day.

Kishida said his government will call on China to hold discussions by experts based on scientific grounds.

The government is expected to continue urging China to scrap the ban, saying the measure is unjust. But China's foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin said at a news conference on Thursday that Beijing "firmly opposes and strongly condemns" the water release.

A report issued by the International Atomic Energy Agency in July concluded that Japan's approach and activities regarding the water discharge "are consistent with relevant international safety standards."

The report also said the controlled, gradual discharges "would have a negligible radiological impact on people and the environment."

The Japanese government plans to use funds worth a total of 80 billion yen, or about 550 million dollars, to address reputational damage to fisheries and other industries. The plant's operator, Tokyo Electric Power Company, also says it is willing to pay compensation.

The plant suffered a triple nuclear meltdown in the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Water used to cool molten fuel has been mixing with rain and groundwater.

The resulting water is treated to remove most radioactive substances, but still contains tritium. Tokyo Electric dilutes the treated water to reduce tritium levels to about one-seventh of the World Health Organization's guidelines for drinking water.

Key words : G7 condemn
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230825_02/

The foreign affairs chiefs of the Group of Seven nations say they "condemn in the strongest terms" North Korea's latest launch that used ballistic missile technology.

The G7 diplomats issued a joint statement after North Korea carried out the launch from its northwestern area early Thursday morning. Pyongyang said its second attempt to launch a military reconnaissance satellite had ended in failure.

The ministers say the launch represents a "clear, flagrant violation" of multiple UN Security Council resolutions and "poses a grave threat to regional and international peace and stability."

The officials demand North Korea abandon its nuclear and missile programs "in a complete, verifiable, and irreversible manner."

They urge Pyongyang to fully comply with all obligations under the relevant UNSC resolutions.

The ministers also call on North Korea to accept the repeated offers of unconditional dialogue put forward by Japan, the United States and South Korea.

Key words : pollution indonesia
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230824_51/

Air pollution in the Indonesian capital is getting worse, and the fumes pose an immediate threat to people's health. Authorities are taking action, but some residents fear it's not enough.

Hardly any rain has fallen in Jakarta and surrounding areas due to the dry season.

The economy is shaking off the effects of the pandemic, but that's led to more emissions from vehicles, and factories running on coal.

President Joko Widodo recently instructed relevant agencies to help turn the situation around. He concedes air quality has been very bad, and people are falling ill.

The Jakarta state government is telling some civil servants to work from home. And employees' cars are being tested for emissions.

The central government is recommending electric vehicles and promoting renewable energies.

A man who lives in Jakarta says he had inflammation for about two weeks, and then a cough and runny nose.

A woman says the government should reduce the amount of vehicles and increase the use of buses and public transport.

Authorities plan to open a new capital next year. It's located on the eastern part of Kalimantan Island, about 2,000 kilometers away from Jakarta.

Key words : traditional indian
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/videos/20230627141812010/

Japan's new market for age-old Indian craft

A Japan-based venture is creating a new market for traditional embroidery from India. It's in danger of dying out, as many artisans abandon the handicraft for better-paying jobs.

at 18:30 (JST), August 24

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/20230824183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : diluted water release three decades
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230824_20/

The treated and diluted water from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant is about to be discharged into the ocean. The release is scheduled to begin on 1 p.m. on Thursday.

The Japanese government says it is a necessary step to decommission the plant -- more than 12 years after it was devastated by an earthquake and tsunami.

The plant's operator is holding a news conference to report on the results of the water's dilution. It is expected to confirm whether tritium levels are low enough to move ahead with the plan.

Fukushima Daiichi suffered a triple meltdown in 2011. Since then, water used to cool molten fuel at the plant is mixing with rain and groundwater and the volume has been accumulating.

It is being treated to remove most radioactive substances, but still contains tritium.

Before the release, the operator is diluting the treated water to reduce tritium levels to about one-seventh of the World Health Organization's guideline for drinking water.

