at 18:30 (JST), June 30

Asian View

"Asian View" is a five-minute news segment broadcast by NHK WORLD-JAPAN. It features the latest news and deep analysis from Japan and the rest of Asia. Listen to "Asian View" and get the latest information from a region that's playing an increasingly important role in the world.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20220630183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : prime new document
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220630_08/

Japan's Prime Minister Kishida Fumio says his government and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization will work out a new document on their cooperation.

He became the first Japanese prime minister to join a NATO summit when he did so in Madrid on Wednesday.

During the summit meeting, Kishida said that as the international community stands at a crossroads of history, the participation of partners, including Japan, shows a recognition that the security of Europe and the Indo-Pacific region cannot be separated.

Apparently referring to China, Kishida said unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force continue in the East China and South China seas. He said he has a strong sense of crisis that what is happening in Ukraine might occur in East Asia tomorrow.

Kishida said countries should unite to show that attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by force will not succeed.

He also conveyed his government's intention to strengthen Japan's defense capabilities and step up security cooperation with countries that share values, such as freedom and the rule of law. He said NATO is an important partner for Japan.

Kishida said Japan and NATO also agreed to advance cooperation in areas such as cyber and maritime security. He called for deepening cooperation between defense authorities. He also said it is important that Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand regularly participate in NATO's council meetings.

Key words : sideline reaffirm north
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220630_04/

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol have huddled with US President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the NATO summit in Spain. They reaffirmed their shared commitment to countering the threat from North Korea.

Biden said, "Our trilateral cooperation, in my view is essential to achieving our shared objective, including a complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and a free and open Indo-Pacific."

Kishida said, "It is essential to strengthen cooperation among our countries, including enhancing the deterrence of the Japan-US alliance, as well as that of the US-South Korea alliance."

It's the first time in about five years the leaders of the three countries have sat down for talks.

In this year alone, North Korea has conducted 17 missile tests. Military analysts say there are signs the nation is prepared to carry out its seventh nuclear test -- the first since 2017.

Kishida said there is grave concern about North Korea's provocative actions.

Key words : china lash
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220629_26/

China's government has lashed out at the Group of Seven leaders for referring to Taiwan in their summit communique.

The leaders wrapped up their summit in Germany on Tuesday with a communique saying, "We underscore the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and encourage a peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues."

A spokesperson for China's Taiwan Affairs Office, Ma Xiaoguang, told reporters on Wednesday that Taiwan is China's domestic issue and that no outside intervention will be tolerated.

He protested what he called "extremely dangerous" efforts by the United States and the West to involve their allies in using the "Taiwan card" to suppress China's development and reunification.

Ma warned the G7 to stop sending the wrong messages to Taiwan's separatist forces and intervening in China's domestic affairs, telling them not to "play with fire."

Key words : heatstroke kanto region tokai
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220630_12/

Much of Japan is expected to experience temperatures of 35 degrees Celsius or higher on Thursday, which will heighten the risk of heatstroke.

Japan's Meteorological Agency says record temperatures were observed on Wednesday mostly in the Kanto region, which includes Tokyo. The city of Isesaki in Gunma Prefecture saw a high of 40 degrees.

Some areas in Kanto and the central region of Tokai could hit 40 degrees on Thursday.

Kumagaya City in Saitama Prefecture is expected to have a high of 39 degrees.

The Meteorological Agency and the Environment Ministry have issued a heatstroke alert for Kanto, the neighboring prefectures of Yamanashi and Nagano, and areas to the west through Kyushu.

People are advised to stay hydrated and to use air conditioners appropriately.

They are also encouraged to take off their face masks outdoors when there's little conversation.

Elderly people are particularly at high risk of heatstroke. Their relatives and neighbors are urged to be mindful of them.

Key words : xi zero-covid
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220630_10/

Chinese President Xi Jinping has expressed confidence about preventing the spread of the coronavirus and pursuing economic development during a trip to the central Chinese city of Wuhan.

The city in Hubei Province was put under lockdown in 2020 after the first outbreak of the coronavirus.

Xi inspected businesses and residential areas of Wuhan on Tuesday.

He defended his government's strict zero-COVID policy and stressed that it will remain in place. He said that in view of China's large population, if it neglects infection control measures, the consequences would be unimaginable.

He added that a temporary impact on economic development would be more acceptable than harming the lives and health of the Chinese people. Xi described the zero-COVID policy as the most economical and effective choice for the country.

He also promised to bring economic development for this year to a relatively good level.

Some China watchers say it will be difficult for the country to achieve the government's target growth rate of roughly 5.5 percent this year.

Key words : cambodia visit
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220629_40/

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations has been attempting to mediate dialogue between the military and pro-democracy groups.

The regional bloc's special envoy is making his second visit to Myanmar from Wednesday. Attention is focused on whether he will be able to meet pro-democracy groups that he failed to see last time.

Cambodia's Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn is the ASEAN special envoy on Myanmar. He will stay there until Sunday.

The crackdown on citizens protesting against the coup has continued since the military took power last year.

Prak Sokhonn said before his visit that he has conveyed to the junta ASEAN's "deep concern" about the transfer last week of ousted de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi to a prison. He called for her to be returned to her home where she was originally detained.

The ASEAN envoy's first visit to Myanmar took place in March. He met with coup leader, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, but left the country without seeing anyone from the pro-democracy side.

Key words : logistic labor shortage
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220629_27/

A Tokyo-based venture firm has developed a robot that can help human staff at warehouses pick out products for shipping. The aim is to alleviate labor shortages in the logistics industry as more people shop online.

The robot, developed by Rapyuta Robotics, is designed help collect products from across huge warehouses so they can be shipped out.

A system driven by artificial intelligence analyzes the warehouse layout and determines the most efficient way to navigate the maze of shelves.

The machine's width is only about 60 centimeters, allowing it to pass through narrow aisles.

In a demonstration, three of the robots worked together with human staff. Once items are placed on the robots, the next destination immediately appears on the screen.

The venture firm said its technology makes it possible for workers to pick up roughly twice as many products during a shift, while also reducing the distance they walk.

at 18:30 (JST), June 29

Asian View

"Asian View" is a five-minute news segment broadcast by NHK WORLD-JAPAN. It features the latest news and deep analysis from Japan and the rest of Asia. Listen to "Asian View" and get the latest information from a region that's playing an increasingly important role in the world.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20220629183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : Kishida first common understanding
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220629_15/

North Atlantic Treaty Organization leaders will begin a two-day summit in Madrid on Wednesday with Kishida Fumio, who will be the first Japanese prime minister to attend the talks.

Officials at the summit are expected to adopt a new strategy for the alliance's political and military development for the coming decade.

Japanese officials say Kishida plans to confirm a common understanding that any unilateral attempt to change the status quo by force must not be tolerated anywhere in the world. He is apparently referring to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and China's maritime activities.

Kishida said, "I hope to take the opportunity to strengthen NATO's cooperation, and to build a solidarity partnership for freedom and democracy linking Europe and the Pacific Ocean."

The prime minister will also meet US President Joe Biden and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol on the sidelines of the NATO summit on Wednesday. It will be the first trilateral summit since September 2017.

They will discuss how they might limit North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.

White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan says the three leaders will discuss the application of economic pressure on the North, including how to deprive Pyongyang of hard currency to fund its weapons programs.

Key words : relief afghanistan mountainous
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220629_03/

One week after a powerful earthquake hit eastern Afghanistan, deliveries of relief supplies are progressing slowly.

The magnitude 5.9 quake struck on June 22 with its epicenter in Khost Province.

The World Health Organization says that by Sunday, 1,036 people had been confirmed dead and 2,949 others injured in Khost and neighboring Paktika Province.

