at 20:00 (JST), September 20 AS

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has been reelected as leader of the main ruling Liberal Democratic Party.

The United States has welcomed the latest inter-Korean summit and proposed a prompt resumption of talks with Pyongyang.

The United Nations says another 10 countries will likely move toward ratifying the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in a signing ceremony next week.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20180920200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : Abe reelected as votes
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180920_30/

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has been reelected as leader of the main ruling Liberal Democratic Party. The vote puts him on track to become the country's longest serving prime minister.

With 810 votes up for grabs, Abe took 553, while LDP veteran lawmaker, Shigeru Ishiba, gained 254.

After the result, Abe spoke to LDP lawmakers. He said, "While addressing all the issues of the post-war era, I will solidify peace and stability in this country. Furthermore, I'm resolved to work hard towards amending the Constitution. I also want to take on the challenge of creating a new Japan. Getting together with like-minded people, I will do my best to pass on to future generations a country filled with hope and pride."

Abe gained the backing of over 80 percent of LDP lawmakers and about 55 percent of non-lawmaker party members across Japan.

Ishiba put up a good fight, securing about 45 percent of the rank-and-file members. He campaigned on restoring public trust in politics, referring to cronyism scandals that have dogged Abe.

Key words : Abe says he plans
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180920_31/

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says he plans to reshuffle his Cabinet and ruling party executives after his upcoming visit to New York.

Abe disclosed the plan after being reelected for a third term as president of the Liberal Democratic Party on Thursday.

He told an extraordinary meeting of LDP executives that he will attend the UN General Assembly meeting in New York next week, and hold a summit with US President Donald Trump.

Abe said he will appoint new party executives and select the members of his new Cabinet soon after he returns to Japan.

Key words : united states welcomed prompt
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180920_08/

The United States has welcomed the latest inter-Korean summit and proposed a prompt resumption of talks with Pyongyang.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo released a statement on Wednesday that welcomes the joint declaration issued by the leaders of North and South Korea.

Pompeo cited the North's promise to permanently shut down its missile engine test site and missile launch pad in Tongchang-ri in the presence of an international group of inspectors.

The country also said it's ready to dismantle the Nyongbyon nuclear facilities in the presence of inspectors from the United States and the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Pompeo responded, saying that the United States is prepared to engage immediately in negotiations to transform US-North Korea relations.

He said he had invited North Korean Foreign Minister Ri Yong Ho to meet in New York next week on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly for discussions on North Korea's denuclearization.

The United States also invited North Korean delegates to meet the US special representative for North Korea, Stephen Biegun, in Vienna at the earliest opportunity.

Pompeo also set the goal of rapid denuclearization of North Korea to be completed by January 2021, when President Donald Trump's first term ends.

Key words : Insight How this could effect denuclearization talk
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Key words : United Nations says another
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180920_12/

The United Nations says another 10 countries will likely move toward ratifying the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in a signing ceremony next week.

The treaty adopted in July last year says nuclear weapons violate international humanitarian law. It prohibits countries from not only using, but also developing and possessing nuclear weapons.

50 countries need to ratify the treaty before it takes effect.

Santiago Villalpando, the Chief of the Treaty Section of the UN Office of Legal Affairs, indicated on Wednesday that as many as 10 countries are expected to sign the treaty or submit ratification documents after having completed domestic procedures.

To date, 15 countries and territories have ratified the treaty.

Villalpando says the number shows many countries promptly responded within one year of its adoption.

He expressed his high hope that the treaty will take effect at an early date.

Among those who will attend the signing ceremony are General Assembly President Maria Fernanda Espinosa Garces, and UN Under Secretary General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Izumi Nakamitsu.

Beatrice Fihn, the head of International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, will also be present.

The non-governmental organization known as ICAN has contributed greatly to the UN approval of the treaty. For its effort, the organization was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize last year.

Key words : representing hibakusha
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Key words : Kono
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180920_06/

Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono is planning to meet his Russian counterpart, Sergei Lavrov, next week.

The meeting may take place on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Russian President Vladimir Putin earlier this month suggested that the countries sign a peace treaty without any conditions by the end of the year.

In response, Abe conveyed Japan's stance that the country will conclude a peace pact after the issue of the Northern Territories is resolved.

Russia controls the 4 islands. Japan claims them.
The Japanese government maintains the islands are an inherent part of Japan's territory. It says the islands were illegally occupied after World War Two.

At the expected talks with Lavrov, Kono will seek to determine what lay behind Putin's remarks regarding the islands.

Kono also wants to confirm that the 2 countries will speed up arrangements for joint economic activity on the 4 islands.

Abe and Putin have endorsed a plan on the activity.

Kono also hopes his meeting with Lavrov will help Abe and Putin reach an agreement at a summit in the near future.

Key words : minister environment
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180920_25/

Environment ministers from the Group of 7 countries have confirmed all members, including the United States, must stand united in fighting climate change and driving clean growth.

The G7 ministers met in Halifax, Canada, on Wednesday as a sense of crisis is growing around the globe over extreme weather events, such as flooding and record-breaking heat waves.

Delegates from Japan and other countries explained their steps to reduce the use of fossil fuels in line with the Paris Agreement on climate change, while pursuing growth.

US representatives also reported the country's efforts to curb global warming, including technological innovation to reduce carbon-dioxide emissions from coal-fired thermal power plants.

The US announced its decision in 2017 to pull out of the Paris accord. In last year's meeting, the country did not fully sign on to the G7 environment ministers' joint statement. The country opted to state its position in a footnote.

But this year, participants say the meeting confirmed the need for a united front, and agreed to take specific steps while balancing them with economic growth.