The water will then be moved through a tunnel under the seabed and discharged 1 kilometer off the coast.

The first round of the process will take around 17 days, and involve the release of about 7,800 tons of treated water. The full process is expected to take at least three decades.

Members of local industries have voiced concern about how it will impact their business.

The government has promised to work hard to prevent any reputational damage.

Key words : resident court withdraw
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230823_26/

A group of people opposed to Japan's plan to release treated and diluted water from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant says it will file a lawsuit next month to seek a suspension of the release.

The plant's operator, Tokyo Electric Power Company, is expected to start releasing the water into the ocean as early as Thursday.

The group told a news conference in Fukushima Prefecture's Iwaki City on Wednesday that it will file a suit with the Fukushima District Court on September 8 to demand that TEPCO stop the release. It will also demand that Japan's nuclear regulator withdraw its approval of the plan.

A lawyer said the group is expected to be made up of residents and fishers of Fukushima Prefecture and elsewhere.

The group says the release goes against the promise made by the government and TEPCO to Fukushima's fishery co-ops eight years ago that they would not go ahead with such a plan without understanding of concerned parties.

It also says the move would violate the residents' right to live in peace, and destroy the foundation of the lives of people with ties to the sea.

An Iwaki resident who plans to join the plaintiff group, Suzuki Shigeo, said promises must be kept. He also said all the efforts that have been made so far would come to nothing, and reconstruction would be delayed.

Water used to cool molten fuel at the Fukushima Daiichi plant gets mixed with rain and groundwater. The accumulated water has been treated to remove most radioactive substances but still contains tritium.

The government plans to dilute the treated water to reduce its tritium concentration to about one-seventh of the World Health Organization's guidance level for drinking water before releasing it into the sea.

Key words : north failed emergency blasting
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230824_11/

North Korea's state-run Korean Central News Agency says the launch of a military reconnaissance satellite failed due to an error in the emergency blasting system. It says the country will conduct another launch in October.

Key words : north broke
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230824_10/

Japan's Defense Ministry says a projectile launched by North Korea appears to have broken into several pieces.

Officials say the pieces are believed to have fallen into the Yellow Sea west of the Korean Peninsula, the East China Sea southwest of the Korean Peninsula and the Pacific Ocean off the Philippines.

They say all of the pieces fell outside waters that North Korea indicated as areas at risk of falling objects.

The ministry says the projectile appears to have passed over Okinawa Prefecture and was heading to the Pacific Ocean. It is analyzing details of the launch.

Key words : matsuno violation
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230824_15/

The Japanese government says North Korea has launched a projectile that appeared to use ballistic missile technology. It flew over the southern prefecture of Okinawa. North Korea's state-run news agency says the launch failed due to an error in its third stage.

The Japanese government has reported the projectile was launched southward from a site in the country's northwest at around 3:51 a.m. Japan time.

The Self-Defense Forces didn't attempt to destroy the projectile and there have been no reports of damage.

NHK reporters in a town in northeastern China on the North Korean border captured footage of a light rising into the sky.

The government convened a meeting of the National Security Council to study the situation.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu said; "This is a violation of UN Security Council resolutions prohibiting any launches, and poses a serious threat to the safety of Japanese citizens. North Korea conducted the launch despite having been asked many times to cancel them. The launch is an extremely problematic act, not only with regard to the safety of aircraft and ships, but also to the public."

Japanese Defense Ministry officials say pieces of the projectile fell into the Yellow Sea, the East China Sea off the Korean Peninsula, and the Pacific Ocean off the Philippines.

North Korea's state-run Korean Central News Agency says the country will try again to launch a military reconnaissance satellite in October.

Key words : 11-day exercise
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230824_16/

The US and South Korean militaries have shown part of their regular joint exercise to the media.

The 11-day Ulchi Freedom Shield exercise, based on a scenario of a contingency on the Korean Peninsula, began on Monday in South Korea.