The United Nations Children's Fund says the quake has killed at least 121 children.

The country's Taliban leaders as well as the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies are distributing food and treating injured people.

But many roads to mountainous areas are unpaved. Aid workers say this makes it hard to deliver medical and other supplies.

A spokesperson for the Afghan interior ministry told NHK on Tuesday that the humanitarian crisis can be resolved through mutual help.

The spokesperson called on the international community to provide food, medical supplies and tents.

Key words : laos
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220628_23/

Asian countries with vulnerable economies are struggling amid surging global energy prices.

Laos has been suffering from an extreme shortage of gasoline since early May. The southeast Asian country relies on imported oil and has become unable to procure it as usual. This is due to its weakening currency and surging energy prices caused partly by the war in Ukraine.

Many gas stations are closed in the capital Vientiane. Footage taken earlier this month shows long lines of cars and motorcycles forming at stations that are open.

The country is also hard hit by record high inflation. The central bank says prices rose by 12.8 percent in May.

People from Laos are crossing the border into northeastern Thailand to fill up in Nong Khai.

A 36-year-old woman said there's not enough gas in Laos, and daily commodities are also more expensive. She said she's only buying what she absolutely needs.

A serious energy shortage is also affecting Sri Lanka. Gasoline was reportedly unavailable at one point in Myanmar.

Key words : thailand cannabis
#N/A

at 18:30 (JST), June 28

Asian View

"Asian View" is a five-minute news segment broadcast by NHK WORLD-JAPAN. It features the latest news and deep analysis from Japan and the rest of Asia. Listen to "Asian View" and get the latest information from a region that's playing an increasingly important role in the world.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20220628183000_english_2.mp3


Key words : provide 200 million pledge
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220628_01/

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio talked briefly with US President Joe Biden on the sidelines of the Group of Seven summit in Germany on Monday.

The two leaders exchanged opinions on the situation in Ukraine. They confirmed that their countries will closely coordinate sanctions against Russia while supporting Ukraine.

They also agreed to cooperate toward the success of the economic version of a "two-plus-two" meeting between the foreign and economic ministers of the two countries. Arrangements are underway for the talks to be held at the end of July.

On the second day of the G7 summit being held in southern Germany's Schloss Elmau, Kishida pledged about 200 million dollars to help address a global food crisis amid Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

Kishida said an invasion like Russia's could occur elsewhere. He said it is the responsibility of the international community to help the people of Ukraine fighting on the frontlines. He went on to say that sanctions on Russia should not be lifted.

Kishida said Russia is spreading a false narrative that blames the global food crisis on Western sanctions. He said it is necessary to show that Russia's invasion is to blame.

He said Japan's aid would go to Ukraine and to Middle Eastern and African countries that are being hit hard by soaring food prices.

Kishida also announced plans to provide a total of 1.1 billion dollars in aid, including an additional 100 million dollars for humanitarian assistance.

Key words : china pushed back
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220627_37/

China has pushed back in reaction to a new framework launched by the Group of Seven to promote investment to meet the infrastructure needs of developing countries.

US President Joe Biden announced on Sunday he reached agreement with other G7 leaders to launch an infrastructure partnership to mobilize 600 billion dollars by 2027 in global infrastructure investments.

The initiative is believed to be part of efforts to counter China's growing influence in Asia, Africa and elsewhere through massive lending.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said on Monday that his country continues to welcome all initiatives to promote global infrastructure development.

But he said Beijing is opposed to smearing its Belt and Road initiative under the pretext of infrastructure construction.

He downplayed concerns that China's excessive lending for infrastructure projects has left recipient nations in a debt trap. He said relevant nations have benefited during the nine years the initiative has been in place.

He said there is no partner of China that supports the allegation that the initiative creates the so-called debt trap.

Key words : unicef afghanistan waterborne disease
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220628_06/

A UNICEF official says Afghanistan faces the growing risk of outbreaks of infectious diseases following last week's earthquake that left the country's lifeline infrastructure battered.

UNICEF's Chief of Communications in Afghanistan, Samantha Mort, said in an interview with NHK on Monday that she is concerned about possible outbreaks of waterborne diseases.

Mort said water and sanitation systems were destroyed in affected areas. She added that efforts are underway to prevent the spread of acute watery diarrhea and Cholera.

The magnitude 5.9 quake last Wednesday left at least 1,040 people dead and more than 1,600 injured in the provinces of Khost and Paktika, according to local authorities.

UNICEF relief teams have been working there ever since.

Video footage from Paktika, taken by UNICEF staff members, shows residents cleaning up around their damaged houses, children sitting huddled together under tents, and people receiving treatment in hospital.

Mort said there are many children who lost family members, and that UNICEF has sent psychosocial therapists to help those children.

She appealed to the international community for support in rebuilding people's homes and their livelihoods.

Key words : government power shortage
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220628_32/

Japan's government has extended its advisory on possible power shortages in Tokyo and surrounding areas to Wednesday as sweltering heat is expected to continue.

The government announced the extension on Tuesday as intense heat hit the Kanto region, including Tokyo, for a fourth straight day.

It said reserve capacity may drop below 5 percent for Tokyo Electric Power Company, which serves the capital and surrounding areas. Electricity demand for uses such as air conditioning is expected to remain high.

The advisory has been in effect since it was first issued on Sunday under a new protocol to alert people about possible electricity shortages.
The government is asking people in the region to again reduce power consumption on Wednesday, especially between 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. The period is longer than those of the two previous days.

The government also announced that it will not issue advisories for areas served by Hokkaido Electric and Tohoku Electric, both in northern Japan, as their reserve capacity is expected to be above 5 percent.

Key words : weather officials next two weeks
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220627_22/

Weather officials in Japan are warning that a record-level heat wave is forecast for the next two weeks after the rainy season apparently ended unusually early in some regions.

The Japan Meteorological Agency issued the warning after announcing on Monday that it believes the season has ended in the Kanto-Koshin region, which includes Tokyo, as well as in Tokai and southern Kyushu.

If confirmed, it will be the earliest end in Kanto-Koshin and the second earliest in the other two regions since record-keeping began. It will also be the shortest rainy season on record for the three regions.

Agency official Umeda Takafumi said the agency made the announcement because sunny weather is expected to continue after a Pacific high-pressure system pushed the seasonal rain front northward.

Umeda urges people to take measures to prevent heatstroke, saying that intense heat is forecast in the coming two weeks. He also warns that a rain front and approaching typhoons could bring heavy rain.

Key words : earthquake fukushima
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220627_02/

Japan's government has issued an advisory for possible power shortages in Tokyo and surrounding areas. It is the first such advisory announced under the country's new alert system.

Sweltering heat is expected to continue on Monday in the Kanto region, including Tokyo. Demand for electricity, such as the use of air conditioners, is expected to surge.

Government officials are calling on households and businesses in the areas to cut back on energy use as much as possible, especially between 3 and 6 p.m. on Monday.

But they also ask people to use air conditioners properly to prevent heatstroke.

Under the new alert system established in May, the government will issue an advisory at 4 p.m. That's when the reserve power-supply capacity is expected to drop below 5 percent the next day, even after additional supplies are offered by other regional utilities.

The government estimates that the reserve capacity will fall below 5 percent in the Greater Tokyo area on Monday. The rate will likely drop further to under 4 percent before 5 p.m.

Japan faces potential power crunches during extreme weather conditions due to a decline in power supply capacities at utility companies.

The Tokyo Electric Power Company, which services the Kanto region, says the utility's supply capacity has fallen as operations of some power plants in Fukushima Prefecture remain suspended due to the damage caused by an earthquake that hit the area in March.

The country also has aging thermal power plants that have been closed temporarily or permanently.

