2022年11月30日水曜日

at 18:30 (JST), November 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/20221130183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : Kishida order gdp
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221129_28/

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio is ordering a significant increase in defense spending in five years. It comes as the ruling coalition has been raising concerns about security around Japan.

Kishida met with the defense and finance ministers on Monday. He told them he wants defense spending to rise to 2 percent of Japan's GDP in fiscal 2027.

Kishida's Liberal Democratic Party released a set of proposals this year. It says the security environment surrounding Japan has become severe at an accelerated pace. It sees China and North Korea as threats. The party has been calling for building up defense capability to hit back at an enemy in the event of a missile strike on Japan.

Japan's Defense Ministry says it needs about 48 trillion yen for the next mid-term defense program. That includes mass production of domestically-made "standoff" missiles that can attack targets from outside the range of enemy weapons.

But the Finance Ministry is hoping to keep the total cost in the mid-30 trillion-yen-range.

Japan has long capped its annual defense spending at about 1 percent of its GDP. This increase would put it on par with NATO member nations, who are supposed to spend 2 percent or more.


Key words : covid censorship
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221130_02/

Chinese citizens opposing the zero-COVID policy restrictions are defying government censors by using foreign social media to let people know about their protests.

Authorities are deploying police officers in major cities to suppress civil disobedience after massive rallies occurred in Beijing, Shanghai and elsewhere.

Censorship is apparently being tightened, as photos and images of the protests disappear from the internet.

The ruling Communist Party newspaper, People's Daily, carried an article on Tuesday that said bad internet information amplifies panic among the populace.

The article urged people to focus on information provided by the government.

Some citizens are resorting to virtual private network software to access foreign social media apps that are out of the Chinese government's reach.

One photo posted shows a sheet of paper with "freedom" written on it.

Another post demands a dictator's resignation, in a tacit reference to Chinese President Xi Jinping.

In Shanghai and the southern city of Guangzhou, police officers are said to be forcing citizens to delete foreign social media apps from their smartphones.


Key words : judo
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221129_16/

The All Japan Judo Federation is working on a new project to use the sport's techniques to help elderly people avoid falls.

Japan's health ministry says the number of people aged 65 or older who died as the result of a fall has been on rise, with more than 8,800 deaths reported in 2020. That's about four times the number of people in the same age group who died in traffic accidents.

The judo organization says that "ukemi" and other fall-breaking techniques from the martial art can protect people from the impact of a fall and the risk of injury.

Members of the new project plan to work with experts to analyze how people fall.

They plan to consult relevant studies abroad and programs carried out at medical institutions, and aim to compile a manual for protecting elderly people from falling accidents.

They also plan to teach the elderly how to avoid such accidents in around 2025 in cooperation with local governments and medical institutions.

Professor Sogabe Shinya of Konan University, who is also a member of the Judo Federation committee, said judo is a sport in which an athlete tries not only to topple an opponent but also tries not to be brought down.

He said that the use of fall-breaking techniques can be very helpful and effective for maintaining balance and preventing injury from a fall.


Key words : india domestic weapon
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/videos/20221107200026986/

India ranks third in the world in defense spending, after the United States and China. It has long relied on Russia for arms imports. But following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine, the Modi administration has been accelerating domestic weapons production.


2022年11月29日火曜日

at 18:30 (JST), November 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/20221129183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : protests against tough hong kong
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221129_09/

Protests against China's tough COVID restrictions have spread to Hong Kong.

Many people gathered near a station in central Hong Kong Island on Monday night with flowers in a response to an online call to hold a vigil for the victims of an apartment fire in China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Dozens of them held up blank sheets of paper in a silent show of protest for the victims in the city of Urumqi.

One of them said now is the time to express support for and solidarity with the people protesting across China.

Rumors have spread that the victims in the fire could not be saved because COVID lockdown measures hampered rescue operations in the high-rise complex.

It is rare for protests against the Chinese government to be staged in Hong Kong.

Authorities have suppressed demonstrations since a national security law was introduced in the territory in 2020 to crack down on anti-government movements.

Police officers at the site of Monday's vigil urged the participants to move on. The crowd left after about an hour.


Key words : indonesia evacuee 323
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221128_40/

A week after a deadly earthquake struck Indonesia, authorities are struggling to assist more than 100,000 evacuees.

Officials say the magnitude 5.6 earthquake that rocked West Java province last Monday killed 323 people. Some 63,000 homes and other buildings were destroyed in the affected areas.

Search operations are underway in the district of Cianjur, hit hard by the quake and ensuing landslides. But the work has been delayed because of fears rain and ongoing tremors could trigger more landslips.

Officials have set up emergency shelters, but many people are living in makeshift tents. Monsoon season brings the threat of illness.

A survivor in Cianjur said evacuees need proper tents because the air is very cold at night. He said some children are sick.

The coronavirus is another challenge amid the prolonged evacuation. Infections surged again this month in Indonesia. Officials confirmed about 4,000 new cases on Sunday.


Key words : tuna atlantic
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221128_30/

The annual fishing quota for bluefin tuna in the main fishing grounds of the Eastern Atlantic and the Mediterranean Sea has been raised to the largest amount ever.

The International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas says it decided the quota for the three-year period from 2023 based on a recovery in bluefin tuna stocks.

The bluefin tuna quota will be increased by 12.7 percent to 40,570 tons per year. The quota hit a record low of 12,900 tons in 2011 and 2012.

Japan's annual quota will be 3,114 tons, up about 300 tons. This is the largest quota ever and people in Japan would enjoy eating bluefin tuna at a more reasonable price.

The commission has 52 members, including Japan, the United States and Canada, and manages the stocks of bluefin tuna and other marine resources.


Key words : canada indo-pacific
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221128_25/

Canada's new strategy for the Indo-Pacific region describes China as an increasingly disruptive global power.

The strategy unveiled on Sunday says the Canadian government will invest 2.3 billion Canadian dollars, or about 1.7 billion US dollars, in the next five years to promote security and expand trade and investment in the region.

The document says China's rise has been enabled by the same international rules and norms that it now increasingly disregards, and that the country has had an enormous impact on the Indo-Pacific.

At a news conference in Vancouver, Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said, "Our neighborhood, alongside Japan and South Korea, is facing real security threats" from China and that it "continues to challenge international norms."

Joly also said Japan is Canada's only G7 partner in the region and one of Canada's most important commercial partners.

She expressed hope that Canada will deepen cooperation with Japan in the field of security to strengthen the rules-based international order.


Key words : japan air self-defense intercept
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221128_19/

Japan's Air Self-Defense Force has carried out a drill to deploy ground-based PAC-3 interceptor missiles near a nuclear power plant in Fukui Prefecture.

The exercise was conducted on Monday along the coast in the town of Ohi, where Kansai Electric Power Company's Ohi nuclear power plant is located. It was the first time a drill involving the PAC-3 system was carried out in a municipality hosting a nuclear power plant.

ASDF personnel gathered at a parking lot and guided vehicles carrying missiles and radars to the site. Upon the vehicles' arrival, they examined the positioning of the missile launchers.

They also conducted an exercise to deploy a different interceptor missile to deal with attacks from aircraft targeting the PAC-3 system.

The PAC-3 system is designed to intercept ballistic missiles if Aegis destroyers fail to shoot them down. They are deployed across the country and moved to key facilities as necessary.

A senior ASDF official stressed the need to be flexible enough to deploy the PAC-3 system anywhere depending on the circumstance. He said the latest drill proved the capability to appropriately deploy the system in a new location.


Key words : Tuesday marks halloween crush
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221129_04/

Tuesday marks one month since the deadly Halloween crowd crush in the South Korean capital of Seoul.

The incident in the capital's Itaewon district on October 29 left 158 people dead, including two Japanese citizens. Another 196 people were injured.

