at 20:00 (JST), March 31

Japan will carefully explore the possibility of declaring a state of emergency over the coronavirus outbreak, with the growth in new cases and the economic implications in mind.

Japan is planning to place an entry ban on foreign nationals from an additional 49 countries and territories.

It has been disclosed that 38 people in Tokyo infected with the coronavirus may have contracted it at night spots.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20200331200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : state of emergency economic implication
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200331_05/

Japan will carefully explore the possibility of declaring a state of emergency over the coronavirus outbreak, with the growth in new cases and the economic implications in mind.

On Monday, a member of a government advisory panel revealed that a majority of the members are in favor of making a declaration. He said many believe that it will be too late for the country to do so after seeing an explosive increase in cases.

Meanwhile, Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga Yoshihide said Japan has managed to keep the outbreak under control.

Suga said the government is committed to preventing the spread of infection by working even more closely with municipalities across the country.
The government believes that the nation has yet to reach a point where an emergency declaration is necessary. It says that the Japanese capital has so far had a small number of cases relative to the size of its population. It also says the routes of transmission have been tracked down to a certain extent.

The government has also denied a possible lockdown of cities at this moment.

But the government thinks Japan is at risk of experiencing an explosive surge in new cases, so it is moving to step up restrictions on its border.

Japan plans to include in its list of entry denials foreigners arriving from the United States, China and South Korea as well as most parts of Europe and some parts of Southeast Asia.

Key words : Koike to declare
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200331_34/

Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko has urged Japan's prime minister to decide whether to declare a state of emergency to deal with the coronavirus pandemic.

Koike met Abe Shinzo on Tuesday at the prime minister's office.

She later told reporters at the metropolitan government office that she and Abe discussed the number of infections in Tokyo, what could happen from now, and how the capital is preparing.

Koike said she briefed the prime minister on the situation in Tokyo as a reference for deciding whether to declare a state of emergency based on newly enacted legislation.

She said Tokyo is on the brink, and that now is the time for the central government to make up its mind.

Koike added that the metropolitan government will take into account the ideas of the central government in deciding when to reopen schools after their spring break.

Key words : Akaba
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200331_33/

Japanese transport minister Akaba Kazuyoshi says public transport will continue to operate even if a state of emergency is declared to deal with the coronavirus pandemic.

Akaba said on Tuesday that railways, buses and other public transport must be kept functioning as they make up the key infrastructure that supports people's lives and economic activities.

But he added that such services could be scaled back if operational personnel were to get infected by the virus.

Akaba said that in such a case, his ministry will work with the operators to minimize the impact on users.

Key words : planning
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200331_24/

Japan is planning to place an entry ban on foreign nationals from an additional 49 countries and territories as the coronavirus pandemic expands.

Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu revealed the plan on Tuesday. The additional areas will include the United States, Canada, and all of China and South Korea as well as Britain and Greece, covering most of Europe.

The updated list will cover a total of 73 countries and territories, including Africa, South America and parts of the Middle East.

Foreigners who have been to any of those regions within 14 days of arriving in Japan will not be allowed entry.

Motegi also said the Foreign Ministry raised travel alerts for those 49 countries and territories to level 3, urging Japanese nationals to avoid traveling to them.

The alerts for all countries and territories other than those ranked level 3 were raised to level 2. Japanese nationals are being warned against making any non-essential trips to such places.

Key words : has been disclosed
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200331_06/

It has been disclosed that 38 people in Tokyo confirmed to be infected with the coronavirus whose infection routes remain unclear may have contracted the virus at night spots.

At a news conference on Monday, Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko urged people not to spend time in bars and other spots operating during the nighttime hours. Koike said that such entertainment establishments are high risk, because they are closed spaces with poor ventilation.

At the news conference, it was also disclosed that there are 38 people who are believed to have been infected with the virus at bars, nightclubs or similar spots. The infected range in age from their 20s to 70s, and include both customers and staff members.

The metropolitan government specifically urges young people not to go to karaoke parlors or live music sites for the time being.

It is asking older people to refrain from going to bars, clubs, and other night spots.

Key words : Yoshimura lower risk
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Key words : petition hit club
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Key words : Tokyo metropolitan 78 people
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Key words : survey shows lost
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200331_32/

A Japanese government survey shows that more than 1,000 people lost their jobs during the last two months due to the worsening business situation amid the coronavirus outbreak.

To find out how the outbreak is affecting employment, labor ministry officials interviewed executives who had visited labor bureaus across the country.

The results showed that 1,021 workers were either laid off or faced nonrenewal of their contracts since late January.

Many of the workers were in the tourism and hotel industries, which are being affected by a plunge in visitors from overseas.

More than 3,800 firms said that they had already taken measures to cut their workforce or are considering doing so. They include an increasing number of restaurants which are being affected as more people stay home.

By prefecture, the impact on employment is notable in Chiba and Osaka.

Chiba, which neighbors Tokyo and hosts Narita Airport, is suffering from the sharp decline in foreign tourists.

Osaka in western Japan is the location of live music venues where mass infections occurred.

Key words : south korea nearly
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200331_43/

In South Korea, where nearly 9,800 coronavirus cases have been reported, the education ministry has decided to start the new school year next week using online classes.

Under the plan, students in the third grade of junior high school, and those in the third year of high school, will start their semester from Thursday next week.
The rest of the students as well as elementary schools will begin by mid-April.
Education Minister Yoo Eun-hae says it is still not safe for students to return to school.
The new school year in the country usually starts at the beginning of March, but authorities have already postponed it three times.
Some media are questioning whether all households will be able to prepare for online classes in such a short period of time.

Key words : China is tighten
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200331_27/

China is tightening border controls as coronavirus outbreak deepens worldwide. The new restrictions mean that almost all Japanese citizens are banned from entering the country.

The Chinese government had already suspended visa waivers for short-term Japanese visitors, unless they were traveling for business or to see relatives. But starting Tuesday, those trips will also be prohibited.

The move comes days after Beijing imposed a wide-reaching ban on foreign nationals entering the country.

Key words : world bank
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200331_17/

The World Bank predicts China's economic growth this year could be the slowest in 44 years due to the coronavirus pandemic.

In a report on the economies of East Asia and the Pacific, the World Bank says China will likely grow just 2.3 percent in 2020. That's down sharply from 6.1 percent last year. It would also be the slowest since 1976, at the end of the Cultural Revolution.

Growth this year could be just a tenth of a percent in a worst-case scenario. But the World Bank sees some bright signs. It says China is starting to get back on track, even though a quick rebound is unlikely.

Government data show factory activity in March actually ticked up.

The National Bureau of Statistics says its Purchasing Managers' Index for manufacturing rose to 52. That's a big jump from February, when it sank to 35.7, a record low.

The 50-point mark separates growth from contraction.

Key words : Johnson
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200331_11/

US pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson says it hopes to obtain emergency approval for a new coronavirus vaccine early next year, with plans to distribute a billion doses around the world.

The company announced on Monday the selection of a lead candidate vaccine following months of research. It plans to start human clinical studies by September at the latest.

The company says it expects to obtain clinical data on the safety and efficacy of the new vaccine by the end of the year, with a view to obtaining US federal authorization for emergency use in early 2021.

Johnson & Johnson adds it is also expanding its manufacturing capacity.
The US National Institutes of Health separately announced the start of a clinical trial for an experimental vaccine in mid-March, along with a biotechnology firm.

Pharmaceutical firms and research labs around the world are rushing to develop a vaccine for the coronavirus, in an urgent effort to contain the pandemic.

Key words : government panel unable
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200331_31/

A Japanese government panel says Tokyo would become unable to function as the country's capital in about three hours if a large-scale eruption of Mount Fuji were to occur.

When Mount Fuji last erupted in December 1707, it spewed ash for more than two weeks. Several centimeters accumulated in the city of Edo, which later became Tokyo.

The government panel simulated what would happen if an eruption of that scale were to occur today, covering the greater Tokyo area with volcanic ash.

It found that the ash would likely reach central Tokyo and the neighboring prefectures of Kanagawa, Chiba and Saitama just three hours after the eruption.

All railway services would stop, as even a very small amount of ash would cause the operating system to malfunction.

In addition, poor visibility would disrupt auto traffic, limiting people's movement and halting commuters.
Logistics would be disturbed, possibly resulting in shortages of food and water.

If it were to rain, volcanic ash could stick to power supply facilities and cause a blackout in central Tokyo.
Communication and water supply systems could also be rendered useless.

The panel's chief examiner, Fujii Toshitsugu, a professor emeritus at the University of Tokyo, says it's difficult to predict an eruption and its aftermath.