Key words : bank of japan massive
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220627_32/

Documentation outlining the Bank of Japan's latest board meeting reveals that policymakers are stressing the need to continue with massive monetary easing to achieve wage increases amid rising prices.

The BOJ released its "Summary of Opinions" from discussions at a two-day policy meeting earlier this month.

One board member said the range of higher-priced items is widening due to the rise in commodity prices and moves in currency exchange rates.

But the policymaker also said the Bank's price stability target has not been achieved along with a virtuous cycle accompanied by wage increases. Therefore, it remains appropriate to stick with current monetary policy.
One member said achieving a sustainable and stable inflation target of two percent requires wage rises exceeding that level.

Another said the continuation of monetary easing can be considered effective to encourage sustained wage hikes by firms.

Key words : south north unification
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220628_02/

The South Korean minister in charge of Seoul's relations with North Korea says Pyongyang is ready to conduct its seventh nuclear test at any moment.

Unification Minister Kwon Young-se told a group of foreign reporters in Seoul on Monday that it's only a matter of when a political decision is made.

The minister said he has no idea why such a decision has yet to be made, but suspects that Pyongyang is gauging the situation in and outside of the North to make the test well timed to maximize its effects.

He warned that the North would face a barrage of criticism from the international community should it carry out the test, and that the scope of such criticism may not be limited to the verbal variety.

The minister stressed the need for countries, including China, to keep urging Pyongyang not to go ahead.

So far this year, the North has repeatedly launched intercontinental ballistic missiles and also test-fired short-range missiles.

The minister said North Korea's target appears to be South Korea. He added that Pyongyang is apparently aiming to have offensive capabilities strong enough to face off against both South Korea and the United States.

Key words : north online symposium
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220627_38/

North Korea has criticized Japan and the United States over an online symposium held earlier this month on the abduction of foreign nationals by North Korea.

The North Korean foreign ministry released an opinion article written by a researcher of the Institute for Studies of Japan on Monday.

The article addressed the UN symposium held on June 16, which was organized by Japan, the US, Australia and the European Union.

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu, whose responsibilities include the abductions issue, was one of the main figures at the event. He called for international support for realizing the return of all abductees as soon as possible.

The North Korean article accused Japan of having conspired with the US to stage an abduction campaign with an "ulterior motive" to bring down North Korea's reputation and isolate it internationally.

The article repeated Pyongyang's claim that, "It is our invariable stand that the abduction issue does no longer exist as it had already been resolved once and for all by our sincerity and efforts."

It concluded, "As for the abduction issue, the buck stops with Japan and the US, which are deceiving the international society, being given to falsehood."

at 18:30 (JST), June 27

Asian View

"Asian View" is a five-minute news segment broadcast by NHK WORLD-JAPAN. It features the latest news and deep analysis from Japan and the rest of Asia. Listen to "Asian View" and get the latest information from a region that's playing an increasingly important role in the world.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20220627183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : Kishida additional gold
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220627_08/

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has announced additional sanctions against Russia, including a ban on imports of Russian gold.

Kishida and other Group of Seven leaders discussed diplomatic and security issues at their summit in southern Germany's Schloss Elmau on Sunday.

Kishida touched on the situation in Ukraine and said the world stands at a crossroads in history and is being tested on whether it can maintain international order based on rules.

He noted that frameworks such as the United Nations Security Council have not been able to deal with the current situation sufficiently.

The additional sanctions he announced include a ban on imports of Russian gold and on providing accounting, trust and some other services to Russia.

Kishida also said Japan will expand its asset freeze measures to cover an additional 70 Russian individuals and organizations and will implement a ban on exports to 90 military-related organizations.

Apparently with China in mind, Kishida said that Japan rejects a world in which any unilateral change to the status quo by force, such as the Russian invasion of Ukraine, is tolerated.

He pledged commitment to strengthening international order based on the rule of law. He said other countries must not learn the wrong lessons from the Ukraine crisis.

Kishida also mentioned a series of intrusions by Chinese government ships into Japanese waters and a unilateral gas field development in the East China Sea.

He reiterated that any attempt to unilaterally change the status quo by force cannot be accepted.

Kishida pointed out the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, and expressed hope to strengthen security cooperation in the Indo-Pacific region.

The prime minister also referred to North Korea's nuclear and missile development programs. He said the world must not allow the North to misunderstand that a window for further advancing the programs has opened as the international community is focusing on the Ukraine crisis.

He stressed the need to realize the North's complete, verifiable and irreversible dismantlement of all weapons of mass destruction.

Key words : 65 billion
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220627_06/

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has offered more than 65 billion dollars in investment assistance for developing countries to build sustainable infrastructure.

Kishida made the offer during discussions at the G7 summit in Germany on Sunday, at Schloss Elmau in the country's south.

He expressed concerns that developing nations are struggling with increasing debts as the international community has been responding to the coronavirus pandemic and Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Kishida stressed the need for the G7 to come up with ways to respond to unfair and opaque loans extended by China under its Belt and Road initiative.

Kishida added that the G7 should address a so-called "debt trap" caused by China's massive loans where borrowers will struggle with repayment.

The Japanese leader pledged to offer more than 65 billion dollars in assistance over the next five years, including private funds, for infrastructure projects in developing economies.

US President Joe Biden announced the launch of a global infrastructure initiative that will raise nearly 600 billion dollars by 2027, in a bid to counter China's growing influence in the developing world.

Key words : advisory energy use fallen
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220627_02/

Japan's government has issued an advisory for possible power shortages in Tokyo and surrounding areas. It is the first such advisory announced under the country's new alert system.

Sweltering heat is expected to continue on Monday in the Kanto region, including Tokyo. Demand for electricity, such as the use of air conditioners, is expected to surge.

Government officials are calling on households and businesses in the areas to cut back on energy use as much as possible, especially between 3 and 6 p.m. on Monday.

But they also ask people to use air conditioners properly to prevent heatstroke.

Under the new alert system established in May, the government will issue an advisory at 4 p.m. That's when the reserve power-supply capacity is expected to drop below 5 percent the next day, even after additional supplies are offered by other regional utilities.

The government estimates that the reserve capacity will fall below 5 percent in the Greater Tokyo area on Monday. The rate will likely drop further to under 4 percent before 5 p.m.

Japan faces potential power crunches during extreme weather conditions due to a decline in power supply capacities at utility companies.

The Tokyo Electric Power Company, which services the Kanto region, says the utility's supply capacity has fallen as operations of some power plants in Fukushima Prefecture remain suspended due to the damage caused by an earthquake that hit the area in March.

The country also has aging thermal power plants that have been closed temporarily or permanently.

Key words : daytime high tokyo and many
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220626_14/

Blistering heat gripped wide areas of Japan on Sunday, with daytime highs topping 35 degrees Celsius in Tokyo and many other places in the Kanto region.

The Meteorological Agency says a high-pressure system to the south of Japan has brought intense heat and sunshine to most parts of the country. Temperatures began to rise from the morning across Japan.

Central Tokyo logged 36.2 degrees, tying a record for the month of June. This is also the first time the Japanese capital has experienced a daytime high of over 35 degrees for two straight days in June.

Thirty locations around the country, many of them in the Kanto region, recorded daytime temperatures exceeding 35 degrees.

The mercury rose to 36.8 degrees in the cities of Sano, Tochigi Prefecture, and Isesaki, Gunma Prefecture. Tokyo's Nerima Ward and the city of Kumagaya, Saitama Prefecture, both logged 36.4 degrees. The city of Mito, Ibaraki Prefecture, had a high of 36 degrees.

The extreme heat is expected to continue in the Kanto region and elsewhere on Monday. A high of 38 degrees is forecast for Kumagaya, as well as Maebashi City, Gunma Prefecture. Temperatures are expected to reach 35 degrees in central Tokyo, the city of Toyama, and Soma City, Fukushima Prefecture.