Canadian environment minister Catherine McKenna, who chaired the meeting, said delegates were able to have a good discussion, despite a difference in position from that of the US. She stressed that fighting climate change presents a major economic opportunity.

Japan's environment minister, Masaharu Nakagawa, told reporters that the G7 members agreed to work together and strengthen their unity.

Key words : medical university
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180920_23/

A Japanese medical university mired in a bribery scandal and under fire for discriminating against female applicants is set to have its first woman president.

Tokyo Medical University says Yukiko Hayashi, chief professor of the department of pathophysiology, was elected at a faculty meeting on Wednesday. There were 2 candidates for the post.

She will officially become the university's first female president if her nomination is approved at a meeting of the board of directors next Tuesday.

Tokyo Medical University's president and board chairman resigned in July over a bribery scandal involving a senior education ministry official.

Prosecutors later indicted the university executives, saying they had the official's son unfairly admitted to the school. The official helped the university to qualify for the ministry's subsidy program in return.

The university in August also admitted manipulating its entrance exam scores to limit the number of female students.

Sources close to the university say that calls for a woman president may have grown at the school as a way to restore its reputation and regain public trust.

Key words : game show
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180920_28/

A record 668 exhibitors are showcasing their latest products at the Tokyo Game Show. This year all the buzz is about the multi-player contests known as e-sports.

The venue is fitted with giant screens so people can watch professional gamers compete in a range of tournaments. Almost 90-thousand dollars in prize money is at stake.

E-sports game software and playing chairs feature prominently among the exhibits. Sony's new palm-sized version of its PlayStation home console is part of a nostalgic movement in the industry to revive much-loved video game systems from the past.

The exhibition will be open to the public on Saturday and Sunday.

at 20:00 (JST), September 19 AS

The leaders of North Korea and South Korea have signed a joint declaration after concluding their 3rd summit talks.

The ongoing trade tensions between the US and China continue to escalate. Beijing says it will slap tariffs on US imports worth about 60-billion dollars.

The operator of Hokkaido's main power plant says unit one of its Tomatoh-Atsuma thermal plant is back online.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20180919200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : leaders of north have signed joint
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180919_28/

The leaders of North Korea and South Korea have signed a joint declaration after concluding their 3rd summit talks.

The declaration states that North Korea is ready to permanently dismantle its nuclear facility in Nyongbyon, on the condition that the United States takes reciprocal actions.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un met for the 2nd day of their summit in Pyongyang on Wednesday. They talked for about 70 minutes.

After the meeting, the 2 leaders signed the declaration.

Along with the suggestion about the dismantlement of the nuclear facility, the document says the North's missile test site in Tongchang-ri will be shut down permanently in attendance of international inspectors.

The declaration also says Kim will visit Seoul in the near future. The visit, if it takes place, will mark the first one to the South Korean capital by a North Korean leader.

Referring to this, Moon said the word "near future" suggests sometime before the end of this year, if there are no particular reasons to obstruct the state visit.

Key words : Suga
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180919_35/

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga has expressed hope that the inter-Korean summit agreement will lead to complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

He also said Japan respects the 2 leaders' efforts to reach the agreement.

Suga told reporters on Wednesday that the important thing is quick implementation of the agreement made at this year's US-North Korea summit, including Pyongyang's commitment to full denuclearization of the peninsula.

He said Japan will continue to work closely with the US and South Korea on the matter.

Asked whether he has confirmed with South Korea whether Japan-North Korea dialogue was on the agenda at the current summit, Suga said only that he has been given various types of information.

Key words : ongoing trade
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180919_30/

The ongoing trade tensions between the US and China continue to escalate. Beijing says it will slap tariffs on US imports worth about 60-billion dollars. The move comes in retaliation for new duties Washington announced on Monday.

Meanwhile President Donald Trump remains determined to punish China until the country makes trade concessions. That means the dispute will likely keep going. But Trump has left the door open to talks.

Trump said, "We may make a deal at some point but right now, we just imposed 200 billion dollars at 25 percent. It just went on. It actually kicks in on January 1st at 25 percent. It starts off at 10 percent, but shortly thereafter it goes to 25. So we'll see what happens but we're making a lot of headway with China. China wants to come over and talk. And we are always open to talking."

Beijing's retaliatory tariffs will have a smaller impact as it imports less American goods than the US gets from China.

And China's counter-tariffs could hurt domestic businesses and consumers, who are already affected by declining stock prices and a weakening yuan.

China may want to negotiate with the US rather than continue to fight an all-out trade war. But Beijing appears to distrust President Trump, who pushed ahead with the new sanctions while arrangements for talks were being made.

Meanwhile, concerns are also growing in the US. The country's National Retail Federation has reacted to Trump's latest tariff announcement. It called the policy "disappointing", saying every time the trade war escalates, the risk to US consumers grows.

There are also concerns that its effects could reach the Japanese economy. There are more than 30,000 Japanese firms operating in China.

An economist warns that the increasing tariffs could have a large impact on the Japanese economy.

Shunsuke Kobayashi at Daiwa Institute of Research said, "China makes products with components and machinery imported from Japan, and Chinese products heading to the US are estimated to be worth about 27 billion dollars. The biggest concern is the effect on semiconductor businesses in Japan, which export large amounts of chip-making machinery to China."

He also warns that the US-China trade war could drag on and have an extensive impact on the global economy.

Key words : bank of Japan finished
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180919_26/

The Bank of Japan has finished a two-day meeting, and officials are going to keep their bank policy steady, as expected. They adjusted their policy in July in order to limit negative effects from a monetary easing program.