Fujii says the capital city, particularly its transportation networks, would become unable to function after an eruption and people's movement would be stopped.
He says it will be too late to take measures after an eruption, and urges them to be considered in advance.

at 20:00 (JST), March 30

Tokyo Metropolitan Government officials say new dates for the 2020 Tokyo Games have been decided.

Japan plans to include in its list of entry denials foreigners arriving from the United States, China and South Korea as well as most parts of Europe and some parts of Southeast Asia.

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party has put together its draft proposals on a stimulus package to cope with the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20200330200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : metropolitan decided
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200330_48/

Several Tokyo Metropolitan Government officials say new dates for the 2020 Tokyo Games have been decided.

The Tokyo Olympics will open on July 23, 2021 and the Paralympic Games will open on August 24 of the same year.

The officials say the International Olympic Committee, the Tokyo Games organizing committee, and the Tokyo Metropolitan and Japanese governments all agreed on the new schedule.

It was previously decided that the 2020 Tokyo games would be postponed by about a year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Key words : entry denial
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200330_29/

Japan plans to include in its list of entry denials foreigners arriving from the United States, China and South Korea as well as most parts of Europe and some parts of Southeast Asia as the coronavirus pandemic expands.

The Japanese government has decided to soon raise a travel alert to all parts of the US to level three, recommending the cancellation of trips to the country. It will also ban foreigners who have stayed in the US in the past two weeks from entering Japan. The move comes amid the sharp rise of infections in the US.

The government plans to take the same measures against all of China and South Korea, most parts of Europe including Britain, and some parts of Southeast Asia such as Thailand.

The measures would deny the entry of foreigners from about one-third of all countries and territories unless they have a special reason.

All other remaining countries or territories will be ranked as level two, under which Japanese nationals will be urged to avoid making any non-essential trips to them.

Key words : roughly traveler
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200330_33/

Japan's government says about half of the roughly 260 Japanese travelers stranded in Peru due to the coronavirus pandemic have left the country.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga Yoshihide told reporters the news on Monday.

On Saturday, 29 of the travelers left Peru on a charter flight that Taiwan arranged for its citizens.

Suga said they have arrived in the US city of Miami and that the government has expressed deep gratitude to Taiwan.

He said another 104 Japanese travelers have flown into Mexico after leaving Peru on Sunday on a flight chartered by a travel agency.

On March 15, the Peruvian government declared an emergency and suspended all international flights.

Key words : proposal stimulus package
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200330_28/

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party has put together its draft proposals on a stimulus package to cope with the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic. It calls for measures of a larger scale than those taken during the 2008 global financial crisis.

The draft includes a proposal of 20 trillion yen, or about 186 billion dollars, in fiscal spending and 60 trillion yen, or about 560 billion dollars, for businesses.

In comparison, the economic package put together in the 2008 crisis consisted of more than 15 trillion yen, or about 140 billion dollars, in fiscal spending and more than 56 trillion yen, or about 523 billion dollars, for businesses.

It also proposes that the government establish a system to provide subsidies totaling 1 trillion yen, or about 9.3 billion dollars, to small and medium-sized companies and freelancers. It said the subsidies should not need to be returned.

The draft also calls on the government to tap a reserve fund worth about 4.6 billion dollars for the new fiscal year that starts in April for measures to fight the coronavirus. Alternatively, a new reserve fund can be set up exclusively for the measures.

The draft proposals include cash handouts to households struggling to make ends meet following a drop in income due to the outbreak. The draft does not mention the amount of cash, but says it should be provided according to the size of each household.

The LDP will gather opinions on the draft proposals from party members. Policy Research Council Chairperson Kishida Fumio will submit the party's proposals to Prime Minister Abe Shinzo as early as Tuesday.

The government plans to put together its economic measures as early as next week.

Key words : plans to support
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200330_02/

The Japanese government plans to support research on the anti-flu drug Avigan as a possible treatment of symptoms caused by the new coronavirus.

Researchers around the world are scrambling to discover effective medicines against the virus.

The government will likely seek official approval for Avigan if it is found effective in clinical trials that are underway at institutions such as Fujita Health University Hospital in Aichi Prefecture.

The government intends to work with foreign authorities to expand clinical trials of Avigan and increase the production of the drug that was developed in Japan.

Chinese researchers say Avigan proved effective against the virus in clinical trials.

Trials of the anti-pancreatitis medicine Futhan as a drug to combat the coronavirus will also begin in Japan. Doctors will administer the drug if they obtain consent from patients.

Japanese Prime Minister Abe Shinzo held a news conference on Saturday at which he expressed his commitment to dispel people's concerns about the virus.

He said Japan will use expertise from around the world to expedite the development of effective medicines and vaccines.

Key words : Suga denied
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200330_42/

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga Yoshihide has denied a possible lockdown of cities in the country aimed at curbing the spread of the coronavirus. He also said that a decision on whether to declare a state of emergency must be made cautiously.

The prime minister is authorized to declare a state of emergency under a special law to fight the pandemic.

Suga said the declaration would have a serious impact on people's livelihoods and that it should be made prudently in consultation with experts in various fields.

Reporters asked him about a rumor circulating online that says the government will declare a state of emergency on Wednesday and implement a lockdown of cities on the following day.

He categorically denied the rumor.

Suga noted that the government's anti-coronavirus measures are causing people inconvenience and trouble, but he said they are necessary to avoid more restrictive measures like a state of emergency.

He says the government believes the nation is yet to reach a point where a declaration of a state of emergency is necessary.

He added that if such a need arises, the government must work with the Diet, but it has not initiated such procedures.

Key words : Shimura passed away Higashimurayama
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200330_21/

Veteran Japanese comedian Shimura Ken passed away on Sunday night at a hospital in Tokyo. The 70-year-old comedy icon was confirmed to have been infected with coronavirus.

On March 17, he was not feeling well and was brought to a hospital where he was diagnosed with a severe case of pneumonia. He was undergoing treatment on a heart-lung machine.

On March 25, his office made public that he had tested positive for coronavirus.

Shimura was born in 1950 in the city of Higashimurayama, Tokyo.

While still in high school, he became an assistant to a popular rock and roll and comedy group, The Drifters, led by Ikariya Chosuke.

Shimura became a full member of the band in 1974.

He was an established television icon. But he actively branched out as a comedian and became the leader of a theatrical company in 2006. He also played a three-stringed Japanese folk instrument called the shamisen.

He continued hosting TV variety shows even after his 70th birthday last month.

Key words : Trump extended avoid
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200330_37/

US President Donald Trump has extended federal guidelines recommending people to avoid non-essential outings until the end of April.

Trump told reporters that the deaths from the virus could peak in two weeks. He said it's very important that everyone follow the guidelines strictly during this period.

Anthony Fauci, the leading US government infectious disease expert, on Sunday cautioned that the virus outbreak could ultimately kill 100,000 to 200,000 Americans.

Trump pointed out that 2.2 million deaths were forecast if the nation did not take strict measures to respond to the virus.

He said that if coronavirus-related deaths remained under 100,000, "we all together have done a very god job."

The remarks come amid a surge in infections in the US. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced that the country has 122,653 confirmed cases, the most in the world. The death toll stands at 2,112.

Nearly half, or 59,513 cases, were reported in New York State. Governor Andrew Cuomo on Sunday suggested that the spread of the virus is outpacing measures they have drawn up.

He also said healthcare workers are under heavy stress as they try to cope with the increasing number of patients.

He called for support, citing a shortage of ventilators, beds, supplies and medical personnel.

Various US firms have pledged to produce masks and ventilators. New York State is also stepping up efforts to secure medical volunteers.

Key words : US firm reduce
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200330_15/

US firms are taking steps to reduce the stress their employees are experiencing as they work from home to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

All of the roughly 40 employees at dotData, a firm in Silicon Valley, have been teleworking based on a call from state authorities to avoid non-essential outings.

Long periods of being away from the office have caused concern among many of the employees. This prompted the firm to schedule a daily morning meeting through a video chat app.

The firm also connects the employees via video link during a lunch break once a week. It says the employees use the break to talk about their children and discuss the issues they have with working from home.

The firm's Chief Executive Officer, Fujimaki Ryohei, says working from home may not affect people if it's only for about 10 days, but longer periods may cause loneliness. He says his firm encourages employees to communicate through video conferencing to reduce feelings of disconnection.

In a video posted on Twitter, Canadian astronaut Chris Hadfield shared his ideas for managing self-isolation based on his experience of working in close quarters with limited supplies.

He advises people to understand the actual risk instead of just being afraid of things, go to a credible source and find out what is truly the risk that they are facing.