An investigation by a special police team is underway into officials who are suspected of professional negligence resulting in death and injury.

Investigators pointed out a lack of plans to ensure safety on the day of the incident. They also said authorities had been slow to respond to calls from people on the scene.

Yonhap News Agency said the investigation team is expected to finish questioning the former head of the police station overseeing the Itaewon district and other top officials this week. Police may seek arrest warrants for some of them.

A separate investigation is expected to open in parliament next month, in a bid to get to the bottom of the tragedy and to prevent a similar incident in the future.

The main opposition Democratic Party is increasing pressure on President Yoon Suk-yeol's administration, demanding that Interior and Safety Minister Lee Sang-min be sacked, citing his poor handling of the incident.


Key words : japanese journalist
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221128_33/

A Japanese journalist freed from prison in Myanmar earlier this month spoke to reporters in Tokyo on Monday. Kubota Toru called for more awareness about the human rights situation in the country and urged the ruling military to improve it.

Kubota was held by security authorities in Yangon in July for filming protests against the junta while on a tourist visa. He had been facing a total of 10 years' imprisonment on charges including violating the immigration law.

In a press conference, Kubota referred to a report by a human rights group that says more than 16,000 people have been detained in Myanmar since the coup in February last year. He said as one of those 16,000 he felt entrusted to articulate the thoughts of people who are not allowed to speak out.

Kubota said he was detained in a small cell with one toilet along with more than 20 other people.

He said the Japanese government should take a strong stance against the junta, urge it to release people who have been unjustly detained and establish a democratic government.

He said as Japan has a large presence in Myanmar with close economic ties, people must keep a close eye on whether money from Japan is being used by the military to kill people.


2022年11月28日月曜日

at 18:30 (JST), November 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/20221128183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : china zero-covid rare
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221128_04/

People in Beijing, Shanghai and other parts of China have taken to the streets to protest the government's anti-coronavirus measures.

Protests erupted in the Chinese capital on Sunday night to oppose the "zero-COVID" policy, which involves rigorous restrictions on people's movement.

Demonstrators chanted "We want freedom." They also held up blank sheets of white paper to express their opposition to curbs on free speech.

Protests also flared in Shanghai, the country's economic hub, on Saturday and Sunday. Police detained some demonstrators.

Similar rallies broke out in Guangzhou in the southern province of Guangdong and Wuhan in the inland province of Hubei, as well as on university campuses in Beijing and Nanjing.

Chinese authorities maintain stringent controls on freedom of speech under one-party rule by the Communist Party. It is extremely rare for protests against the party or the government to take place simultaneously in multiple cities of the country.

Government officials say the "zero-COVID" policy has been effective in stemming the spread of the coronavirus. But they are now believed to be nervous about signs that indicate protesters are shifting their criticism of the policy to the way the party governs China.


Key words : tsai resign remain
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221127_03/

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen has announced that she intends to resign as the head of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, which suffered major losses in Saturday's local elections. But she says she will remain as Taiwan's president.

Tsai held a news conference at the party's headquarters on Saturday night.

She said her party failed to achieve its intended goal. The president added that she accepts the decision of the Taiwanese people. She went on to say that she intends to take responsibility for the party's losses and immediately resign as its leader.

Around 11,000 mayors, governors and municipal councilors were chosen on Saturday. The elections are held every four years.

Observers were eager to see which political parties would prevail in 22 of the mayoral and gubernatorial races.

Tsai's party held seven mayoral and gubernatorial posts before the elections, but on Saturday it only won five.

Mayoral candidates from her party have conceded defeat in three northern cities, including Taoyuan. The party also failed to retake the mayor's office in Taipei.

These were the first elections held in Taiwan, since the Chinese Communist Party's National Congress ended.
Tsai had said repeatedly during the campaigns that the international community would be paying attention to the elections for that reason.

She had also suggested that the local elections would be a referendum on her administration.

But it seems that the voters did not listen to her appeals.

Taiwan's largest opposition party is the Kuomintang, or KMT. Its goal was to secure more than half of the mayoral posts in six special municipal districts. The party achieved that goal.

It won in Taipei. It also managed to take the mayor's office back from the Democratic Progressive Party in Taoyuan.

KMT's leader Eric Chu told reporters that the election victories are for his party and for the people of Taiwan.


Key words : ceremony ukrainian
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221126_21/

Dozens of people have attended a ceremony in Tokyo to remember the millions of Ukrainians who died in the 1932-33 famine, known as the "Holodomor."

Ukraine marks the Holodomor on the fourth Saturday of every November. The Ukrainian government says the famine was engineered by the government of the former Soviet Union.

About 70 participants took part in the Tokyo event on Saturday, including people who have evacuated to Japan since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began in February.

A priest offered a prayer as attendees mourned the victims of the Holodomor and those of the recent Russian invasion.

Ukraine's ambassador to Japan, Sergiy Korsunsky, said what happened 90 years ago is happening again with the invasion.

He added that Ukrainians must do their utmost until they win.

A former Ukrainian service member who came to Japan in May said that he attends Holodomor ceremonies every year and that this year, he prayed for Ukraine's victory.


Key words : hong kong court fine
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221126_04/

A Hong Kong court has convicted and fined six people over their involvement in a fund that supports pro-democracy protesters. They include a 90-year-old Catholic cardinal and a popular singer who are prominent activists.

Cardinal Joseph Zen and five others were found guilty of not properly registering the fund. The 612 Humanitarian Relief Fund helped pay the medical and legal fees of arrested protesters beginning in 2019. It was shut down in 2021.

Zen and four others, including pop singer Denise Ho, were trustees of the fund. They were each fined about 500 dollars.

The fund's secretary was fined about 300 dollars.
They were found to have violated an ordinance that requires organizations established in Hong Kong to register.

Police arrested Zen, Ho and two others in May under a Beijing-imposed National Security Law on suspicion of colluding with foreign forces. They were later released on bail.

The arrests triggered international criticism. They were seen as a crackdown by authorities on the pro-democracy movement.


Key words : philippines
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221126_12/

Japan has provided the Philippines with refrigerated trucks and containers to help deliver coronavirus vaccines across the island country.

The local office of the Japan International Cooperation Agency presented two trucks and 600 storage containers to the Philippines' Department of Health in a ceremony in Manila on Friday.

Officials say one container can store around 5,800 doses of vaccines and keep them at minus 2 degrees Celsius or below for about 100 hours.

The containers are expected to make transport by sea to remote islands much easier.

High temperatures throughout the year in the Philippines also pose a challenge to delivering vaccines safely and effectively.

The ministry says over 31 million doses, or 12 percent of all shots procured by the government, have been discarded.

The chief representative of JICA's local office, Sakamoto Takema, said the donation is intended to help deliver vaccines to people in remote areas. He pledged to extend follow-up assistance so that the equipment will be fully utilized.


Key words : birth record-low
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221125_39/

Births in Japan are on a record-low pace. The health ministry says fewer than 600,000 babies were born from January through September this year.

At this rate, fewer than 800,000 will be born in Japan in a calendar year for the first time since record-keeping began in 1899.

The ministry says in its preliminary report there were 599,636 babies born in the first nine months of the year. That includes births to foreign nationals.

That's 30,933 fewer births than during the same period last year, a drop of 4.9 percent. In all, there were 811,622 babies born in 2021.

Earlier this month, the Japan Research Institute projected that about 770,000 babies would be born in 2022.

In 2017, the National Institute of Population and Social Security predicted births would not fall that low until 2030.

Ministry officials say the drop-off this year may be due in part to the pandemic. Fewer people are getting married or having children since it began.


Key words : japanese doctor
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221126_24/

Hundreds of people have gathered in a city in southwestern Japan to remember a Japanese doctor who was killed in Afghanistan three years ago while working on humanitarian projects.