The BOJ will maintain its target for the long-term interest rate at around zero percent. It says it will allow fluctuations in the benchmark 10-year government bond yield, to some extent.

The short-term interest rate target will stay at minus 0.1 percent. That means commercial banks effectively have to pay 0.1 percent interest on a portion of their deposits at the central bank.

Policymakers also kept their forward guidance on policy rates. They promise to maintain the extremely low levels of short- and long-term interest rates for an extended period.

Key words : main power plant unit one is back online
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180919_16/

The operator of Hokkaido's main power plant says unit one of its Tomatoh-Atsuma thermal plant is back online.

The facility had been down following a massive earthquake in the prefecture earlier this month, which left many without electricity.

The restart brings the utility's total output capacity to 3.9 million kilowatts. That's more than the peak demand reached before the quake.

Key words : Amuro exclusive interview
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Key words : health officials
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180919_20/

Japan's health officials say rubella, or German measles, is spreading, with the number of patients since the start of this year the largest in 5 years.

The National Institute of Infectious Diseases said on Wednesday that the total number of cases this year has hit 496, more than 5 times the figure from last year.

More than 70 percent of the cases are in Tokyo and surrounding prefectures.

In the week ending September 9th, 127 new cases were reported by medical institutions across Japan.

That marked the first time this season that the number of new cases in a week topped 100.

Symptoms include fever and rashes. An infection during pregnancy could result in visual, hearing or cardiac disorders for the baby.

The institute is calling on women who may become pregnant to receive a vaccination followed by a booster shot.

It is also urging family members and others close to pregnant women to consider receiving vaccinations, if they have never contracted the disease and do not have records of receiving shots on two occasions.

It says men in their 30s to 50s should be tested for antibodies and consider getting vaccinated, because they were not subject to vaccinations as children.

Key words : number of foreign resident
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Key words : robot center
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180919_08/

A Japanese machinery maker has opened a robot center in Russia's second largest city, Saint Petersburg, in the hope of developing a new market.

Kawasaki Heavy Industries opened the facility on Tuesday on the campus of St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. Ten types of robots are on permanent display, including the same ones that Toyota Motor is using at its local plant.

In a speech at the opening ceremony, Rector Andrey Rudskoy said the university has a mission to train robot experts for Russia.

The Russian government is seeking to improve industrial efficiency and boost productivity. The Japanese government is supporting these efforts as part of its economic cooperation program.
The Managing Executive Officer of Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Yasuhiko Hashimoto, says Russia is going to rapidly introduce more robots, given the level of its space industry. He says he has high expectations for this potential market.

at 20:00 (JST), September 18 AS

The administration of US President Donald Trump has unveiled the third - and largest yet - round of additional tariffs on Chinese goods that will take effect on September 24th.

The leaders of the 2 Koreas Moon Jae-in and Kim Jong Un have wrapped up the first day of official talks.

Railway services to Kansai International Airport have resumed, two weeks after the bridge linking it with the mainland was damaged by an oil tanker.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20180918200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : Trump unveil third
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180918_09/

The administration of US President Donald Trump has unveiled the third - and largest yet - round of additional tariffs on Chinese goods that will take effect on September 24th.

The US government announced the plan on Monday.
It will initially impose an additional tariff of 10 percent on 200 billion dollars' worth of Chinese imports. This will be raised to 25 percent in the future, unless escalating trade issues between China and the US are resolved.

The Trump administration accuses China of unfairly obtaining US technologies and intellectual property.

Earlier this year, it imposed additional tariffs on 50 billion dollars' worth of imports from China.

The latest move means that nearly half of all Chinese imports into the US will be subjected to additional tariffs.

Unlike the first and second rounds of tariffs imposed mainly on industrial and tech products, the latest will be levied on a wider range of Chinese products, including consumer goods. This may result in raised prices, impacting US consumers.

China had responded with retaliatory tariffs. This time it is expected to impose levies on US products worth 60 billion dollars, including liquefied natural gas.

The wave of tariffs and counter-tariffs is likely to impact businesses and consumers in both countries, possibly slowing down the global economy.

The Trump administration has shown willingness to negotiate with China.

Key words : China says
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180918_35/

China says it will retaliate against the next round of US import tariffs.

The Chinese Commerce Ministry said on Tuesday that the country must protect its legitimate national interests as well as the global trade order.

The ministry said the latest round of sanctions - the 3rd - has caused new uncertainties for bilateral talks. It said it hopes the United States will realize the results will be negative and swiftly reverse course.

The administration of US President Donald Trump on Monday unveiled an additional tariff of 10 percent on 200 billion dollars' worth of Chinese imports. The sanctions will take effect on September 24th.

China has already announced plans to impose retaliatory tariffs on 60 billion dollars' worth of US imports, but the details have not been made clear.

The Trump administration warned that such actions would be met by additional tariffs on almost all Chinese imports.

The 2 countries have been engaged in efforts to resume ministerial-level negotiations, which halted in June.

A Hong Kong newspaper says China is reviewing plans to send a delegation to Washington for fresh talks, following the US action.

Key words : economy minister
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180918_26/

Japan's economy minister has expressed concerns over US President Donald Trump's decision to impose more tariffs on products from China.

Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Hiroshige Seko spoke to reporters on Tuesday after the Trump administration announced it will slap new tariffs on 200 billion dollars' worth of Chinese goods. The additional duties are to take effect on Monday next week.

Seko said the decision is deeply regrettable.

He said such wide-ranging measures to restrict trade will be a drag on global economic growth. He added the tariffs could have an unexpected negative impact on countries other than the US and China.

Seko said many Japanese companies export parts and components to China, and from there, to the United States.

He said he cannot say how much of an impact the new sanctions will have, or which industries will be affected, because global supply chains have complicated structures.