People are being urged to take precautions against heatstroke. These include drinking water frequently, using air conditioners properly, and removing face masks outdoors if social distancing can be maintained.

Key words : taliban sanction
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220626_12/

The Taliban's foreign ministry spokesperson has called for the lifting of sanctions on the Islamist group as well as the release of Afghanistan's frozen overseas assets, so it can support victims of an earthquake that hit eastern part of the country.

More than 1,000 people were killed and over 1,600 injured in the magnitude 5.9 quake that struck the provinces of Khost and Paktika on Wednesday.

A non-governmental organization said it is working with the Taliban's interim government, but damaged roads leading to the area are hindering quick transportation of the relief aid.

The Taliban's foreign ministry spokesman, Abdul Qahar Balkhi, said in an interview with the Reuters news agency on Saturday, "The Islamic Emirate is asking the world to give the Afghans their most basic right, which is their right to life."

He called on international governments to lift sanctions on Taliban executives and unfreeze the central bank's overseas assets.

The United States and other countries froze the assets after the Taliban returned to power last August.

The UN Security Council last year adopted a new resolution which says provision of funds for humanitarian aid would not violate the sanctions on the Taliban.

The Taliban is now demanding that sanctions be eased so it can deal with the aftermath of the quake.

Key words : state-run xi
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220625_12/

China's state-run news agency said President Xi Jinping will attend a ceremony next Friday to mark the 25th anniversary of Hong Kong's handover to China.

The visit would be Xi's first trip outside mainland China since the January 2020 coronavirus lockdown on Wuhan near the country's center.

Xinhua News Agency also reported on Saturday that Xi will attend the inauguration of Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu.

July 1 will mark 25 years since Hong Kong was handed over to China from British rule. It will be a halfway point of the 50-year period that Beijing promised would be marked by a high degree of autonomy for Hong Kong under the "one country, two systems" framework.

Xi is expected to tout Beijing's success in governing Hong Kong. Pro-democracy movements and media have been suppressed in Hong Kong under a national security law for the territory.

Hong Kong media reported that participants of events commemorating the 25th anniversary have been required to be quarantined at hotels for one week.

The Xinhua report did not say whether Xi would attend the ceremonies in person or online.

Key words : close to sideline
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220626_16/

Sources close to South Korea's presidential office say a three-way summit among Japan, the United States and South Korea will take place on June 29 on the sidelines of a NATO gathering in Spain.

This will be the first summit of the three countries since September 2017. The leaders are expected to confirm their cooperation in dealing with North Korea, which is accelerating its nuclear and missile development.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol is scheduled to leave for Madrid on Monday to attend the NATO summit. It will be his first overseas trip as the country's president.

Yoon will meet Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio face-to-face for the first time since he took office.

But the sources say a bilateral summit between Japan and South Korea is unlikely as it will be difficult to make progress on the pending issues between the two countries under the circumstances.

The sources say it is better not to hold a one-on-one meeting if tangible results cannot be expected.

Key words : north anti-US
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220625_08/

People in North Korea staged a series of anti-US rallies in the lead-up to Saturday, which marks 72 years since the start of the Korean War. It is the first time in five years that the North has reported that such rallies have taken place.

The war broke out on June 25, 1950. Pyongyang designates the occasion as the day of the struggle against the United States.

The Saturday edition of the ruling party newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, ran an editorial titled "The spirit of protecting the homeland is a weapon of victory."

The newspaper also reported on anti-US rallies that took place in the capital, Pyongyang, on Thursday and Friday.

In Friday's demonstration, university students and other participants accused the United States of continuing war drills to invade North Korea. They went on to say that if the United States blows the clouds of war onto their homeland, they will mercilessly conquer it.

The anti-US rallies appear to be the first since 2018, when leaders of the two countries held their first-ever summit. Since then, Pyongyang has taken a more hostile stance toward Washington as a stand-off between the two over Pyongyang's nuclear program has intensified.

The United States has also been working with Japan and South Korea to strengthen their deterrence capabilities.

Earlier this year, North Korea resumed intercontinental ballistic missiles launches. It has also been accelerating its nuclear and missile development programs.

Key words : cambodia landslide
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220626_11/

Cambodia's ruling party has scored a landslide victory in the commune council elections that were held on June 5.

The National Election Committee announced on Sunday that the Cambodian People's Party candidates now hold the chair positions of 1,648 commune councils from a total of 1,652.

The ruling party, led by Prime Minister Hun Sen, also won more than 80 percent of the local council seats. The main opposition Candlelight Party won fewer than 20 percent.

Cambodia holds council elections every five years. In 2017, the main opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party won a majority in 30 percent of the councils by attracting support from voters unhappy with Hun Sen, who had held power for over 30 years.

Hun Sen's government cracked down on the CNRP after the elections, arresting its leader and forcing it to disband.

Hun Sen's party won all the parliamentary seats in the general election in 2018.

The results of this month's local elections show the opposition party has been severely weakened by the government's crackdown.

at 18:00 (JST), June 26

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20220626180000_english_1.mp3


Key words : zelenskyy win back advancing
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220626_10/

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has vowed to win back all the cities that Russian forces have taken, after the key eastern city of Severodonetsk was occupied.

Russian forces had been advancing on Severodonetsk and the city across a river, Lysychansk, in a bid to take full control of the eastern-most region of Luhansk.

The mayor of Severodonetsk admitted on Saturday that the city is now fully occupied by Russian forces.

Ukraine's military intelligence chief told the Reuters news agency that Ukrainian forces made a "tactical withdrawal" to fight from higher ground in Lysychansk.

The official was quoted as saying, "given the conditions, holding the defense in the ruins and open fields is no longer possible. "

The focus has now shifted to Lysychansk, where Russia said street battles began on Saturday after its forces had moved in from the south.

President Zelenskyy said on Saturday that in a half day, 45 Russian missiles hit wide areas, including the northern, southern and western parts of his country.

The president called for stepping up sanctions against Russia, and speeding up military aid from the West.

His top military commander wrote on social media that US-supplied advanced HIMARS rocket systems were now deployed and hitting targets in Russian-occupied parts of the country.

Key words : group of seven meet in germany
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220626_02/

Leaders from the Group of Seven countries will meet in Germany on Sunday, likely to discuss how to reinforce pressure on Russia and ways to support Ukraine.

The leaders, including US President Joe Biden and Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, will attend the summit in the southern German state of Bavaria.

The three-day meeting comes at a time when Russia's invasion of Ukraine has continued for about four months.

The leaders will likely talk about huge backlogs of harvested grains stuck in Ukraine, which have been fueling global concerns about a possible food crisis.

Ukraine, one of the world's top grain exporters, says Russia's blockade of Black Sea ports has prevented shipments.

Another expected topic is China, which has been intensifying its maritime assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region.

After the G7 meeting, a NATO summit is set to begin on Wednesday in Spain.

Leaders from non-NATO countries, including Japan and South Korea, have also been invited to the meeting.

Kishida told reporters on Saturday that he will seize the opportunity to elevate Japan's relations with NATO to a new stage.

He will become the first prime minister of Japan to participate in the organization's summit.

Key words : German Institute
#N/A


Key words : cambodia landslide
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220626_11/

Cambodia's ruling party has scored a landslide victory in the commune council elections that were held on June 5.

The National Election Committee announced on Sunday that the Cambodian People's Party candidates now hold the chair positions of 1,648 commune councils from a total of 1,652.

The ruling party, led by Prime Minister Hun Sen, also won more than 80 percent of the local council seats. The main opposition Candlelight Party won fewer than 20 percent.

