at 18:30 (JST), October 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/20231031183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : thai prime send
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231030_31/

Thai Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin says he will send a cabinet minister to the Middle East to try to secure the release of Thai hostages held by Hamas.

The Thai government says the surprise attack by Hamas on October 7 left 32 Thais dead. The government also says it has confirmed 22 others are being held hostage by the group.

Srettha disclosed the plan on Sunday without giving details. The government apparently aims to promote negotiations to free the Thai nationals by talking directly to related countries.

Meanwhile, Thailand on Sunday criticized Israel's display of a grisly video clip at the UN General Assembly.

On Thursday, Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, showed what he said was a Hamas video showing their fighters beheading a Thai farm worker. He said: "Israel is not at war with human beings. We are at war with monsters."

The Thai foreign ministry issued a statement that said displaying the video failed to show "proper respect and due consideration" for the victim and his family.

The ministry also condemned the killing of innocent civilians and called for the immediate release of all hostages. The statement mentioned neither Israel nor Hamas as the Thai government takes a neutral stance on the conflict.

Key words : major pro-democracy
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231031_03/

Hong Kong's largest pro-democracy party has failed to field any candidates for the December district council elections, under the territory's electoral system that was revised in favor of pro-Beijing parties.

More than 100 members of the parties backing the governments in Beijing and Hong Kong filed their candidacy for the election before the registration period ended on Monday.

Major pro-democracy parties, meanwhile, failed to field any candidates. Among them was the territory's largest pro-democracy group, the Democratic Party. It sought to have six of its members running for the poll.

Anyone wishing to run for the election must get a certain number of nominations from members of government-appointed committees under the new electoral system introduced in July. But none of the six Democratic Party members reached that number.

District council elections were said to have reflected the opinions of Hong Kong voters in the most accurate manner. In the previous 2019 election, the pro-democracy camp swept to a landslide victory, with the Democratic Party winning 91 seats.

The electoral system was revamped in favor of pro-Beijing politicians following the 2020 enactment of the national security law for Hong Kong aimed at cracking down on anti-government activities in the territory.

Observers say the "one country, two systems" framework in Hong Kong remains in name only.

Key words : china attempt
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231030_18/

China's top uniformed officer has warned that the military "will not be soft-handed" if anyone attempts to "separate" Taiwan from China.

The Central Military Commission's vice chair, General Zhang Youxia, spoke on Monday at the opening ceremony of the Beijing Xiangshan Forum.

Delegates from more than 90 countries and organizations are taking part, including Russian defense minister Sergei Shoigu and US Defense Department officials in charge of China affairs.

The forum, organized by groups related to the Chinese military, is being held without a defense minister after Li Shangfu was dismissed last week.

General Zhang said China will "deepen strategic cooperation with Russia" and is "willing to develop military ties with the US."

But he warned that countries should not deliberately provoke other nations on major and sensitive issues.

The US and China recently traded accusations over each other's military activities around the South China Sea.

Washington accused a Chinese fighter jet of conducting an unsafe intercept of a US bomber. Meanwhile, Beijing alleged that a US destroyer crossed in front of a Chinese destroyer near a group of islands it claims.

Attention is on whether participants from the two sides will have contact during the forum.

Key words : foreign minister palestinian envoy
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231030_29/

Japan's Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko has conveyed her concern about the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip to the Palestinian envoy in Japan.

Kamikawa met with Waleed Siam, Representative of the Permanent General Mission of Palestine, in Tokyo on Monday, as Israel's military continues intense air raids and ground operations in the enclave.

The foreign minister said Japan has unequivocally condemned the recent terror attacks by Hamas and others.

Kamikawa also explained the Japanese government's decision to extend 10 million dollars in emergency aid to help civilians in Gaza. In response, Siam expressed his appreciation.

The two also said they will continue close communication toward de-escalating the situation and stabilizing the region.

Key words : kioxia western digital
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231031_14/

Merger talks between Japanese flash-memory maker Kioxia Holdings and its US partner Western Digital have ended without a deal.

The American storage maker instead announced plans to separate its flash business and restructure on its own.

Kioxia and Western Digital had aimed to close the deal by the end of October, but negotiations reportedly stalled last week after South Korean chipmaker SK hynix, an indirect shareholder in Kioxia, opposed the merger.

Western Digital said in a statement on Monday that spinning off its flash business is the best option at this time, but added it will remain open to strategic opportunities.

Sources say Kioxia is also keeping the door open for restarting talks with Western Digital.

Flash-memory firms must bear the burden of making huge investments in facilities and equipment to remain competitive.

Key words : anime tokyo
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231030_30/

Fans of Japanese anime will have access to a new exhibition center in Tokyo's Ikebukuro district starting Tuesday.

Members of the media on Monday were invited to visit the Anime Tokyo Station, which will be jointly run by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and an industry organization, the Association of Japanese Animations.

The center occupies three floors of a building near Ikebukuro station.

The basement floor exhibits some 50,000 anime related items, including images drawn on celluloid sheets, and screenplays of popular anime series. They will be showcased in a climate-controlled space to help prevent wear and tear on the items.

On the first floor are monuments depicting famous anime scenes. Visitors can also try producing an anime at a workshop that will be opened periodically.

The second floor will feature exhibitions of popular anime series. The venue currently features the Naruto TV series, which has been widely viewed overseas.

Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko, who attended the pre-opening event, called Japanese anime and manga "killer contents" of Japan, as well as Tokyo.

She expressed hopes that the center, which will showcase anime, will be enjoyed by people around the world.

Anime Tokyo Station will be open between 11 a.m. and 7 p.m. The building will be closed on Mondays.

at 18:30 (JST), October 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/20231030183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : seoul 1,000 police
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231029_04/

Police and local authorities in Seoul are stepping up safety measures ahead of Halloween in the city's Itaewon district, where more than 150 people died a year ago in a crowd crush.

People have been visiting the popular entertainment district to mourn the 159 victims, most of them young, who lost their lives. They include two Japanese citizens and one person who later committed suicide.

Messages reading "Rest in peace" have been posted on walls along the narrow alley.

More than 1,000 police officers have been mobilized for crowd control this year at 16 popular areas of the city.

Fences have been placed in the center of alleys, so that people on either side walk in one direction.

A system has started that uses artificial intelligence to analyze video from security cameras to notify authorities when a crowd seems to be forming.

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo stressed on Wednesday that his government is working to prevent similar incidents.

But families of the dead say that the response by police and local authorities at the time of the incident was inadequate. They call the crush a man-made tragedy and are demanding accountability.

Key words : former premier age of 68 deployed
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231028_18/

People in inland China have paid their respects to former Premier Li Keqiang who died in Shanghai on Friday.

The country's state media report that Li suffered a heart attack and died shortly after midnight at the age of 68.

In the city of Hefei, Anhui Province, where Li spent his childhood, a long line of mourners came to pay their respects to the former premier on Saturday.

They laid flowers with messages praying for the repose of his soul.

Among the mourners was a woman in her 40s who came with her child. She said Li's death made her heart sink, and she wanted to offer flowers in his memory.

Police officers were deployed.

Last year, gatherings in Shanghai and other cities to mourn victims of a fire which occurred under China's zero coronavirus policy developed into mass protests.

The Chinese government is apparently trying to prevent ceremonies honoring Li from developing into anti-government protests.

Key words : group of seven unnecessarily
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231029_12/

Trade ministers from the Group of Seven nations have called for immediately ending measures that unnecessarily restrict trade.

The ministers adopted a statement before wrapping up their two-day meeting in the western Japanese city of Osaka on Sunday.

