at 18:00 (JST), February 29

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20240229180000_english_1.mp3


Key words : ohtani married reporter
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240229_24/

MLB star Ohtani announces marriage to Japanese woman

Japanese Major Leaguer Ohtani Shohei has announced his marriage to a Japanese woman.

The Los Angeles Dodgers two-time MVP made the announcement on social media on Thursday.

Ohtani said he had begun "a new chapter in my career with the Dodgers" and "a new life with someone from my native country of Japan." He added that she is "very special to me and I wanted everyone to know I am now married."

In his Japanese post, he says he hopes the team of three, including his dog, will help each other and take steps together with his fans.

Ohtani says he will explain more when he meets reporters on Friday.

Key words : ethics panel five other
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240229_27/

Prime Minister Kishida appears before ethics panel on LDP fundraising scandal

Members of the Liberal Democratic Party are explaining themselves to a lower-house ethics panel amid a political funding scandal rocking the senior partner in Japan's ruling coalition. LDP leader Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has become the first sitting prime minister to take part.

Kishida told the panel, "As LDP president, I sincerely apologize for the fact that issues involving the political funds of LDP factions have caused the public to have so much mistrust in politics."

The panel is also hearing from five other LDP lawmakers. All are former senior members of influential party factions.

The panel is looking into allegations that dozens of LDP lawmakers failed to properly declare revenue from fundraisers and received kickbacks.

Most of those lawmakers belonged to a faction that used to be led by late Prime Minister Abe Shinzo.

Former Prime Minister Noda Yoshihiko spoke on behalf of the biggest opposition party, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan. He said all lawmakers involved in the scandal bear grave political responsibility. He urged Kishida to exercise leadership and hold them accountable.

Noda said, "This will all happen again if they get away without criminal charges, without being held responsible, without having to explain themselves, without paying taxes, without being punished -- in other words, if nothing happens to them."

Kishida said, "The party will decide how those involved should take political responsibility, including being punished. We'll take into account how they honor their responsibility to explain themselves and what the facts are."

Kishida said he is committed to thoroughly reforming his party to regain the public's trust in politics.

Key words : us supreme court
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240229_12/

US Supreme Court to hear Trump's claim of presidential immunity

The US Supreme Court says it will decide whether former President Donald Trump is immune from prosecution on charges of trying to overturn the result of the 2020 election.

The top court made the announcement on Wednesday, setting the case for oral arguments during the week of April 22.

Trump claims that he has immunity for official acts during his tenure in office.

The former president filed an appeal with the Supreme Court after lower courts dismissed the claim.

The criminal case over the 2021 Capitol riot has been put on hold until a decision is finalized regarding Trump's claim of presidential immunity. The case was originally set for trial on March 4.

The top court's decision to hear arguments on Trump's immunity claim means a further delay in the criminal case that could affect this year's presidential election.

Key words : biden health 81
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240229_11/

Biden 'fit for duty' president's doctor says

US President Joe Biden's doctor says an annual physical shows the 81-year-old is in good health and "fit for duty."

As the oldest president in US history, Biden's physical and mental fitness have been watched closely ever since he took office.

The president's physician wrote a memo following Biden's checkup at a hospital near Washington on Wednesday.

He said the physical identified no new concerns, and described Biden as a ''healthy, active, robust 81-year-old male who remains fit to successfully execute the duties of the presidency."

The memo disclosed that Biden began using a device during the past year to treat sleep apnea.

Biden is seeking reelection in November. A national poll by Quinnipiac University in mid-February showed 67 percent of the voters said he is too old to effectively serve another four-year term.

Biden told reporters after his checkup, "Nothing different than last year. Everything's great."

Key words : new statistics birthrate
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/videos/20240229150432142/

South Korea's birth rate continues dramatic decline

South Korea's fertility rate - already the world's lowest according to the World Bank - dropped again in 2023. The government is spending billions on the problem but the potentially existential threat is proving incredibly resistant to change.

Key words : kim living standard
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240229_13/

N.Korean leader vows rural development

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has expressed his commitment to addressing economic inequalities between the capital Pyongyang and rural areas.

The country's ruling Workers' Party newspaper reported Thursday that Kim attended a factory groundbreaking in South Pyongan Province.

In a speech, Kim noted that rural regions have been lagging behind for a long time.

He said it is urgent for the country to improve the lives of the rural people that make up the majority of the population.

North Korea seeks to build new factories every year in 20 areas to dramatically raise rural living standards over the next decade. The factory in South Pyongan is reportedly the first step of the government's Regional Development 20x10 Policy, which began this year.

South Korea's Unification Ministry suggests that economic disparities between Pyongyang and areas in the countryside are deepening because of prolonged sanctions and other factors.

Key words : noto fishing
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240229_17/

Seabed raised by Noto quake surveyed for port reconstruction

Officials from Japan's Fisheries Agency are surveying a fishing port on the Noto Peninsula, where a powerful earthquake on New Year's Day lifted the seabed.

Fishing boats have been unable to go into or out of some ports on the peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture, central Japan, because the water is now too shallow.

Noroshi port in Suzu City is controlled by the prefectural authorities, but work to fix it will be carried out by the central government.

On Wednesday, Fisheries Agency officials began measuring the depth of water at the port.

The procedure involves using a laser on an aerial drone to measure the time lag between reflection on the water surface and on the seabed.

The readings show that water near the quay, which used to be 4.5 meters deep, is now about 1.5 meters shallower.

Some locations near the breakwater were found to be too shallow even for small boats.

Noroshi port had been made deep enough for 500 ton-class fishing vessels, because it is designated a harbor of refuge in case of rough seas.

Following the survey, the agency plans to dig or dredge areas that have become shallow.

One official said the team hopes to apply knowledge acquired through the work at Noroshi to restoring other ports.

He said the agency want to make the port useable for fishers even if it is step by step.

Key words : world weather Jonathan Oh
#N/A

at 18:00 (JST), February 28

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20240228180000_english_1.mp3


Key words : ethics council kishida
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240228_13/

Prime Minister Kishida to attend ethics council session on LDP money scandal

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio says he will attend a Lower House ethics meeting on a fundraising scandal involving factions of the main governing Liberal Democratic Party.

Kishida told reporters on Wednesday that he will attend the Lower House Deliberative Council on Political Ethics with the media present. It will be the first time for a prime minister in office to attend.

Five LDP lawmakers, who were executives of the Abe and Nikai factions, have agreed to attend the meeting, for which a date has yet to be set.

Initially proposed dates have been rejected because the ruling and opposition camps failed to bridge differences over whether the sessions should be open to the public.

Kishida said it is extremely regrettable that there is no prospect of holding the meeting due to political wrangling between the ruling and opposition parties.

He expressed a strong sense of crisis that public distrust in politics will intensify if the situation remains unchanged.

He said he intends to attend the meeting himself as the LDP president to fulfill his accountability.

He added that he hopes lawmakers with a sense of principle will strive to be held accountable at every opportunity, including at the ethics meeting, to restore public trust in politics.

Key words : kickback most belonged
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240227_02/

Opposition demands open ethics council session

A political tug of war continues in Japan over the fundraising scandal that has rocked the main ruling Liberal Democratic Party. Five LDP lawmakers will appear before a Diet committee later this week, but the LDP and opposition camp don't agree on whether the session should be open or closed.