Nakamura Tetsu dedicated many years helping with Afghan healthcare and farmland regeneration projects including construction of irrigation systems as a member of the Japanese NGO Peshawar-kai. The doctor was fatally shot on December 4, 2019, at the age of 73.

About 450 people offered silent prayers for Nakamura on Saturday in Fukuoka City, where the NGO is based.

Nakamura's eldest daughter Akiko said she feels as though her father is still with her when she sees the trees he planted in their garden.

Akiko said she hopes the day will soon come when Afghans will be able to live in peace.

The NGO is continuing its projects in Afghanistan and reported that a facility needed for an irrigation system was completed in February.

The head of the NGO, Murakami Masaru, noted that Nakamura had repeatedly said "not to let the flame go out" and he called for continued support for the organization.


2022年11月27日日曜日

at 18:00 (JST), November 27

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20221127180000_english_1.mp3


Key words : Zelenskyy starvation
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221127_09/

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is stressing the need for grain exports to countries that are vulnerable to famine, while blaming Russia for a global food crisis.

Zelenskyy made the point at an international summit on food security, which he hosted in Kyiv on Saturday.

Representatives from some 30 countries and international organizations attended the meeting online while the leaders of Belgium, Poland and others took part in person.

At the summit, Zelenskyy said Russian troops blocked the export of food from Ukraine, putting the world on the brink of starvation. He blamed Russia for "provoking a food crisis."

Zelenskyy said there are plans for at least 60 ships to leave Ukrainian ports with exports by the end of next spring. He included Ethiopia and Sudan as planned destinations.

He said his country's goal is to save at least 5 million people from hunger.

He stressed that Ukraine will cooperate with the international community to export agricultural produce to Africa and other areas facing the threat of famine.

The food security summit was held on the annual memorial day for Holodomor, which marked 90 years since the former Soviet Union is said to have caused a serious famine in Ukraine.


Key words : kim daughter
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221127_12/

North Korea's state media has released photos of Leader Kim Jong Un with his daughter taken during a photo session with officials involved in the launch of a new intercontinental ballistic missile earlier this month.

State-run Korean Central television broadcast the images on Sunday, reporting that the photos were taken with scientists and other "contributors to the successful test-fire of the Hwasong-17 on November 18."

The state media also reported that Kim appeared at the photo session venue together with "his revered daughter."

The photos show a girl in a black coat right next to Kim, applauding the officials and shaking hands with soldiers.
This is the second report of the daughter making a public appearance. A visit to the site to watch the Hwasong launch with her father was reported on November 19.

South Korean intelligence agency says she is presumably Kim's second child, named Ju-ae. Kim is said to have three children.

South Korea's Yonhap News Agency reports that North Korea might be trying to give the daughter a look of authority by showing the image of her applauding people in the photo session, and describing her as Kim's "revered daughter". North Korean media described her as Kim's "beloved daughter" when reporting on her previous public appearance.


Key words : taiwan tsai resign
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221127_03/

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen has announced that she intends to resign as the head of the ruling Democratic Progressive Party, which suffered major losses in Saturday's local elections. But she says she will remain as Taiwan's president.

Tsai held a news conference at the party's headquarters on Saturday night.

She said her party failed to achieve its intended goal. The president added that she accepts the decision of the Taiwanese people. She went on to say that she intends to take responsibility for the party's losses and immediately resign as its leader.

Around 11,000 mayors, governors and municipal councilors were chosen on Saturday. The elections are held every four years.

Observers were eager to see which political parties would prevail in 22 of the mayoral and gubernatorial races.

Tsai's party held seven mayoral and gubernatorial posts before the elections, but on Saturday it only won five.

Mayoral candidates from her party have conceded defeat in three northern cities, including Taoyuan. The party also failed to retake the mayor's office in Taipei.

These were the first elections held in Taiwan, since the Chinese Communist Party's National Congress ended.
Tsai had said repeatedly during the campaigns that the international community would be paying attention to the elections for that reason.

She had also suggested that the local elections would be a referendum on her administration.

But it seems that the voters did not listen to her appeals.

Taiwan's largest opposition party is the Kuomintang, or KMT. Its goal was to secure more than half of the mayoral posts in six special municipal districts. The party achieved that goal.

It won in Taipei. It also managed to take the mayor's office back from the Democratic Progressive Party in Taoyuan.

KMT's leader Eric Chu told reporters that the election victories are for his party and for the people of Taiwan.


Key words : university of tokyo diversity
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221127_14/

The University of Tokyo says it will hire more than 300 female professors and associate professors over the next six years.

The university aims to raise the percentage of women in its faculty to at least 25 percent by fiscal year 2027. But the number was hovering around 16 percent as of May this year.

To help add diversity to its faculty, the university plans to hire 141 female professors and 165 female associate professors by the fiscal year ending in March 2028.

University officials say this will be the largest number of female faculty members ever hired. They say the plan would help raise awareness for diversity and help female researchers build their careers.

A 2020 survey by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development shows Japan has one of the lowest shares of female faculty in higher education. Only about 30 percent were women against OECD member countries' average of about 45 percent.

The focus is also on whether other universities in Japan will follow suit.


Key words : messi Argentina saudi
#N/A


Key words : france denmark
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221127_06/

France defeated Denmark 2-1 in a Group D match at the FIFA World Cup on Saturday.

The French are the defending World Cup champions. Striker Kylian Mbappe led his teammates to the round of 16 by scoring two goals.

The squad became the first to advance to the knockout stage.

Australia edged Tunisia 1-0 in another Group D match. The team will play against Denmark on Wednesday.

Argentina beat Mexico 2-0 in a Group C matchup. Lionel Messi and Enzo Fernandez scored goals. It was the squad's first victory at the event. On Wednesday, Argentina will face off against Poland.


Key words : costa rica samurai opening game
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221126_01/

The Japan men's soccer team faces Costa Rica on Sunday at the FIFA World Cup, and expectations are running high among fans heading to the tournament in Qatar.

At Narita Airport near Tokyo on Friday afternoon, a 66-year-old man said he was already excited, adding that he is optimistic about the Samurai Blue advancing to the knockout stage.

A 20-year-old university student said it has long been his dream to attend a World Cup match.

Japan came from behind to defeat four-time champion Germany 2-1 on Wednesday in the opening game of Group E.

In Tokyo's Shibuya district, soccer fans flocked to the famous scramble crossing to celebrate.

Police plan to enhance security in the area on Sunday. They expect even larger crowds because the match against Costa Rica starts earlier.


Key words : moriyasu consecutive tournament
#N/A


Key words : supporter shrine pray
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221127_08/

Fans and supporters of the Japan squad are praying for the team's victory in the FIFA World Cup soccer tournament at a shrine which features the symbol of the Japan Football Association.

The symbol is a three-legged crow named "Yatagarasu." It is associated with the Kumano Kotai Shrine in the town of Karuizawa, Nagano Prefecture.

Folklore says that Yatagarasu helped Emperor Jimmu, Japan's first emperor, and his soldiers during an expedition to the eastern part of Japan.

The crow is said to have given them directions when they were lost in a dense fog in the Usui Pass at the edge of Karuizawa.

Chief priest Mizusawa Takafumi says that the number of visitors to the shrine has increased since Japan defeated Germany in its opening game.

He added that he hopes Yatagarasu will guide Japan's national team to win again as it will face Costa Rica on Sunday in the FIFA World Cup.

A woman who came to pray for another win said that she was really happy when Japan won against Germany.


2022年11月26日土曜日

at 18:00 (JST), November 26

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20221126180000_english_1.mp3


Key words : atomic power grid
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221125_09/

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency has called for an immediate halt to military action threatening Ukraine's nuclear facilities following the loss of external power at all the country's nuclear plants on Wednesday.