On Wednesday, South Korean and foreign media were invited to view an urban warfare drill outside Seoul.

They watched as US and South Korean soldiers stormed and took control of a building held by enemy special forces.

Thirty-eight open-air drills are scheduled during this year's exercise, more than double the figure for last year.

A South Korean lieutenant colonel said the drills are a good chance to confirm the units' operability and heighten their capabilities.

Also on Wednesday, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol visited a US-South Korea command center, and stressed the unity of the 70-year bilateral alliance.

Yoon said the joint training and drills "are the source of strength to deter and to punish North Korea immediately and decisively in case of provocation."

North Korea has condemned the joint exercise as preparations for an invasion. It has warned of countermeasures that could include the launch of an ICBM or other type of missile.

Key words : bank of japan symposium
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230824_24/

Bank of Japan Governor Ueda Kazuo will attend the annual international economic symposium in Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

Analysts are watching whether he will give an indication of the BOJ's policy direction amid the falling value of the yen.

The three-day annual gathering starts on Thursday.
The symposium has long been seen as an opportunity for central bank governors to present their policy directions.

US Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell will speak on Friday.

There has been much attention on Japan's central bank ever since it decided last month to allow long-term interest rates to rise higher than it had previously tolerated.

The BOJ has said the decision is to enhance the sustainability of yield curve control, the key element of its monetary easing policy.

At last year's symposium, Powell stressed that monetary tightening aimed at curbing inflation must continue "until the job is done."

His remark highlighted the difference between the Fed and the BOJ, which has stuck to monetary easing, causing the yen to plunge in value against the dollar.

Key words : india successfully humanity
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230824_02/

India has successfully landed an unmanned probe on the surface of the moon. It is the world's first-ever landing near the moon's south pole.

The Indian Space Research Organization says the Chandrayaan-3 spacecraft touched down just after 6 p.m. on Wednesday, India time.

Scientists say it's possible water exists at the pole in the form of ice. The probe's mission is to check for this and other resources in the area.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, "This success belongs to all of humanity." He added, "I am confident that all countries in the world including those from the Global South are capable of achieving such feats."

India's previous attempt in 2019 failed when a software glitch caused the craft to crash into the lunar surface.

India is now the fourth country to land on the moon, after the former Soviet Union, the United States and China.

Key words : japan moon
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230824_04/

Nations and private sectors alike are scrambling to explore the moon in hopes of creating a new hub for mankind.

The race comes as research papers released in recent years suggest that there is water on the moon.

Japan is no exception. The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency, or JAXA, plans to launch a lunar lander from the Tanegashima Space Center in the southwestern prefecture of Kagoshima on Saturday.

The probe is called the Smart Lander for Investigating Moon, or SLIM. If successful, it would be Japan's first lunar landing.

The probe will use image-recognition techniques to help identify craters and other topographical features. The lander aims to touch down within 100 meters of its target.

The journey to the lunar surface will take four to six months from liftoff.

Also on JAXA's agenda is a joint launch with its Indian counterpart as early as April 2025. The planned unmanned lunar probe will look for deposits of ice in the southern polar region.

Key words : metropolitan
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230823_33/

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is now using generative artificial intelligence at all of its bureaus. About 50,000 civil servants can use the technology.

Tokyo officials set up a project team in May and drafted guidelines on using the technology. They include a ban on inputting personal information or confidential data.

An official with the environment bureau asked the AI system to write easy-to-read explanations of bureau projects for social media. The system offered 3 options.

The official said that the system can quickly come up with ideas that the human team hadn't thought of. But it is necessary to check what is generated for copyright violations or other issues.

Tokyo plans to use the technology for tasks such as summarizing the minutes of conferences.

The chief of Digital Service Bureau said that the technology can bring great innovation and it can increase the efficiency and quality of administrative services.

He added that the top priority is using AI in a safe manner.

at 18:30 (JST), August 23

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/20230823183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : operator check 7,800 tons
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230823_08/

The operator of Japan's crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant is measuring the concentrations of tritium contained in the treated and diluted water that is going to be released into the ocean soon.