Their discussions centered on such issues as how to respond to "economic coercion," which is used to pressure trading partners by restricting trade or raising tariffs.

In the statement, the ministers said they "strongly call for the immediate repeal of any such measures that unnecessarily restrict trade, including the newly introduced import restrictions on Japanese food products."

This comes after China suspended imports of Japanese seafood products following the release of treated and diluted water into the sea from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

This is the first time that calls for retracting the suspension have been incorporated in the outcome document of an international conference.

The statement also denounces actions to "weaponize economic dependencies." It says the G7 members will accelerate coordination with non-G7 countries to bolster supply chains of semiconductors and critical minerals, including lithium, a key component for EV batteries.

The document also emphasizes the G7's continued cooperation in ensuring fair competition. It vows to build more robust international rules and standards in a bid to counter protectionism and other market-distorting measures.

The statement also touches on the issue of reforming the dispute settlement system of the World Trade Organization. It says the ministers will deepen their discussions on this topic with an eye to a WTO ministerial meeting in February next year.

Key words : anti-terrorism southern india
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231030_02/

Three explosions have occurred at a prayer session of the religious group Jehovah's Witnesses in southern India, killing at least one person and injuring more than 50 others.

Indian police say the blasts took place at a convention center in Kerala state on Sunday. More than 2,000 people were attending the event.

Police suspect an explosive device was used. The government has sent an anti-terrorism team to investigate the incident.

In March, a gunman attacked a facility related to Jehovah's Witnesses in Hamburg, Germany. The shooting left eight people dead, including the suspect.

Key words : human rights pakistan
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231029_11/

Pakistan's decision to deport people it says are in the country illegally has raised concerns among 1.7 million undocumented Afghan nationals who are staying there.

The Pakistani government is urging all migrants without legal status to voluntarily leave the country by November 1 or face deportation.

The government says Afghan nationals are suspected of being involved in more than a dozen suicide bombings this year.

Pakistan has become home to a large number of Afghans who fled their country to escape the hostilities that began with the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan about 40 years ago.

When the Taliban retook power in 2021, people affiliated with the ousted government and human rights activists fled to Pakistan.

Authorities in the capital, Islamabad, demolished some homes of Afghan nationals, prompting criticism from local residents.

Human Rights Watch has issued a statement, warning that "the Pakistani authorities' threats to deport more than one million Afghans puts them at grave risk of being returned to persecution and other abuse."

The international rights group urged the Pakistani authorities to "end police abuses and deportation threats."

Key words : myanmar living in japan
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231029_15/

People from Myanmar now living in Japan held a rally demanding democracy in their home country.
Sunday marks 1,000 days since the military coup there.
The demonstrators want to keep global attention on Myanmar's plight...even as the world's focus turns to conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine.

About 200 people from Myanmar and their supporters gathered in central Tokyo to protest military rule.
They walked through the capital chanting, "Free Myanmar, free our leaders."

The country has been in chaos since the military seized power in February 2021. It toppled the democratically elected government and ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi.

Pro-democracy forces have been fighting against the junta, which has brutally cracked down on all dissent.
A local human rights group says more than 4,000 civilians -- including children -- have been killed since the coup.

A UN humanitarian agency estimates nearly two million people have been internally displaced. Many need life-saving assistance.

A participant said, every time she is about to lose hope, she remembers the faces of her friends detained by the military. She said, "The world seems to have forgotten Myanmar as time passed. But please support us until our pro-democracy movement wins."

A Japanese participant said a video about displaced children in Myanmar moved him. He says they live without access to education, or even enough food and water. He said, "I can't accept that they live in total despair without hope, when we live on the same earth in such different conditions."

Myanmar people at the rally said they want the world to see they have not given up.

Key words : research conducted embryos
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231028_16/

A team of Japanese researchers says they have found that mammalian embryos develop normally in space under microgravity conditions.

The researchers, including Professor Wakayama Teruhiko of Yamanashi University and a team from the Japanese space agency JAXA, conducted an experiment on the International Space Station.

They sent frozen mouse embryos on board a rocket heading to the ISS in August 2021.

After the embryos were thawed and cultured by astronauts for four days, they investigated whether the embryos developed into blastocysts. A blastocyst consists of cells that develop into the fetus and the placenta.

The researchers found that 17 of 72 embryos, or 23.6 percent, developed into blastocysts under microgravity, while 19 of 61 embryos, or 31.1 percent, developed into blastocysts under artificially-created conditions where gravity was the same as that on Earth.

The researchers say gravity had no significant effect on the development of mammalian embryos.

They also say, in terms of DNA and genes, there were no differences between blastocysts cultured under microgravity and those cultured under artificial gravity conditions.

They say this was the first-ever such experiment to demonstrate that mammalian embryos develop normally in space.

Previous experiments conducted under artificial non-gravity conditions resulted in lower birth rates as the embryos hardly developed into placenta.

Professor Wakayama says the experiment produced an unexpected result as there was little difference in the development of embryos with or without gravity.

He says his team plans to transplant the blastocysts into mice to see whether microgravity affects birthing.

at 18:00 (JST), October 29

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20231029180000_english_1.mp3


Key words : benjamin second stage expansion
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231029_02/

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the ongoing ground operation in the Gaza Strip is "the second stage of the war" against Hamas.

Netanyahu spoke at a news conference on Saturday after Israel announced the expansion of its ground operation in Gaza on Friday. Israel has also been unleashing severe airstrikes, mainly on northern parts of the Palestinian territory.

Netanyahu said additional Israeli ground forces entered Gaza on Friday night. He said Israel is "only at the beginning of the battle," which he expects to be "difficult and long."

The prime minister also said it is Israel's "second war of independence," and that its troops are trying to ensure Israel's "existence in its land."

Meanwhile on Saturday, relatives of hostages held by Hamas militants staged a rally with their supporters in Israel's largest commercial city of Tel Aviv.

They demanded an early release of the hostages and the implementation of a ceasefire. They also prayed for the safety of the hostages as the Israeli military intensified airstrikes and ground operations in Gaza.

One demonstrator voiced concern over the fate of her friend who is among the hostages. She called on the Israeli government to do everything in its power to secure the immediate release of all of the captives.

Hamas militants took some 230 people hostage, including non-Israelis, as part of their surprise attack on Israel on October 7. Qatar is mediating negotiations for their release. But the talks are reportedly facing difficulty.

At least 1,400 people have been killed on the Israeli side since the conflict began.

Health officials in Gaza said on Saturday that the death toll in the Palestinian territory had climbed to 7,703, an increase of 377 from the previous day. But it is impossible to verify the figure as phones and other means of communications remain severed.

Key words : satellite show standby
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231029_10/

Satellite imagery has revealed that Israeli military vehicles previously observed near the border with the Gaza Strip have disappeared, suggesting Israel is expanding its ground offensive in the territory.

The imagery, taken on Saturday, showed a great reduction in the number of military vehicles that had been put on standby in the border area, compared to the one filmed on Wednesday.

Analysts say this is because Israel on Saturday night began moving out many of those vehicles to deploy in their expanding ground offensive in Gaza.

US TV network CNN on Saturday also reported that hundreds of Israeli tanks, armed personnel carriers and bulldozers have mostly moved from near the Gaza border.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at a news conference on Saturday that the ongoing ground operation in the Gaza Strip was "the second stage of the war" against Hamas.

Since the start of the conflict between the Islamic group Hamas and Israel, the Palestinians say 7,703 have died in Gaza. On the Israeli side, at least 1,400 people are said to have been killed since the battle began.