The scandal again dominated Monday's Diet debate. Opposition lawmakers are demanding that the ethics committee session be open.

Questioning Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, Kii Takashi of the Constitutional Democratic Party said, "It's a betrayal of the public to oppose an open session, despite your promise of accountability. As LDP president, you should instruct your party to agree to a fully open session."
Kishida said in reply, "I expect the best way will be taken from the viewpoint of fulfilling accountability. It's the LDP's basic policy to urge its members to try to explain themselves whenever possible."

Even within the LDP, a senior member echoed the opposition's call. Ishiba Shigeru, former LDP Secretary-General, said, "It's hard to find rational reasons to make the session closed. I personally think it should be held openly."

The five LDP members set to appear include former Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu and former trade minister Nishimura Yasutoshi.

The five and dozens of other LDP lawmakers are accused of failing to properly declare fundraising revenue and of receiving kickbacks.

Most belonged to what used to be the LDP's largest faction, led by late Prime Minister Abe Shinzo.

The LDP again proposed a closed-door session, taking into account the wishes of the five lawmakers. But the opposition group repeated their demand, saying the five should explain directly to the public to fulfil their accountability.

The LDP later offered the compromise of making the session open, but only for fellow lawmakers and not for the press or public. But the offer wasn't accepted by the opposition. The two sides plan to continue negotiations on Tuesday.

Key words : biden trump
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240228_15/

Biden, Trump set to win Michigan primaries

US media say President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump are each certain to win their party's primary in Michigan on Tuesday.

Biden's Democratic party and the Republican party both held a primary in the Midwestern state for the November presidential election.

Media reports say that with 21 percent of the Republican vote counted, Trump has secured victory with 65.8 percent. Nikki Haley followed with 29.5 percent. Trump has beaten Haley in all of their contests so far, ramping up his advantage for winning the party's presidential nomination.

The reports say Biden also secured victory by winning 79.5 percent, with 17 percent of the Democratic vote counted. Lacking any major rival, he is expected to win the party's nomination in its national convention this summer.

But Biden also faced a protest vote in Michigan, home to a large Arab American population. Arab American voters are opposing Biden's policy over the conflict in the Gaza Strip, and called for marking the ballots "uncommitted." These votes have reached 14.9 percent and observers say the situation may affect Biden's re-election campaign.

Key words : south fertility rate eight years
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240228_18/

South Korea fertility rate falls to record low for 8th year in a row

South Korea's fertility rate -- already one of the lowest in the world -- dropped to a fresh record low of 0.72 in 2023.

Statistics Korea said on Wednesday that the figure, which represents the average number of children born per woman, was down from 0.78 in 2022. The rate has fallen to new record lows for eight years in succession.

The government agency said there were roughly 230,000 newborns last year, down by nearly half from the number 10 years earlier.

It attributed the fall to the growing number of married couples who are choosing not to become parents.

The agency estimates that the rate may fall even further in 2024, to below 0.7.

South Korea's fertility rate has become an intractable problem for the government. The figure has consistently been among the lowest for members of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, or OECD.

President Yoon Suk-yeol said it was time to reassess the underlying cause and try different solutions.

Both the country's ruling and opposition parties are pushing measures to arrest the falling birthrate among their key campaign pledges ahead of the general election in April.

Key words : birthrate japan
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/videos/20240228152445336/

Falling birthrate? There's an app for that

The decline in birthrate and marriages in Japan is prompting some companies to try a new approach when it comes to convincing potential couples to pair up earlier in life. They're offering employees an app, complete with AI relationship advice.

Key words : learned justice ministry
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240228_12/

Japan's Justice Ministry drafts revised guidelines on special stay permit

NHK has learned that Japan's Justice Ministry has compiled a draft of revised guidelines on special stay permission for foreign nationals who have been illegally staying in the country.

The ruling and opposition parties had pointed out that rules for the special permission are not clear under the Immigration Services Agency's existing guidelines. The permission is granted by the justice minister.

Ministry officials are considering allowing people with no residential status to stay if the parents integrate themselves into local communities and their children have been receiving education in Japan for a long time.

They are also planning to allow people who entered Japan with legitimate visa status to stay even after that status expires, if they have been active in society for an extended period.

The ministry is considering making ineligible for permission people who have gone missing while on parole after being detained at a government facility for illegal entry or other reasons, or those who have stayed illegally for a considerable period of time.

Key words : ohtani home run
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240228_09/

Ohtani hits home run in Dodgers preseason debut

Japanese Major League Baseball star Ohtani Shohei hit a home run during his first preseason game with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Ohtani batted second as the designated hitter against the Chicago White Sox in Glendale, Arizona, on Tuesday.

When his name was announced for his plate appearance in the first inning, the spectators cheered and applauded loudly.

At his third at-bat in the fifth inning, he blasted a full-count, two-run homer off the sixth pitch.

The game was Ohtani's first since September 3 of last year.

The two-way star's right elbow was operated on. He has been practicing as he continues to rehabilitate the elbow.

Ohtani demonstrated his power during his Dodgers spring training debut.

The Dodgers won the game 9-6.

Key words : weather Jonathan Oh
#N/A

at 18:00 (JST), February 27

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20240227180000_english_1.mp3


Key words : terata abe
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240227_20/

Japan's opposition party wants meeting on LDP money scandal open to public

Japan's ruling and opposition camps are at odds over whether or not a Lower House ethics council meeting should be open to the public. The fundraising scandal involving the main ruling Liberal Democratic Party will be discussed at the meeting.

Opposition members say that the session of the Lower House Deliberative Council on Political Ethics should be open to the public, but the LDP only wants lawmakers to attend.

The two sides have been trying to come to an agreement, so that the session can be held on Wednesday and Thursday.

The LDP's Niwa Hideki, who represents ruling parties, met with his counterpart Terata Manabu from the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan on Tuesday morning.

Niwa said again that only legislators should be allowed to attend the session. But Terata disagreed. The five lawmakers scheduled to speak during the session apparently do not want the meeting to be open to the public.

A meeting of senior officials did not take place in the morning. Members of the opposition camp continued to hold talks, and they confirmed that they will continue to push for an open session.

Negotiations between the ruling and opposition camps are expected to continue in the afternoon.

The five LDP lawmakers are expected to offer the council explanations about money from fundraising parties that they allegedly failed to report.

The lawmakers are former Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu and four other legislators. They were executives of the Abe and Nikai factions.

Key words : tokyo police kirishima
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240227_09/

Japan police send papers to prosecutors on man identified as bombing suspect

Tokyo police have sent papers to prosecutors regarding a man who identified himself as a long-wanted bombing suspect before he died last month.

Investigative sources say police have positively identified the man as Kirishima Satoshi through a search of his home and DNA tests.

Kirishima was a member of the East Asia Anti-Japan Armed Front. The extremist group is said to have staged a series of bomb attacks targeting major companies in the 1970s.

Kirishima was placed on a nationwide wanted list for his alleged involvement in the bombing at a building in Tokyo's Ginza district in April 1975.

Police learned in January that a man claiming to be Kirishima was hospitalized in Kanagawa Prefecture, near Tokyo. He died later that month.