This was the first time that all Ukraine's plants had simultaneously lost external power.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi said in a statement on Thursday that external power had been restored to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant the day after it lost access to off-site electricity.

The statement noted that Ukraine's national nuclear operator Energoatom was doing everything possible to restore nuclear generation as soon as possible at the country's three other operational nuclear power plants.

They were disconnected from the power grid on Wednesday after emergency protection was activated due to a decrease in frequency in the power system.

Energoatom said the three facilities had been relying on diesel generators for back-up electricity to cool the reactors while in shutdown mode.

Grossi noted that Ukraine's nuclear industry had experienced the most extensive loss of off-site power since the conflict began nine months ago. He said this further underlined the need for stepped-up action to protect the plants and prevent the danger of a serious nuclear accident.


Key words : 6 million blackout
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221126_11/

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says more than 6 million residents are still affected by blackouts caused by massive Russian missile attacks.

He said in a video released on Friday, "The key task of today, as well as of other days this week, is energy."

He said that when the attack took place on Wednesday almost 12 million residents were disconnected from the grid.

He added there is still serious impact on the capital Kyiv and its surrounding area, the Lviv and Vinnytsia regions in the west, the Odesa region in the south and the Dnipropetrovsk region in the east.

Zelenskyy visited one of the missile-hit areas on Friday and inspected a damaged apartment building.

He also went to facilities called "Points of Invincibility," where people can have access to electricity and the Internet for free.

The president said that there are more than 4,000 such stations in the country and urged local leaders to work on improving people's lives.


Key words : putin met mother
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221126_08/

Russian President Vladimir Putin has met some of the mothers of soldiers sent to fight in Ukraine. The move is seen as an attempt to shore up public sentiment.

The event was held on Friday, ahead of Russia's Mother's Day on Sunday. Footage from state media shows Putin saying, "We share your pain."

Independent media in the country claim the women are his supporters.

One mother asks him to send warm clothes to her son on the frontlines. Putin responds by saying he is giving instructions to the defense ministry every day.

In September, the Putin administration launched a partial mobilization of military reservists. Opposition to the invasion is growing amid rising concerns the number of casualties exceeds official figures.


Key words : philippines trucks
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221126_12/

Japan has provided the Philippines with refrigerated trucks and containers to help deliver coronavirus vaccines across the island country.

The local office of the Japan International Cooperation Agency presented two trucks and 600 storage containers to the Philippines' Department of Health in a ceremony in Manila on Friday.

Officials say one container can store around 5,800 doses of vaccines and keep them at minus 2 degrees Celsius or below for about 100 hours.

The containers are expected to make transport by sea to remote islands much easier.

High temperatures throughout the year in the Philippines also pose a challenge to delivering vaccines safely and effectively.

The ministry says over 31 million doses, or 12 percent of all shots procured by the government, have been discarded.

The chief representative of JICA's local office, Sakamoto Takema, said the donation is intended to help deliver vaccines to people in remote areas. He pledged to extend follow-up assistance so that the equipment will be fully utilized.


Key words : visitors imperial palace
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221126_16/

People enjoyed viewing autumn foliage inside the Imperial Palace in Tokyo for the first time in three years as a section has been reopened to the public.

Starting in 2014, people were granted access to Inui Street during the spring cherry blossom season and in the autumn when the leaves change color. But viewings were suspended when the coronavirus pandemic began.

As soon as the gates opened at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, people who had been waiting entered the palace grounds.

Under rainy skies, they strolled down the 600-meter-long avenue, which is lined with around 70 maple trees of eight different varieties.

A woman in her 50s visiting with friends said she found a rare variety of cherry blossoms along the street. She said it would have been even better if the weather was nicer.

Another woman also in her 50s said she was able to immerse herself in the ambience of autumn. She said she imagined the Emperor and Empress were strolling along the same path.

A route through the Palace's East Gardens is closed this year as the path often gets congested. Visitors must enter through the Sakashita-mon Gate and exit through Inui-mon Gate.

Inui Street will remain open to the public through December 4.


Key words : united states black Friday
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221126_06/

People across the United States are flocking to malls and department stores in search of Black Friday bargains. At the same time, many in the retail industry worry about the impact of record-high inflation on the nation's appetite for spending.

In New York, shoppers were seen lining up outside a long-established department store at 6 a.m.

One woman said she comes every year on Black Friday. She said she bought a jacket at 60 percent off the regular price.

The US National Retail Federation expects retail sales in November and December will grow between six and eight percent from the same period a year ago.

But there are concerns inflation could impact personal spending. Experts say consumers are increasingly prioritizing food and other daily necessities.

Some electronics retailers in New York started their sales earlier and offered large discounts to attract customers.


Key words : england united states US squad
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221126_13/

In the men's FIFA World Cup, powerhouse England was aiming to reach the knockout stage but was held to a goalless draw by the United States at Al Bayt Stadium on Friday.

England opened their group stage campaign with a dominating performance against Iran but were frustrated by the US squad.

The United States came close in the first half when Christian Pulisic rattled the crossbar. The US had more chances than their opponents but were hampered by the persistent England defense.

England's captain Harry Kane had a chance to win it in stoppage time but his header went wide.
He admitted it was not the best performance.
The draw left his team on top in Group B, still likely to advance to the final 16.


Key words : iran wales remarkable
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221126_14/

In the men's FIFA World Cup, Iran produced a remarkable finish against Wales at Ahmad Bin Ali Stadium on Friday.
Wales goalkeeper Wayne Hennessy was sent off in the 86th minute and Iran made the most of its one-man advantage.
Roozbeth Cheshmi drove home to give his team the lead in stoppage time.
And Ramin Rezaeian added another just three minutes later.
Iran was thrashed by England in its first game, but the team earned a precious 3 points, keeping alive its hopes of advancing to the knockout stage.


Key words : qatar senegal
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221126_15/

In the men's FIFA World Cup, host Qatar crashed out after a 3-1 loss to Senegal at Al Thumama Stadium on Friday.
It was the second loss for Qatar in their World Cup debut.

The host became just the second home team to exit the tournament at the group stage following South Africa in 2010.

Elsewhere, the Netherlands played to a 1-1 draw with Ecuador. Both sides won their first matches.

In Group A, the Netherlands and Ecuador have 4 points each. The Netherlands will face Qatar on Tuesday. Senegal got 3.

In Group B, England stands on top with four points followed by Iran with 3. Iran will face the United States on Tuesday.


2022年11月25日金曜日

at 18:30 (JST), November 25

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/20221125183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : malaysia 75-year-old
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221124_39/

People in Malaysia finally have a new prime minister after five days of uncertainty following an inconclusive general election, with the appointment of opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim. The 75-year-old veteran spent almost a decade behind bars amid political turmoil in the country.

Anwar was sworn in at the national palace in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday. His Pakatan Harapan opposition coalition took most seats in Saturday's vote, but fell short of a majority.

Malaysia's king appointed him after marathon talks that saw the leaders of two coalitions vying to secure support from Lower House lawmakers.

Anwar served as deputy prime minister and finance minister in the 1990s under Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. He was removed after a bitter dispute over economic measures.

He was later jailed on a series of charges, allegations he consistently denied.

Anwar and Mahathir joined forces again in 2018 as opposition candidates, bringing the first-ever change of power in Malaysia. But the country has since seen political chaos, with the prime minister changing twice.

Attention is now focused on how the other political parties can work with Anwar's coalition and whether he can provide the political stability Malaysians have been hoping for.


Key words : kim lashed
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221124_16/

The sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has lashed out against South Korea for considering more unilateral sanctions on the North, saying such measures would add fuel to Pyongyang's anger.