But it is impossible to verify the figure in Gaza, as phones and other means of communications remain severed.

Key words : protester
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231029_08/

A large crowd has gathered in Istanbul, Turkey, calling for Israel to immediately stop its military operations in the Gaza Strip.

The protest rally was organized by Turkey's ruling Justice and Development Party of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

People filled an airport on Saturday in Turkey's largest city, waving flags of Turkey and Palestine.

Erdogan condemned Israeli forces for continuing to pound Gaza.

He said what is taking place is a clear, heinous massacre and that Israeli forces are seeking to destroy everyone in Gaza by causing hunger, thirst and collapsing their health services.

One protester said that a crime and genocide is happening in Gaza. She said that children are dying and people do not want to see more deaths.

Another protester said that innocent women and children are at risk in Gaza and the world should not be silent against such oppression.

In London a protest rally was held on Saturday, calling for an immediate ceasefire and a stop to Israel's military operations against Gaza.

The Metropolitan Police estimate about 100,000 people took part in the rally which was organized by NGOs supporting Palestinian rights and other groups.

Participants waved Palestinian flags and held placards which read "Free Palestine."

They chanted "Stop bombing Gaza" and "Ceasefire now."

Protesters whose relatives and friends are in Gaza said that they fear for their safety.

Some protesters said that communications are completely shut down with no internet or telephone connections.

One of the organizers said that the bombing of Gaza continued overnight and that there is no way of communicating with anyone in Gaza.

He added that people in Gaza cannot tell us what is happening there and what Israel is doing in the darkness of night, breaking international law, killing civilians.

Key words : hamas top leader statement
#N/A


Key words : southeast tourism
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231029_06/

Ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, or ASEAN, countries and Japan have agreed to develop sustainable tourism that benefits local communities.

The tourism ministers' special dialogue was held on Saturday in Tokyo, with Japan's land and tourism minister Saito Tetsuo taking part.

As the tourism industry is recovering from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic, the ministers held discussions on the theme of designing the path to sustainable tourism.

Their joint media statement says they agree to develop high-quality experiences that involve the unique cultural and natural attractions of the region.

It also says that they agree to encourage visits to lesser-known destinations and promote digital transformation for innovative tourism.

The ministers say that such initiatives help attain higher productivity and profitability in the tourism sector, and generate jobs in the community, which in turn leads to sustainable tourism.

Also the statement underlines the importance of the sector's contribution to mitigating environmental impacts and of enhancing climate change awareness.

It mentions introducing eco-friendly transportation and renewable energy in the sector.

After the conference, Japan's tourism minister Saito told reporters that a trusting relationship was forged with ASEAN countries, and that will serve as the basis for tourism activities focusing on local sustainability on both sides.

Key words : seoul
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231029_04/

Police and local authorities in Seoul are stepping up safety measures ahead of Halloween in the city's Itaewon district, where more than 150 people died a year ago in a crowd crush.

People have been visiting the popular entertainment district to mourn the 159 victims, most of them young, who lost their lives. They include two Japanese citizens and one person who later committed suicide.

Messages reading "Rest in peace" have been posted on walls along the narrow alley.

More than 1,000 police officers have been mobilized for crowd control this year at 16 popular areas of the city.

Fences have been placed in the center of alleys, so that people on either side walk in one direction.

A system has started that uses artificial intelligence to analyze video from security cameras to notify authorities when a crowd seems to be forming.

Prime Minister Han Duck-soo stressed on Wednesday that his government is working to prevent similar incidents.

But families of the dead say that the response by police and local authorities at the time of the incident was inadequate. They call the crush a man-made tragedy and are demanding accountability.

Key words : coal mine
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231029_09/

The Central Asian country of Kazakhstan announced that a fire at a coal mine has killed at least 32 people, and left more than a dozen others missing.

The country's ministry that deals with emergencies said there was an accidental explosion at the mine in the central region of Karaganda on Saturday.

Kazakh authorities are conducting a search for 14 people who remain unaccounted for, while investigating the cause of the accident and looking into the safety management of the mine operator.

The firm says around 250 workers were inside the mine at the time of the accident, and most of them have already been rescued.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev traveled to the site, extended his condolences to the families of the workers killed, and emphasized that he will provide support for the relatives and take necessary action.

Local media cited that the company owns multiple mines in Kazakhstan and has repeatedly experienced accidents.

The media say five people died in August in one of those accidents.

at 18:00 (JST), October 28

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20231028180000_english_1.mp3


Key words : israel defense force spokesperson
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231028_06/

The Israel Defense Forces have carried out what is believed to be the heaviest aerial bombardment of the Gaza Strip since the current conflict began. After the attacks on Friday night, a spokesperson for the military announced that they are "expanding ground operations."

Red flares lit up the sky of Gaza, which had been plunged into darkness by a power outage.

The spokesperson told a media conference shortly after 8 p.m. Friday that the airstrikes targeted Hamas-built underground facilities.

The spokesperson said, "In addition to offensive operations we carried over the past few days, the IDF ground forces are expanding their ground operation this evening."

Ahead of the media conference, the spokesperson told foreign media outlets that Hamas' headquarters were hidden under the largest hospital in Gaza.

He said, "We have concrete evidence that hundreds of terrorists flooded into the hospital to hide there after the massacres of October 7."

But the Gaza hospital immediately denied the allegation in a news conference, insisting the claim was a fabrication.

The Gaza Health Ministry announced on Friday that the number of those killed in Gaza had surged to 7,326, including more than 3,000 children.

Meanwhile, the International Committee of the Red Cross, or ICRC, announced on the same day that 10 experts, including a war surgery team and a weapons contamination specialist, had arrived in Gaza along with six trucks carrying medical materials and water purification supplies.

An ICRC official said, "This crucial humanitarian assistance is a small dose of relief, but it's not enough. Safe, sustainable humanitarian access is urgently needed."

The official also said the "humanitarian catastrophe is deepening by the hour."

Also on Friday, at least four people were wounded after a rocket allegedly fired from Gaza hit an apartment in Tel Aviv.

In a report on Friday, Al Jazeera quoted sources as saying that negotiations for a ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal between Israel and Hamas are "progressing and at an advanced stage."

Key words : demonstrate bethlehem immediate ceasefire
#N/A


Key words : palestinian health 104 died
#N/A


Key words : 21-year-old relative shot
#N/A


Key words : russian forces eastern
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231027_28/

Russian forces are continuing their attacks on the eastern Ukrainian region of Donetsk but are reportedly suffering significant personnel and equipment losses.

The Ukrainian Air Force said on Friday that the Russian military mounted attacks overnight in the country's south and other areas using six Iranian-made drones. It also said Russia launched a short-range ballistic missile toward the Kharkiv region in the country's east. The Ukrainian force added that five of the six drones were destroyed.

Ukrainian Internal Affairs Minister Ihor Klymenko said on Friday that a missile hit and damaged a fire department building in the Kharkiv region's strategic city of Izyum, wounding eight officials.

Russian forces are continuing their efforts to capture the city of Avdiivka in the Donetsk region.

A US think tank, the Institute for the Study of War, said in its analysis on Thursday, "Heavy Russian equipment losses around Avdiivka will likely undermine Russian offensive capabilities over the long term."

The think tank also said satellite imagery has confirmed that the Russian military lost more than 100 tanks and other military vehicles near the city between October 10 and 20.

US National Security Council Coordinator John Kirby said on Thursday, "Russia's mobilized forces remain undertrained, underequipped and unprepared for combat."