Hadfield also recommends that people make goals and decide what they want to get done and what they need to accomplish.

Key words : more than new probe
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200330_35/

Around 200,000 people have signed a petition for a new probe into the murky public land sale that sparked favoritism allegations against the administration of Japan's Prime Minister Abe Shinzo.

The petition on the Change.org website was started by the widow of former finance ministry official Akagi Toshio on Friday. It had support from more than 193,000 people by 4:30 p.m. on Monday.

Akagi killed himself two years ago after he was involved in falsifying ministry documents about the land sale to school operator Moritomo Gakuen.

The transaction drew criticism because Abe's wife Akie was named honorary principal of an elementary school to be built on the land.
Prosecutors investigated government officials over the document tampering but indicted none of them.

Earlier this month, Akagi's widow released her late husband's suicide note and personal accounts in which he says he went through agony from being forced to distort public documents.

She told NHK through her lawyer that she's truly grateful to have so many supporters, and hopes the message will reach Prime Minister Abe and Finance Minister Aso Taro toward a reinvestigation.

She also said she will risk her life to realize a new probe, as her husband sacrificed his to leave such important notes.

at 20:00 (JST), March 29

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20200329200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : health authorities on Sunday
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200329_25/

Japanese health authorities say more than 80 people have been confirmed to be infected with the coronavirus on Sunday so far, bringing Japan's total to over 1,800.

A low pressure system and a cold air mass brought unseasonal snow to Tokyo on Sunday.

The snow and the governor's request that people stay at home this weekend to prevent infections mean relatively few people are out on the streets.

The crowds are light at Shibuya's usually bustling scramble crossing.

Of the new cases found on Sunday, 68 were in the capital. This is the largest daily number of infections reported by local authorities.

Among the new cases were 58 at a facility for the disabled in Chiba Prefecture near Tokyo on Saturday. The governor of the prefecture describes the situation as grave.

The Kabukicho entertainment district in Tokyo is usually lively at night, but on Saturday it was nearly deserted after cinemas and karaoke parlors closed.

Some restaurants were open, but their managers say business has taken a major hit.

Outside Tokyo, similar measures are underway. In Fukuoka Prefecture, the governor called on people to refrain from going out this weekend unless absolutely necessary. Six cases were newly confirmed in Fukuoka on Saturday.

Key words : Saitama avoid
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200329_22/

As the coronavirus continues to spread, the governor of Saitama Prefecture has called on people to avoid going to Tokyo for non-essential purposes.

At a press conference on Sunday, Motohiro Ono said he is concerned about a further increase in the number of infections.

Sixty-three more people were confirmed to have been infected in Tokyo on Saturday. Ono called on people to avoid going to Tokyo for non-essential purposes such as visiting entertainment areas.

Ono said he will not ask that people stay at home and not go to work. He encouraged measures such as teleworking and staggered working hours.

He also called on people to avoid poorly ventilated spaces, crowded places and close conversations at short distances.

He also called on people to refrain from dining with more than a few people.

Key words : prefectural governor
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200329_17/

The Japanese government plans to quickly draw up an emergency stimulus package to cope with the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

The package will include cash handouts to struggling households and will be on a larger scale than similar measures taken during the 2008 global financial crisis.

Economic Revitalization Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura said on an NHK TV program on Sunday that small and medium-sized companies are being hit hard by the fallout of the pandemic. He added that cash benefits will be offered to individuals whose income is sharply falling.

As for judgment on whether to declare a state of emergency, Nishimura said the government is in consultation with experts on the matter.

He added it's important to grasp the situation regarding infections of unknown origin, and the number of cases among arrivals from abroad.

Nishimura said that in the event that a state of emergency is declared, prefectural governors can ask residents to stay at home and facilities to close.

He said there will be no punishment for not complying with such requests. He added that from a legal point of view, it will be difficult to enforce such measures as foreign governments do.

But he noted that restrictions will be placed to a large extent.

Key words : Osaka
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200329_23/

People mostly avoided cherry blossom-viewing spots in Osaka, western Japan, on Sunday. The Osaka governor has urged people in the prefecture to stay at home this weekend to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

In Osaka Castle Park, signs warned people not to hold parties. A few visitors wearing face masks looked at the cherry blossoms while taking a stroll.

A local resident in his 70s said he decided to go for a walk because he thinks it isn't good for his health to remain indoors. He added that he usually spreads a plastic sheet under the cherry trees to view the flowers, and he feels sad he cannot do that this year.

Another man in his 70s said he is considering closing his electrical appliance store in Osaka City, as sales have plunged this month. He said he wanted to see the cherry blossoms because staying at home makes him feel depressed.

Key words : Fukuoka far few people
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Key words : Kumamoto
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200329_24/

A shopping district in the southwestern Japanese prefecture of Kumamoto had fewer customers than usual on Sunday.

Kumamoto Governor Ikuo Kabashima asked people to refrain from non-essential outings this weekend to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

Only a small number of people were spotted in the shopping arcade in Kumamoto City, the prefectural capital. Some shops decided to shorten their opening hours.

An elderly woman said she was going to visit her friends to give their child a present. She added that she would rather stay at home, but the child is looking forward to the gift.

A manager of a stationery shop said business is usually good at this time of year because people buy presents for students who are starting a new school year. He added that he is very worried as his sales have declined by about 30 percent.

Key words : effect Toyota
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Key words : Mazda two factories
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200328_19/

Sources say Toyota Motor is temporarily shutting three factories in Thailand, as the coronavirus outbreak undermines demand for new vehicles.

The Southeast Asian nation is one of the region's largest auto markets, but new vehicle sales there dropped 17 percent last month from a year ago.

The sources expect the factories to stay closed for 10 days.

That comes as other Japanese automakers also rein in output.

Mazda has halted production lines at two factories in western Japan for 13 days.

A Mazda employee said he wanted his "regular life" back as soon as possible.

Key words : foreign residents
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200328_23/

Foreign residents in Japan's Kanagawa Prefecture near Tokyo are turning to a medical facility offering service in six languages for help amid the coronavirus outbreak.

Staff at the Kobayashi International Clinic in Yamato City can respond to patients in six languages, including English, Korean and Tagalog.

Many foreigners visited the clinic on Saturday as more people seek consultation on the coronavirus. Many were worried they had contracted the virus. Some asked if they could be tested.

A 58-year-old Filipino said when worried, he usually turns to the Internet for information. He said he doesn't speak Japanese so he has trouble communicating with doctors at other clinics.

The clinic's director, Dr. Yoneyuki Kobayashi, says it's difficult even for Japanese people to understand the procedure to get tested for the coronavirus. He said he doesn't think there is sufficient information for foreigners.

Kobayashi added that as the number of foreign residents and visitors is growing in Japan, information that's important to Japanese people is just as important to foreign nationals.

Key words : non-Japanese
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200329_01/

Non-Japanese speakers who want advice on the new coronavirus can call hotlines run by the Japan Tourism Agency and some local governments.

The agency offers consultation services in English, Chinese, and Korean for 24 hours every day. The number is 050-3816-2787.

The hotline was launched in 2018 to assist tourists in the event of disasters and other emergencies.

Agency officials say they had about 4,500 consultations dealing with the coronavirus as of last Sunday.

The Tokyo metropolitan government has set up a coronavirus call center, which offers advice in English, Chinese, and Korean. The number is 0570-550571. It's available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day.

Tokyo officials say they received 246 calls in foreign languages through last Sunday. The non-Japanese service became available on February 28.

The officials say many callers were worried that they might have been infected with the coronavirus, or seeking advice on prevention and treatment of infection.

Tokyo also offers telephone consultations on medical services in English, Chinese, Korean, Thai, and Spanish.

Officials say they have received calls from people who want to be tested for the virus, and who were asked by their employers to present certificates to prove they are not infected.

Those who are suspected of infection should contact a local health care office. But officials there do not necessarily speak a foreign language.

Key words : about 30 Japanese
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200329_18/

Japan's embassy in Peru says about 30 Japanese travelers stranded in the country have left the country on a special flight.

The embassy says they left on Saturday aboard a flight chartered by the Taiwanese government for its citizens there.

The evacuees were among some 260 Japanese nationals who have been confined to local hotels and other accommodations after Peru declared a state of emergency and suspended international flights due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The tourists had visited sightseeing spots such as the ancient Incan city of Machu Picchu, a World Heritage site near the city of Cusco.

The embassy says a Japanese travel agency is arranging a chartered flight from Cusco to Mexico City.

But the evacuees will have to arrange flights to Japan by themselves. Tourists staying outside Cusco and Lima will have to get to airports on their own.