Cambodia holds council elections every five years. In 2017, the main opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party won a majority in 30 percent of the councils by attracting support from voters unhappy with Hun Sen, who had held power for over 30 years.

Hun Sen's government cracked down on the CNRP after the elections, arresting its leader and forcing it to disband.

Hun Sen's party won all the parliamentary seats in the general election in 2018.

The results of this month's local elections show the opposition party has been severely weakened by the government's crackdown.

Key words : world health monkeypox not constitute
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220626_06/

The World Health Organization has concluded that the current international monkeypox outbreak does not constitute a Public Health Emergency of International Concern as of now.

Experts from around the world discussed the current situation at an emergency committee meeting on Thursday.

Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus made the announcement based on their advice on Saturday.

The committee advised, however, the event should be closely monitored as there is a risk of further spread.

The experts also said that it should be reviewed after a few weeks to see if its advice needs to be reconsidered as more information becomes available.

The WHO currently lists outbreaks of polio and COVID-19 as such emergencies.

The tally by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention of the United States shows 4,106 cases of monkeypox in 47 countries and regions as of Friday.

Key words : Biden gun safety drastic
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220626_03/

US President Joe Biden has signed a package of gun safety measures into law. Local media report that it represents the most significant gun control federal legislation in 28 years.

Biden signed the bill on Saturday after it was approved by both houses of Congress earlier in the week following a series of deadly shooting incidents. Some Republicans joined Democrats in voting for the legislation.

The law imposes enhanced checks on criminal records, mental health, and other backgrounds for gun buyers younger than 21 years old.

It also includes funding to help states implement programs that use court orders to temporarily seize firearms from individuals deemed a danger to themselves or others.

Attempts to tighten gun control had made little progress for many years due to opposition from a powerful gun lobby and other entities.

The law does not entail drastic reforms initially sought by Biden, such as a ban on sales of assault rifles.

Biden said the law "doesn't do everything" he wants and that "there's much more work to do." But he added "this is a monumental day" and that the law is "going to save a lot of lives."

Key words : japanese american
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220626_09/

Friends, family members and others who were touched by the life of Japanese-American politician Norman Mineta have gathered in Los Angeles to remember him.

About 300 people at the Japanese American National Museum on Saturday celebrated what they described as "the extraordinary life" of Mineta, who died in May at the age of 90.

After a minute of silence, his son Stuart told participants that Mineta was always polite, modest and working for others.

The president of the museum, Ann Burroughs, said Mineta taught them to do what is right at any time and that his legacy will never be forgotten.

Mineta was born in 1931 in San Jose, California, to Japanese immigrants. He experienced a tough childhood and, along with some 120,000 other people of Japanese ancestry in the US, was interned during World War Two.

After serving as mayor of his hometown, Mineta moved on to the House of Representatives in 1975. During his career in the Capitol, he successfully led a campaign for the passage of a law that would require the government to apologize and pay reparations to Japanese-Americans held in internment camps.

Mineta became the first Japanese-American in the Cabinet when he was appointed in 2000 as Secretary of Commerce under President Bill Clinton.

He was later tapped as Secretary of Transportation in the George W. Bush administration. Mineta led the department in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks.

Key words : united states launched mechanism
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220626_07/

The United States says it has launched a new informal mechanism to support the Pacific Islands region along with four partners, including Japan.

The White House said on Friday that Australia, Japan, New Zealand, the United Kingdom and the US will work together on the urgent challenges that the Pacific Island countries face.

That comes after a two-day consultation in Washington between high-level officials from the partners and representatives of the Pacific region.

The US said that the mechanism will be led and guided by the Pacific Islands at every stage through coordination with their institutions, particularly the Pacific Islands Forum.

Efforts will be focused on the most urgent challenges for the region, such as the climate crisis, maritime security, health and education.

The US plans later this year to invite the foreign ministers of its partners to review progress.

The US move is seen as an attempt to counter China's rapidly expanding presence in the region, as Beijing signed a security agreement with the Solomon Islands in April.

President Joe Biden has described China as America's "most serious competitor."

at 18:00 (JST), June 25

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20220625180000_english_1.mp3


Key words : US supreme court overturned abortion
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220625_04/

The US Supreme Court has overturned the 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that established abortion as a woman's constitutional right.

On Friday, six out of nine justices were in favor of upholding a Mississippi law that bans the procedure after 15 weeks.

Republican former President Donald Trump appointed three justices during his four-year term, building a 6-3 conservative majority.

The court said the Constitution does not grant the right to abortion, and that the authority to regulate the procedure should be returned to the people and their elected representatives.

A pro-choice organization says 26 of the country's 50 states, mainly in the south and Midwest, are now likely to ban or restrict abortions.

Americans have long been split on the issue. Liberals consider abortion a woman's right, but Christian conservatives oppose it.

Some observers say social divisions are likely to deepen in the run-up to the November midterm elections.

Key words : olympic new event
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220625_10/

The International Olympic Committee says it will add a range of new events to the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina, Italy, with the aim of achieving a greater gender balance among participants.

The IOC Executive Board made the decision at an online discussion on Friday.

New events for the Milano Cortina Games program will include ski jumping women's large hill individual, freestyle skiing dual moguls for men and women, a skeleton mixed team event and a women's doubles luge event.

IOC President Thomas Bach said, "We have made significant progress to close the gender gap at the Olympic Winter Games."

He also said, "We are committed to continuing to advance gender equality, and Milano Cortina will be another key milestone in this endeavour."

The IOC also discussed whether to continue the Nordic combined, a winter sport with no women's competitions, and which attracts relatively few spectators. Medalists at the past three Games have only come from four countries.

The committee decided to retain the event for the 2026 Games, considering that athletes have already been preparing for many years.

Key words : xi one billion
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220625_07/

Chinese President Xi Jinping says his country will invest an additional one billion dollars into a fund to support developing countries.

He made the announcement on Friday at an expanded meeting of the five-nation group known as BRICS. The countries are Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

Chinese media say the leaders of 13 emerging and developing countries, including Indonesia, Iran and Egypt, attended the online meeting hosted by China.

Xi said Beijing will add one billion dollars to the existing 3 billion dollars for the fund established by China to promote cooperation among developing nations.

In an apparent attack on Western sanctions against Russia over its invasion of Ukraine, Xi was quoted by China's Foreign Ministry as saying certain nations are imposing "maximum sanctions, and deliberately creating division and confrontation".

Xi added that emerging and developing nations are more resolved to seek strength through unity, as the North-South gap keeps widening.

Xi also said China will cooperate in increasing production capacity for grain and other crops. The pledge comes amid growing concerns about a global food crisis due to the Russian blockade of Ukrainian exports.

Xi appeared to be touting Beijing's cooperation with developing countries ahead of a series of summits of Western nations, including a G7 summit scheduled to start on Sunday.

Key words : european commission
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220625_09/

The European Commission will draw up a common plan by next month to curb gas demand across the bloc as Russia tightens natural gas supplies.

EU leaders held a two-day summit in Brussels through Friday to discuss how to secure energy supplies and deal with soaring prices.

In a news conference after the meeting, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said Russia had halted or reduced deliveries of natural gas to 12 member states.

She said her agency has reviewed all countries' contingency plans to ensure they are prepared for further supply restrictions.

She said her agency is working with industry and member states on a Europe-wide plan and will present it to EU leaders in July.

European nations have been boosting their gas storage capacities ahead of the winter months when demand for heating spikes. But concerns are growing that enough cannot be stored to offset reduced supplies from Russia.

Germany has raised its national gas emergency plan to the second stage and called on citizens and businesses to cooperate in saving energy.

Key words : taiwan monkeypox
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220625_01/

Taiwan's health authority says it confirmed its first case of monkeypox on Friday.