Seko said the government will stay in close touch with businesses in order to grasp the effect of the US move before responding.

Japan Foreign Trade Council Chairman Kuniharu Nakamura also expressed concern.

He told reporters that both the US and China are Japan's major trading and investment partners. He said US tariffs on this scale will likely have an impact on consumers as well as on businesses.

He said he wonders if there is any way to prevent a further escalation of friction through talks.

Nakamura indicated he will carefully monitor negotiations between the US and China.

Key words : leaders of the 2 wrapped up
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180918_45/

The leaders of the 2 Koreas have wrapped up the first day of official talks. Denuclearization of the peninsula was top of the agenda.

This was the third summit between the two. Ahead of the discussions, Moon Jae-in signed a visitor's book writing, "We Koreans have one mind to move toward peace and prosperity."

At the meeting, Kim Jong Un said the inter-Korean relationship and ties between the US and the North have improved because of Moon's efforts. He added he expects more positive things to come.

Moon replied he appreciates Kim's decision to move forward with a new era.

The two leaders were joined by the heads of South Korea's National Security and Intelligence Service.

On the North Korea's side, a vice chairman of the ruling party and Kim's sister were in attendance.

Earlier in the day, Moon and Kim spoke in front of cameras.

Moon said, "We were welcomed very passionately, by the citizens out on the street as well as the people waving from apartment buildings. We were touched. We were deeply moved."

Kim said, "The enthusiastic welcome for President Moon shows that Koreans are yearning for fast progress as we achieved this year. We will not fail the hopes and expectations of the people in both Koreas. We shall take even faster steps. "
Moon then said, "The citizens of Pyongyang welcomed us so passionately. If people in South Korea see this, they will be deeply touched too. And they will expect great achievements from this meeting."

Moon received a royal welcome when he arrived Tuesday morning.

The North's leader showed up to greet him at the airport.
It's the first time Moon has visited Pyongyang as president. He was greeted by crowds waving unified Korean flags.

There were more crowds lining the streets to cheer on the motorcade.

Moon has said his 3-day visit will focus on easing military tensions between the two Koreas and supporting dialogue between Washington and Pyongyang.

Those talks have stalled amid evidence the North is continuing its nuclear program.

North Korea's ruling party's newspaper says the United States is ''totally to blame'' for the stalemate.

Key words : newspaper says the united states totally to blame editorial
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180918_32/

North Korea's ruling party newspaper says the United States is totally to blame for the deadlock in bilateral negotiations on denuclearization.

Rodong Sinmun criticized the US in an editorial on Tuesday, the day the inter-Korea summit meeting is being held in Pyongyang.

The editorial lashed out at the US for unilaterally demanding action by North Korea while doing nothing itself.

The editorial said the North's decision to close its nuclear test site and end test-launches of intercontinental ballistic missiles is aimed at rebuilding relations with the US.

It described the US demand to discuss key bilateral issues only after verifiable, irreversible and complete denuclearization as reckless.

It reiterated a demand that the US agree to negotiate a declaration formally ending the Korean War, which would provide security guarantees to the North.

Key words : main power plant
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180918_31/

Hokkaido's main power plant could be back online as soon as Tuesday afternoon. The facility has been out of operation since a huge earthquake hit the region on September 6th.

The vice president of Hokkaido Electric Power says Unit One of the Tomatoh-Atsuma thermal plant will be restarted if tests show no safety problems.

Yutaka Fujii says preparations are underway for a trial run of the plant's Unit Two. But he says it won't be restarted until at least mid-October.

The utility will have a total output capacity of up to 4.3 million kilowatts once Unit One begins sending power to the grid. That surpasses the peak demand the day before the quake.

Key words : railway service resumed
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180918_07/

Railway services to Kansai International Airport have resumed, two weeks after the bridge linking it with the mainland was damaged by an oil tanker.

Powerful winds and waves caused by a typhoon drove the tanker into the bridge on September 4th, badly damaging the railway tracks and one side of the lanes for car traffic.

Repair work went more smoothly than expected and both West Japan Railway Company and Nankai Electric Railway resumed services on Tuesday morning, 3 days earlier than initially planned.

Each day, the two railways carry about 67,000 passengers, or about 80 percent of people going to the airport.

Key words : Insight what we can do to minimise damage from natural disaster
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Key words : land price
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at 20:00 (JST), September 17 AS

The inter-Korean summit starts Tuesday in Pyongyang. The leaders of two Koreas expected to announce the meeting's outcome on Wednesday.

Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force submarine has traveled to southern Vietnam for the first time, in an apparent show of resistance against China.

エラー 2042

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20180917200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : inter-korean summit outcome
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180917_13/

The inter-Korean summit starts Tuesday in Pyongyang. South Korean officials expect President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to announce the meeting's outcome on Wednesday.

South Korean Chief Presidential Secretary, Im Jong-seok said, "If the talks go smoothly, we can expect the joint press conference after the meeting to reveal the agreement."

The South Korean government has revealed the itinerary of President Moon's visit to Pyongyang. The main topic is denuclearization, and Im has called on both sides to work together toward this goal.

The Chief Presidential Secretary added, "We will work so that the US and the North can resume talks toward a new relationship. We hope the North will make progress on denuclearization while the US takes corresponding actions."

Im says an agreement might include steps to ease tensions between the North and the South. But it's unclear if Moon can get concessions from Kim on denuclearization to break its stalemate with the US.

Key words : expert on north
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180917_01/

An expert on North Korean politics says he is focusing on the amount of time the leaders of the 2 Koreas will spend in one-on-one discussions at the upcoming inter-Korean summit.