Key words : European Nations cooperating
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200329_07/

European nations are cooperating to cope with a surge in the number of coronavirus infections, with patients in serious condition being transported across borders.

The number of confirmed cases exceeded 92,000 in Italy, 72,000 in Spain, and 37,000 in France as of Saturday. Italy's death toll from the outbreak has topped 10,000.

Medical workers are among the infected. Fifty doctors have reportedly died in Italy as of Friday.

A sharp rise in the number of critically ill patients is overwhelming local healthcare systems in northern Italy, eastern France, and elsewhere.

French authorities are using military aircraft and high-speed trains to transport patients to the country's south and west, where there are fewer infections.

On Saturday, German military aircraft carried six patients from northern Italy to Cologne, western Germany.

Switzerland and Luxembourg have also accepted critically ill patients from Italy and France.

Members of the European Union have tightened border controls.

German defense minister Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer called for unity to overcome the crisis, writing on Twitter that cross-border support is important and Europe is united.

Key words : organizing committee likely to
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200328_21/

The head of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics organizing committee says he hopes to make progress on setting new dates for the postponed events by the end of next week.

The committee has been working to finalize schedules and secure venues for the Games since they were postponed from this summer in the face of the coronavirus. It wants to hold them by the summer of 2021 at the latest.

The organizing committee's president, Yoshiro Mori, spoke on television on Saturday. He said he would prefer to have as much time as possible to prepare for the Games.

Mori said the events are likely to kick off between June and September as they are the Summer Games.

The president of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, reportedly said on Thursday that he hoped to set new dates within three weeks.

Some international sports organizations have floated ideas such as holding the events in spring, away from the summer heat. Others have suggested early summer to avoid Japan's typhoon season.

at 20:00 (JST), March 28

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20200328200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : US confirmed corona exceed
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200328_07/

The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in the United States has exceeded 85,000, surpassing the figure in China.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said on Friday that nearly 17,000 more people had been infected. That brings the total number of cases in the country to 85,356.

In New York State, the number of infections rose by 7,377 in one day. The number of deaths was up by 134 to 519.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo said the number of hospitalized patients could peak in about 20 or 21 days. He said the state needs to more than double hospital capacity to up to 140,000 beds. He added that more ventilators are also necessary.
Authorities in New York State began banning vehicles on roads on a test basis at four locations. The measure is aimed at allowing pedestrians to walk 1.8 meters apart to prevent contagion.

Key words : US order general motor
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200328_13/

US President Donald Trump says he used a 70-year-old law to order General Motors to quickly produce ventilators for coronavirus patients.

Trump told reporters on Friday that he invoked the Defense Production Act because the nation's fight against the virus is too urgent to allow prolonged negotiations with the automaker.

The United States enacted the law in 1950, at the start of the Korean War, to authorize the president to force businesses to supply items considered necessary for national defense.

General Motors says it is working around the clock to meet the demand for ventilators. The company says it is poised to deliver the first batch in April and ramp up production capacity to more than 10,000 per month.

Key words : hand sanitizer
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Key words : US military navy hospital ship
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Key words : US civil
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200328_12/

US civil rights groups say they have received more than 670 reports of harassment of Asian Americans as the new coronavirus spreads throughout the country.

The Asian Pacific Policy and Planning Council, the Chinese for Affirmative Action, and San Francisco State University's Asian American Studies Department launched a center to record cases on March 19.

The center says it received 673 reports of harassment and other forms of discrimination in the first week, mainly in the states of California and New York.

Of the victims, 67 percent said they were verbally harassed, 23 percent said other people had avoided them, and 10 percent said they were victims of physical assault, such as having an object hurled at them.

Other cases included being refused entry on public transportation and being spat on.

Chinese people accounted for 38 percent of all victims. Koreans were second with 16 percent, followed by Vietnamese, Taiwanese, and Japanese people. About three-quarters of the victims were women.

The center says the situation may be more severe than the number of reports indicates, and stresses the need to educate people and eliminate prejudice.

Key words : US citizens and
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200328_18/

US citizens and businesses have filed class action suits against the Chinese government, seeking compensation for damages caused by the new coronavirus outbreak.

In the southern state of Florida, a group of individuals and businesses filed a lawsuit with a federal district court on March 12.

The plaintiffs argue that they are suffering huge damages resulting from the Chinese government's mishandling of the outbreak.

A spokesperson at a law firm representing the plaintiffs spoke to NHK on Friday.

The official says the suit was brought by about 1,000 plaintiffs from across the country including individuals infected with the virus and large companies severely affected by the outbreak. The official says the number of plaintiffs is expected to increase.

The official cited, as one of factors behind the lawsuit, remarks by a Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson who said on Twitter that the coronavirus could have been brought into China by the US military.

The official noted that China caused the virus to spread throughout the world by failing to contain it. He stressed that it's wrong for the country to blame the United States.

Referring to a Chinese doctor who spoke out about the virus on social media, the official said that the Chinese government silenced the doctor and kept the information to itself.

The law firm official says that the Chinese government is responsible, and that the plaintiffs are demanding that it pay for what it has done.

Similar class action lawsuits have been filed in the states of Texas and Nevada against the Chinese government as the coronavirus continues to spread across the country.

Key words : Hachiko
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200328_14/

A request by Tokyo's governor that people stay home this weekend amid the coronavirus outbreak had shown some results on Saturday morning. Observers reported seeing fewer people than usual around the major rail hub of Shibuya.

A few people were sitting on the benches near the Hachiko dog statue, a popular meeting spot.

The number of young people or people with children at the famous scramble crossing also appeared to be much less than usual.

A man in his 20s from Kyoto who is about to start a new job in Tokyo said he had to pick up a house key from a real estate agent. He said he was aware of the Tokyo government's request, but had no choice.

A woman in her 30s from Tokyo's Setagaya Ward said she had a beautician appointment before attending a wedding. She said the couple had decided to go ahead with the ceremony, despite having doubts.

Key words : most super
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200328_16/

Most supermarkets in Tokyo are operating as usual despite residents being asked to stay home as much as possible to limit infections from the coronavirus.

Saturday is the first day since the governor's request that people cancel non-essential outings for the weekend. The appeal prompted a rush on stores earlier in the week as shoppers stocked up on groceries.

A store in Sumida Ward says it is offering additional vegetables, meat and other food items.

Staff reported fewer customers in the morning than on a usual weekend, and said shoppers did not appear to be buying items to hoard.

Many department stores and commercial complexes have decided to close on Saturday and Sunday.

Operating hours are unchanged at major convenience stores including Seven-Eleven, FamilyMart and Lawson.

Key words : Toyota Thailand
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200328_19/

Sources say Toyota Motor is temporarily shutting three factories in Thailand, as the coronavirus outbreak undermines demand for new vehicles.

The Southeast Asian nation is one of the region's largest auto markets, but new vehicle sales there dropped 17 percent last month from a year ago.

The sources expect the factories to stay closed for 10 days.

That comes as other Japanese automakers also rein in output.

Mazda has halted production lines at two factories in western Japan for 13 days.

A Mazda employee said he wanted his "regular life" back as soon as possible.

Key words : people express healthcare
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200328_10/

People in Britain have expressed their gratitude to medical workers treating coronavirus patients by clapping their hands. Videos of people, including royal family members and celebrities, have emerged online.

The move comes as the number of confirmed cases in the country has surpassed 14,000. Those who have tested positive include Prince Charles and Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

On Thursday, many people came out to the balconies or entrances of their homes in London, where non-essential travel is effectively banned.

Prince Charles released a video of him applauding with his wife Camilla in separate rooms.

The three children of Prince William and his wife Catherine are also seen in a video released on the royals' official social media account.

Soccer star David Beckham shared a video featuring his children taking part, expressing his family's gratitude to healthcare workers.

at 20:00 (JST), March 27

The governor of Tokyo has again urged people to refrain from non-essential outings this weekend, warning that the capital is at a critical juncture in preventing an explosive spread of the coronavirus.

Japan's Prime Minister says the development of coronavirus vaccines and medicines to treat infectious disease will be the government's top priority.

Japan's Diet has passed a bill to fund its biggest-ever budget.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20200327200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : Tokyo urged non-essential
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200327_37/

The governor of Tokyo has again urged people to refrain from non-essential outings, warning that the capital is at a critical juncture in preventing an explosive spread of the coronavirus.

Yuriko Koike made the appeal as she reported 40 new cases in Tokyo on Friday. The Japanese capital has seen 40 or more new patients for three straight days.

She said the figure reaffirmed that the metropolis is on the brink of a sudden surge in the number of cases.