Before his death, the man is said to have denied playing a role in the bombing he was wanted for, but hinted his involvement in a separate attack.

Tokyo police have named him posthumously as a suspect in five bombing attacks and sent the cases to prosecutors on Tuesday.

Key words : leaders paris
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240227_13/

Macron does not rule out sending ground troops to Ukraine

French President Emmanuel Macron has not ruled out the option of sending ground troops to Ukraine.

Macron invited leaders and ministers from more than 20 countries to Paris on Monday to discuss support for Ukraine, as Russia's invasion of the country goes into its third year. Attendees included representatives from the United States and Europe.

After the meeting, Macron told reporters that various discussions were held freely and frankly about the situation in Ukraine.

He said while there was no consensus at this stage, nothing should be excluded. He said France's position is to not clarify its strategy because its goal is to not let Russia win. Macron did not disclose details of the exchanges between participants.

Reuters and other media reported ahead of the meeting that Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico, who opposes giving military aid to Ukraine, said some countries are considering sending troops there.

The participants at the meeting are said to have agreed to form a new framework aimed at providing Ukraine with more medium- to long-range missiles.

As the United States remains unclear over whether it will continue sending military aid to Ukraine, France has taken the initiative, with many countries joining hands in support.

Key words : russia captures
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240227_05/

Russia captures village in eastern Ukraine, defense ministry says

Russia's military says it has captured a village in eastern Ukraine -- a sign that its troops are stepping up their offensive in the area after they seized control of Avdiivka.

Russia's defense ministry on Monday announced that its forces captured the Ukrainian village of Lastochkyne, west of Avdiivka in the eastern Donetsk region.

The Ukrainian military confirmed that its troops have withdrawn from the village. Commander Oleksandr Tarnavskiy stressed in a social media post that his troops are strengthening the defense line in a bid to stall a further Russian advance.

Russia apparently continued moving its troops westward, following its seizure of Avdiivka.

Meanwhile, Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday signed a decree to reestablish the Moscow and Leningrad military districts.

The move appears to be in response to Sweden's bid to join NATO, following in the footsteps of Finland.

The New York Times on Sunday reported on a decade-long secret partnership between the US Central Intelligence Agency and Ukraine, citing Ukrainian and western officials.

According to the Times, CIA staff remained in Ukraine after Russia launched its invasion, and they provided critical intelligence regarding Russia's combat plans and weaponry.

The paper also said that earlier this month CIA Director William Burns made a secret visit to Ukraine, his 10th since the start of Russia's invasion 2 years ago. This came amid a growing divide among US Congress members over whether to continue support for Ukraine.

Key words : unable to fight swimmer
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/videos/20240227161023631/

Para athlete aims to show Ukrainians 'unshakable'

Ukrainian Yevhenii Bohodaiko, a star paralympic swimmer, is physically unable to fight on the front lines of the war in Ukraine. But as the conflict drags on, he is determined to do his part to support his country in other ways.

Key words : biden ceasefire
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240227_12/

Biden hopes Gaza ceasefire will start on Monday

US President Joe Biden has said he hopes that a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas will start as early as Monday.

Biden told reporters in New York on Monday, "My national security advisor tells me that we're close." He added that although negotiations are not done yet, "My hope is by next Monday, we'll have a ceasefire."

Israel has reportedly agreed during weekend talks with the US and other mediators in Paris on a proposal for a six-week pause in fighting. The plan is said to be conditional on the release of about 40 hostages held in Gaza.

Israel's Haaretz newspaper says an Israeli delegation arrived in Qatar on Monday for additional talks.

Still, uncertainties remain over whether a deal can be finalized. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected Hamas's call for a complete ceasefire.

Key words : world weather Jonathan Oh
#N/A


Key words : western japan hina
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240227_11/

Antique 'hina' dolls on show at old merchant houses in Okayama

Traditional Japanese "hina" dolls are on display in Okayama Prefecture in western Japan ahead of the annual Girls' Festival, held on March 3.

The traditional "Hina Matsuri" festival celebrates the health and happiness of girls.

The antique dolls are on show at about 30 locations in the Ashimori district of Okayama City. Some are on display under the eaves of merchant houses built during the Edo period, between the 17th and 19th centuries.

At an information center for tourists, a set of hina dolls and a miniature of the Kyoto Imperial Palace from around 1938 are on show.

A local man said it's interesting to see both the historical structures and such valuable antiques.

The event runs through March 23.

at 18:00 (JST), February 26

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20240226180000_english_1.mp3


Key words : learned
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240226_19/

US military aircraft landings at Japanese civilian airports most in decade

NHK has learned that the number of US military aircraft landings at civilian airports in Japan surpassed 450 last year, the most in the past decade.

The Japanese government does not officially announce the number of landings made by US military planes. But transport ministry sources say there were 453 landings at civilian airports in 2023, topping the 359 recorded in 2015.

The number of landings at airports in the southwestern prefecture of Kagoshima increased by 90 from the previous year to 201. The figure accounts for about 44 percent of the nation's total.

Airports on remote islands of the prefecture set high totals as US military exercises and other activities are increasing in the region.

Yakushima Airport topped the list with 72 landings, Amami Airport was third with 67 landings and Tanegashima Airport fifth with 50 landings.

No US military aircraft landings at Yakushima Airport had been confirmed for 10 years through 2022.

But after the crash of a US Osprey transport aircraft into the sea off Yakushima Island last November, US transport aircraft used the airport to bring in personnel and materials for the search and rescue mission.

In January 2023, the governments of Japan and the United States confirmed they will expand the joint use of each other's facilities and conduct more joint drills in the southwestern region.

Key words : more than 75,000 further damage
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240226_25/

Demolitions underway after New Year's Day quake in central Japan

Workers have begun demolishing buildings hard-hit by the New Year's Day earthquake in central Japan's Suzu City. The structures being leveled are among the more than 75,000 in Ishikawa Prefecture damaged in the disaster.

One such home in Suzu City was left leaning toward the road, posing a danger to passersby.

The owner, Sato Sumio, said, "We wanted to keep living here. I am so filled with regret."

Officials in this city of about 12,000 people say more than 50 buildings have been left in a state of serious risk of further damage.

Meanwhile, nearly 22,000 homes and businesses are still without running water around the Noto Peninsula, one of the hardest hit areas.

But in Wajima City, which has a population of nearly 23,000, a dental clinic has partly resumed service.

City officials and others are helping supply water.

A patient said, "I'm really so happy. There is a much greater feeling of safety. That is the best thing."

The dentist said, "People haven't been able to get the treatment they need. I want to support them in this time of emergency."

Eight weeks after the quake, more than 10,000 people in affected areas are still living in shelters. Some are said to be suffering from gum infections and other ailments caused by poor hygiene.

Key words : five ldp lawmaker
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240226_14/

Lower House ethics panel to convene on money scandal from Wednesday

The Lower House ethics panel is expected to make an official decision to hold a session on Wednesday and Thursday over a fundraising scandal that has rocked Japan's main ruling Liberal Democratic Party.

Top officials of the Deliberative Council on Political Ethics are discussing whether to hold a closed session or to open the meeting to Diet lawmakers who are not council members.

Five LDP lawmakers, including former Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu, are to offer explanations on alleged off-the-books money flows from fundraising parties of two intra-party factions.