On Tuesday, the Tokyo Electric Power Company began making preparations for the water's release. That was after the Japanese government announced that it would start discharging the water as early as Thursday.

TEPCO finished filling a facility, which is called a discharge vertical shaft, with the treated and diluted water by 8 p.m. on Tuesday. Each ton of treated water has been mixed with about 1,200 tons of sea water.

The operator is measuring the concentrations of tritium that the water contains. It plans to confirm on Thursday morning that the water has been diluted to the stated level.

TEPCO also intends to check weather and sea conditions. If there are no problems, it will start releasing the water later in the day.

The operator will first dilute 7,800 tons of the treated water with sea water. In the initial stage of the discharge program, it plans to release the diluted water for 17 consecutive days.

TEPCO said that it is making preparations to start discharging the water with the utmost vigilance.

The plant suffered a triple meltdown following the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Water used to cool molten fuel at the plant mixes with rain and groundwater and the volume has been accumulating. The accumulated water is treated to remove most radioactive substances, but it still contains tritium.

The government plans to dilute the treated water to reduce the tritium levels to less than one-40th of the nationally-regulated level, before the water is released. That is about one-seventh of the level noted in the World Health Organization's guidelines for drinking water quality.

Key words : neighbor react
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230823_01/

Japan's neighbors have been reacting to the news of Tokyo's decision to start releasing treated and diluted water from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the ocean as early as Thursday.

In South Korea, one official said although Seoul concludes there is no scientific or technical issue with the plan, his government does not support it.

A senior official of South Korea's Office for Government Policy Coordination Park Ku-yeon said, "If the release is not carried out according to the plan, we will take it as a threat to South Korean people's safety and health, and demand the Japanese government to halt the release."

People against the release held a protest in front of the Japanese Embassy in Seoul.

China had stronger words. Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Wang Wenbin called Tokyo's decision selfish and irresponsible.

He said, "We urge Japan to correct its wrong decision and withdraw its plan to release contaminated water into the ocean. We will take all the necessary measures to safeguard the marine environment, food safety and public health."

In Hong Kong, authorities have announced marine products from Fukushima, Tokyo and eight other Japanese prefectures will be banned starting Thursday.

The head of the IAEA has reiterated the discharge will have a negligible impact on people and the environment. He says the agency will provide the public with real-time monitoring data.

Key words : students nuclear weapon
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230823_06/

A delegation of Japanese high school students has urged the United Nations to do more to abolish nuclear weapons.

The 22-member delegation made the appeal on Tuesday at the UN office in Geneva, Switzerland.

The students from Hiroshima, Nagasaki and elsewhere observed a session on disarmament.

They also met the chief of service for disarmament affairs, Carolyne Melanie Regimbal. They showed her photos taken shortly after the 1945 atomic bombings and told her that survivors faced discrimination.

The students said Russia's invasion of Ukraine has led to an argument that nuclear arms are needed as a deterrent, but they are the most inhumane weapons.

They handed Regimbal a petition calling for a world without nuclear weapons along with paper cranes, a symbol of peace and praying for recovery from illness in Japan.

She said no quantity of briefing materials can speak louder than what they have just said. She urged the students to continue their "fantastic work."

Student delegates had to suspend their annual visits to the UN office during the coronavirus pandemic. This is the first visit since 2019.

After returning to Japan, they will report on their visit in Nagasaki.

Gokan Sakura is from Hiroshima. Her grandmother experienced the atomic bombing of Hiroshima City.

She says she wants to practice Regimbal's ideas on how to reach out to people who are not interested in the abolition of nuclear weapons.

Key words : life expectancy
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/videos/20230719104757164/

No hiking, no life

Japan regularly ranks among the top countries in the world for average life expectancy. The latest statistics show that more than 90,000 people are over a century old. So, what is the secret to a long life? In this report, we will learn one answer.