Taiwan's Centers for Disease Control says a man in his 20s flew back from Germany on June 16, and visited a medical institution after developing symptoms, including a fever and a rash, on Monday.

Health officials determined that 19 people, including two family members and 10 medical workers, had close contact with him. Officials will monitor the health condition of the close contacts until July 13.

The CDC is calling on people who develop possible symptoms of the disease after returning from overseas to promptly visit a medical institution to be checked.

Key words : 29 countries
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220624_05/

An emergency committee of the World Health Organization has met to discuss whether the current outbreak of monkeypox constitutes a public health emergency of international concern.

Experts from around the world gathered on Thursday to consider the latest information about the disease.

The WHO said Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus will study the results of the discussions and decide within a few days whether to declare the monkeypox outbreak an emergency.

The WHO Regional Office for Europe said 2,746 cases of monkeypox had been confirmed in 29 countries and territories, mainly in Europe, as of Tuesday.

The WHO currently lists outbreaks of polio and COVID-19 as such emergencies.

Key words : north anti-us
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220625_08/

People in North Korea staged a series of anti-US rallies in the lead-up to Saturday, which marks 72 years since the start of the Korean War. It is the first time in five years that the North has reported that such rallies have taken place.

The war broke out on June 25, 1950. Pyongyang designates the occasion as the day of the struggle against the United States.

The Saturday edition of the ruling party newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, ran an editorial titled "The spirit of protecting the homeland is a weapon of victory."

The newspaper also reported on anti-US rallies that took place in the capital, Pyongyang, on Thursday and Friday.

In Friday's demonstration, university students and other participants accused the United States of continuing war drills to invade North Korea. They went on to say that if the United States blows the clouds of war onto their homeland, they will mercilessly conquer it.

The anti-US rallies appear to be the first since 2018, when leaders of the two countries held their first-ever summit. Since then, Pyongyang has taken a more hostile stance toward Washington as a stand-off between the two over Pyongyang's nuclear program has intensified.

The United States has also been working with Japan and South Korea to strengthen their deterrence capabilities.

Earlier this year, North Korea resumed intercontinental ballistic missiles launches. It has also been accelerating its nuclear and missile development programs.

Key words : search for survivors
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220625_05/

The search for survivors in eastern Afghanistan following Wednesday's deadly earthquake is being severely impacted by damage to infrastructure.

The magnitude 5.9 quake has killed more than 1,000 people and injured over 1,600 in the provinces of Khost and Paktika.

Afghanistan's health ministry says an aftershock on Friday took five more lives in Paktika.

The 72-hour period deemed critical for survival has now passed.

Officials in Khost told NHK that they have searched 300 buildings. But heavy machinery cannot be used due to damaged roads.

The Taliban are now trying to coordinate with UN agencies and non-governmental organizations to provide enough relief aid.

The Japanese government is sending blankets, water tanks and other emergency supplies to the affected area.

Key words : shrine
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220625_11/

Baby deer are drawing visitors to Kashima Shrine in Ibaraki Prefecture, north of Tokyo.

Deer at the shrine are said to be messengers of gods, and are carefully taken care of. Births of new deer peak around this time. Two fawns were born this year, on June 6 and 9.

Visitors to the shrine viewed the Bambi-like fawns napping in the sun or hiding behind trees. Some took pictures while others fed the adult deer.

A man in his 60s from Saitama City who was seeing the fawns for the first time said they were very cute. He said they will grow up and make everyone who sees them happy.

Kashima shrine's name includes the character for deer in Chinese characters, and its grounds are home to about 30 Japanese deer.

A junior priest at the shrine, Okazawa Minoru, said the fawns were still at a delicate stage and asked visitors to quietly enjoy watching them grow.

at 18:30 (JST), June 23

Asian View

"Asian View" is a five-minute news segment broadcast by NHK WORLD-JAPAN. It features the latest news and deep analysis from Japan and the rest of Asia. Listen to "Asian View" and get the latest information from a region that's playing an increasingly important role in the world.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20220623183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : afghanistan surpass
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220623_12/

The death toll from Wednesday's earthquake in Afghanistan has surpassed 1,000. Casualties are expected to increase as an unknown number of people remain trapped under collapsed buildings.

The magnitude 5.9 earthquake occurred in the eastern province of Khost early Wednesday.

Authorities in neighboring Paktika Province told NHK that an estimated 1,500 others were injured.

A resident said, "The earthquake hit around 2:00 in the morning. It was too dangerous. We left home. A lot of people were injured."

Speaking to reporters, a UN aid official to Afghanistan said at least 2,000 homes were destroyed in the region, where households typically have seven or eight occupants.

Rescue workers rushed to remove people trapped under the rubble of homes mainly made from clay bricks.

The Taliban's supreme leader pleaded with the international community to help the Afghan people.

Meanwhile, a senior UN official said rescue efforts are difficult as the area is remote and access is limited.

Loretta Hieber Girardet of the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction said, "The roads are poor, even in the best of times. So, having a humanitarian operation put in place is going to be immediately challenged by the lack of easy access to the area, to the region, and I think that is going to be probably one of the big challenges."

UN officials said heavy rains were hampering rescue operations by helicopters and landslides were also a concern.

Major earthquakes have hit Afghanistan in the past, including one in 2015 that killed around 300 Afghans and Pakistanis.

Key words : okinawa 77th itoman
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220623_03/

People in Japan's southern prefecture of Okinawa observe on Thursday the 77th anniversary of the end of fierce ground battles fought in the closing days of World War Two.

The fighting between Japanese and US forces in 1945 on Okinawa's islands left more than 200,000 people dead. One in four local residents lost their life.

June 23 is considered to be the final day of organized fighting by the Japanese military. Each year, the prefecture holds a service at Peace Memorial Park in the city of Itoman on that date to remember the dead.

How the memories of the war will be passed down to future generations has become increasingly challenging.

As of October 2020, about 90 percent of the population in Okinawa were born after World War Two.

Caves played a major role during the war and have been visited by students as part of peace education programs. But some of them have become inaccessible as they have deteriorated.

2022 marks 50 years since Okinawa returned to Japan from postwar US rule.

Before the reversion, the people of Okinawa hoped that the prefecture would become peaceful and free of US military bases. But about 70 percent of US bases in Japan are concentrated in the southern prefecture.

Key words : leaders of russia
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220623_04/

The leaders of Russia and China have condemned sanctions imposed against Russia in separate video messages released at the opening of a virtual forum of five emerging economies, or BRICS.

BRICS comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The group will hold a summit meeting on Thursday.

In his video message, Putin criticized the West for the sanctions imposed in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Putin held Western nations responsible for the ongoing food crisis, saying, "Problems with ensuring global food security are getting worse; prices for grain crops and other basic agricultural products are being inflated."

At the same time, he noted that there has been a noticeable increase in exports of Russian oil to China and India, and that his country has exported considerable amounts of fertilizer to all nations within the BRICS framework.

He said, "The Russian business community, in coordination with the business communities of the BRICS states, takes prompt steps to develop the transport infrastructure. Logistics routes are readjusted, new production chains are created."

Meanwhile, with the possible eastward expansion of NATO in mind, Chinese President Xi Jinping also criticized the West.

China's foreign ministry quoted Xi as saying countries will surely end up in security hardships if they place blind faith in their positions of strength, expand military alliances and seek their own safety at the expense of others.

He also warned that imposing sanctions could act as a boomerang and a double-edged sword.

Key words : indonesia president
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220623_02/

Indonesian President Joko Widodo, whose country currently chairs the Group of 20 economies, appears set to visit Ukraine and Russia at the end of the month for summit talks.

He is expected to exchange views on the possible participation of the leaders of the warring countries in the November G20 summit in Bali, Indonesia.

Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi told reporters on Wednesday that Joko will meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv and Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow.

Joko will be the first Asian leader to visit the two countries since Russia invaded Ukraine in February.

Retno said the situation surrounding Ukraine is "abnormal" and "complicated," but that Joko chose to try making a contribution instead of staying silent.

She said the president is showing compassion on the humanitarian crisis and will try to contribute to dealing with the global food crisis caused by the war.

Putin has expressed readiness to take part in the G20 summit, while Joko has invited Zelenskyy to attend.

Opinions among members of the G20 forum are divided over Putin's participation.

Key words : south monkeypox exceeded 2,000
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220622_26/

South Korea has reported its first case of monkeypox.

Health authorities said on Wednesday that a South Korean citizen tested positive after arriving at Incheon International Airport from Germany on Tuesday.

They said the person voluntarily reported a possible infection after developing symptoms suggesting the disease, including fatigue and skin lesions.

Health officials are calling on people to notify them if they have monkeypox symptoms after visiting countries where the disease has already been confirmed.

The number of monkeypox cases has exceeded 2,000 in the current outbreak, mainly in Western nations.

The World Health Organization plans to hold an emergency meeting of experts on Thursday to assess whether the outbreak represents a public health emergency of international concern.

Key words : record rainfall
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220622_22/

Flooding, landslides and other disasters caused by record rainfall in southern China have reportedly affected more than 5 million people.

Intermittent heavy rain has continued since last month in Guangdong Province and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, both in southern China, as well as Hunan Province in inland China and three other areas.

Chinese weather authorities said average rainfall in the provinces of Guangdong and Fujian as well as the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region from May 1 through last Wednesday reached 621 millimeters each. This is the highest level for the season since 1961.

The rain caused flooding and landslides and destroyed houses in many of those areas.
Chinese media said over 5 million people have been affected, including those who were killed or injured.

The authorities warn that the impact of floods is likely to increase in Guangdong Province and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region until later on Wednesday. Local authorities are calling on those living along local rivers to evacuate.

Key words : owner castle
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220622_16/

The owner of an Austrian castle which is home to a collection of Japanese Old Imari porcelain has visited Japan and called for peace and friendship. Much of the collection was damaged by the former Soviet military after World War Two.

Gabriel Piatti owns Loosdorf Castle, which is located in the suburbs of Vienna. He is visiting Saga Prefecture, southwestern Japan, to deliver a speech at the Kyushu Ceramic Museum.

The museum is currently holding the exhibition "The Tragedy of Loosdorf Castle" to display fragmented porcelain from his family's collection.

The Piattis have been collecting the Old Imari porcelain produced in Arita in the prefecture during Japan's Edo Period between the 17th and 19th centuries.

The family preserved the porcelain even after much of it was broken by the former Soviet military. Some items have been restored thanks to Japanese techniques.

Piatti held talks with Saga Governor Yamaguchi Yoshinori on Tuesday. He told the governor that Russia's military invasion of Ukraine has come nearly 80 years after World War Two and that such aggression must never happen again.

He said he hopes the fragments of the Old Imari porcelain will help more people realize that a war is meaningless.

Piatti said now is a very difficult time but he wants to let people know the importance of friendship through the exhibition. The exhibition runs through July 18.

at 18:30 (JST), June 22

Asian View

"Asian View" is a five-minute news segment broadcast by NHK WORLD-JAPAN. It features the latest news and deep analysis from Japan and the rest of Asia. Listen to "Asian View" and get the latest information from a region that's playing an increasingly important role in the world.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20220622183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : upper house election underway
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220622_14/

Campaigning is now officially underway in Japan's Upper House election. Voting day is set for July 10. It's being seen as a barometer of public opinion on the current government nine months in.

Candidates are expected to debate how to deal with surging prices in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Foreign and security policies are likely to be other key topics in their campaigns.

Members of the Upper House are elected for six-year terms. Elections are held every three years, with half of the seats up for grabs.

This time there are 124 seats plus one extra to fill a vacancy from the other half.

Seventy-five will be decided based on electoral districts from across Japan.

The remaining 50 seats will be filled by people elected through proportional representation.

Prime Minister Kishida Fumio says his ruling coalition aims to maintain its majority in the Upper House. That would require winning at least 56 of the open seats.

People will also be watching to see if members of the ruling coalition and other parties in favor of amending the Constitution will hold two-thirds of the house.

They would need that level of support in both houses to put any proposal to a national referendum.

The official campaign continues through July 9, one day before the election day.

Key words : nuclear deterrence opening
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220622_04/

States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Vienna have stressed its significance amid growing nuclear threats from Russia, on Day 1 of their first progress meeting.

The three-day meeting of parties to the UN treaty opened on Tuesday.

Chair Alexander Kmentt of Austria said in the opening remarks that "all indicators for nuclear weapons are pointing in the wrong direction," expressing his worries about accelerating debates on nuclear deterrence and the rising threat of the use of such weapons.

The New Zealand delegate said Russian President Vladimir Putin's threat to use nuclear weapons has brought the world once more "to the brink of a nuclear catastrophe."

Kmentt said 33 non-members have expressed their intention to attend the meeting as observers, and some countries, including Germany and the Netherlands, will deliver speeches on Day 2.

The US, Russia, China and other nuclear-armed states have not joined the treaty. Neither have Japan and some other nations under a nuclear umbrella.

Key words : hiroshima mayor
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220622_09/

Russian President Vladimir Putin has hinted throughout the military operation in Ukraine that his forces could use nuclear weapons. Delegates from nations that have signed the UN treaty, which bans the use of such weapons, are warning about the dangers.

On the opening day of the three-day meeting of States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons on Tuesday, the chair of the event, Alexander Kmentt of Austria, expressed his concerns about the accelerating debates on nuclear deterrence and the rising threat of the use of nuclear weapons.

One of the States Parties, The New Zealand delegate, blamed Russian President Vladimir Putin for issuing a nuclear mobilization order.

New Zealand Disarmament and Arms Control Minister Phil Twyford said, "His threats to use nuclear weapons and Russia's illegal and unjustified invasion of Ukraine have brought us once more to the brink of a nuclear catastrophe."

Russia, the US, China and other nuclear-armed states have not joined the UN treaty. Japan and some of the other nations that are under "nuclear umbrellas" have also declined to join. But the mayors of Hiroshima and Nagasaki are attending the meeting. Both mayors stressed that nuclear weapons need to be prohibited.

Hiroshima Mayor Matsui Kazumi said, "It is imperative to have the nuclear armed states deepen their understanding of the inhumane nature of nuclear weapons and the uncertainty of nuclear arsenal management by willing additional states parties to this treaty."

Nagasaki Mayor Taue Tomihisa said, "At this time, the risk of another Hiroshima and Nagasaki is mounting. We must come together under the Hibakusha's motto of 'Make Nagasaki the last atomic bombing site.'"

Thirty-three non-members have expressed their intention to attend the meeting as observers; and some countries, including Germany and the Netherlands, will deliver speeches on the second day.

Key words : china major buyer
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220621_37/

China has emerged as a major customer for Russian energy products as other buyers shy away. Its imports of crude oil and liquefied natural gas rose significantly in May.

China's customs authorities say the country imported 8.4 million tons of crude oil from Russia last month, up 54.8 percent from a year earlier.

Imports of Russian LNG rose by 54.3 percent.

China's crude oil imports from Russia initially decreased after the invasion of Ukraine. But one expert says the price drop since then may have spurred Chinese firms to buy more.

Beijing has refused to back sanctions against Moscow and said its policy is to keep trading with the country.

China's overall imports from Russia topped 10.2 billion dollars last month. That is a 5-year high, and up 79.6 percent year on year.

