August 15, Wednesday, 2018 (2:00 p.m.) Read by Mr. Raja Pradhan and Ms. Mariko Kojima

  1. Japan is marking the 73rd anniversary of the end of World War II on Wednesday. Thousands of people have gathered in Tokyo to honor the fallen in an annual ceremony held every August 15th.
  2. Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte says 25 people have been confirmed dead and 15 were injured in the collapse of a motorway bridge in the northern city of Genoa.
  3. Japan’s Foreign Minister Taro Kono has expressed hope that Peru will complete domestic procedures to help launch the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade pact as soon as possible.