She called on residents to share a sense of crisis and act responsibly, adding that Tokyo will work with neighboring prefectures to stop the further spread of the virus.

The governor said "non-essential outings" refers to outings that can be delayed. They exclude hospital visits by people with chronic ailments and shopping at supermarkets or convenience stores to buy necessities.

She asked residents to make their own decisions on whether they must go out.

Many people gather at parks and other outdoor locations to enjoy cherry-blossom viewing around this time of year.

Koike said the cherry blossoms will bloom again next year, and urged people to give up visiting such locations this spring to help overcome the challenges posed by the coronavirus.

Key words : Abe hard hit
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200327_24/

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has warned that Japan's economy would be hard hit if Tokyo is locked down due to the coronavirus.

Abe made the comment in response to an opposition lawmaker's question about a recent spike in infections in the Japanese capital.

Abe also said the national government would step up coordination with local authorities, including in Tokyo, to fight the outbreak around the country.

Economic Revitalization Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura is in charge of the nation's coronavirus-response law. He said it was unnecessary to declare a state of emergency at this stage.

He added that the government would consider such a move in consultation with experts if the number of cases grows and if many infection routes are hard to track.

Key words : Abe development top priority
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200327_18/

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says the development of coronavirus vaccines and medicines to treat infectious disease will be the government's top priority. He called the current pandemic a threat to all mankind.

Abe attended a health and medical strategies task force meeting at the prime minister's office on Friday. Strategies for the coming five years were drawn up at the meeting.

They include the active use of AI-assisted medical technologies to treat various diseases.

They also aim to create an environment in which research labs and private businesses can share data and collaborate on health and medical research.

The strategies also mention that the government will immediately take more measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus. Those measures will include the development of medicines.

Abe said at the end of the meeting that the government will promote Japan's top quality medical research, and help the private sector offer people high quality services aimed at maintaining their health. He added that the government will actively promote Japan's excellent medical services overseas.

Key words : Bach reportedly
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200327_26/

The president of the International Olympic Committee, Thomas Bach, reportedly hopes to set new dates for the postponed Tokyo 2020 Games within three weeks.

The IOC held a closed teleconference with international sports organizations on Thursday.

Sources say the IOC explained how it decided to delay the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics until the summer of 2021 at the latest.

The sources say some of the conference participants want the Games to be held in the spring, citing the intense summer heat in Tokyo. Others reportedly said the events should be held in the early summer to avoid typhoons.

Some participants reportedly said the IOC should consider the possibility of holding the Games in September or October next year.

The postponement has raised various issues, including how to secure venues and personnel, and how to deal with the tickets that have already been sold.

Key words : diet has passed a bill
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200327_34/

Japan's Diet has passed a bill to fund its biggest-ever budget for the fiscal year starting in April.

The Upper House on Friday approved the budget with the support of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, its coalition partner Komeito and others. It totals over 102 trillion yen, or about 940 billion dollars.

A member of the Liberal Democratic Party, Takamaro Fukuoka, said the budget will serve as the base for measures to tackle the coronavirus, and needs to be enacted promptly.

Opposition lawmaker Hiroyuki Nagahama said he was opposed to the budget, pointing out it does not include any funds for measures to tackle the coronavirus.

The record budget includes costs for free higher education and measures to boost the economy.

The government plans to compile a supplementary budget to include additional stimulus measures in response to the spread of the coronavirus.

Key words : Trump Xi
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200327_31/

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping have discussed the coronavirus pandemic over the phone.

Trump tweeted on Friday that he had just finished what he called "a very good conversation with President Xi."

He wrote that China has developed a strong understanding of the virus. He added, "We are working closely together. Much respect!"

China's Foreign Ministry says Xi conveyed his concerns over the scope of infections in the United States. He is said to have suggested that China would provide medical supplies to the US to support its efforts to contain the virus.

Xi was quoted as saying that China-US relations are at a critical juncture and that cooperation is the only correct choice. He reportedly expressed hope that the United States take substantive action to improve bilateral ties.

Government officials of the two countries have been criticizing each other over the origin of the coronavirus after Trump labeled it the "Chinese virus."

Observers say the leaders' phone conversation was aimed at forestalling a deeper confrontation.

Key words : Satoshi smell taste
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200327_32/

A Japanese doctor says losing the senses of smell or taste alone isn't enough for a diagnosis of coronavirus infection even though some patients complain of the symptom.

Satoshi Kutsuna of the National Center for Global Health and Medicine has treated about 30 people infected with the virus.

Kutsuna says some of his patients told him they lost the senses, but too few to consider it a characteristic of such infection.

He also says patients with the common cold or influenza can develop the symptom.

He adds that doctors in Japan need more cases to see whether the symptom is due to the virus or just a stuffy nose.

Key signs of coronavirus infection include fever, coughing and difficulty breathing. But some patients in Japan and abroad say they've lost the senses of smell or taste.

The World Health Organization has started looking into whether smell and taste disorders are typical symptoms.

Key words : metropolitan shut down
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200327_35/

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government has partially shut down parks that are famous for their cherry blossoms, fearing that large crowds will gather for flower viewing.

The move comes as the number of coronavirus infections has risen sharply in Tokyo. Governor Yuriko Koike has asked residents to refrain from non-essential, non-urgent outings this weekend.

Ueno, Inokashira and Yoyogi parks, which are managed by the Tokyo government, are all partially off-limits.

People are also advised against viewing cherry blossoms at other parks and along rivers managed by the metropolis.

The banks of the Meguro River, a popular flower-viewing spot, are said to attract about 3-million revelers every spring.

The mayor of Meguro Ward says many people have gathered there despite being discouraged from doing so. He made another call for self-restraint.

Ward officials drove through the neighborhood to ask people not to gather. They also told temporary stalls to refrain from doing business.

One stall owner said it's a pity, but that she will comply with the request for the weekend.

A woman in her 20s who came to enjoy the fully blooming flowers said stay-at-home restrictions might be issued, so she came today. She said she will stay indoors over the weekend.

Key words : segmet wrapping up the top stories of the week
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at 20:00 (JST), March 26

The Japanese government has launched a new task force to fight a growing coronavirus outbreak.

A major US newspaper says the G7 foreign ministers failed to agree on a joint statement because of US insistence on referring to COVID-19 as the "Wuhan virus."

Governor of Tokyo has asked the governor of the four neighboring prefectures to cooperate in urging residents to avoid going out this weekend,

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20200326200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : government launched new task force
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200326_44/

The Japanese government has launched a new task force to fight a growing coronavirus outbreak.

The move paves the way for the Prime Minister to declare a state of emergency based on a newly enacted law.

The task force will hear opinions of experts and draft basic guidelines for measures to prevent the spread of infection and step up medical care.

If the government finds there is a serious threat to public health and the economy, it can now begin steps to declare an emergency for a designated area and time.

In that situation, governors would be able to order the closure of schools and limit the use of facilities where many people gather, for example department stores and movie theaters.

It would also enable governors to seize land and buildings for emergency medical facilities -- without the owners' consent. They would also be able to compel companies to sell necessary medicine and health care equipment to the state.

Japan has now confirmed over 1,300 coronavirus infections. That does not include more than 700 cases from the Diamond Princess cruise ship.

Forty-five people have died, along with ten from the cruise ship. More than 900 people have recovered and left hospital.

Key words : US newspaper failed to agree
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200326_40/

A US newspaper says the G7 foreign ministers failed to agree on a joint statement because of US insistence on referring to the new coronavirus as the "Wuhan virus."

The foreign ministers of the Group of Seven industrialized nations held a video conference on Wednesday. They agreed to cooperate in developing medicine and helping developing countries stop the spread of the deadly virus.

The Washington Post on Thursday cited G7 officials as saying US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo insisted on referring to the "Wuhan virus" in the meeting.

The paper quoted officials as saying other participants rejected the term as unnecessarily divisive when international cooperation is needed to slow the global pandemic.

After the conference, Pompeo reaffirmed his criticism of China, telling reporters "the most pressing agenda item today was the Wuhan virus."

The US and China have traded verbal blows over the origin of the epidemic and disclosure of information about the outbreak.

Key words : Koike ask neighbor
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200326_36/

Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike says she will ask the governors of Tokyo's four neighboring prefectures to cooperate in urging residents to avoid going out this weekend, to contain the coronavirus outbreak.

Koike told reporters on Thursday that she plans to hold a teleconference with the governors of Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba and Yamanashi later in the day. She said she hopes the five Tokyo metropolitan area governors will be able to issue a joint appeal.