Many faction members have admitted failing to fully declare kickbacks from the fundraiser revenues.

The five lawmakers were executives of the LDP's largest faction formerly led by late Prime Minister Abe Shinzo and another faction headed by former LDP Secretary-General Nikai Toshihiro. Both groups are set to be dissolved.

The five lawmakers asked for a closed session. The opposition camp has demanded an open meeting, arguing that the lawmakers must offer explanations to the people.

Ruling coalition members of the council met with its chair, Tanaka Kazunori of the LDP, earlier on Monday. Some LDP members suggested that lawmakers other than council members be allowed to observe the session.

The council session will be the first to be held since 2009. Of the nine sessions in the past, only one in 1996 was a closed meeting.

Key words : zelenskyy first time
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240226_05/

Zelenskyy stresses need for continued military aid as war faces turning point

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called for continued military assistance from the West as his country's fight against Russia's invasion enters what he referred to as a crucial third year.

Zelenskyy spoke to Ukrainian and foreign reporters at a two-hour news conference in the capital, Kyiv, on Sunday, a day after the second anniversary of the start of the invasion.

He revealed for the first time that 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers had been killed in the two years, and expressed frustration with delayed military assistance from Western countries.

The Ukrainian president said, "Now is the most difficult moment for our unity."

He also referred to the stalemate in the US Congress over the country's new military aid to Ukraine. He said that US lawmakers know Ukraine needs support within a month, and that he is sure they will make a positive decision.

Zelenskyy also said Russia will prepare counteroffensive actions at the start of summer or end of May, stressing that the way the war ends will depend on this year. He said that the third year is a turning point.

The president also referred to Moscow's suspected procurement of Iranian and North Korean weapons.

He said that if Russia is taking on those weapons, it means that this year is also a crucial year for them as they also have a big deficit.

Zelenskyy noted that he hopes leaders of Western and emerging countries gather in Switzerland this spring to discuss a peace plan proposed by Kyiv that includes the withdrawal of Russian troops from Ukraine.

He said that Ukraine will propose a platform on which Russian President Vladimir Putin will be able to accept that he lost this war and that it was an error.

Key words : intelligence opposition leader
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240226_06/

Navalny died from blood clot, Ukrainian intelligence chief says

The head of Ukraine's Defence Intelligence says Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny died from a blood clot, denying speculation that he was killed while in prison.

Kyrylo Budanov was quoted as telling reporters on Sunday that "I may disappoint you, but we know he died from a blood clot," adding that it was "more or less confirmed."

Navalny, the outspoken critic of Russian President Vladimir Putin, reportedly died in an Arctic prison colony on February 16.

Russian officials said he died of natural causes, but there is speculation in the West that the Putin administration was responsible for his death.

In a statement on Saturday, the leaders of the Group of Seven nations called on the Russian government to clarify the circumstances around Navalny's death.

Budanov also made it clear that Ukraine will step up attacks on a bridge connecting Russia with Crimea in Ukraine's south, suggesting that the Crimean bridge will come down. Moscow unilaterally annexed Crimea in 2014.

Key words : united nations health children
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/videos/20240226151717671/

UN: Children in Gaza at grave risk of malnutrition, illness

There are stark new warnings about the health of children in Gaza. A report from the United nations says, without urgent treatment, more children will die of malnutrition or illness than in the fighting between Israel and Hamas. NHK World's Mitamura Taro reports.

Key words : north soccer team tokyo
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240226_07/

N.Korean women's soccer team arrives in Japan for Paris Olympic qualifier

North Korea's women's soccer team arrived at Tokyo's Haneda Airport on Sunday night ahead of its final Olympic qualifying match against Japan.

The North Korean squad and Nadeshiko Japan finished the first match in Saudi Arabia with a goalless draw.

Upon arrival at the Haneda Airport, the North Korean footballers, wearing red coats and holding national flags, were greeted by officials from an association of Korean residents in Japan.

General Secretary of North Korea's Football Association, Sin Yong Chol, noted that it's delightful to meet fellow compatriots at the airport. The official said that the team wants to fulfill expectations by winning the match.

The Japanese government does not allow North Korean nationals to enter Japan as part of sanctions imposed in response to Pyongyang's nuclear and missile development.

But North Koreans who are taking part in international sports events are exempt from the sanctions. It is the first visit to Japan by the North's national soccer team since the East Asian soccer championship in December 2017.

The North Korean women's squad is scheduled to take on Japan at Tokyo's National Stadium on Wednesday.

If the two sides remain tied after the second half, the winner will be decided in extra time or through a penalty shootout. The winner will earn one of the two Asian berths in the women's football tournament at the Paris Olympics.

Key words : world weather Jonathan Oh
#N/A

at 18:00 (JST), February 25

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20240225180000_english_1.mp3


Key words : trump primary vote counting
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240225_07/

US media reports Trump's victory in South Carolina primary

Vote counting has begun in the US state of South Carolina for the Republican presidential nomination. ABC News has called the race for former President Donald Trump.

Voting in the Republican Party's fourth nominating contest took place in the southern state on Saturday. Trump faced his ex-United Nations Ambassador Nikki Haley.

Haley was a former governor of South Carolina, her home state.

Trump has already won in three other states, taking a significant lead over Haley in the number of delegates secured.

His victory in his biggest rival's home state gives Trump a boost in securing the presidential nomination.

Haley previously has said she will not withdraw from the race after the South Carolina primary and will continue her campaign toward March 5, which is so-called Super Tuesday, when primaries and caucuses will be held in many states.

Key words : spokesperson unclear
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240225_02/

Navalny's body returned to mother, spokesperson says

Allies of deceased Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny say his body has been returned to his mother.

A spokesperson for Navalny's support group posted the news on social media on Saturday. Navalny was reported to have died in an Arctic prison colony in the Yamalo-Nenets autonomous district on February 16.

The spokesperson said they did not know yet whether the family could hold a funeral as they wanted.

Authorities had refused to hand over Navalny's body despite repeated requests from his mother, Lyudmila Navalnaya. The spokesperson said on Friday that Lyudmila received a phone call from authorities and was pressured to agree to burying her son in secret within three hours, or else he would be buried on prison grounds.

Criticism is mounting in the West over speculation that the administration of President Vladimir Putin was responsible for the activist's death. It is unclear whether the family will be able to verify the cause of his death as eight days have passed.

Sources, including a human rights group, say that people across Russia continued to pay tribute to Navalny or to protest the invasion of Ukraine on Saturday. Authorities have reportedly detained more than 30 people.

Key words : saturday marked two years
#N/A


Key words : zelenskyy unity fight
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240225_01/

Zelenskyy calls for unity in stepping up pressure on Russia

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has called on the international community to join together to step up pressure against Russia on the second anniversary of Moscow's invasion.

Zelenskyy spoke at a ceremony near Kyiv on Saturday. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and other leaders attended the event.

Zelenskyy said, "Ukrainians did not betray their independence. The world did not fail, did not make a mistake and supported Ukraine." He went on to thank the friends and partners of Ukraine.

Zelenskyy also said that Russian President Vladimir Putin must be defeated in every respect, as that is the only way to achieve peace.