Kim Yo Jong's statement on Thursday came after remarks by a spokesperson for South Korea's foreign ministry.

The spokesperson said on Tuesday that Seoul is considering additional sanctions if the North makes a major provocation such as a nuclear test.

Kim Yo Jong said if the US and South Korea are bent on imposing sanctions, North Korea will let them do so a thousand times.
She also denounced South Korea's President Yoon Suk-yeol. Yoon has sought close cooperation with the United States.

Referring to Yoon's predecessor, she said Seoul was not North Korea's target when Moon Jae-in was in power.

She said the desperate sanctions and pressure from the US and South Korea will fuel the North's hostility and anger. She added that such moves would serve as a noose for the two countries.

Kim Yo Jong also issued a statement on Tuesday denouncing the US.

South Korean experts say the North may make further provocations while claiming the need to counter pressure from the US and South Korea.


Key words : ozawa spotlight
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221125_01/

The Japanese orchestra conductor Ozawa Seiji has lately been out of the spotlight. But now, he has delighted music fans by leading an orchestra for the first time in three years.

The Seiji Ozawa Matsumoto Festival kicks off in central Japan this Friday with concerts to mark its 30th anniversary.

Ozawa won't be conducting during the festival. But he led an orchestra during a pre-opening performance without an audience.

He also shared his thoughts about his motivation. He said children and adults are suffering in the pandemic and wars and that he wants music to bring people together with a sense they all share the same planet.

The whole performance with Ozawa conducting will start streaming online at the beginning of next month.


Key words : japanese food healty salty
#N/A


2022年11月24日木曜日

at 18:30 (JST), November 24

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/20221124183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : china iphone
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221124_11/

Large-scale protests over wages have occurred at Apple's main subcontractor plant in China.

The protests were staged at an iPhone-manufacturing plant under Taiwan's Foxconn in the central city of Zhengzhou in Henan Province.

Footage provided by Reuters news agency on Wednesday shows people who appear to be workers smashing windows and security cameras and shouting at security personnel in white protective suits.

Other related images have also been posted on the internet.

The protesters are demanding wage hikes and the improvement of other work conditions.

Stringent antivirus measures are said to have been in place at the plant under the Chinese government's "zero-COVID" policy.

The coronavirus is continuing to spread in China. On Tuesday, about 28,000 new cases were confirmed in all of its provinces and autonomous regions.

As restrictions on people's activities continue in China, Apple announced earlier this month that shipments of its newest iPhones likely would be delayed due to a recent plunge in production at the plant.

There is growing concern over the impact of dwindling activities in China's manufacturing industry on the domestic and worldwide economies.


Key words : indonesia survivor 6-year-old
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221124_05/

Rescue workers in Indonesia have pulled a 6-year-old boy from rubble as the critical 72-hour window to find survivors approaches after an earthquake on Monday.

The magnitude 5.6 quake struck West Java province. The country's national disaster agency has confirmed 271 deaths so far. Forty people are reported to be missing. About 2,000 people have been wounded.

The agency reported that the boy had been rescued in Cianjur district on Wednesday.

A cousin said the quake appears to have hit when the boy was watching TV. He added there were five people in the house, including the boy, but only three survived.

At the largest hospital in Cianjur, people are receiving treatment outdoors due to cracks in the walls and other damage to its buildings.

An official said seriously injured people are being transferred to other institutions as the hospital cannot take the risk of carrying out operations amid continuing tremors.

Authorities believe many people were caught in landslides caused by the quake. But rescue efforts using heavy machinery have been hampered by aftershocks and rain. About 170 quakes have occurred following the initial earthquake.


Key words : taiwan local election
#N/A


Key words : south 12 years
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221123_15/

South Korea has marked 12 years since North Korean artillery fire killed two civilians and two marines on Yeonpyeong Island off the west coast of the peninsula.

Memorial events were held nationwide on Wednesday. More than 200 people, including government officials and the relatives of those who died, offered prayers at the national cemetery in Daejeon, south of Seoul.

In a message, South Korean Defense Minister Lee Jong-sup urged the country's troops to inherit the fighting spirit of the marines who died.

Lee also vowed to respond sternly and immediately to any provocations from the North.

Pyongyang has recently been testing ballistic missiles at an unprecedented rate. The South Korean military is on high alert. Troops are conducting drills in the Yellow Sea through Friday.


Key words : defense chief discuss detail
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221123_18/

The defense chiefs of ASEAN nations and their counterparts from the United States, China and other countries have met and discussed the situation in Ukraine. Russia also joined the talks.

The expanded talks of the defense ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations took place in Cambodia on Wednesday.

The participants included US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Japanese Parliamentary Vice-Minister of Defense Onoda Kimi, Chinese Defense Minister Wei Fenghe and Russian Deputy Defence Minister Alexander Fomin.

The details of the closed-door meeting are not known. But diplomatic sources say the attendees discussed Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The US and some other nations apparently criticized Russia.

The sources say the attendees also spoke about the situation in Myanmar. The country has been in turmoil since the military coup last year.

Myanmar itself was absent from the meeting. The ASEAN side rejected attendance by the military-appointed defense minister.

Austin and Wei held bilateral talks on Tuesday ahead of the meeting. The US defense secretary asked China to refrain from actions that could further destabilize the situation surrounding Taiwan.

China's defense ministry said after the talks that Taiwan belongs to China and the issue of Taiwan should be resolved by the Chinese people.


Key words : drone developer
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221124_17/

Drone developers in Japan are coming up with ways to fly their craft into places that used to be extremely hard to reach. That means they can provide maintenance for infrastructure in difficult locations, without the need for human workers.

One such startup is Tokyo-based Blue Innovation.
It's teaming up with Tokyo Electric Power Company to develop ways to inspect power lines.

It used to be very difficult to operate drones near such lines because of the electromagnetic waves they emit.

But Blue Innovation has developed the technology for drones to use sensors to identify the locations of lines, then fly in on their own without the need for a human controller.
The company's president says a shortage of workers has made it difficult to maintain aging infrastructure. He says drones can play a key role to address that.

Blue Innovation President and CEO Kumada Takayuki says, "Demand for labor to inspect infrastructure is rising like never before. Robotics is the way to meet that demand. We seem to be in the right business."

Drones are not only at work in the skies. They've taken on some difficult tasks underground as well.

Drone maker ACSL offers a service to inspect the insides of sewage pipes. That became possible after the company managed to stabilize radio communications in closed spaces.


Key words : soccer fan footage
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221123_16/

Japanese soccer fans are creating a buzz after a viral video showed them helping to clean up after the opening game of the FIFA World Cup in Qatar on Sunday.

Video creator Omar Farooq from Bahrain posted the footage.

Farooq said he had heard of Japanese fans picking up trash after matches but he didn't really believe it. He is now convinced after capturing the footage and says he has great respect for them.

The video shows Farooq talking with the Japanese fans and exchanging hugs at the stadium. It has gotten more than 760,000 likes so far. The footage has also been aired on Qatar's media.


2022年11月23日水曜日

at 18:30 (JST), November 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/20221123183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : emergency authorization fever
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221122_39/

Japan has approved use of a pill that doctors who treat COVID-19 have been waiting for and can prescribe to anyone no matter how mild their symptoms.

Japanese Health Minister Kato Katsunobu told reporters on Tuesday evening that experts approved emergency authorization of Shionogi's oral drug Xokova. He added that he had just approved it in his capacity as minister of health, labor and welfare.

The ministry's expert panel had looked at clinical data and found evidence that the domestically developed pill is effective against fever and other COVID symptoms.

Two other oral medications are currently approved for mild cases. Both were developed in the US and are intended only for patients at high risk of developing severe symptoms.