The move followed an emergency appeal by Koike to Tokyo residents on Wednesday evening, urging them to avoid non-essential outings this weekend and on weekday evenings. She said Tokyo is at a critical juncture, facing the risk of an explosive spread of the coronavirus unless people take action now.

Tokyo had 41 new cases on Wednesday, the largest one-day increase the city has seen so far.

In response, Kanagawa Governor Yuji Kuroiwa issued an emergency appeal to the people of Kanagawa at a news conference on Thursday afternoon, urging them to avoid going out this weekend unless it is essential.

He said Kanagawa has not seen a rapid increase in coronavirus infections yet. He asked people to avoid enclosed, crowded spaces, and to work from home as much as possible. He added that they should consider canceling or postponing large gatherings.

Chiba Governor Kensaku Morita also held a news conference on Thursday afternoon, to urge the people of Chiba to avoid non-essential travel to Tokyo this weekend.

Key words : Koike appeal
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200326_28/

Store operators in Tokyo are deciding whether to remain open this weekend after the city's governor urged people to stay at home for two days to limit the spread of the coronavirus.

On Wednesday, Yuriko Koike also appealed to Tokyoites to work from home on weekdays as much as possible and to refrain from going out at night.

Major retailer Aeon says its 17 supermarkets in Tokyo will be open as usual in the evenings and at the weekend.

Ito-Yokado has already shortened the opening hours of some of its Tokyo outlets, and is considering whether additional measures are necessary.

Major convenience store chains say their Tokyo outlets will remain open, in principle. But they will consult franchise owners to discuss what they should do if employees are unable to come to work. They say reducing opening hours is one possible option.

Some department stores in Tokyo have already shortened their business hours, but have not made any decisions yet about their evening and weekend operations.

Key words : Tokyo stock
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200326_31/

Tokyo stocks plunged on Thursday after Governor Yuriko Koike's call for residents to stay home raised investor worries about the impact of the pandemic on the economy.

The Nikkei 225 ended the day at 18,664 or down 4.5 percent. The index dropped nearly 900 points.

The Nikkei had been gaining this week before the drop, climbing almost 3,000 points or 18 percent. Investors welcomed the Bank of Japan's asset purchases and plans for a 2 trillion-dollar stimulus package in the US.

Key words : pace of growth
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200326_22/

The pace of growth in the prices of services that Japanese companies provide to each other slowed in February.

Much of the decline came from hotels and international transportation providers, whose fees dropped sharply due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Bank of Japan says the Services Producer Price Index last month was up 2.1 percent from a year ago. The rise reflected higher payroll costs.

But compared to the previous month, the pace of that increase fell by 0.2 points, the first decline in seven months.

Prices charged by both hotels and international flights dropped around 7 percent from February 2019. BOJ officials say they are watching how an acceleration in the number of virus infection cases will affect the prices of services this month.

Key words : number of people topped
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200326_10/

The number of people infected with the new coronavirus has topped 400,000 globally, with most fatalities in Europe.

The World Health Organization says as of Wednesday, the total number of infections rose by 40,712 from the previous day to 414,179 in 199 countries and territories.
The death toll was up 2,202 to 18,440.

Italy has the most fatalities. The government figure of 7,503 is about twice that of China.

Local government leaders in Italy are using the internet to urge residents to stay home as many people are believed to be ignoring the nationwide lockdown.

In Spain, the government-announced death toll stands at 3,434, an increase of 738.

Authorities are using a skating rink as a temporary morgue to accommodate the surging number of fatalities.

Infections are spreading rapidly in the United States as well. The number of confirmed cases there as of Tuesday was 54,453, an increase of more than 10,000 from the previous day. The death toll was 737, an increase of 193.

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo warned that the peak has yet to come, and sought urgent help from the federal government in supplying more ventilators, beds and medical staff.

Key words : new york governor repeated
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200326_34/

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo has repeated his call for the US government to supply artificial respirators to help save lives amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Cuomo told a news conference on Wednesday that no one ever anticipated such a large number of ventilators would be needed for intensive care.

In New York State, about 3,800 coronavirus patients were in hospital as of Wednesday, and 900 of them were in intensive care units.

Medical institutions in New York are said to have 4,000 ventilators. But Cuomo said up to 40,000 units will be needed if cases keep rising at the current pace.

Cuomo had asked the federal government and other parties to supply 30,000 ventilators. But only 400 had been provided as of Tuesday.

Cuomo also said his state could need up to 140,000 beds, while the current capacity is 53,000.

Event facilities and other locations are being converted into temporary hospitals to accept patients.

New York is also appealing to retired nurses and doctors to return to work.

Key words : Cuomo pedestrian
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200326_17/

New York Governor Andrew Cuomo says New York City will close some streets to vehicles and open them to pedestrians to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

Cuomo made the announcement in a news conference on Wednesday. The plan is aimed at ensuring people keep a distance of about 1.8 meters from others.

New Yorkers are currently restricted from going out, but they are allowed to go shopping for food and other essentials. People were seen forming lines at supermarkets while keeping a distance from other shoppers.

New York State reported more than 30,000 infections as of Wednesday. The figure is the biggest among the US states and more than eight times the tally of New Jersey, which has the second largest number of infections in the country.

Cuomo attributed this to many people arriving from China, Italy and South Korea, where many cases have been reported, and also to the high population density in his state, although he said this is his personal opinion.

He also stressed the importance of social distancing to curb the spread of the coronavirus.

Key words : bank of thailand
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200326_32/

The Bank of Thailand has slashed the country's annual economic growth forecast into the negative. It says the tourism and export sectors are being hit hard by the pandemic.

The central bank says its projection is now minus 5.3 percent. The rate given for its previous forecast in December was plus 2.8 percent.

A dip below minus 5 percent would mark Thailand's lowest growth rate since 1998. That's when the country's economy shrank to minus 7.6 percent during the Asian currency crisis.

Key words : Waseda
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Key words : credit rating
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200326_30/

Credit ratings agency Moody's has downgraded Japanese IT giant SoftBank Group by two notches to Ba3, citing its massive plan to sell assets to reduce debt.

Moody's says the planned selloff "will be challenging in the current financial market downturn." The agency says it is reviewing SoftBank's debt for a further downgrade, pointing to the group's possible sales of core parts of its portfolio, including shares in China's online retailer Alibaba.

SoftBank said earlier this week that it will sell assets worth up to 4.5 trillion yen, or about 41 billion dollars, over the next 12 months.

The group criticized the downgrade, saying it was based on "excessively pessimistic assumptions".

SoftBank said it will cause "substantial misunderstanding among investors." It is asking Moody's to remove all bond ratings on the group.

at 20:00 (JST), March 25

Japanese Prime Minister and US President have discussed the decision to postpone the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Olympics and Paralympics will be postponed -- with officials citing the "unprecedented and unpredictable spread" of the coronavirus.

Sources linked to the Tokyo metropolitan government say more than 40 people tested positive to the new coronavirus on Wednesday.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20200325200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : Abe and US discuss good decision
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200325_28/

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and US President Donald Trump have discussed the decision to postpone the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games that were scheduled for this summer.

Abe and Trump spoke on the phone Wednesday morning, Japan time, for about 40 minutes. The talks came at the request of Japan's side.

Abe told Trump that he and International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach agreed on Tuesday to postpone the Tokyo Games, and to hold them by the summer of 2021 at the latest. He said the decision is designed to allow athletes to compete under the best conditions and to ensure the Games are safe.

Trump expressed his support and said it was a good decision.

The leaders confirmed they will cooperate to create Games symbolic of overcoming the pandemic.

They also agreed to work together to promote the development of treatments for the virus.

Key words : Olympics postpone unprecedented
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200325_14/

The Olympics and Paralympics will be postponed -- with officials citing the "unprecedented and unpredictable spread" of the coronavirus. They say the Games will take place no later than the summer of 2021.

International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach said, "We feel there with the entire world population, we are going all together, humanity is going through a very dark tunnel. And there we wanted and we want to make the Olympic flame the light at the end of this dark tunnel."

Bach spoke to NHK after an IOC board meeting confirmed a delay until 2021 for the Olympics and Paralympics.

He said travel restrictions imposed across the world were behind the decision.

Bach also said, "We saw worldwide spreading of this virus. And then the question was not anymore so much what are the conditions in Japan, but the question was more can the rest of the world participate."
The delay was agreed in a teleconference between Bach and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Abe said, "We are committed to holding the games in a complete form when we can prove that human beings have overcome illness caused by the new coronavirus."

Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike said, "It's significant that the span of postponement, or the goal, is set at the summer of 2021. It's especially important for athletes because they now have a concrete target."