He said, "Russia continues to show no regard for the lives of its soldiers," and "We have information that the Russian military has been actually executing soldiers who refuse to follow orders."

Key words : european leader four year
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231028_01/

Estonian Prime Minister Kaja Kallas says Hungary and Slovakia are not supporting the European Union's plan to provide financial aid to Ukraine.

The prime minister was speaking to reporters on Friday. The EU held a summit in Belgium on Thursday and Friday. The leaders discussed a plan for financial support worth up to 50 billion euros, or about 53 billion dollars, for Ukraine over the four years from 2024. They also spoke about an EU budget to facilitate it.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban, who takes a pro-Russia stance, spoke in a radio program on Friday morning. He said Europe's strategy was based on Ukraine winning the war, but he said that strategy won't work, and so there is no reason to send money to Ukraine.

Slovakia's Prime Minister, Robert Fico, took office in October after calling for an end to military aid to Ukraine. He said on social media they need guarantees that financial aid would be used properly, citing corruption in Ukraine.

The EU is seeking an agreement by the year's end, but it requires the backing of all member countries.

Observers say the stance of the two countries could shake the unity of the EU.

Key words : north reacted sharply munitions
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231028_13/

North Korea's foreign minister has reacted sharply to the statement issued jointly by the foreign ministers of Japan, the United States and South Korea condemning Pyongyang for supplying weapons and munitions to Russia.

The statement on Thursday said that they confirmed that weapons deliveries from North Korea to Russia have taken place several times recently.

It also said that such deliveries "will significantly increase the human toll of Russia's war of aggression" in Ukraine.

North Korea's state-run news agency carried a statement of its foreign minister Choe Son Hui on Saturday.

She called the statement by the three countries "the most politicized document that seriously distorted the friendly and cooperative relations" between North Korea and Russia.

She added that it opposed the universal principles of international law.

Choe went on to say that if peace and security in the region are endangered due to the persistent moves of the US, Japan and South Korea, the North Korea and Russia relations will act as a powerful strategic element to contain such a situation.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed last month to enhance strategic relations when they met for the first time in 4 years.

North Korea confirmed that it will faithfully implement the agreements with Russia when Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov visited North Korea last week.

Washington said there are indications that North Korea delivered well over 1,000 shipping containers of munitions and other military supplies to Russia from September to October.

It believes that Pyongyang is seeking military assistance in return.

Key words : atomic energy announced
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231028_09/

The International Atomic Energy Agency has announced that the release of treated and diluted water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the ocean is progressing as planned.

The UN nuclear watchdog made the announcement on Friday.

The IAEA sent a team of experts from 11 countries including Britain, South Korea and China, to Japan from Tuesday to Friday. China opposes the release of the treated and diluted water.

The team was in Japan for the first time since the discharge of the diluted water began earlier this year.

The announcement said the team visited the plant on Friday, inspected the facilities used for the release and evaluated the monitoring data from the releases, which have taken place twice.

It said that the discharge is progressing as planned and without any technical concerns.

The IAEA has sent a team of international experts to Japan since 2022 to assess the water discharge plan.

It issued a report in July before the beginning of the release. It said Japan's program is in line with the international safety standards.

The agency says it will keep its reviewing missions going with staff at its office at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant while the discharge program continues.

The report of the on-site mission will be compiled by the end of the year.

Water accumulated at the plant is treated to remove most radioactive substances, but still contains tritium.

Before the treated water is released into the sea, it is diluted to reduce tritium to about one-seventh of the guidance level set by the World Health Organization for drinking water.

at 18:30 (JST), October 27

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/20231027183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : former heart attack
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231027_11/

China's former premier Li Keqiang died early on Friday at the age of 68, according to state media.

China Central Television says Li had a heart attack and died shortly after midnight in Shanghai after all rescue measures failed.

Li started his political career in the Communist Youth League of China, the ruling Communist Party's youth organization. In 1999, he took charge of the province of Henan, becoming China's youngest provincial governor.

After serving as the party secretary of Liaoning Province, Li was elected in 2007 as a member of the party's Politburo Standing Committee. He joined the Committee at the same time as the current President Xi Jinping. They both achieved unprecedented rapid promotion.

Li assumed the post of premier in 2013 and served for two terms. He stepped down in March this year due to the expiration of his term under a constitutional provision.

Key words : country garden
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231026_36/

Another major Chinese real estate developer has been deemed to be in default. The Credit Derivatives Determinations Committee says that Country Garden has failed to meet its repayment obligations on some of its dollar-denominated bonds.

This comes after China's Evergrande Group defaulted on its massive debts although it has not gone bankrupt.

The recent defaults highlight a slump in China's real estate sector and could fuel concerns about the outlook for the country's economy.

Key words : south supreme comfort
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231026_19/

South Korea's Supreme Court has ordered a retrial of a case in which a university professor was found guilty of defaming people referred to as comfort women in a book.

The top court on Thursday sent the case against Sejong University Professor Park Yu-ha back to a high court for retrial. It said what she wrote in the book should be viewed as an academic argument.

Prosecutors indicted Park in 2015 for defaming the women in her book "Comfort Women of the Empire," published in 2013.

In the book, Park writes that the relationship between some women and Imperial Japanese forces was akin to that of "comrades" and that some of them voluntarily became comfort women.

A district court acquitted her in 2017, saying the expression "comrades" is abstract and figurative and merely presents an opinion.

But later that year, a high court found her guilty and ordered her to pay a fine of 10 million won, or about 7,400 dollars. It said she defamed the women through writing that was incorrect and different from objective facts. Both the prosecutors and Park appealed.

In Thursday's ruling, the Supreme Court said it is reasonable to assess the expressions in the book as stating the author's academic claims and opinions. It ordered a retrial.

Park told reporters after the ruling that her book also includes ways to solve the comfort women issue. She said she hopes the Supreme Court ruling will lead to more people learning the facts.

Key words : sending finding
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231027_02/

NHK has learned Japan is sending a fact-finding team to Lebanon on Friday in case Japanese Self-Defense Force personnel need to evacuate their compatriots from the country by air.

Sources say the team from the Defense Ministry will collect information and coordinate with Lebanese authorities in preparation for any potential evacuation.

Three SDF aircraft have already been dispatched to evacuate Japanese nationals from Israel.

Fighting between the Israeli military and the Shia militant group Hezbollah is continuing in border areas between Israel and Lebanon, causing civilian casualties. It erupted amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamic group Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip.

Japan's Foreign Ministry is urging Japanese in Lebanon's border areas with Israel to evacuate immediately while ensuring their safety. It is also calling on Japanese in other parts of Lebanon to consider leaving.

Last Friday, the ministry raised its danger alert for Lebanon's border areas with Israel to the highest level of 4 and, for other parts of Lebanon, to Level 3.

The ministry says that as of October last year, 74 Japanese were staying in Lebanon.

Key words : south sudan
#N/Ahttps://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/videos/20230922161036235/

Chasing soccer dreams far from home

The East African country of South Sudan has little in the way of sports infrastructure, due to its long-lasting civil war and continuing political instability. But since May, two young soccer players from the country have been training in the city of Maebashi, north of Tokyo, as part of a program of sports exchanges.

at 18:30 (JST), October 26

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/20231026183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : taiwanese politically
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231025_34/

Chinese authorities have acknowledged they conducted tax and other inspections on local offices in China of Taiwan's Hon Hai Precision Industry, also known as Foxconn.

This comes after the Chinese media outlet Global Times reported on Sunday that multiple offices of Hon Hai's subsidiaries across China had been subject to tax audits and land use investigations.