Meanwhile, Russia's defense ministry said on Saturday that defense minister Sergei Shoigu had inspected frontline units in Ukraine. It said Shoigu instructed all necessary supplies to be delivered to the troops as soon as possible.

Officials also said Shoigu spoke of plans to supply the troops with drones controlled with artificial intelligence technologies. He reportedly said that the drones will become very important weapons.

The UK defense ministry said in its intelligence update that Russia likely lost about 350,000 personnel in the two years of conflict. It said Russia also lost over 2,700 tanks as well as 5,000 infantry fighting vehicles and armored personnel carriers.

But it also says that Russian forces have been replenished by mobilization and recruitment, and refurbishment of existing stockpiles. It notes that they are now able to maintain attacks along the frontline and pursue a strategy of attrition against Ukraine.

Key words : leaders kishida
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240225_03/

Japan PM Kishida urges G7 leaders to show solidarity in supporting Ukraine

Japan's Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has called on the Group of Seven countries to show solidarity in supporting Ukraine, and imposing sanctions on Russia as fighting drags on between the two countries.

The G7 leaders met online on Saturday, to mark the second anniversary since Russia launched its invasion of Ukraine. Italy, which holds the rotating presidency this year, called for the summit.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy joined the group at the beginning of the meeting.

Kishida said it was important to show solidarity with Ukraine now because the situation is tough due to the prolonged fighting. He said supporting the country will continue to be one of his top priorities this year.

Kishida reported on the Japan-Ukraine Conference for Promotion of Economic Growth and Reconstruction that was held in Tokyo on February 19. He said the two countries signed over 50 memorandums of cooperation, including for removal of landmines and restoring agriculture.

Kishida also said that he plans to impose additional sanctions on Russian individuals and organizations.

Kishida stressed that the export of weapons from North Korea to Russia was a violation of UN Security Council resolutions. He said the use of North Korean-made ballistic missiles in Ukraine is absolutely unacceptable.

Kishida said he wants to work together with G7 nations in supporting Ukraine and sanctioning Russia to achieve a fair and lasting peace.

Key words : unconditional
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240225_04/

G7 leaders condemn Russia, reaffirm support for Ukraine

The Group of Seven nations have called on Russia to immediately cease its war of aggression against Ukraine and reaffirmed unwavering support for Kyiv.

The G7 leaders met online on Saturday, a day that marked two years since the start of the Russian invasion in Ukraine.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau joined the online summit from Kyiv with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.

Italy, which holds the rotating presidency of the group this year, released the G7 Leaders' Statement.

In addition to urging Russia to stop its military aggression, it condemns Russia's attacks on civilians and critical civil infrastructure.

The statement called on Moscow to completely and unconditionally withdraw its military forces from the internationally recognized territory of Ukraine.

The statement also says early recovery measures are important for Ukraine's reconstruction, and that recovery conferences will be held in Berlin this year and Rome in 2025.

The G7 leaders urged the Russian government to clarify the circumstances around the death of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who was a fierce critic of President Vladimir Putin. Navalny died earlier this month in a prison where he was serving a sentence after being convicted of fraud and contempt of court.

The G7 leaders also called on Russia to free all unjustly detained prisoners.

Key words : thousands of
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240225_06/

Israeli protesters demanding hostage release clash with police

Thousands of protesters have gathered in Israel's largest commercial city of Tel Aviv, demanding the prompt release of hostages taken by Hamas.

They marched with placards calling on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to negotiate to secure the return of the hostages.

Some of them tried to remove barricades set up by police and clashed with mounted police officers.

One participant said his friend is one of the hostages. He added that the negotiations are too slow and that military operations cannot win the release of the hostages.

But the Israeli military continued attacks on various places in the Gaza Strip on Saturday.

The health authority in Gaza said that 92 people had died during the previous 24 hours, bringing the total number of Palestinian lives lost to 29,606.

Talks toward a potential deal for a pause in fighting and hostage releases were underway on Friday in Paris.

US media reported mediators, namely the United States, Egypt and Qatar, have made a new proposal including a certain number of hostages to be released next, but the details are not known.

Netanyahu remains adamant and rejects Hamas' demands for a complete ceasefire.

Key words : expert noto
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240225_09/

City planners discuss Noto reconstruction amid shrinking population

A group of city planning experts has held a symposium on how to reconstruct the quake-hit Noto Peninsula, with one expert stressing the need for plans that reflect the declining population of the region.

The event was held in Tokyo by the City Planning Institute of Japan on Saturday.

An official from the land, infrastructure and transport ministry opened the discussion by touching on the serious population decline in the northern Oku-Noto region that was already underway before the earthquake.

He said that in some parts of the region, people aged 65 and older account for more than 50 percent of residents, and the population is expected to decrease by half by 2045.

Ubaura Michio, a professor at Tohoku University and a city planning expert, cited examples seen in the aftermath of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.

He pointed out that privately-owned land in quake-affected areas tends to remain vacant after residents evacuated.

Ubaura said it is important for officials to look ahead to the possibility for such land to be used for public housing or parks.

He also expressed the need to set up teams of local researchers and others to carefully look into the will of residents affected by the disaster and proceed with reconstruction plans accordingly.

The professor cites the need to reflect the will of residents while concentrating communities.

Ubaura said one of the characteristics of the Noto Earthquake is that areas devastated by the disaster had already been suffering declining populations.

He said experience from past disasters, including the 2011 quake, and measures taken to address them must be utilized when considering ways to reconstruct the Noto Peninsula.

Key words : researcher giant
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240225_08/

Rare Chinese giant salamander found in Japan

Researchers in Japan have discovered that an extremely rare species of Chinese giant salamanders was surviving in Japan. The salamanders were housed at aquariums or zoos without being identified as part of an endangered species.

Professor Nishikawa Kanto of Kyoto University and a team of researchers announced that they found living examples of the species South China giant salamander, or Andrias sligoi.

The species was recorded in the past as inhabiting limited areas of southern China, but decreased greatly in number due to over-catching of its food and other factors.

They are considered critically endangered, according to the Red List published by the International Union for Conservation of Nature, or IUCN.

Chinese salamanders have been brought into Japan in the past and resulted in hybridization with Japanese species.

The researchers collected tissue samples from 73 salamanders believed to have descended from Chinese salamanders from the field, and also from aquariums and zoos in Japan.

They conducted genetic screenings to learn about the hybridization.

During the course of the research, they discovered that four of the salamanders actually belong to the species South China giant salamander.

One male salamander is at the Sunshine Aquarium in Tokyo, another male is at the Hiroshima City Asa Zoological Park.

Professor Nishikawa says that the South China giant salamander is believed to be already extinct in China.

He says that he wants to search more, as there can be other South China giant salamanders remaining in aquariums and zoos in Japan and elsewhere.

The team hopes to work on preservation of the species, by working in the future on reproduction or cloning using stored salamander cells.

at 18:00 (JST), February 24

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20240224180000_english_1.mp3


Key words : Saturday marks two years koizumi
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240224_02/

Survey suggests 70% of Ukrainians want to keep fighting Russia

Nearly 70 percent of respondents to a poll in Ukraine believe the country should continue to fend off Russia's invasion and reclaim lost territory. But only 3 percent believe victory is getting close.