The head of the organizing committee, Yoshiro Mori, said the name of the games will continue to be "Tokyo 2020." He added the Olympic flame will remain in Japan and the torch relay scheduled to start Thursday will be suspended.

It's the first time in Olympic history a public health emergency has caused the games to be put off.

Key words : Japanese olympic
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200325_33/

The head of the Japanese Olympic Committee has asked athletes to support the postponement of the Tokyo Games due to the coronavirus pandemic.

JOC President Yasuhiro Yamashita said on Wednesday the decision to delay the games came faster than he expected.

He said athletes are sure to have mixed emotions, but he expressed hope they will understand that the postponement was made to ensure their health and safety.

He said refocusing will be difficult, but urged them to remain positive as they prepare for 2021.

Yamashita added that some athletes who've already been chosen to compete in the Olympics might not have the chance to do so next year.

He said the JOC will respect the wishes of each sports body, which are at different stages in choosing athletes.

He stressed the JOC will listen to and try to meet the needs of athletes and sports bodies in dealing with the postponement.

Key words : Miyake
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200325_34/

Postponing the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics to "no later than the summer of 2021" may be difficult for athletes who see the games as the culmination of their careers.

For women's weightlifting medalist Hiromi Miyake, who won medals in two Olympics in a row, her fifth straight games is at stake.

The 34-year-old says she felt totally depressed. She adds that a year is a long time, and weighs heavily.

But she says she will think of the extra time as an added bonus to prepare, and is trying to accept the delay in a positive way.

Two-time Paralympic men's long jump silver medalist Atsushi Yamamoto is set to compete in the Tokyo Games. He's taking the delay positively, saying it's better to compete in front of spectators rather than not.

Yamamoto says he will be one year older at the postponed Tokyo Games, but that there's more he can do to improve his skills, so an extra year will be to his advantage.

Key words : sources linked
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200325_45/

Sources linked to the Tokyo metropolitan government say more than 40 people tested positive to the new coronavirus on Wednesday.

This is the highest daily tally for Japan's capital.

The sources also say about 10 of them are related to a hospital in Taito Ward where a nurse and a patient were confirmed infected on the previous day.

Tokyo reported a record number of infections for three straight days through Wednesday. Sixteen were on Monday and 17 on Tuesday.

Key words : world health number of death
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200325_18/

The World Health Organization says cases of the new coronavirus have been confirmed in 198 countries and territories as of Tuesday.

The WHO also says the total number of infections grew by 39,827 from the day before to 372,757. The number of deaths rose by 1,722 to 16,231.

According to reports released on or before Tuesday by governments, China has so far the largest number of infections at 81,171. Italy has the second largest figure of 69,176. The United States now has 44,183 infections, up by about 10,000 from the previous report. Spain has 39,673 cases, Germany 27,436, Iran 24,811 and France 22,302.

The death toll stood at 6,820 in Italy, followed by 3,277 in China. The coronavirus also killed 2,696 in Spain, 1,934 in Iran and 1,100 in France.

Key words : tokyo benchmark point rise
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200325_41/

Tokyo's benchmark stock index surged on Wednesday as investors welcomed progress by the US Congress toward passing a 2 trillion dollar stimulus package.

The gains also followed the biggest-ever one-day point rise in the Dow Jones Industrial Average.

The Nikkei 225 ended the day at 19,546, or up 8 percent. That was a gain of more than 1,400 points, the largest in 26 years. Market analysts say the decision to postpone the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics also dispelled some investor worries.

Other indexes across the Asia-Pacific region also rose. The benchmark in Seoul finished up 5.9 percent. Sydney advanced 5.5 percent.

Key words : republicans and democrats reached
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200325_42/

Congressional Republicans and Democrats have agreed on an unprecedented stimulus bill to deal with the coronavirus pandemic.

The 2-trillion dollar package includes direct payments to individuals, expanded unemployment benefits, and financial support for small- and medium-sized businesses.

Republican Senate Leader Mitch McConnell said; "At last we have a deal. After days of intense discussions, the Senate has reached a bi-partisan agreement on an historic relief package for this pandemic."

Democrat Senate Leader Chuck Schumer said; "We have a bi-partisan agreement on the largest rescue package in American history. This is not a moment of celebration, but one of necessity."

The total cost of the bill dwarfs the emergency measures taken amid the 2008 global financial crisis.

Members of the Senate and the House of Representatives are expected to vote on the agreement as early as Wednesday.

Key words : arriving from the United States during the
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200325_36/

Japan plans to ask all people arriving in the country from the United States to self-quarantine for two weeks, starting on Thursday.

People with fevers or other symptoms arriving by sea and air are to be tested for the new coronavirus at quarantine stations.

The measure has already been applied to arrivals from 40 countries including China, South Korea and European nations, following the rapid spread of the virus there.

All those arriving from those countries, including Japanese nationals, are asked to stay at homes, hotels and other facilities they've declared for two weeks, even if they have no symptoms.

They are asked to use private or rental cars and refrain from using taxis or public transportation when going from ports of entry to their places of self-quarantine.

During the two-week period, they are requested to check their temperature every day. They are also asked to immediately contact a consultation center and visit a designated medical institution if they develop symptoms such as fever or coughing.

The measure is due to last until the end of April, but officials say it may be extended, depending on the situation.

Key words : Asian countries
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200325_08/

Asian countries are introducing a raft of measures aimed at containing the virus. India's prime minister has declared a three-week lockdown of the whole nation.

Narendra Modi said: "Health experts say that the period of at least 21 days is most crucial to break the cycle of coronavirus infection." Modi said the lockdown is "the only way to save" the country's 1.3 billion people.

More than 500 cases have been confirmed in the world's second-most populous nation.

Train travel, long-distance bus journeys and international flight arrivals have already been suspended.

The announcement comes a day after the WHO warned India to take "aggressive action" against the virus.

In Thailand, the government has declared a one-month state of emergency.

The decree, to take effect Thursday, empowers the authorities to impose curfews, ban travel and close down buildings.

Authorities have already been strengthening anti-virus steps including shutting commercial premises and schools.

Traditional Thai New Year celebrations set for next month have been postponed.

In neighboring Myanmar, the country's first two infections have been confirmed.

The announcement caused panic buying at supermarkets.

Those infected are Myanmar nationals who recently returned from the US and Britain.

Meanwhile, the city where the disease was first reported may have reason for optimism.

Officials in China's Hubei Province say they will lift travel restrictions on Wuhan residents starting April 8th.

The announcement comes after the province reported no new cases for the fifth straight day.

Wuhan has been locked down for two months.

Key words : Iran ambassador
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200325_35/

Iran's ambassador to Japan has asked the Japanese government to help lift US economic sanctions on his country, which he says have been hampering efforts to fight the new coronavirus.

Iran has the largest number of infections in the Middle East, with more than 24,800 confirmed cases and over 1,900 deaths.

Ambassador Morteza Rahmani Movahed told reporters in Tokyo on Wednesday that the lack of medical equipment is hampering his country's efforts to sustain health and welfare systems and public hygiene.

He blamed sanctions imposed by the United States, saying they have made Iran unable to export crude oil and secure funds to buy medical equipment.

He added that the sanctions have also been an obstacle to the regular procurement of medical supplies.

The ambassador thanked Japan's decision earlier this month to provide about 22.5 million dollars in medical assistance to Iran.

But he noted the important thing is to lift sanctions so that regular trade can be resumed.

Key words : meteorological calling for
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200325_20/

The Japan Meteorological Agency is calling for more efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions as the country's average carbon dioxide concentration set record highs last year at all observation points.

The agency monitors CO2 density in the atmosphere at three locations in Japan: Ofunato City in northeastern Japan, the westernmost island of Yonaguni in Okinawa Prefecture, and the easternmost island of Minamitorishima in the Pacific.

The average density of carbon dioxide in Yonaguni last year was 414.8 parts per million, followed by 414 ppm in Ofunato and 412.2 ppm in Minamitorishima.
It has been setting new high records every year since the agency began observation in Ofunato in 1987.

The average CO2 density observed at an altitude of about six kilometers above the southeast of Japan and the level observed by ship at sea were both record highs.

The agency said the density of carbon dioxide has reached unprecedented levels. It warned that global warming may further advance unless measures are taken.

at 20:00 (JST), March 24

Toyota Motor and Japanese telecom giant NTT said that they have formed a major capital tie-up.

Share prices in Tokyo saw their largest rise in more than four years on Tuesday.

The International Monetary Fund says the coronavirus pandemic is likely to cause a worldwide recession this year.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20200324200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : Toyota NTT Sawada
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200324_46/

Toyota Motor and telecom giant NTT have formed a major capital tie-up to advance developments toward a so-called "smart city."