Doctors say it's difficult to predict who COVID will hit hard, and called for a drug they could prescribe more broadly. Health officials plan to distribute Xokova nationwide, with hospitals getting enough doses for one million patients.

Japan is now facing an 8th COVID wave. More than 120,000 infections were reported nationwide on Tuesday, for the 18th straight day of week-on-week increase. Three northern prefectures confirmed record-high case counts.


Key words : halloween crowd crush 158
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221122_25/

In South Korea, families of the victims of a Halloween crowd crush in Seoul have lashed out at the government of President Yoon Suk-yeol for failing to prevent the tragedy.

The crush in the capital's Itaewon district on October 29 left 158 people dead, including two Japanese citizens and many other foreigners. Another 196 people were injured.

Local media say police and the fire department received numerous calls hours before the accident saying there were too many people, and warning that some could be crushed to death. But the authorities reportedly did nothing.

Families of the victims spoke at a news conference in Seoul on Tuesday for the first time since the accident.

A mother who lost her son said the whole family has been suffering so much they want to die.

She said the accident was caused by the authorities' inaction. She called it murder.

Other families also criticized the government and the police, while some attendees cried as they listened.

A special investigative team from South Korea's National Police Agency has been looking into how the police in charge of the Itaewon district and top local municipal officials responded to the accident.


Key words : rescue 268 people blankets
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221123_02/

Indonesian authorities are struggling to rescue survivors and to deliver aid supplies to nearly 60,000 evacuees after a powerful earthquake.

A magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck West Java province on Monday.

The country's disaster authorities say at least 268 people have been confirmed dead, and 151 are still missing. They say more than 1,000 people are injured.

Rescue workers are scrambling to reach people trapped in debris, as the strong jolt caused mudslides in many places.

More than 100 aftershocks have followed the initial quake, forcing about 58,000 people to evacuate.

In the Cianjur district, about 100 residents are using plastic sheets to erect makeshift tents outside.

Many evacuees have been left without aid supplies more than 24 hours after the quake.

Local media say evacuees need food, blankets and diapers. But many areas are isolated as mudslides made some roads impassable.

Weather officials warn residents to remain on the alert, as rain could trigger more mudslides, expanding the damage.


Key words : oversea medical school
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/videos/20221102134718548/

Japanese students study at medical schools in Eastern Europe because of lower tuition costs abroad. But many of those studying in Ukraine had to return to Japan after Russia's military invasion. We report on one student who faced difficulties trying to complete his education after returning.


2022年11月22日火曜日

at 18:30 (JST), November 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/20221122183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : rescue at least 160 people
#N/A


Key words : powerful earthquake java
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221122_05/

The death toll from a powerful earthquake that struck the Indonesian island of Java on Monday has risen to 62.

The magnitude 5.6 quake hit western Java in the afternoon. The National Disaster Management Agency said 62 people had been confirmed dead in the Cianjur district of West Java province.

Officials said 25 people were still trapped in the debris of collapsed structures. Rescue efforts were hampered by shortages of heavy equipment and landslides that blocked roads.

Footage from the area shows a number of injured people being treated outside, even after night fell.

The quake toppled or severely damaged more than 2,200 houses, schools and other buildings.
About 5,300 people were taking shelter in tents and other structures.

Indonesian authorities called on people to stay away from damaged buildings, as smaller tremors continued.


Key words : china covid-19 death
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221121_32/

China has reported deaths from the coronavirus for the second straight day. Authorities are stepping up vigilance against the spread of the virus.

The Chinese government says about 26,000 new cases were confirmed in all 31 municipalities in the mainland on Sunday.

Officials reported that two COVID-19 patients in Beijing, a 91-year-old woman and an 88-year-old man with pre-existing health conditions, died on Sunday. This followed the first reported fatality from the coronavirus in about six months on Saturday.

China has stringent restrictions in place under its zero-COVID policy. Officials in Beijing are advising people to refrain from non-essential outings, and work from home.

Some commercial facilities have suspended operations. Many stores in the Wangfujing shopping street of central Beijing were closed on Monday, with few people around.

In the populous Chaoyang district, which has reported the largest number of cases in Beijing, all restaurants have been banned from providing dine-in services. Some establishments have put up large sheets of paper calling on people to take thorough anti-virus measures.


Key words : hong kong
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221121_31/

Hong Kong's Chief Executive John Lee has tested positive for the coronavirus after returning from the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Thailand.

During his four-day stay in Bangkok, Lee attended the APEC summit and held separate talks with the leaders of Singapore, Indonesia and Vietnam. He returned to Hong Kong on Sunday.

The Hong Kong government announced on Monday that Lee tested positive upon his arrival in Hong Kong, although he tested negative throughout his stay in Bangkok.

Lee did not meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping for official talks, but sat next to him during the APEC summit.

He was seen shaking hands with Xi and exchanging words with the Chinese leader.

Lee also sat next to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi at a separate meeting, and the two conversed.


Key words : us ambassador to japan
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221121_21/

US Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel has criticized China for failing to do enough to restrain North Korea.

Speaking at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan on Monday, Emanuel described North Korea's repeated missile launches as a threat to regional US allies such as South Korea and Japan.

He said ensuring security is a top priority.

Emanuel said, "China has a significant role, both politically and economically" with North Korea that it has not fully exercised.

A reporter asked him about Chinese President Xi Jinping's apparent efforts to improve ties with Western nations over the situation in Ukraine.

The ambassador replied that President Xi took note of the damage that the wolf-warrior diplomacy and economic coercion has done to China. He added that Xi's moves are "an attempt to airbrush those out of people's memory."

Emanuel stressed that the rest of the world will look at not just the Chinese leaders' words, but their deeds.


Key words : space agency
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221122_06/

Japan's space agency has given up on a plan to land its Omotenashi probe on the moon's surface.

The unmanned lunar lander failed to establish stable communications with controllers on Earth, after it lifted off atop NASA's Space Launch System rocket from Kennedy Space Center last week.

Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency officials had said they would try to correct the craft's trajectory before it passed by the moon and slow down its speed in a bid to land it on the surface at around 11:55 p.m. on Monday, Japan Time.

But the officials announced at around 2 a.m. on Tuesday that they had ditched that plan, saying they didn't see any improvement in communications with the probe.

The officials said the craft couldn't charge its batteries, because its improperly oriented solar panel didn't receive sunlight.

A successful landing of the Omotenashi would have made Japan the fourth country to put a spacecraft on the lunar surface, following the former Soviet Union, the United States and China.

The agency still plans to use the Omotenashi for other pre-planned missions, such as measuring levels of radiation exposure in space, if it succeeds in improving communications with the probe.


Key words : learned
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221121_39/

Defense chiefs of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations are holding a series of talks this week. NHK has learned that Myanmar's military-appointed defense minister is not invited to a key meeting involving the US, Japan and other countries.

The meeting is set for Wednesday in the Cambodian city of Siem Reap. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Chinese counterpart, Wei Fenghe, will take part.

ASEAN diplomatic sources say some participants were very reluctant to sit down with a representative of Myanmar's military.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since the coup last year. The military continues to attack pro-democracy forces.

ASEAN leaders agreed at a summit earlier this month to review Myanmar's representation at all levels of the group's gatherings.

Members of the junta are already barred from ASEAN summits and foreign ministers' meetings.


Key words : fatal accident
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221122_03/

A fatal car accident involving a 97-year-old driver is raising questions about Japan's testing requirements for elderly license holders.

Police say the driver had cleared a cognitive impairment screening when he renewed his license two years ago.

The accident happened in northern Japan on Saturday. The man's car hit a woman on the sidewalk before knocking down trees and crashing into three vehicles waiting at a red light.

The woman died and four people in the cars were injured. Police say there was no indication he tried to brake. The driver was arrested on suspicion of negligent driving causing death.