Associate Professor Atsuhito Isozaki of Keio University spoke to NHK by phone. He says that will demonstrate how much the North's leader trusts his South Korean counterpart.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will begin their third summit meeting this year on Tuesday.

Isozaki noted the distrust that has accumulated over the years between the North and the United States. He said that is behind the stalemate in their denuclearization talks.

He said he thinks North Korea wants to establish trust with the Moon administration so that it will be able to convey its demands to the US via the South.

Isozaki said the North apparently hopes the inter-Korean summit will pave the way for a second summit with the US to discuss sanctions and a security guarantee.

He said North Korea will certainly give Moon a warm reception, and that the summit will present a chance for the North to highlight the easing of tensions between the 2 Koreas.

Isozaki said the main focus of the summit is on whether the Moon administration will be able to play bridge-building roles between the North and the US.

He said attention is also on the depth of discussions between Kim and Moon, especially on the North's declaration of its nuclear capabilities that the US is demanding.

Key words : maritime self-defense first time
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180917_14/

A submarine from Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force has traveled to southern Vietnam for the first time, in an apparent show of resistance against China.

The submarine Kuroshio docked at Vietnam's strategically important port of Cam Ranh Bay on Monday.

The bay has a major port facility and is located near islands in the South China Sea over which the country has territorial disputes with China.

Two MSDF destroyers made a port call there last year to take part in US-led joint drills.

China has built an island in the Spratly Islands' Johnson South Reef. It is believed to have begun operating facilities that include what appears to be a building equipped with antiaircraft artillery, and a radar.

Japan's Defense Ministry has stepped up surveillance near Japanese waters by increasing the number of submarines it operates in the region. It is a response to increased activity by the Chinese Navy.

The port call of Kuroshio to Cam Ranh Bay is likely aimed at keeping China in check by showcasing Japan's strengthened ties with the Vietnamese Navy, as well as showcasing the capabilities of Japanese submarines.

Key words : submarine took part
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180917_15/

Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force says one of its submarines took part in a drill in the South China Sea.

The MSDF rarely carries out exercises in the sea.

The force said on Monday that the anti-submarine warfare drill held last Thursday involved its submersible Kuroshio and three other vessels, including the destroyer Kaga.

It says the Kuroshio joined the Kaga on the high seas. The destroyer is currently navigating between the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean on a 2-month mission.

The drill involved tracking the Kuroshio without being noticed. Photos released by the MSDF show a helicopter that flew from the destroyer dropping equipment for searching for submarines into the water.

Anti-sub activities are seen as among the most crucial for the MSDF. Related drills of the force have mainly taken place in waters surrounding Japan.

The MSDF has made the unusual move making the drill known. The operation is likely aimed at keeping China's increasing maritime activities in check.

Japan's Self Defense Forces have been engaged in activities in a wider range of areas, citing ongoing changes to the security environment.

Key words : powerful typhoon landfall tropical depression
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Key words : power station
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180917_12/

The operator of a major power station in quake-hit Hokkaido is working to put a unit at the plant back online on Tuesday at earliest.

The powerful earthquake on September 6th caused damage to the Tomatoh-Atsuma thermal power plant, triggering a massive blackout.

Hokkaido Electric Power Company originally estimated it would be able to restart the plant's Unit One at the end of this month or later and the other 2 in mid-October and November at earliest.

But it reports that an in-house inspection has revealed the Number One unit's boiler had sustained less damage than initially thought. Repair work to fix it has proceeded smoothly.

Since the end of last week, the utility has been able to supply up to 3.56 million kilowatts, and raise that figure to 4.26 million kilowatts in case of emergency.

The Number One unit's output is 350,000 kilowatts.

Hokkaido Electric plans to continue its call for households and businesses to save energy. But it says it will not set numerical targets for the period starting on Tuesday.

Key words : amuro music event to see her f
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180917_06/

Thousands of fans of Japanese pop star Namie Amuro flocked to the southern prefecture of Okinawa to see her final performance.

It was Amuro's last live music event of her career on the eve of her retirement. The show was staged on Saturday in Ginowan City in her home prefecture.

Local bands and singers also took part the event, which drew an audience of about 3,500 people.

Amuro sang 8 songs, including duets with Ken Hirai and Tomohisa Yamashita. She chose as her last number the song, "How do you feel now?", from her greatest-hits album released last year.

The J-pop icon thanked the audience for their support before putting her microphone down on the stage.

On Sunday in Okinawa City, some 3,000 fans visited the final day of an exhibition of Amuro's clothes and other items.

Some of them were tearful as they viewed about 40 displays, including her costumes and microphones, as well as videos of her live performance.

In the evening near the concert venue, 12,000 fireworks were launched in sync with Amuro's songs.

Event organizers say that Amuro, wearing casual kimono, enjoyed the firework display unnoticed by other onlookers.

Key words : Naomi powerful
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Key words : holiday
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Key words : population
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Key words : group of trainee
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at 20:00 (JST), September 16 AS

US media outlets say the administration of President Donald Trump plans to announce new tariffs on 200 billion dollars in Chinese goods on Monday or Tuesday.

The powerful earthquake that hit Japan's northern prefecture of Hokkaido is having an adverse effect on tourism, one of the region's main industries.

Nankai Electric Railway says train services to Osaka's Kansai International Airport will be running again on Tuesday.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20180916200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : US media outlets
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180916_10/

US media outlets say the administration of President Donald Trump plans to announce new tariffs on 200 billion dollars in Chinese goods on Monday or Tuesday.

They say the levies would take effect some weeks after that. The third round of duties by the Trump administration on Chinese products would be the largest ever levied on imports from China.