The two companies will take about 200 billion yen of each other's shares on April 9. That's about 1.8 billion dollars.

Toyota will acquire about two percent of NTT's shares, and NTT will take nearly one percent of Toyota's shares.

Toyota Motor President Akio Toyoda said "the idea of creating so-called connected city is becoming more and more essential." He added: "It would connect society, people's lives and automobiles."

NTT President and CEO Jun Sawada said: "We hope to create new social infrastructure by teaming up with Toyota."

The two companies will team up on a wide range of mobile services. The tie-up would combine Toyota's next-generation technologies, such as self-driving, with NTT's expertise in communications infrastructure.

Automakers have been in an intense global race for advanced technologies, known as "CASE," which refers to "connected, autonomous, shared, and electric."

Key words : Susono
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Key words : share prices largest
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200324_50/

Tokyo's share prices saw their largest rise in more than four years on Tuesday. Investors were in a buying mood after seeing the Bank of Japan buy financial assets to prop up the markets.

The Nikkei Average ended the day at 18,092, or up 7.1 percent from Monday's close. That was a gain of over 1,200 points. Expectations that the US Congress will approve a two-trillion dollar aid package also pushed up the index.

SoftBank Group's stock price rose 19 percent. Investors scooped up the shares after it announced plans to strengthen its balance sheet by selling assets and buying back shares.

Most other markets in the Asia-Pacific region rebounded. The benchmark in Seoul surged 8.6 percent.

Singapore was up 5.8 percent. Sydney and Hong Kong each gained more than 4 percent.

Key words : Finance ministers
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200324_05/

Finance ministers and central bankers from the Group of 20 countries have discussed responses to the coronavirus pandemic.

They held an emergency teleconference on Monday. Japanese Finance Minister Taro Aso and Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kuroda participated.

Aso later told reporters that the G20 countries are seriously concerned about the impact the pandemic is having on markets and economies, and the "humanitarian tragedy" it is creating.

He said the G20 members have an important role to play. He added that they are determined to take all possible measures "without hesitation" to overcome the crisis.

Aso said the development of coronavirus medicines will be the key to overcoming the current situation. He called on countries to work together to develop them, in order to make the process more efficient.

The finance minister also insisted that countries should implement sufficient economic and fiscal measures.

He stressed that the G20 members should provide support to countries with poor medical services, in cooperation with organizations such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

Aso also revealed a plan for the G20 leaders to hold a teleconference call as early as this week.

Key words : worldwide recession
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200324_40/

The International Monetary Fund says the coronavirus pandemic is likely to cause a worldwide recession this year.

IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva released a statement saying the outlook for global growth for 2020 is negative, and predicted "a recession at least as bad as during the global financial crisis or worse."

But Georgieva said the economy will probably recover in 2021.

In February, when the virus had yet to reach the pandemic level, the IMF forecast a global growth of 3.2 percent for 2020, higher than the previous year.

Key words : Major US financial
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200324_41/

Major US financial groups are forecasting record declines in the US economy.

Goldman Sachs is forecasting annualized GDP growth rates of minus 6 percent in the first quarter of this year, and minus 24 percent in the second quarter. It says that's the largest quarterly decline since the US began measuring GDP in its current form.

The firm also says the contractions may send unemployment rates soaring from the current 3.5 percent to 9 percent in coming quarters.

The Bank of America says it expects GDP to shrink by 12 percent in the second quarter. JPMorgan Chase expects it to drop by 14 percent.

Key words : US federal reserve
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200324_02/

The US Federal Reserve has pledged further action to help markets function smoothly amid worries about the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

The Fed said in a statement on Monday that it will purchase Treasury securities and mortgage-backed securities in the amounts needed to support smooth market functioning.

This means that the US central bank's asset buying program will go beyond the amounts it pledged to purchase on March 15.

Earlier this month, the bank slashed interest rates to near zero. But market uncertainty is still growing, as financial institutions are moving to hoard the US currency.

The latest move is seen as an attempt by the Fed to prevent the type of financial shock seen in the global financial crisis of 2008.

Key words : infection control
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200324_43/

An expert on infection control says Japan may have to consider locking down some of its large cities if the number of coronavirus cases surges around the country.

Professor Mitsuo Kaku from Tohoku Medical and Pharmaceutical University says infections are gradually rising in Tokyo and other cities. He says it's difficult to track down the individuals who transmitted such infections.

He made the comments in an NHK interview on Tuesday, a day after Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike said the capital may have to take extreme measures including a lockdown if the virus spreads. She said she wanted to avoid that and called on people to take steps to avoid getting infected.

Kaku says outbreaks in the United States and Europe suggest large cities in Japan could also see an explosive increase in infections.

He says the risk of infection will grow when large public events resume. He says people can still carry out activities such as going shopping or taking a walk, but should avoid big gatherings.

He added that people should make sure they keep washing their hands regularly, wearing face masks and ventilating rooms.

Key words : world health warned rapid spread
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200324_24/

The World Health Organization has warned that the new coronavirus pandemic is accelerating and urged people to stay home to slow the outbreak.

The organization's Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said more than 300,000 cases of the new coronavirus have now been reported from almost every country in the world.

Highlighting its rapid spread, the WHO said it took 67 days for the number of cases to reach 100,000; a further 11 days for 200,000 cases; and four more days to hit 300,000 cases.

Governments across the globe are now ramping up measures in response.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has announced a strict lockdown. People will only be able to leave home for essential shopping or exercise. Police have the power to fine anyone who disobeys.

In France, Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said lockdown measures scheduled to end March 31 could be extended for several more weeks. French people who leave their homes must carry a form that explains why. Those who fail to comply face a fine of about 150 dollars.

Tightening restrictions further, the French government said that from Tuesday, people will only be allowed to exercise once a day within a kilometer of their home. He added that open-air markets should also close. As of Monday, France has confirmed nearly 20,000 cases and 860 deaths.

Lockdown measures are also in effect in New York State, where only people with essential jobs can go to work, leaving subway trains virtually empty.

Manhattan's SoHo district is also deserted. Some of its luxury brand stores and restaurants have been boarded up as a security precaution.

Egypt has also suspended inbound and outbound flights, while tourist spots, including the Pyramids of Giza, are closed.

One Egyptian store owner said the situation was worse than during the 2011 Arab Spring pro-democracy movement. He added that many businesses were unable to pay their employees.

Meanwhile, Italy reported more than 600 fatalities on Monday. Its death toll is now over 6,000, the highest of any country in the world. Globally, there are more than 330,000 cases of infection with over 14,000 deaths.

Key words : fashion goods
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200324_28/

Brewers and fashion goods makers in Europe are adjusting their production lines to resolve the shortage of supplies needed to deal with the new coronavirus pandemic.

Europe is now considered to be the epicenter of the outbreak. It is facing a serious shortage of items required to prevent the spread of infection, as well as medical equipment.

Major British distiller Diageo announced it will donate 2 million liters of alcohol, used mainly for vodka and gin, to manufacturers that produce sanitizers. They will be distributed to medical institutions in Britain and other countries including Italy.

Another British firm BrewDog said it is producing a sanitizer at its distillery for distribution to those in need. Belgian brewers have also started manufacturing disinfectants.

French luxury giant LVMH, the owner of Louis Vuitton, said it will use its distribution network to get facemasks from China. The company initially plans to offer 10 million masks to French health authorities.

Another French luxury group Kering, which runs Gucci among other brands, also announced it is preparing to make facemasks.

The British government has asked automakers to help make artificial respirators essential for the treatment of pneumonia. Some of the Formula One Grand Prix carmakers and engine manufacturers have expressed their intention to comply with the request.

Key words : Tepco
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200324_42/

NHK has learned that Tokyo Electric Power Company, or TEPCO, has drafted a plan for disposing of radioactive wastewater stored at the troubled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

Water used to cool molten nuclear fuel from the 2011 accident is treated to remove most radioactive material. But tritium and other substances remain in the water, a huge amount of which is stored in about 1,000 large tanks.

A government panel last month compiled a report that says releasing diluted radioactive wastewater into the sea or air are realistic options.

TEPCO's plan for doing so would involve diluting the wastewater with seawater, aiming for a tritium level of one-fortieth that allowed by national regulation.

The firm would gradually release the diluted water over about 30 years, taking into consideration the amount of similar water released at other nuclear plants.

TEPCO would also test treating the wastewater again to further remove other radioactive materials.

The utility is to explain the plan to local officials and residents in Fukushima Prefecture. People in the local fishery and tourism industries oppose releasing the water into the ocean.