But exports to Russia fell by 8.6 percent. Chinese exporters may be trying to avoid becoming targets of sanctions.

Key words : 7 million fled medical care
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/videos/20220608210617673/

Many evacuees from Ukraine are in need of medical care. But it has been difficult for medical teams in the field to get an overview of the situation and to assess critical needs. Japan has experienced many disasters, and is putting into action the lessons it has learned.

at 18:30 (JST), June 21

Asian View

"Asian View" is a five-minute news segment broadcast by NHK WORLD-JAPAN. It features the latest news and deep analysis from Japan and the rest of Asia. Listen to "Asian View" and get the latest information from a region that's playing an increasingly important role in the world.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20220621183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : discuss sideline
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220621_04/

Japan's government is planning four-way and three-way summit meetings with the United States and other Asia-Pacific nations on the sidelines of a NATO leaders' gathering in Spain.

The two top-level meetings under consideration include one between the leaders of Japan, South Korea, Australia and New Zealand. They have been invited as partners to the NATO summit scheduled for late this month in Madrid.

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio also hopes to arrange another summit with South Korea and the US.

Kishida wants to discuss a range of security issues with the leaders of the Asia-Pacific nations.

They include the security environment in the Indo-Pacific region and responses to China's maritime activities and North Korea's nuclear and missile development.

Kishida also hopes to lay out more details of a plan he announced at a recent security forum in Singapore on how to maintain and reinforce peace and order in the Indo-Pacific region.

Officials suggested it is possible that those three-way and four-way talks will be combined into a five-way summit.

Key words : survivor wanted kido
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220620_27/

A Japanese atomic bomb survivor is among those taking part in a conference on the humanitarian impact of nuclear weapons that opened in Vienna on Monday.

The conference kicked off in the Austrian capital one day before signatory nations to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons are to gather for their first meeting since the pact went into effect. Government officials, representatives of non-governmental organizations and others are taking part.

Previous meetings held in Norway, Mexico and Austria have focused on bringing the treaty into being.

Kido Sueichi was exposed to radiation at the age of five when an atomic bomb was dropped on southwestern Japan's Nagasaki City in 1945.

He shared his story at the conference. He noted that atomic bomb survivors have been campaigning against nuclear weapons and war. He said they provided the impetus behind the creation of the treaty. He said the treaty is exactly what atomic bomb survivors wanted.

As at past conferences, a Japanese government delegation is present even though Japan is not a party to the treaty.

The threat posed by nuclear weapons has been on the rise since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine in February.

The Austrian government, the host, is aiming to raise global awareness of the inhumane consequences of using nuclear arms to help stop the use and development of nuclear arsenals. They also wish to highlight the significance of the treaty.

Key words : south resolve
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220620_21/

South Korea is planning to launch a consultation group soon, to discuss ways to resolve wartime labor related issues with Japan.

Sources told NHK on Monday that the body will be made up of government officials and private-sector experts.

A government source says responding to the issues is one of South Korea's priorities for improving relations with Japan.

The Seoul Shinmun reported on Monday that the body is likely to be set up by the end of June.

South Korea's Foreign Ministry fell short of specifically referring to the plan, but said it is working to find a reasonable settlement that matches the two countries' interests.

South Korean courts have ordered Japanese companies to pay compensation to people who say they were forced to work for the firms during World War Two.

The Japanese government says any right to claims was settled completely and finally in 1965, when Japan and South Korea normalized ties.

Japan says the rulings and related judicial procedures are in breach of international law, and urges South Korea to rectify the situation.

But procedures are underway to sell assets seized from the Japanese firms.

South Korean media are reporting that attention is on whether the consultation body to be set up by the new government of President Yoon Suk-yeol will help mend bilateral ties with Japan.

Key words : protest drilling
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220621_02/

Japan has lodged a protest with Beijing after confirming that China installed drilling equipment in a prospective gas field in the East China Sea.

This is part of the area that Tokyo and Beijing agreed to jointly develop as gas fields in 2008.

A treaty on the joint development has yet to be signed, but China has been pushing ahead with development on its own, including setting up structures in the waters near an intermediate line between the countries.

In May, Tokyo confirmed that Chinese workers had set up the 17th structure of its kind in the region. Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force has recently confirmed the installation of drilling equipment at that site, according to an announcement by the Foreign Ministry on Monday.

Japanese officials say they are also aware that, as of last Friday, work to transport the foundation of an 18th structure into the area was underway.

Funakoshi Takehiro, who heads the Foreign Ministry's Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau, called China's unilateral development "extremely regrettable."

Funakoshi urged Beijing to respect the 2008 agreement and return to the negotiating table to work out a joint development treaty.

Key words : japanese government unchanged
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220620_34/

The Japanese government has kept its overall assessment of the economy unchanged for the third straight month. Officials say there are signs of an upturn, but called for caution against rising raw material prices amid the prolonged conflict in Ukraine.

The economic report for June upgraded the assessment for residential construction, citing steady demand for condominiums for rent or sale.

The assessment for imports was also raised due to a recovery in purchases from China. That comes after an easing of pandemic restrictions in Shanghai. The report said the decline in imports has stopped.

The report, however, downgraded the assessment for production, saying signs of recovery appear to be stalling. It cited reductions in automobile output due to parts shortages.

Key words : court unconstitutional violate
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220620_29/

A court in western Japan has rejected a lawsuit claiming damages by plaintiffs who argued it is unconstitutional that same-sex marriage is not legally recognized in the country.

Three same-sex couples filed the lawsuit at the Osaka District Court, demanding one million yen per plaintiff in compensation.

They argued that not being legally allowed to register their partnerships as marriages under the current family register law and the civil code violates the Constitution.

In handing down the ruling on Monday, presiding judge Doi Fumi said Article 24 of the Constitution stipulates that marriage shall be based on the mutual consent of parties of both sexes and does not encompass same-sex marriage.

In reference to Article 14 of the Constitution, which stipulates that all people are equal under the law, Doi described marriage between heterosexual partners as a means of allowing society to protect couples that reproduce and raise children.

She said how society is to protect same-sex couples wishing to marry is a matter of debate on which a conclusion has yet to be reached.

The judge ruled in favor of the state and dismissed the plaintiffs' claims.

At the same time, she said one should not interpret the Constitution as prohibiting same-sex marriage or similar frameworks.

She added that the interpretation should be made in a democratic fashion, taking into account Japan's traditions, public sentiment and issues faced by married couples and families.

She suggested that the state may violate the Constitution should it fail to keep up with changing values and continue to prohibit same-sex marriage.

Monday's ruling runs counter to a 2021 decision by the Sapporo District Court that acknowledged the government's non-recognition of same-sex marriage as unconstitutional.

Similar lawsuits have been filed separately in three other legal jurisdictions in Japan.

Lawyer Miwa Akiyoshi, representing the plaintiffs, criticized the latest ruling, saying the court did not make a salient argument as to why same-sex couples cannot marry.

He expressed a readiness to appeal the ruling, saying he will join with the plaintiffs and their supporters to ensure that same-sex couples can wed.

Key words : record number civil servant
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220620_25/

A record number of women have passed this year's national civil servant exams in Japan to become career-track bureaucrats with the central government.

The National Personnel Authority announced on Monday that out of 1,873 who passed the exams, 573 were women.

Successful female applicants accounted for 30.6 percent of the total. The percentage is the same as last year, which was the second-highest, but the figure is the largest-ever.

The government this year created a digital-specialist job category and aims to hire people with expertise in such fields as information systems.

Seventy-five applicants passed an exam for such posts.

The largest number of successful applicants hail from the University of Tokyo, with a tally of 217, or 11.6 percent of the total. Both the number and percentage were record lows.