They say the tariffs would start at 10 percent to reduce the impact on US consumers of expected higher prices of Chinese goods. That's below the 25 percent previously announced.

The Washington Post says the new tariffs would apply to more than 1,000 products, including air conditioners, televisions and toys.

The Wall Street Journal says trade talks between US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and Chinese Vice Premier Liu He are expected to begin in Washington on September 27th.

Analysts say the administration believes the announcement would give the US more leverage in high-level negotiations with China.

Key words : powerful earthquake effect tourism
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180916_05/

The powerful earthquake that hit Japan's northern prefecture of Hokkaido is having an adverse effect on tourism, one of the region's main industries.

Prefectural officials estimate that the sector has lost about 29 billion yen, or about 260 million dollars, since the magnitude-6.7 quake struck on September 6th.

Officials surveyed about 1,000 lodging facilities and tourist spots. They also obtained information from providers of transportation services.

Hotels and inns had recorded 942,000 cancelations by Saturday. That figure represents the number of guests multiplied by the number of days they had planned to stay.

69,000 people canceled visits to museums and other tourist facilities. 22,000 canceled reservations for ferries and pleasure boats. 4,000 tour buses were idled.

Prefectural officials calculated the total by adding up the amounts that people, who canceled trips, would have spent on food, souvenirs, and transportation.

The officials say they will support the tourism industry and take steps to assure people that Hokkaido is safe.

Key words : hot spring
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180916_13/

Hot springs operators in Hokkaido are stepping up efforts to attract tourists. The move comes as a powerful earthquake that hit the northern Japanese prefecture is impacting tourism, one of the region's main industries.

Hotels in the Jozankei hot spring resort have had many cancelations. They say they are expected to lose about 330 million yen, or around 3 million dollars, by the end of the year.

Facilities in the area are making efforts to draw tourists ahead of the autumn foliage season.

They say they will offer special accommodation plans with a discount coupon of 2,000 yen, or about 18 dollars, starting on Monday.

Some facilities are offering a half-price discount for their hot spring bathing fee.

A hotel official says he hopes many people will visit.

Key words : Nankai
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180915_26/

Nankai Electric Railway says train services to Osaka's Kansai International Airport will be running again on Tuesday.

Services were suspended on September 4th after Typhoon Jebi sent a tanker crashing into a road-rail bridge linking the airport with the mainland.

A girder holding the railway track slipped 50 centimeters sideways. But it was not seriously damaged, and workers have moved it back to its original position.

The train service will resume on Tuesday, 3 days earlier than planned.

Officials say it will take longer for the bridge to reopen to traffic. One of the girders holding the road has been removed.

The restart of the train service will significantly improve access to the airport, which is aiming to resume full operations of passenger terminals on September 21st.

Key words : weather officials China coming
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180916_17/

Weather officials in China say Typhoon Mangkhut made landfall in the southern province of Guangdong on Sunday afternoon after coming close to Hong Kong.

The officials say the typhoon is heading west while becoming a little weaker, but rain and winds are likely to continue in Hong Kong and southern China.

Authorities in Hong Kong say some parts of the territory have been flooded and there are reports of broken windows in commercial buildings and condominiums.

The authorities are keeping the highest alert level and urging residents to stay indoors.

889 flights to and from Hong Kong were cancelled on Sunday, along with many bus and tram services.

The Chinese government says about 260,000 people have evacuated.

Key words : south making final
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Key words : Japan weather record
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Key words : potato stew
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at 20:00 (JST), September 15 AS

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and former defense minister Shigeru Ishiba have made thier pitches during the policy debate on how they would lead the counry's main governing party.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has criticized Russia for attempting to undermine UN Security Council sanctions resolutions against North Korea.

US media are reporting that President Donald Trump has instructed aides to go ahead with imposing additional tariffs on about 200 billion dollars' worth of Chinese imports.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20180915200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : Abe Ishiba
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180914_26/

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and former defense minister Shigeru Ishiba have held a wide-ranging policy debate as they campaign in the leadership election of Japan's main governing Liberal Democratic Party.

The race will effectively decide who leads Japan. Abe is seeking a 3rd straight term. Ishiba is a former LDP secretary general. He has also held cabinet posts.

Social welfare was one of the main topics in the debate, amid Japan's aging population and declining birthrate.

Abe proposed allowing people aged over 70 to choose when to start receiving their pensions.

He said he will realize a society in which elderly people, with their experience and wisdom, can live life to the fullest regardless of age. He also said he will carry out social security reforms in the next 3 years to prepare for an age of centenarians.

Ishiba noted the importance of helping everyone lead happy lives. He said 6-million elderly people in Japan live alone, with half surviving on the same or lower income levels as those of people on welfare.

Ishiba said nearly 9.3 million people who were unable to land regular jobs in the past tight labor market earn no more than about 16,700 dollars annually. He also said support must be provided as part of work-style reforms, to help workers enhance their skills.

Abe reiterated that he is resolved to amend the Constitution, a task he said has not been achieved in the 70 years since the end of World War Two.

He said he's determined to carve out a new era with the people of Japan.

Ishiba countered that the charter should never be amended without a sincere explanation to all of the public. He said he disagrees with Abe on methodology, and that they have a duty to present their differences to the people, with whom sovereignty resides.

Another key topic was dealing with natural disasters, as Japan has experienced record rainfall, deadly typhoons and earthquakes in recent months.

Abe promised to work intensively to carry out emergency measures in the next 3 years, for the purpose of disaster prevention and mitigation and to improve the nation's resiliency.

He said disaster prevention must be tackled by all government offices, with the prime minister at the helm. He said he won't rule out the creation of a new ministry to prepare for and respond to disasters.