Neighbors say the man appeared to have difficulty controlling his car and was having trouble just backing it up and parking.

More than 340 fatal car accidents that occurred last year involved drivers aged 75 or older. They accounted for about 15 percent of all fatal accidents, which is a record high.

Drivers 75 or over must undergo cognitive impairment screening to test their memory and judgment capabilities before they renew their licenses. They are currently required to do this every three years.

Professor Tokoro Masabumi of Rissho University says, "Even if you were OK three years ago, you may not be now. Ideally, senior drivers should take a cognitive test annually just as they would undergo a health check."
The expert suggests authorities should increase their cooperation with medical institutions.


Key words : baby
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221122_09/

Baby capybaras at a zoo in central Japan have enjoyed lounging in a warm bath filled with citrus fruit for the first time.

Izu Shaboten Zoo has been rearing capybaras for 56 years.

The zoo treats the giant rodents to hot baths during the winter when temperatures drop. This custom began when some keepers happened to see capybaras relaxing in a pool of hot water.

Ten babies were born this year between August and October. They took a bath with adult capybaras in an open-air pool filled with Oniyuzu citrus fruit.

The younger ones dived into the hot water and played around. They provided the visitors with great photo opportunities.

A family visiting from Tokyo said the babies were so cute that they wanted to join them.

Nakano Seika is one of the keepers. She said that it is not possible to predict how many capybaras will take a bath on a given day.

Visitors will have chances to watch the capybaras bathe in the hot water until April of next year.


2022年11月21日月曜日

at 18:30 (JST), November 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/20221121183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : state-run video daughter
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221119_18/

North Korea's state-run TV has released video of the country's test-firing on Friday of a new Hwasong-17 intercontinental ballistic missile.

Korean Central TV broadcast the footage from 3 p.m. on Saturday, showing the missile's launch from an international airport near North Korea's capital, Pyongyang.

The video shows the country's largest ballistic missile being carried out of a hangar on board a 22-wheeled mobile launch pad.

The footage covers the launch from various angles. It includes the missile ascending, spewing flames through its four nozzles and then appearing only as a small bright dot.

A camera attached to the missile captured images of Earth's surface fading in the distance.

State-run TV also aired photos of North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un and his daughter walking hand-in-hand to observe the launch onsite.

It is the first time North Korea has released photos of one of Kim's children.


Key words : emergency meeting condemned strongest term
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221121_05/

The foreign ministers of the Group of Seven nations have strongly condemned North Korea for the launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile last week.

The G7 foreign ministers issued a statement on Sunday, saying that they condemn in the strongest terms the brazen launch of another ICBM by North Korea. They said that this reckless act further destabilizes the region.

The ministers stressed that the country's actions demand a united and robust response by the international community, including the need for further significant measures to be taken by the UN Security Council.

The Security Council plans to hold an emergency meeting on Monday following the North's latest missile launch.

North Korea fired a new type of ICBM, Hwasong-17, last Friday from near Pyongyang toward the Sea of Japan.

The missile is believed to have reached the maximum altitude of about 6,000 kilometers and fallen into waters within Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone.


Key words : Kishida 50 ballistic
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221118_31/

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has urged the leaders of other Asia-Pacific nations to denounce North Korea in the strongest possible terms for its repeated ballistic missile launches.

Kishida and leaders from the United States, South Korea, Canada, Australia and New Zealand held an emergency meeting on Friday after North Korea fired a ballistic missile earlier in the day. The leaders are in Thailand to attend the APEC summit.

Kishida said the missile is believed to have fallen into the waters off Hokkaido, inside Japan's exclusive economic zone. He also said North Korea has fired more than 50 ballistic missiles this year alone. He noted Pyongyang has been launching missiles at a pace that has never been seen before.

Pointing out the possibility of more missile launches or a nuclear test, Kishida called for international unity, so that North Korea's complete denuclearization can be brought about, in line with UN Security Council resolutions.

US Vice President Kamala Harris condemned North Korea's actions and urged the country to refrain from engaging in further unlawful, destabilizing acts.

Harris said, "On behalf of the United States, I reaffirm our ironclad commitment to our Indo-Pacific alliances."

She also said, "Together the countries represented here will continue to urge North Korea to commit to serious and sustained diplomacy."


Key words : malaysia voters downturn
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221120_14/

Malaysia's opposition coalition won the most seats in Saturday's general election.

According to the country's electoral commission, the Pakatan Harapan alliance won 82 seats, while the Perikatan Nasional, a ruling grouping, won 73.

Both are working to form a coalition government after falling short of the 112 seats needed to control the parliament.

Ninety-seven-year-old two-time Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who started a new opposition coalition, lost his seat.

Local media said the loss marks the end of an era.

In the general election four years ago, Malaysia had its first change of power since the country achieved independence in 1957. The prime minister was replaced twice amid the turmoil following the 2018 election.

Malaysian voters are believed to have expressed their dissatisfaction with the economic downturn caused by the pandemic, accelerating inflation and a series of corruption scandals within the administration.

Some observers say political instability may continue in the country.


Key words : former prime lost
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221120_08/

Malaysia's former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has lost his seat in the general election that was held on Saturday, likely ending his political career.

The 97-year-old Mahathir ran in the race as an opposition party candidate in a constituency with a total of five candidates. But Malaysia's electoral commission said the two-time prime minister failed to secure enough votes, coming in fourth.

This was Mahathir's first defeat in a parliamentary election since 1969. It is believed he will end his political career following the loss. Local media are reporting that it marks the end of an era.

When the election was announced earlier this month, Mahathir said it would be his last election.

Mahathir first served as prime minister for 22 years from 1981 to 2003. After retiring from politics, he was voted in again as prime minister in 2018. After stepping down in 2020, he formed a new coalition and ran in the latest election.

Vote counting is still underway. The ruling bloc and the opposition wing are in a close contest. As no single party might be able to secure a majority, attention is now focused on how parties would form a post-election alliance to come to power.


Key words : harris xi repeat
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221120_01/

The White House says Vice President Kamala Harris had a brief conversation with Chinese President Xi Jinping on Saturday at the venue hosting the APEC leaders' meeting in the Thai capital, Bangkok.

It said Harris repeated the remarks that President Joe Biden made at the US-China summit on Monday. Biden said he is committed to keeping lines of communication open between Washington and Beijing to prevent competition from becoming conflict.

China's state-run Central Television network broadcast a report about Xi's meeting with Harris. It said the Chinese president described the US-China summit as strategic and constructive. Xi also reportedly said that it carries important significance, as it will guide China-US relations going forward.

Xi is also said to have expressed hope that the two sides will further increase mutual understanding, reduce misperceptions and miscalculations, and work together to bring bilateral relations back on track. He reportedly added that he hopes Harris will play a positive role in that regard.


Key words : Kishida dismissed lost
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221121_09/

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has dismissed another Cabinet minister. Internal affairs minister Terada Minoru has been under fire over a series of allegations of inaccurate political funding reports. Kishida has now lost three ministers in just one month.

"A number of Cabinet ministers have resigned during the Diet session. I sincerely apologize and deeply feel my responsibility for appointing them," Kishida said.

The prime minister summoned Terada to the prime minister's office on Sunday evening and dismissed him.

Terada had come under scrutiny after a group related to his political funding was found to have listed a dead person as his accountant.

Opposition parties had been calling on Kishida to replace Terada, saying he was unfit to lead the internal affairs ministry, which oversees the political funds control law.

Terada is a member of a faction led by Kishida. He was appointed a minister for the first time in the Cabinet reshuffle this summer.

The prime minister is expected to appoint former Foreign Minister Matsumoto Takeaki as Terada's successor.


Key words : china more russian
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221121_14/

China continued to import more Russian energy in October compared to the same month last year, with oil and gas shipments both up for a seventh straight month.