NHK and the Kyiv-based research organization Rating Group conducted a joint telephone survey between February 9 and 11 on 1,000 people.

The respondents were aged 18 and over and live across Ukraine, except Crimea, Donbas, and areas where mobile networks were unavailable.

Fifty-one percent believe Ukraine is getting closer to victory "step by step," but just 3 percent said victory is "getting closer."

Thirty percent said the conflict has reached a stalemate, and 12 percent said victory is either "getting away" or getting away "step by step".

When asked what they expect of their government, 55 percent said they want to see a return to the borders of 1991, including Crimea and Donbas.

Thirteen percent said they want Ukraine's borders restored to the way they were on February 23, 2022, the day before the invasion began.

Twenty-four percent said they want to stop fighting and start peace negotiations. The figure has doubled from a year ago.

Saturday marks two years since Russia launched the invasion, and University of Tokyo Associate Professor Koizumi Yu says the conflict is likely to drag on into a third and fourth year.

Koizumi suggested Ukrainian troops are exhausted from their counteroffensive launched last year, and Russia lacks the capacity for a large-scale, coordinated attack.

Key words : ukrainian mother
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240224_08/

Mother of deceased Ukrainian soldier wants country to fight on

A Ukrainian mother who lost her son in the war against Russia says her country should fight on so as to ensure he didn't die in vain.

Nataliia Ishchenko's only son, Astamur, was killed in a battle in eastern Ukraine in June 2022, while serving as a volunteer soldier.

A plaque commemorating Astamur adorns the entrance of the apartment building in Kyiv where he used to live. The plaque was installed at the request of the residents.

Ishchenko says she and her husband speak to their son's portrait on the plaque almost every day. She adds that sometimes they think he is smiling at them and other times he appears to be critical. She describes the routine as a form of family communication.

Ishchenko says the death of her son made her feel her world had been completely destroyed. But she adds that she gradually began to think while talking to her son's portrait that he might not like to see her and her husband live in despair.

She says the memory of the dead should not have a depressing and demoralizing impression on society.

Two years after the start of Russia's invasion, many people in Ukraine are voicing a sense of fatigue with the war showing no signs of ending. Ishchenko says she understands why some people are calling for peace talks.

She admits that she herself feels "very, very tired." But she argues that people should not allow this fatigue to make it easier for Russia to take over Ukraine.

She says Ukraine must not stop in despair and continue to fight, in order to prevent more people from dying.

Key words : united nations antonio
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240224_09/

Russia and western countries at odds as UN marks two years of war in Ukraine

The United Nations Security Council marked two years since the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, with representatives exchanging differing opinions on the conflict.

At the start of Friday's meeting, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed the importance of the UN Charter and international law as the guide to creating a world free of war. He said the Russian invasion of Ukraine directly violated both.

Guterres noted that two years of war and suffering have caused international strain and said "enough is enough." He also underscored the need to uphold the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

UK foreign secretary David Cameron, France's foreign minister Stephane Sejourne and Japan's state minister for foreign affairs Tsuji Kiyoto attended the meeting. They condemned Russia and pledged solidarity with Ukraine.

Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba of Ukraine called on the international community to continue its support. He said if it failed to do so, future generations would wonder why the world did not act. He also asked for air defense systems and ammunition.

Russian Ambassador to the UN Vassily Nebenzia blasted Ukraine and the West, repeating the claim that the "special military operation" is to protect Russian residents in eastern parts of Ukraine.

A representative from Mozambique pointed out the negative impact of the war on developing countries, including rising food prices over the past two years. He urged Russia and Ukraine to hold talks without preconditions to resolve the situation.

Key words : six months release
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240224_10/

Six months since start of Fukushima Daiichi treated water release

Saturday marks exactly six months after the operator of the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant started releasing treated and diluted water into the sea.

The Tokyo Electric Power Company has carried out three rounds of water discharge so far, releasing a total of 23,351 tons of water from 30 tanks.

Analyses of seawater samples conducted by the utility and other parties including the Japanese government have shown a maximum tritium concentration of 22 becquerels per liter. The figure is far below the 700-becquerel standard set by Tokyo Electric for suspending the release.

The International Atomic Energy Agency last month published its first full report on a review of the discharge. The report reaffirmed that the operation is consistent with international safety standards.

The Fukushima Daiichi plant suffered a triple meltdown during the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Water used to cool molten fuel has since 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.

Tokyo Electric began discharging the treated water into the ocean in accordance with government policy on August 24 last year. The water is diluted to reduce tritium levels to about one-seventh of the World Health Organization's guidance level for drinking water.

But recent incidents at the plant have stoked concerns among residents in Fukushima Prefecture.

Last October, five workers at the plant were accidentally splashed with liquid containing radioactive substances, resulting in two of them being hospitalized. Earlier this month, untreated water was found to be leaking from a filtering device.

Meanwhile, China imposed a total suspension on seafood imports from Japan last August, calling water accumulating at the plant "nuclear-contaminated."

Japan has since been demanding an immediate lifting of the measure, saying China's claim is lacking scientific grounds.

On Tuesday, Japan's Ambassador to Beijing Kanasugi Kenji held talks with China's Ecology and Environment Minister Huang Runqiu. Kanasugi emphasized that discussions from a scientific point of view are important.

The Chinese side has been seeking to build an international monitoring system that involves Japan's neighbors. It has yet to show any signs of lifting the restrictions.

at 18:00 (JST), February 23

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20240223180000_english_1.mp3


Key words : senior un
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240223_10/

Senior UN official appeals for continued support for Ukraine

A senior UN official in charge of overseeing humanitarian aid in Ukraine has appealed for continued support from the international community, as the second anniversary of the start of Russia's invasion nears.

Denise Brown, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Ukraine, spoke in an exclusive interview with NHK in the capital Kyiv on Wednesday.

She noted that the conflict between Israel and Hamas and other global crises have reduced the international community's interest in the situation in Ukraine.

Brown described the war in Ukraine as "not over." She said the capital and many other cities across the country are suffering airstrikes almost every day, and communities near the frontline regularly come under artillery fire.

Brown went on to say, "People are suffering. People are tired. Life is very difficult."

She also noted that people in the eastern region of Donetsk and other areas close to the front have been forced to live without electricity, in addition to having little access to drinking water and food. She said 3 billion dollars is needed to provide humanitarian aid for those people.

Brown pointed out that only 10 percent of the necessary funds have been delivered so far. She said if those resources do not come, "All the support we all provide will slowly or quickly begin to disappear."

Key words : us space unmanned
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240223_09/

US firm carries out first moon landing by private company

A US space exploration company says it has put an uncrewed lander on the lunar surface. This marks the first time a spacecraft developed by a private company has succeeded in landing on the moon.

Intuitive Machines announced that its Nova-C class lander Odysseus touched down at 23:23 UTC on Thursday.

The company launched the mission on February 15. The final descent to the moon's surface involved a carefully controlled blast from the craft's engine.

Company officials say they have confirmed that the lander is standing upright and has begun transmitting data as expected.

Five countries have so far managed moon landings: the former Soviet Union, the United States, China, India and Japan. But no private company had achieved the feat before Intuitive Machines.

If all goes well, six kinds of equipment on the lander developed by US space agency NASA will be used to conduct various experiments.