China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian told reporters on Wednesday that it is a normal law enforcement act for mainland authorities to conduct inspections in line with laws and regulations.

She added Taiwanese companies should assume their social responsibilities and play a positive role in promoting the peaceful development of relations across the Taiwan Strait.

Zhu also criticized Taiwan's Vice President Lai Ching-te, who plans to run for the presidential election in January next year as the ruling Democratic Progressive Party's candidate.

She said Lai has hidden Taiwan's independence agenda under the banner of peace, and Taiwan's independence means war and has nothing to do with peace.

Beijing's move came as Hon Hai's founder, Terry Gou, announced that he will run in the presidential election as an independent candidate. He is gathering the required number of signatures from eligible voters to be qualified.

Some observers say that if Gou runs, opposition votes could be split to the benefit of Lai.

Zhu's remarks indicate the investigations by Chinese authorities may be politically motivated.

Key words : north aircraft carrier
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231025_31/

North Korea has been silent on the US deployments of an aircraft carrier and a strategic bomber in South Korea this month. Some observers say Pyongyang may be focusing on its planned launch of a military reconnaissance satellite.

Earlier this month, the United States sent the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Ronald Reagan to a port in South Korea and landed a nuclear-capable B-52 bomber. It also conducted joint drills with South Korea and Japan.

North Korea reacted sharply to these moves, with its state-run news agency affirming that US strategic assets are its "first targets of destruction."

But unlike before, North Korea has not launched any ballistic missiles in response to these recent developments.

From September to October last year, when the Ronald Reagan sailed near the Korean Peninsula, Pyongyang fired ballistic missiles seven times as a warning during a training exercise of its tactical nuclear operations unit.

The North also launched short-range ballistic missiles in response to the deployment of the US nuclear-powered flattop Nimitz in March.

It also set off short-range ballistic missiles each time a B-52 bomber landed in the South in December last year and when B-1 bombers arrived in February and August this year.

North Korea has announced plans for a third attempt to launch a military reconnaissance satellite this month, following its failed tries in May and August.

Some South Korean media outlets speculate that Pyongyang may be preoccupied with preparations for the upcoming satellite launch, potentially explaining the lack of response to the US.

Key words : taiwan completed canada
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231025_06/

Taiwan says it has completed negotiations with Canada over a bilateral foreign investment deal and welcomed the rapid conclusion of the talks.

Taiwan and Canada have no diplomatic relations, but their economic and trade relations have been growing. Each other's investments are increasing in areas related to semiconductors and renewable energy.

The two sides launched the negotiations for the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Arrangement in February. The deal is designed to protect businesses of both sides.

Taiwanese authorities made the announcement on Tuesday. They say the pact will prohibit setting new regulations for investments without advance agreement. It will also encourage investments by women, small businesses and indigenous peoples.

The authorities say Taiwan hopes the arrangement will be signed and enter into effect early.

Taiwan touts the pact as demonstrating that both Taiwan and Canada are able to meet the high-standard rules of the global economy.

Observers say Taiwan hopes to gain momentum from the deal for joining the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership. It expects support from Canada, which will chair CPTPP next year.

Canada released its Indo-Pacific strategy in November last year. It described China as "an increasingly disruptive global power," and placed importance to strengthen relations with Taiwan.

Key words : japan and china exchange
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231025_28/

Government officials and experts from Japan and China have exchanged views on bilateral relations to honor 45 years of peace and friendship between the two countries.

The Japan-China Treaty of Peace and Friendship came into effect in October 1978.

The Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, a government-affiliated think tank, hosted a symposium in Beijing on Wednesday to commemorate the anniversary.

Former Japanese Prime Minister Fukuda Yasuo and the two countries' ambassadors were among the participants.

Academy President Gao Xiang described as dangerous the rhetoric likening a contingency on Taiwan to one on Japan. He said relations between China and Japan must not be influenced by small radical groups.

The Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao sent a video message in which he called the treated and diluted water released from the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant "nuclear-contaminated water."

He urged Japan to resolve the matter appropriately with sincerity, and remove the obstacle to improving bilateral relations.

The Japanese Ambassador to China, Tarumi Hideo, said current bilateral relations cannot be described as ideal. He noted that both sides have lost sight of where they should stand due to confusion from facing a difficult challenge.

Tarumi referred to the words of ancient philosopher Confucius and other Chinese classics, with which the people of both countries are familiar.

He stressed the importance of learning from past wisdom and looking for ways to cooperate without losing one's independent approach.

The Japanese ambassador urged both sides to keep communicating based on strategic thinking, despite differences in their positions.

Key words : mitsubishi ended
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231025_17/

Japanese carmaker Mitsubishi Motors has officially decided to end its joint venture business with a Chinese manufacturer and pull out of China. The decision comes on the back of a rapid shift to electric vehicles in the world's top auto market.

Mitsubishi's board of directors made the final decision in a meeting on Tuesday.

Mitsubishi has run a factory in Hunan Province jointly with a local maker since 2012, but it suspended operations there in March. It now says it will end production and new car sales in China when the current inventory runs out.

Mitsubishi's lineup of mostly combustion engine vehicles has struggled in China, where electric and plug-in hybrid models are gaining traction.

The company has also been facing growing competition from local automakers.

The Japanese automaker says with this withdrawal the group is expected to post an extraordinary loss of about 24 billion yen, or over 160 million dollars, in the business year ending in March next year.

The company now plans to focus on the growing Southeast Asian market.

Other Japanese automakers that depend on gasoline models have also been hit by declining sales and are now reviewing their China strategies.

Key words : environment ministry
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231025_35/

Japan's Environment Ministry says tritium in seawater off the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant remains below the detectable level.

The ministry on Wednesday released the results of its eighth weekly survey of water samples. It has been carrying out the surveys since Tokyo Electric Power Company started releasing treated and diluted water from the plant into the ocean on August 24.

In the latest survey, the ministry took samples from 11 points off Fukushima, Miyagi and Ibaraki prefectures on October 17 and 19. The locations include one near the outlet of the water discharge, and another about 70 kilometers away.

The ministry said analyses at a research lab found that the concentration of tritium was below the minimum detectable level of 10 becquerels per liter at all collection points.

In the previous seven surveys, the concentration of tritium was also below that level. The results of the first survey were released on August 27.

The ministry plans to keep monitoring tritium levels once a week for the time being and publish the results on its website and social media.

The Fukushima Daiichi plant suffered a triple meltdown in the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

Water used to cool molten fuel there has been mixing with rain and groundwater. The accumulated water is being 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 guidance level for drinking water.

Key words : people across india
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231025_37/

People across India have been celebrating Dussehra, one of the three major Hindu festivals. The event marks God's triumph over the devil.

More than 4,000 participants gathered in a venue in New Delhi on Tuesday. Actors dressed as Lord Rama and the demon Ravana performed a mythical battle.

Three effigies were set on fire to ward off evil. Firecrackers inside of the figures exploded, and they quickly burned to the ground.

One of participants said he prays all people can live together with peace and patience. He also said all countries should pray for harmony and peace.

The festival was a chance for people to pray for prosperity and good luck.

at 18:30 (JST), October 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/20231025183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : defense minister public view
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231024_35/

China's state-run media has reported that the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress decided to dismiss Defense Minister Li Shangfu, whose whereabouts have been unknown for nearly two months.

China Central Television said the committee decided on the dismissal on Tuesday. Li also served as vice premier-level state councilor. His successor has not been disclosed.

Li has been out of public view since late August. No reason for his dismissal has been offered.

