June 2, Sunday, 2019 (2:00 p.m.) Read by Mr. Hirokazu Sakamaki and Ms. Keiko Kitagawa

1. Japan’s Defense Minister Takeshi Iwaya has affirmed with his U.S. and Australian counterparts that their countries will strengthen cooperation, and oppose any unilateral attempt to change the status quo in the South China Sea.

2. Japanese research whaling vessels have left a port in northern Japan for the final expedition before the country withdraws from the International Whaling Commission and resumes commercial whaling.

3. China has decided to investigate major U.S. package delivery firm FedEx on suspicion of violating Chinese courier delivery regulations.

 

 

June 1, Saturday, 2019 (2:00 p.m.) Read by Ms. Fumiko Konoe and Ms. Hiroko Kitadai

1.China has hiked duties on 60 billion dollars’ worth of U.S. goods as the trade war between the world’s two largest economies continues.

2.Twelve people are dead and 4 others wounded in yet another mass shooting in the United States.

3.Rallies against the United States and Israel have been held around the Middle East in response to a call by Iran, amid escalating tensions between the country and the U.S.