It has been a busy time in the field of moon exploration. Japan's space agency JAXA succeeded in landing an unmanned probe on the lunar surface in January. This followed the cancellation of a landing plan by a different private firm in the US due to system failure.

Key words : lunar exploration
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240223_07/

Habitation module for Artemis lunar exploration shown to media

A habitation module for astronauts that will be used as part of the US-led lunar exploration program Artemis has been shown to media.

The Artemis program aims to make the first manned lunar mission in over half a century. Japan is taking part in the project. Under the plan, the Gateway space station will be built for astronauts to stay in while orbiting the moon.

The module called the Habitation and Logistics Outpost, or HALO, was unveiled to the media at a development facility in Italy on Thursday.

The module, equipped with communication systems and life support equipment, is scheduled to be launched as early as the end of next year.

HALO, measuring about 3 meters in diameter, will serve as the first outpost for astronauts who will build the space station.

Officials say workers have nearly completed HALO's outer aluminum walls. They say the module will be transported to the US for the launch by the end of the year after finishing assembly and testing of the inner part.

A facility to explain the interior of the Gateway space station was also shown to media.

Franco Fenoglio of Thales Alenia Space, a space manufacturer in charge of building the facility, noted that Japanese technologies have been used for the module's life support system.

He expressed hope that preparations to bring humans back to the moon will begin in a few years and Japan will contribute to the Artemis program.

Key words : family of murdered
#N/A


Key words : Navalny natural cause
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240223_04/

Navalny's mother says body shown to her, but handover refused

The mother of deceased Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny says the authorities have shown her his body, but refused to hand it over and pressured her to bury him in secret.

The revelations were included in a video released by Lyudmila Navalnaya on Thursday. The Russian authorities said on Friday last week that Navalny had died in a prison where he was being held.

Navalny's mother said the authorities took her to see his body at a morgue on Wednesday evening. She said they tried to blackmail her and set conditions on where, when and how he should be buried.

She said the officials threatened to do something to the body if she did not agree to a secret funeral. She quoted one of them as saying time was not on her side as the corpse was decomposing.

Navalny's mother says she recorded the video as the authorities began threatening her. She continued to demand that the body be transferred to her immediately.

Navalny's mother and his support group said the officials made her sign a death certificate stating he had died of natural causes.

This comes as the Kremlin is widely alleged to have had a hand in Navalny's death.

Key words : putin nuclear showcase
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240223_05/

Russian media show Putin aboard strategic bomber in flight

Russian state-run media have broadcast a video showing President Vladimir Putin aboard a nuclear-capable strategic bomber, in an apparent effort to showcase the country's military might.

The footage shows Putin boarding a Tu-160M in the central Russian republic of Tatarstan on Thursday. It shows him clutching the control stick while the plane is in flight.

Experts say the aircraft is being used to launch missile attacks on Ukraine. Putin made his flight two days before the second anniversary of the start of Russia's invasion.

Russian media also reported on an interview with former President Dmitry Medvedev, now deputy chair of the security council.

Medvedev said Russian forces will have to march again on Kyiv, as the Ukrainian capital poses an international threat to Russia's existence.

He also said Ukraine has a choice between endless war and life in a common state with Russia.

Meanwhile, Reuters news agency quoted six sources on Wednesday as saying Iran had supplied Russia with numerous surface-to-surface ballistic missiles.

It cited three Iranian sources as saying many of the missiles are of a type that can hit targets up to 700 kilometers away.

Reuters said one source revealed that the shipments started early last month. It cited an Iranian military official as saying there would be more shipments in the coming weeks.

On Thursday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy posted a comment on social media referring to the city of Avdiivka in the eastern region of Donetsk. Russian forces took control of the strategically important city earlier this month.

Zelenskyy stressed his intention to reinforce defenses near the city to prevent further Russian advances. He said his people had made a detailed examination of the situation in Avdiivka and to the south.

Zelenskyy disputed Moscow's claim that Russia had regained control of the village of Krynky on the east side of the Dnipro River in the southern region of Kherson. He said Ukrainian marines were holding a bridgehead there.

Key words : g20 divided
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240223_06/

G20 foreign ministers remain divided over Russia's invasion of Ukraine

Foreign ministers from the Group of 20 nations remain divided over Russia's invasion of Ukraine as the fighting approaches the two-year mark.

Brazil hosted the two-day G20 foreign ministerial conference in Rio de Janeiro that ended on Thursday. Diplomats discussed the conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East, as well as reforms for international bodies including the United Nations.

After the session, Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira said, "Several countries reiterated their condemnation of the war in Ukraine, as has been the case since 2022."

The Group of Seven nations condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine while developing countries, collectively known as the Global South, remained neutral.

On the situation in the Gaza Strip, Vieira noted that a number of countries expressed concern and highlighted the risk of the conflict spreading to neighboring countries.

He added that many nations are calling on Israel to suspend its decision to stage military operations in the city of Rafah in the southern part of Gaza.

On the roles of multilateral institutions, Vieira said the participants agreed on the need to reform the UN Security Council, which has been described as dysfunctional.

Brazil plans to hold the second foreign ministers' meeting at the UN General Assembly in New York in September.

Key words : serious labor
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240222_33/

Japanese govt. eyes adding 4 new sectors to specified skilled worker program

The Japanese government is considering adding four more sectors to be covered under the specified skilled worker program in an effort to accept more foreign workers in the fields suffering from a serious labor shortage.

Officials presented the plan to the ruling Liberal Democratic Party on Thursday. Those industries to be newly added to the program will be auto transportation, railroad, forestry and timber.

Specifically, the government has bus, taxi and truck drivers in mind for the auto transportation sector, and train operators, station staff and maintenance workers for the railroad sector. The government aims to approve the plan at a Cabinet meeting next month.

The status of specified skilled worker No. 1 category is given to non-Japanese workers who are recognized to have expert skills. Those with the status can stay in Japan for up to five years. Currently, the category covers 12 fields, such as nursing care, construction and agriculture.

If the plan is realized, it will be the first time new fields have been added to the program since the system was introduced.

In connection with foreign workers in Japan, the government plans to abolish the current system for foreign technical trainees and switch to a new program. It would be applied to the same sectors that are covered under the specified skilled worker program.

Key words : landmarks kamakura
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at 18:00 (JST), February 22

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20240222180000_english_1.mp3


Key words : kamikawa strongly condemned
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240222_10/

Japan FM Kamikawa condemns Russia's invasion at G20 meeting

Japan's Foreign Minister Kamikawa Yoko has strongly condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine and called for bringing about lasting peace as soon as possible.

Kamikawa was speaking at the G20 foreign ministerial meeting that opened in Rio de Janeiro on Wednesday. The participants include Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.

Kamikawa said Moscow's continued aggression against Ukraine is an outrage that undermines the foundation of G20 cooperation and poses a major challenge to the rule of law.

She added that unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force must never be tolerated.

Kamikawa also condemned terrorist attacks by the Islamic group Hamas and other militants. She expressed deep concern about Israel's military operations targeting Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip, and stressed the need for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.

Kamikawa added that Japan is considering extending additional humanitarian assistance worth 32 million dollars for Palestinians.