Some media in the West and in Hong Kong are reporting the possibility that Li and several senior military officials are being investigated for corruption.

Speculation is spreading that a large-scale investigation is being conducted within the military.

Li took office in March. His removal comes following that of Qin Gang, who was ousted from the post of foreign minister in July. Both were dismissed in less than a year.

Official talks between the Chinese and US defense ministers have been on hold due to China's opposition to US sanctions against Li.

The question now is whether Li's departure will lead to a resumption of dialogue between defense officials of Beijing and Washington.

The committee also made other personnel decisions. Qin was also dismissed from the position of state councilor. Finance Minister Liu Kun was replaced by Lan Foan and Science and Technology Minister Wang Zhigang was replaced by Yin Hejun.

Key words : more than 16,000
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231025_05/

Malaysians have shown solidarity with Palestinian people in a large rally held in Kuala Lumpur.

More than 16,000 people filled an arena in the capital for the event hosted by a Malaysian Islamic organization on Tuesday night.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim took the podium. He demanded an immediate termination of Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip, questioning where democracy and human rights have gone.

Heavy airstrikes have caused severe damage to the Palestinians in Gaza.

Anwar said on social media on October 17 that he had a phone conversation with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh the previous day "to express Malaysia's unwavering support for the Palestinian people."

Muslims account for more than 60 percent of Malaysia's population. People have been rallying across the nation to protest against Israel and show solidarity with Palestinians.

A 23-year-old participant said terrible things are going on in Gaza. She said Malaysian people should take action for the Palestinians. A 20-year-old woman said she took part in the rally to support Palestinian people.

Key words : south reportedly four people
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231024_20/

The South Korean military has reportedly taken four people from North Korea into custody after they were found on a boat in the Sea of Japan. It suspects they want to defect to the South.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff says the wooden vessel was spotted in the sea east of the Korean Peninsula on Tuesday, and that four people on it were picked up in waters off the country's northeastern city of Sokcho.

Multiple South Korean media outlets report that the four have indicated they intend to seek asylum.

The military is trying to find out more details on their voyage in cooperation with intelligence officials.

In May, another group of people on board a North Korean fishing boat defected to the South by way of the Yellow Sea off the western coast of the peninsula.

The apparent attempt to defect to South Korea via the Sea of Japan is the first such case since 2019.

South Korea's Unification Ministry says a total of 139 North Koreans have defected to the country this year as of the end of September. That is more than three times the number for the same period last year, when the North had closed its borders as an anti-coronavirus measure.

Other than maritime routes heading directly to the South by boat, some North Korean defectors leave the country via China.

Seoul's Unification Ministry says easing of anti-infection measures in China and North Korea is a factor behind the increased number of defectors.

Key words : halloween hot spot
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/videos/20231005203751787/

Shibuya scares off Halloween crowds

The mayor of Shibuya Ward, Tokyo's most popular Halloween hotspot, is telling partiers from Japan and overseas to stay away.

at 18:30 (JST), October 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/20231024183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : foreign minister historic
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231024_02/

A ceremony was held in Beijing on Monday to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the peace and friendship treaty between Japan and China.

The event at the Diaoyutai State Guesthouse in the Chinese capital was attended by about 200 officials from both countries, including former Japanese Prime Minister Fukuda Yasuo and China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Wang told the audience that Chinese President Xi Jinping thinks bilateral relations are and will continue to be important. He said the stable and mutually-beneficial relationship has a significant impact on Asia and beyond.

Wang, meanwhile, warned that the situation in Taiwan and historical problems have the potential to affect political foundations in both countries, as well as the countries' basic faith in each other.

Fukuda recounted his experience of witnessing firsthand his father, then-Prime Minister Fukuda Takeo, signing the treaty 45 years ago. He said Japan and China are obliged to improve the quality of the pact.

Japanese Ambassador to China Tarumi Hideo referred to the suspension of Japanese seafood imports that Beijing put in place following the release of treated and diluted water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the sea.

Tarumi stressed Japan's stance that any restrictions should be based on science and rationality. He also emphasized that all that is required to rebuild bilateral relations is strategic thinking.

Key words : speaker lithuania
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231023_29/

Lithuania's legislative head is in Taiwan to promote solidarity for democracy. Viktorija Cmilyte-Nielsen's visit to Taiwan is the first for a parliamentary speaker of the Baltic nation.

Cmilyte-Nielsen arrived on Sunday in Taiwan. She was invited to a luncheon on Monday hosted by Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen.

Tsai thanked the speaker for placing importance on and supporting Taiwan.

Cmilyte-Nielsen responded, saying it is important for democracies, even those geographically far apart, to unite when the rule-based international order is threatened by authoritarianism.

She said she trusts that her country's cooperative relationship with Taiwan will be a success story.

She added their relationship is a touchstone that many European countries are watching with interest.

In 2021, Lithuania allowed Taiwan to open a representative office using its own name in the Baltic nation's capital, Vilnius. It was a rare move by a country that does not have diplomatic relations with Taiwan.

The move angered China and prompted the communist nation to downgrade diplomatic relations with Lithuania.

Observers say the speaker was calling for unity of the global democratic camp against China's political pressure on Lithuania and the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Key words : record bear attack
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231024_11/

Officials in the Japanese prefecture of Toyama say bears are being spotted more often in urban areas there than in the mountains, their natural habitat.

The officials say they had 165 reports of bear sightings between October 1 and 23. That's more than seven times the figure reported during the same month last year.

As of Monday, five people had been attacked by bears in Toyama Prefecture this year, including a 79-year-old woman who was fatally mauled by a bear on the grounds of a house.

The officials classify the reports of bear sightings into three categories: those in the animal's normal habitat deep in mountains, those in areas near where there is human activity but bears can live, and those in urban areas.

The officials say that as of Monday, 74 percent of the 360 bear sighting reports they have received this year were about spotting bears in urban areas.

Experts say bears are increasingly coming down to lowland areas because of a shortage of food such as beechnuts.

Toyama Prefecture officials say bears have expanded their range to urban areas mainly along rivers. The officials are urging people to be careful and be aware that bears may appear anywhere.

In Akita Prefecture, a woman and a man in their 70s were attacked by bears and sustained injuries on Tuesday.

The number of people injured in bear attacks in the prefecture has reached a record 55.

The Ministry of the Environment says 109 people nationwide were hurt by bears between April and September this year. It says the number of victims in September was a record high.

Key words : Kishida tax cut next three years
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231023_15/

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has announced his intention to study income tax cuts, stressing that increased tax revenue will be returned to the people as a temporary measure to help them deal with rising prices.

Kishida delivered his policy speech at the plenary session of the Lower House of the Diet on Monday.

Kishida said his administration has tackled issues to respond to the changing times and achieved results. These issues include boosting defense capabilities and addressing Japan's declining birthrate.

The prime minister said the economy should be given the highest priority as Japan shifts away from the cost-cutting that has continued for three decades.

Kishida went on to say that strengthening supply chains and returning some of the increased tax revenue to the people will be the two wheels of the economic package that is being compiled.

He said the next three years will be designated as a period of transformation. The government will reduce taxes for companies that take steps to increase employees' wages and capital investment.

Kishida says the ruling and opposition parties will work together to devise specific measures for cutting income taxes.

On diplomacy and security, Kishida said Japan's security environment is the most severe since World War Two, given the situation in Ukraine and the fighting between Israel and the Islamic group Hamas.
He emphasized efforts will be made toward global cooperation rather than division and conflict.