Ishiba said a government office specializing in disaster preparedness must be established. He added that natural disasters require a dedicated minister and staff preparing around the clock, all year long.

Votes for the LDP presidential election are to be counted on September 20th, with the winner announced immediately.

Key words : Mike
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180915_14/

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has criticized Russia for attempting to undermine UN Security Council sanctions resolutions against North Korea. He says enforcement of the resolutions is essential to achieving the North's denuclearization.

Pompeo's remarks follow Russian moves to block the publication of a report into how sanctions are being implemented. A UN Security Council committee was due to publish the report in early September, but was prevented from doing so by objections from Russia.

The United States says Russia pressured the committee into rewriting the report, which referred to Moscow's sanctions violations.

At a news conference on Friday, Pompeo expressed hope the Security Council committee would remain independent and not allow a single country to draft language and have it inserted.

He said the UN Security Council resolutions are central to President Donald Trump's efforts to convince North Korean leader Kim Jong Un of the necessity of full denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.

Key words : united nation
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180915_16/

The United Nations Security Council is set to meet next week to discuss sanctions against North Korea.

The United States Mission to the UN said in a statement on Friday that Washington has called for an urgent meeting for Monday to discuss the enforcement of UN sanctions on the North.

The mission said its action was prompted by recent efforts by some Security Council member states to undermine and obstruct North Korea sanctions.

The US has blacklisted information technology companies in China and Russia, saying they helped the North evade sanctions.

Washington is also accusing Moscow of pressuring a Security Council committee to change the content of a report on the sanctions written by a panel of independent experts.

Key words : US special reaffirm
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180915_21/

US special envoy on North Korea Stephen Biegun and his Japanese counterpart, Kenji Kanasugi, have reaffirmed that they will cooperate over North Korea's alleged evasion of UN sanctions.

Biegun met the Japanese Foreign Ministry's Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau chief on Saturday in Tokyo.

The diplomats agreed that UN member countries need to implement sanctions resolutions adopted by the Security Council to achieve the North's denuclearization.

They confirmed that Japan and the US should work with South Korea and other countries to prevent ship-to-ship transfers of energy supplies by Pyongyang.

Biegun and Kanasugi also agreed to coordinate their countries' responses to North Korean issues, including the abduction issue, in the run-up to the inter-Korean summit scheduled to start on Tuesday.

Biegun has been on a tour of South Korea, China and Japan this week.

He met Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono on Friday.

Key words : relatives
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180915_05/

Relatives of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea have asked the new US special representative for the North to help bring their loved ones back to Japan.

The relatives met Stephen Biegun in Tokyo on Friday.

Takuya Yokota, whose sister Megumi was abducted in 1977 at the age of 13, said the only wish of the abductees' families is early return of all the abductees.

Koichiro Iizuka said he has not seen his mother for 40 years since she was snatched by North Korea when he was one year old.

He also said the families of abductees cannot compromise on the issue, just like the United States cannot compromise on the issues of nuclear arms and missiles.
Biegun pledged that the US will do everything within its sphere of influence to realize the return of the abductees to Japan.

The Japanese government says at least 17 of its citizens were abducted during the 1970s and 1980s.

Five were returned after a 2002 summit between the leaders of Japan and North Korea. But the other 12 remain unaccounted for.

Key words : US media Trump instructed
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180915_12/

US media are reporting that President Donald Trump has instructed aides to go ahead with imposing additional tariffs on about 200 billion dollars' worth of Chinese imports.

Bloomberg and several media outlets reported on the move. The reports say Trump directed the third and largest-ever duties against China during a meeting on Thursday with Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer.

Trump's instruction came as Mnuchin was leading efforts to restart trade talks with Chinese officials.

Reports said the timing for activating the tariffs is unclear as it has taken some time for the administration to revise the list of products to be targeted.
The Trump government has been listening to the opinions of industry insiders and others to decide what will be on the list.

Some observers say the tariffs will likely cover a wide range of consumer goods, and that possible increases in their prices may severely impact US consumers.

Trump has reportedly said he is not worried about the potential impact.

Key words : cyber security open
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Key words : transport ministry resumed Kansai
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at 20:00 (JST), September 14 AS

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says his upcoming summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin will be crucial in improving bilateral relations.

Kansai International Airport has partially reopened another terminal that was inundated when Typhoon Jebi hit western Japan 10 days ago.

South and North Korea have opened a joint liaison office.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20180914200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : Abe upcoming summit
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180914_23/

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says his upcoming summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin will be crucial in improving bilateral relations.

Abe was speaking at a debate sponsored by the Japan National Press Club on Friday. He referred to Putin's proposal made on Wednesday for the 2 countries to sign a bilateral peace agreement before year-end without preconditions.

Abe said he took this as an expression of Putin's enthusiasm for a peace deal, but that it's necessary to understand what the president meant.

Abe stressed that Japan's position on the peace treaty is unchanged -- that there can be no deal before the issue of the Northern Territories is resolved.

Russia controls the 4 islands. Japan claims them. The Japanese government maintains the islands are an inherent part of Japan's territory. It says the islands were illegally occupied after World War Two.

Abe said, however, his summit with Putin in November or December will be very important. He added that unless he shows his willingness, negotiations will not make progress.

Key words : airport partially
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180914_20/

Kansai International Airport has partially reopened another terminal that was inundated when Typhoon Jebi hit western Japan 10 days ago.

The southern side of Terminal 1 reopened on Friday. The flooding caused a power outage on September 4th.

Domestic and international flights at the airport partially resumed last weekend, using Runway B. Terminal 2 was reopened at the same time.

Terminal 1 is used by more airlines than Terminal 2.