Key words : this week marks two years
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/videos/20240222160416735/

Fatigue, ammo shortages in Ukraine as invasion drags on

This week marks two years since the start of Russia's invasion in Ukraine. Amid a shortage of ammunition, Ukrainian forces are struggling to reinforce the frontlines against Russia's intensifying offensive. In the country's capital, fatigue over the prolonged conflict appears to be setting in. NHK World Kitai Genki has the latest from Kyiv.

Key words : putin visited ceremony
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240222_08/

Putin attends opening ceremony of large-scale sports event

Russian President Vladimir Putin visited the city of Kazan on Wednesday to take part in the opening ceremony of a large-scale international sports event.

The Games of the Future kicked off on Wednesday in Kazan in the central Russian republic of Tatarstan.

The February 21 to March 3 event features a combination of sports and esports and is being held in an apparent demonstration of power as Saturday marks two years since Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko as well as presidents from former Soviet republics of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan also attended.

Putin said in a speech that Russia "remains one of the leading sports powerhouses on the planet."
He also held separate meetings with invited leaders on the sidelines of the event in an apparent bid to underscore their ties.

On Wednesday, Putin also visited an aviation plant in Kazan, accompanied by defense minister, Sergei Shoigu.

He was briefed by officials about strategic bombers that can carry nuclear weapons and sat at the controls of one of the aircraft.

Key words : five lawmaker
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240222_17/

Five LDP lawmakers to attend Lower House ethics council meeting

Five lawmakers from Japan's governing party have officially offered to explain themselves before a political ethics council of the Lower House over a fundraising scandal that has rocked the party.

The lawmakers of the Liberal Democratic Party submitted papers to the chair of the Lower House Deliberative Council on Political Ethics on Thursday.

The council is expected to hold an executive meeting as early as Monday for the ruling and opposition parties to arrange dates and other details, such as whether to hold open or closed sessions.

If the council is convened, it would be the first time since 2009.

The move comes after strong demands from opposition parties for lawmakers to attend the council to answer questions about their fundraising parties.

Major Liberal Democratic Party factions are suspected of failing to declare parts of revenue from fundraising events and giving kickbacks to members.

The scandal has led to the indictments of current and former lawmakers, as well as their treasurers. They face charges of failing to fully report revenue from political fundraising parties, in violation of the political funds control law. Most of them were members of what used to be the LDP's largest faction. It was led by the late Prime Minister Abe Shinzo.

The five lawmakers who filed their attendance are former education minister Shionoya Ryu, former Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu, former economy and industry minister Nishimura Yasutoshi, former Diet affairs chief Takagi Tsuyoshi, and former internal affairs minister Takeda Ryota.

Shionoya, Matsuno, Nishimura and Takagi all served as secretary generals for the Abe faction. Takeda was the secretary general of the Nikai faction, led by former LDP Secretary General Nikai Toshihiro. Both factions are in the process of disbanding.

The LDP is considering convening the council in the middle of next week. Plans to convene council hearings over two days are also being floated.

The Lower House Deliberative Council on Political Ethics is responsible for examining the political and moral conduct of lawmakers.

It can be convened when nine or more of the council's 25 members file a request or lawmakers facing allegations do so. In principle, council sessions are held behind closed doors.

Following deliberations, the council can admonish lawmakers, such as asking them to refrain from attending Diet sessions for a certain period. But no lawmaker has ever been admonished as a result of council hearings.

Opposition lawmakers are demanding that the council hold open sessions over the fundraising scandal.

Key words : 12 people lawsuit
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240222_11/

Six couples in Japan to go to court seeking separate surnames

A group of 12 people in Japan plan to file lawsuits next month to challenge the constitutionality of legal provisions requiring married couples to use the same surnames.

Their lawyers say calls for the use of separate surnames are growing louder even though the Supreme Court has found the provisions constitutional in two previous rulings.

The 12 people are five common-law couples and one married couple, who live in Tokyo, Hokkaido, Nagano Prefecture and elsewhere.

They say the Civil Code and family register law provisions that do not allow married couples to have separate surnames violate the Constitution that guarantees freedom of marriage and are thus invalid.

The would-be plaintiffs and their lawyers say losing one's birth name makes it difficult to maintain credibility and evaluations linked to the old name. They say quite a few people feel like they are losing their identity.

They also say those who have chosen common-law marriage to keep their separate surnames often face disadvantages as a result.

They plan to file group suits with the district courts in Tokyo and Sapporo on March 8, seeking compensation from the state.

Similar lawsuits have been filed in the past. In 2015 and 2021, the Supreme Court's 15-member grand bench upheld the provisions as constitutional in majority rulings. But five justices in 2015, and four in 2021, gave a minority opinion that they are unconstitutional.

The lawyers are calling for a change in the top court's judgment, noting that Japan's largest business lobby and many local assemblies support separate surnames.

The Japan Business Federation, or Keidanren, says married couples should be allowed the choice of keeping separate surnames.

Its diversity promotion panel has asked Gender Equality Minister Kato Ayuko to introduce an option for separate surnames.

In 1996, a government panel proposed that couples should be allowed to decide whether to have a single family name or separate surnames.

Keidanren Chairman Tokura Masakazu has urged the government to push for the change as a top priority to support workstyle reform for women. He said he does not know why it has taken such a long time.

Key words : sumo
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240222_12/

Sumo elder Hakuho faces demotion over alleged violence by wrestler in his stable

The Japan Sumo Association's compliance committee has recommended the demotion of stablemaster and former Yokozuna grand champion Hakuho over reports of repeated violence by one of his wrestlers.

Sources told NHK that the committee drew up their recommendations after conducting a probe into the allegations.

They say the committee proposed that Hokuseiho retire. Hakuho, now known as Miyagino, would be demoted to the lowest rank of the association's sumo elders and his salary would be cut.

Hokuseiho told reporters he was sorry after being interviewed by the committee on Wednesday.

The association is expected to discuss the proposals at an extraordinary board meeting on Friday.

Mongolian-born Hokuseiho, who is 22, made his debut in the top Makuuchi division last year. He pulled out of the New Year Grand Sumo Tournament on the sixth day, citing a knee injury.

Hakuho won a record 45 sumo tournaments. He retired three years ago and became the head of the Miyagino stable in July 2022.

Key words : north soccer tokyo
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20240220_26/

Japan women's soccer team to play against N.Korea in Saudi Arabia

Japan's national women's soccer team is set to play the first of their final Olympic qualifying matches against North Korea in Saudi Arabia.

The first of the two home-and-away games was to be held in Pyongyang on February 24.

But earlier this month, the Asian Football Confederation proposed that North Korea move the match to a neutral venue, citing difficulties in preparation.

Sasaki Norio, the head of the Japan Football Association women's committee, spoke to reporters on Tuesday at the team's training camp in Chiba City, near Tokyo.

Sasaki revealed that the team had been instructed by the AFC to prepare for a match being arranged in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

He said the players and staff will depart for Saudi Arabia on two flights Tuesday night.

Team captain Kumagai Saki said it will not be easy for the players to be in their best shape, but they will do all they can to win a ticket to the Paris Olympics.

Kumagai also called the confusion in deciding the venue not normal. She said although the players will go where they are told to, this situation should never happen again.

Key words : weather Jonathan Oh
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