Kishida also said Japan will urge China to immediately lift the suspension of imports of Japan's marine products. The measure followed the release of treated and diluted water into the ocean from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant.

Kishida also said Japan is widely deepening cooperation with South Korea based on the personal relationship of trust he has built with President Yoon Suk-yeol. He said in addition to the trilateral economic and security framework with the United States and South Korea, he also plans to advance talks on a framework between Japan, China and South Korea.

Key words : second round treated
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231023_16/

The operator of the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant says the second round of the treated and diluted water discharge into the sea has been completed as planned.

Tokyo Electric Power Company announced that the second round ended shortly after noon on Monday.

The utility says in the latest round, it released 7,810 tons of treated water from 10 tanks after diluting it with large quantities of seawater. The second round of the water release started on October 5.

TEPCO says pressure in the pumping system dropped at one point after what appeared to be rust from the tanks stuck to its filters. But it says this did not affect the discharge because the pressure returned to the previous level after the filters were cleaned.
Daily analyses of water samples taken from 10 locations in the sea within 3 kilometers of the plant showed a maximum tritium concentration of 22 becquerels per liter. That sample was collected from a spot closest to the water discharge outlet on Saturday.

The figure is far below 700 becquerels per liter, the level set by the utility for suspending the release.

TEPCO plans to carry out four rounds of the water discharge during the current fiscal year that ends in March. The first round began in August.

A total of about 31,200 tons of the treated water will be released -- the equivalent of 40 full tanks.

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

The accumulated water is being treated to remove most radioactive substances, but still contains tritium. The treated water is stored in more than 1,000 tanks.

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 guidance level for drinking water.

Key words : antitrust watchdog
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231023_23/

Japan's antitrust watchdog has begun a probe into Google on suspicion that the company is unfairly pressuring smartphone makers over permission for the use of its app store.

The Japan Fair Trade Commission said at a news conference on Monday that the US tech giant is suspected of violating the antimonopoly law.

The commission suspects Google has pressured smartphone manufacturers to load its search engine Google Chrome on their devices when permitting the use of its mobile app store called Google Play.

It said the tech firm allegedly requested the makers to set its search services as the default on their screens.

Google also reportedly distributed profits from advertisements linked to its search engine on condition that smartphone makers block rival search services.

The move by the Japanese watchdog comes after US and European authorities tightened regulations on big tech firms such as Google, Apple, Facebook and Amazon, known collectively as GAFA. The authorities say the firms are hindering free competition by monopolizing the market.

Japan's Fair Trade Commission says it will conduct its investigations to try to ensure fair and open competition. The move comes as competition in the tech market is entering a new phase with the rise of generative artificial intelligence, such as the emergence of dialogue search services.

Key words : visitor lake nikko
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231023_22/

Visitors are flocking to Lake Chuzenji to enjoy the colorful autumn leaves covering the surrounding mountainside.

The lake in the city of Nikko, north of Tokyo, is located 1,200 meters above sea level. It is one of Japan's most renowned spots for autumn foliage.

Prolonged warm weather apparently delayed the start of the foliage season. But leaves of the area's maple, azalea, and oak trees have turned bright red and yellow over the last few days as mornings and evenings become chillier.

Leaves display vibrant colors when there is a large difference in day and night temperatures.

The lake's surface reflects the mountains covered by colorful leaves, adding to the area's seasonal appeal.

Sightseeing boats have been filled with tourists in recent days taking photos of the scenery.

A sixth-grade student from Chiba Prefecture, near Tokyo, says she was awed by the beauty of nature.

Officials of the Nikko Natural Science Museum say the peak season at the lake will continue until the weekend.

Foliage will then move to Irohazaka Slope, a mountain road made up of numerous sharp curves that is another popular spot to appreciate autumn foliage.

at 18:30 (JST), October 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/20231023183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : philippines collision
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231022_14/

The Philippine government says a Chinese Coast Guard vessel collided with a Philippine military supply boat after making dangerous blocking maneuvers near the disputed Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.

The Philippines' National Security Council said the incident occurred on Sunday morning.

A video released by the Philippine military shows the Chinese ship's bow hitting the rear of the supply boat.

The NSC also said a Chinese maritime militia vessel bumped a Philippine Coast Guard patrol ship that was escorting the supply boat.

The Philippine vessels were on a mission to resupply a military post in the waters.
The NSC denounced the Chinese vessels for their "dangerous, irresponsible and illegal actions."

China's Coast Guard also released a video purportedly taken when the collision occurred.

It argued that the Philippine vessels ignored a warning, approached a Chinese ship with dangerous maneuvers and caused the collision.

The Coast Guard added that the Philippine side should take all the blame.

The two countries have been trading accusations over maritime incidents in the South China Sea, where they have overlapping claims.

Manila said a Chinese Coast Guard ship came within 1 meter of a Philippine patrol boat near the Spratly Islands on October 4.

Key words : foreign minister concerted efforts
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231022_02/

Japan's foreign minister has called for internationally-concerted efforts to halt the worsening humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip.

Kamikawa Yoko is among officials from about 30 countries, territories and international organizations taking part in the Cairo Peace Summit hosted by Egypt.

Kamikawa told the conference that the priority is to minimize the deterioration of conditions in Gaza.

She said the bottom line for conference participants is to deliver needed supplies to the people of Gaza as soon as possible, and to evacuate foreigners there to Egypt.

She also announced the Japanese government's plans to provide emergency humanitarian aid worth 10 million dollars to Gaza residents.

She said Japan is also considering further assistance to the region as needed.

Kamikawa called on her colleagues to gather strength and wisdom to secure the safety of people in Gaza, and ease the situation as soon as possible to bring about sustainable peace and stability in the region.

Kamikawa noted that Japan stands by its unwavering support of a "two-state solution", in which an independent state of Palestine is established and coexists peacefully and safely with Israel.

Key words : relative missing 871
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231021_12/

A group of relatives of missing Japanese people who may have been abducted by North Korea has renewed its appeal for the early return of their loved ones as well as public support.

The possible abductees are separate from 17 people the Japanese government has officially recognized as being taken to the North. Five returned in 2002, but the others remain unaccounted for.

Police and a civil group investigating suspected kidnappings by North Korea say there are at least 871 cases of missing people across Japan.

Family members held a large rally in Tokyo for the first time in 13 years on Saturday.

The leader of the group is Imai Hideki. His brother Yutaka went missing 54 years ago in the northern prefecture of Aomori.

He noted that the relatives of suspected abductees are growing old, and some may have died after such a long passage of time. But he said there is still time for them to be reunited.

The participants included siblings of the officially recognized victims -- Masumoto Teruaki, a brother of Masumoto Rumiko, who was abducted in the southwestern prefecture of Kagoshima 45 years ago, and Matsumoto Hajime, whose sister Matsumoto Kyoko was kidnapped in the western prefecture of Tottori.

Soga Hitomi, one of the abductees who returned home 21 years ago, sent a video message to the gathering.

She spoke of her mother Miyoshi, who was abducted together with her but remains in North Korea.

Soga said a very long time has passed, but she has never forgotten her mother, not even for a day.

She said she wants to tell her mother she is doing well, as she must be worried.

Key words : chinese taiwan known
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231023_02/

A Chinese media outlet has reported that Beijing's tax and other authorities inspected Chinese offices of Taiwan's Hon Hai Precision Industry, also known as Foxconn.

The Global Times reported on Sunday that multiple offices of Hon Hai's subsidiaries across China had been subjected to tax audits and land use investigations.