Passengers began checking in for international flights at the southern side of Terminal 1 early on Friday morning.

A woman traveling with her daughter said they were heading for Singapore, where her husband works. She said she is happy that their flight will depart as scheduled.

On Friday, 115 flights -- 36 domestic and 79 international -- are expected to use Terminal 1 and the 2 runways.

The operator, Kansai Airports, says it expects to get Terminal 1 fully up and running by reopening the North Wing on Friday next week.

The typhoon's powerful winds rammed a fuel tanker into the bridge that connects the airport on a man-made island with the mainland.

All the damaged girders were cleared away by Friday morning. The operator says it expects the train service to the airport will resume on Friday next week.

Key words : Suga provide
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180914_19/

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga says the government will provide more information in other languages to help visitors during emergencies.

Suga said on Friday that foreign tourists who became stranded at Kansai International Airport last week complained that there wasn't enough information in other languages.

Suga said the transport ministry and other government entities will quickly come up with measures to rectify the situation so that visitors can feel secure if a natural disaster occurs while they are traveling in Japan.

Key words : south and north opened
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180914_28/

South and North Korea have opened a joint liaison office. The move comes just a week before the leaders of the two sides are set to meet in Pyongyang.
Friday's ceremony fulfills an agreement struck between Moon Jae-in and Kim Jong Un during their first summit back in April.

The office is in the North Korean city of Kaesong, located near the demilitarized zone.

It's aimed at improving communication and reducing military tensions. The office will be staffed by about 50 officials from both sides who will start immediately.

The city had previously hosted an industrial park that was jointly run by the South and the North.
It was shut down by the South in 2016 amid the North's missile tests.

Meanwhile South Korea's Defense Ministry says the authorities held working-level talks for about 17 hours from Thursday morning in the truce village of Panmunjom.

South Korean media say the both sides exchanged views on plans to withdraw part of troops and equipment from outposts in the demilitarized zone dividing the 2 Koreas on trial basis.
They also reportedly discussed the possibility of setting up a buffer zone around the maritime demarcation line in waters off the west coast of the Korean Peninsula.

Key words : government officials from Japan
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180914_24/

Government officials from Japan, other Asian nations, and the United States have taken part in joint drills to help corporations prepare against cyberattacks.

Japan and the US organized the 5-day exercise that began in Tokyo on Monday. The participants included officials from the ASEAN member states, South Korea, and India.

Japanese officials explained how hackers are targeting infrastructure such as power facilities as well as offices and factories.

They said attacks on the control systems of power plants could halt their operations and cause electricity outages. They also showed how hackers can tamper with surveillance cameras.

Japan's industry ministry says corporate cyberattacks are increasingly aimed at Asian subsidiaries or client firms that are not adequately protecting their computer systems.

A participant from Malaysia says he learned about the need to guard against attacks that could inflict severe damage. He says he will study protective measures when he returns home.

Key words : Insight cheapening could trigger another crisis
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Key words : Fukushima build
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180914_29/

The operator of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant plans to build additional seawalls along its damaged reactors.

Its aim is to keep another possible mega-tsunami from causing the leakage of highly radioactive water accumulated in the basement of buildings housing 3 reactors that suffered a meltdown following the 2011 quake and tsunami.

The Tokyo Electric Power Company, or TEPCO, announced the plan at a meeting of the Nuclear Regulation Authority on Friday.

Last December, a government earthquake research panel warned of a possible imminent mega-quake in the Chishima Trench off the northern prefecture of Hokkaido.

TEPCO says its research shows such a quake could send tsunami of more than 10 meters into the Fukushima Daiichi plant and cause highly radioactive water to gush out of its damaged reactors.

The Fukushima Daiichi plant is in the process of decommissioning after the triple meltdown.

TEPCO has been pumping water into the 3 reactors to cool down fuel that melted. About 46,000 tons of contaminated cooling water and groundwater flowing into the reactor buildings have accumulated, mainly in their basement floors.

TEPCO now plans to move up work to seal the buildings' entrances and other openings to prevent any more tsunami-related damage.

The company will also extend the coastal seawalls further north along reactor units 1 to 4, and plans to finish the work as soon as possible.

At Friday's meeting, an official of the Secretariat of the Nuclear Regulation Authority asked TEPCO to study whether the planned extension of seawalls will affect the decommissioning work.

TEPCO's Chief Decommissioning Officer, Akira Ono, said another tsunami could knock out equipment and delay the decommissioning process. He said the company will quickly study how and where the seawalls should be built.

Key words : Akihito visited
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20180914_30/

Japan's Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko have visited a city in western Japan that was devastated by torrential rain in July.

The couple flew into Okayama Airport on Friday morning and boarded a Self-Defense Force helicopter to visit the flood-hit Mabi district in Kurashiki City.

They saw damaged houses and flooded paddies from an embankment of the Oda River, near which 51 people died in the disaster.

The emperor asked how high the floodwater rose. The city's mayor said it was roof-high and that some residents were rescued from rooftops.

The couple later met survivors. The emperor asked a man who'd lost his mother how old she was. The man said 76. The emperor expressed condolences.

The empress consoled a woman whose home was flooded, saying she's glad the woman was safe.

The couple also thanked police, firefighters, Self-Defense Force personnel and other rescue workers for saving many lives.

They returned to Tokyo in the afternoon.

Their itinerary had included another rain-hit city, Kure in neighboring Hiroshima Prefecture, but the visit was cancelled due to bad weather.

The Imperial Household Agency says the emperor and empress plan to visit another rain-hit area in Ehime Prefecture next Thursday. It says they may also visit Hiroshima Prefecture.