The article cited an expert as saying that Taiwan-funded enterprises "should not only benefit from the development opportunities and dividends in the mainland but also shoulder corresponding social responsibilities."

The expert was also quoted as saying Taiwanese companies should play a positive role in promoting peaceful cross-strait relations.

Following the report, Hon Hai issued a statement saying it will actively cooperate with relevant authorities in their work.

Chinese officials have not provided the reasons or outcomes of the probe.

Beijing's move came as Hon Hai's founder, Terry Gou, announced that he will run in Taiwan's presidential election in January next year as an independent candidate. He is gathering the required number of signatures from eligible voters to be qualified.

Taiwan's Vice President Lai Ching-te has pointed out the possibility of China's interference in the election. He plans to run as the presidential candidate for the ruling Democratic Progressive Party.

In a campaign speech on Sunday, Lai said Beijing should refrain from pressing Taiwanese companies to declare their political stances ahead of the election.

Key words : defense ministry risky
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231021_11/

China's defense ministry has hit back after the US Defense Department expressed strong concerns about "coercive and risky activities" by Chinse military aircraft over the East China Sea and elsewhere.

The Defense Department on Tuesday released images and videos showing Chinese military aircraft repeatedly flying dangerously close to US military planes in international airspace in the East and South China sea regions.

A spokesperson for the Chinese defense ministry issued a statement on Friday, saying the United States is attacking and smearing China by hyping the non-existent "Chinese military threat."

He said China firmly opposes the move by US defense officials and has lodged a protest.

The statement noted that the root cause of the issue lies in "provocative and hostile acts" by US warships and fighter jets at "China's doorstep," forcing China to take necessary countermeasures.

The spokesperson called the US side a "provocateur."

Washington and Beijing have been at odds over areas around Taiwan. Last week, the US Navy flew patrol aircraft through the Taiwan Strait. The Chinese military reacted sharply to the move.

Key words : 54 percent cancer
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231022_09/

In Japan 54 percent of people aged 18 or over think that it will be hard to continue working while treated for cancer.

The Cabinet Office conducted a survey in July and August this year asking 3,000 people.

They were asked if they think their work environment would allow them to continue working when they need to make a hospital visit once every two weeks for cancer treatment.

54 percent or 1,626 people responded.

A total of 45 percent replied that they definitely or somewhat think they can continue working.

But 54 percent of the respondents thought they could not continue working.

When asked why they think that way, 28 percent said that it will be physically difficult to work and receive treatment and 22 percent said that there is nobody to fill in for them at work during a hospital visit, or even if there were, they are hesitant to ask for a replacement.

Another 16 percent said that they do not know if their employers would give a day-off for a hospital visit.

Officials at the health ministry say more effort is needed to make a work place environment receptive to the needs of a cancer patient who wants to continue working while receiving treatment.

Key words : memorial service thai
#N/A

at 18:00 (JST), October 22

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20231022180000_english_1.mp3


Key words : aid supplies acute water release
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231022_07/

Aid supplies have arrived in the Gaza Strip, where people are suffering acute water and food shortages amid the fighting between Israel and the Islamic group Hamas.

But concerns are growing that the humanitarian crisis could worsen, as Israeli military officials have suggested a ground offensive of Gaza is close at hand.

A convoy of 20 trucks entered Gaza from Egypt on Saturday. Officials in Gaza released a statement saying that a limited number of aid trucks cannot alleviate the humanitarian crisis there.

United Nations officials say 100 truckloads of supplies are needed each day to help people in Gaza.
Martin Griffiths, Under-Secretary-General responsible for Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, told the Reuters news agency that as negotiations continue, he heard that another 20 to 30 trucks might enter Gaza on Sunday.

The dire situation presents serious challenges over how sufficient amounts of supplies can be brought in and distributed among residents of Gaza amid a worsening humanitarian crisis.

Fierce air strikes continued in Gaza on Saturday.

The Israel Defense Forces Chief of the General Staff Herzi Halevi visited troops deployed near Gaza. He suggested a ground invasion of Gaza is imminent.

Halevi said Israeli forces will enter the Gaza Strip on a mission to destroy Hamas operatives and infrastructure.

A spokesperson for the Israeli military also suggested major operations will soon be launched, including a ground invasion of Gaza.

The spokesperson said that in preparation for the next stage of the conflict Israel plans to increase its attacks on the Hamas stronghold in northern Gaza.

In retaliation, Hamas has launched rockets at Tel Aviv in central Israel.

Since the fighting started on October 7, at least 1,400 people have been killed in Israel, with 210 people including foreigners, taken hostage.

At least 4,385 people have also been killed in Gaza. The latest figures have brought the total death toll on both sides to more than 5,700.

Key words : nhk situation dire
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231022_03/

NHK staff members in the Gaza Strip have reported that there are acute shortages of food and other supplies in the territory. They also say that the situation is dire.

Footage taken on Saturday in Rafah, southern Gaza, by NHK crew members shows people rushing to bakeries and fast food shops that are still operating.

In the footage, evacuees can be seen standing in a line in front of a bakery in the city. The line stretches for tens of meters.

A staff member at the bakery told NHK the workers there have been baking five times the usual amount of bread, as large numbers of evacuees have come to the city. But he said there is no telling how long the bakery will be able to continue to bake bread, as there is a shortage of gas.

The footage also shows people filling containers with water at water trucks and then carrying the containers away. A shortage of electricity in the city has made it difficult to pump water from wells.

Mohammed Shehada works in NHK's Gaza Office. He issued a report on Saturday about the humanitarian aid convoy that entered Gaza from Egypt. Shehada said that 20 trucks had apparently entered the territory. But he added that the amount of aid brought in is simply not enough.

Shehada noted that hospitals in Gaza are running out of gasoline and other kinds of fuel that they need to operate generators. He described the situation as critical and tragic.

Israel will not allow gasoline and other kinds of fuel to be delivered to Gaza. It is concerned that Hamas could gain access to the supplies, if they were delivered.

Shehada suggested that Israel's explanation is akin to a bad joke. He said the territory is acutely short of medicine, food and fuel.

He called on the international community to take action before it is too late. He said people are dying in Gaza. Shehada added that, without action, there will be no food at all in the region in several days.

He went on to say that air strikes have been continuing in southern Gaza, even though the Israeli military advised people to evacuate to that region.

He said people in the Strip have been suffering mentally. Shehada added that what is going on in Gaza should not be tolerated because it amounts to slaughter.

Key words : assistance fund
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20231022_10/

Japan's Board of Audit says government assistance funds were not appropriately spent relating to three projects conducted in Fiji.

Board officials examined grant aid worth 12.5 billion yen, or about 83 million dollars, provided as part of the government's official development assistance, or ODA. The funding was offered to 29 projects carried out by Japan's Foreign Ministry and the Japan International Cooperation Agency in four countries.

The officials say 22 programs in Jordan, Thailand and Nepal were implemented as planned, while three out of seven projects in Fiji were not. About 233,000 dollars was granted to the three projects.

The review found that money intended for a new school building was diverted to erecting a hall. It also revealed that construction work had to be suspended after the contractors fell out of contact.

The board told the Foreign Ministry to promptly resume building work and put in place necessary measures to confirm progress.

The ministry says it will work to improve the situation, and to take measures to prevent similar problems from happening in the future.

Key words : south korea general election
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/videos/20231019194245932/

Fandoms, scandal deepen divide in S.Korean politics

People in South Korea will head to the polls early next year in a general election. But they're facing a political landscape rife with scandal, corruption and turmoil. And rabid party loyalty is only deepening the divide. NHK World's Kim Chan-ju has more.