Chinese customs authorities have announced that they imported more than 7.7 million tons of crude oil from their neighbor. That's up 16 percent from a year earlier.

Liquefied natural gas imports were higher by a bigger margin of 55 percent, coming in at 750,000 tons.

The energy shipments contributed to 49.9 percent rise in the value of China's imports from Russia in dollar terms for the January-to-October period.

Analysts say the oil and gas exports have been propping up the Russian economy since the start of the conflict in Ukraine.
The invasion prompted Western countries to impose economic sanctions against Moscow. Beijing opposes the measures.


Key words : ntt
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221121_18/

A Japanese tech firm has developed new headphones that it says solve two common problems with the devices. The product allows users to hear what's going on around them while also keeping sound from leaking out to people nearby.

The headphones are made by NTT Sonority, a subsidiary of communications giant NTT. They use carefully designed speakers that project sound without blocking the ear. The company says this allows people to stay aware of their surroundings and engage in conversation while listening.
The headphones also emit acoustic waves to prevent sound leakage from disturbing others.

Sakai Hiroshi, CEO of NTT Sonority, says, "The headphones create a personalized sound space while letting users communicate with people around them. We plan to show how this benefits people in daily life."

Sony has also released wireless earbuds with an opening so wearers won't miss the sound around them.
They are also equipped with microphones that can recognize when the wearer is talking to make conversations easier.


2022年11月20日日曜日

at 18:00 (JST), November 20

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20221120180000_english_1.mp3


Key words : climate loss and sticking point
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221120_15/

Delegates at the UN COP27 climate conference in Egypt have agreed to set up a "loss and damage" fund to help vulnerable countries cope with climate disasters.

The details will be worked out at next year's meeting.

The agreement is the first of its kind under the UN framework.

Two weeks of negotiations were scheduled, but talks were extended to work out this agreement.

A sticking point was the differing stances on the issue.

While developing countries urged a "loss and damage" fund, industrialized countries have been more cautious.

In the end, industrialized countries made concessions in response to strong appeals.

The outcome document quotes the one from last year, with a call for efforts to limit the rise in the global average temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.


Key words : malaysia election 82
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221120_14/

Malaysia's opposition coalition won the most seats in Saturday's general election.

According to the country's electoral commission, the Pakatan Harapan alliance won 82 seats compared with 73 for the ruling Barisan Nasional grouping.

Both are working to form a coalition government after falling short of the 112 seats needed to control the parliament.

Ninety-seven-year-old two-time Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who started a new opposition coalition, lost his seat.

Local media said the loss marks the end of an era.

In the general election four years ago, Malaysia had its first change of power since the country achieved independence in 1957. The prime minister was replaced twice amid the turmoil following the 2018 election.

Malaysian voters are believed to have expressed their dissatisfaction with the economic downturn caused by the pandemic, accelerating inflation and a series of corruption scandals within the administration.

Some observers say political instability may continue in the country.


Key words : former prime
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221120_08/

Malaysia's former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has lost his seat in the general election that was held on Saturday, likely ending his political career.

The 97-year-old Mahathir ran in the race as an opposition party candidate in a constituency with a total of five candidates. But Malaysia's electoral commission said the two-time prime minister failed to secure enough votes, coming in fourth.

This was Mahathir's first defeat in a parliamentary election since 1969. It is believed he will end his political career following the loss. Local media are reporting that it marks the end of an era.

When the election was announced earlier this month, Mahathir said it would be his last election.

Mahathir first served as prime minister for 22 years from 1981 to 2003. After retiring from politics, he was voted in again as prime minister in 2018. After stepping down in 2020, he formed a new coalition and ran in the latest election.

Vote counting is still underway. The ruling bloc and the opposition wing are in a close contest. As no single party might be able to secure a majority, attention is now focused on how parties would form a post-election alliance to come to power.


Key words : trump twitter
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221120_10/

Twitter CEO Elon Musk says the social media's account of former US President Donald Trump will be reinstated, based on results of a poll on the platform.

Musk tweeted, "The people have spoken. Trump will be reinstated." He went on with the Latin phrase "Vox Populi, Vox Dei," which means "the voice of the people is the voice of God."

The CEO ran a poll on the social media platform on whether to allow the former president back on the service. More than 15 million Twitter users have voted in the poll. Final results showed that 51.8 percent were in favor of the reinstatement.

Twitter had banned Trump after the US Capitol riot last year for allegedly inciting violence. Some people voiced concerns over making such a decision with a poll.

Musk had indicated that he would not reinstate suspended accounts until convening a council to monitor and delete inappropriate tweets. But it has yet to be known whether such a body has been established.

On Friday, the CEO revealed that he had reinstated some Twitter accounts that have been suspended for having posted discriminatory comments.

Musk has explained that his buyout of Twitter is aimed at protecting free speech. Attention is now focused on how the CEO will reform the giant social media service.


Key words : british prime
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221120_05/

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has pledged 50 million pounds, or about 60 million dollars, in additional military aid to Ukraine as he made his first visit to the country's capital, Kyiv.

In a meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Saturday, Sunak announced the new package of military aid. It includes anti-aircraft guns and radars to counter Russian drone attacks.

This follows more than 1,000 new anti-air missiles Britain announced earlier this month.

Sunak also pledged funds to provide generators, shelters and other supplies as Ukrainians face a difficult winter. He said Britain will proceed with projects to repair bridges and houses destroyed in the fighting.

The two leaders also inspected destroyed Russian tanks.

At a joint news conference, Zelenskyy expressed gratitude to support from Britain. He said Russia has begun shelling Ukraine's gas production and power generating facilities. He said almost half of the country's infrastructure facilities have been damaged.

Sunak said Britain had given more than 2.3 billion pounds, or 2.7 billion dollars in military aid. He pledged that they will do the same again next year, stressing the unity of his country and Ukraine.

Britain is the second-largest supplier of military assistance to Ukraine after the United States.


Key words : two firefighters
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221120_02/

Two firefighters died when a passenger plane hit a fire truck on the runway while taking off from an international airport near the Peruvian capital, Lima.

The accident occurred on Friday when the Latam Airlines plane collided with the truck that entered the runway.

Video released by Reuters news agency and other media shows flames rising from the plane and black smoke covering its rear section.

There were 108 passengers and crew members aboard the plane.

Reuters says two firefighters in the truck were killed, and about 20 passengers were injured.

It is unclear why the truck entered the runway.
Reuters reports said Peruvian prosecutors have launched an investigation.


Key words : fifa first
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221120_04/

The FIFA World Cup will kick off in Qatar on Sunday. This is the first time that a Middle Eastern country will host the soccer tournament.

Matches are starting in the month of November for the first time since the inaugural competition in 1930. This is to avoid the scorching summer heat in the country.

Thirty-two teams will compete in the first round of the event. The teams are divided into eight groups. The top two teams in each group will advance to the knockout stages.

The host team, Qatar, is set to play against Ecuador in the opening game.

Japan's national squad is in Group E. It will compete against Germany in a first-round match on Wednesday. The Samurai Blue will then play Costa Rica on November 27 and Spain on December 1.

The squad is aiming to reach the top eight for the first time ever.

Japan's head coach Moriyasu Hajime told reporters that the members of the team will focus on giving the games their all. Moriyasu says he believes it is really important for them to do their best.

A World Cup pre-event was held on Saturday at a fan zone in the Qatari capital, Doha. Supporters of each team attended.

The fans celebrated the opening of the tournament by wearing the uniforms of their favorite teams, waving national flags, and dancing to loud music.

The crowds cheered loudly when a fireworks show was presented.


Key words : london human rights qatar
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221120_03/

People in London have taken to the streets to protest against the human rights situation in Qatar. This comes as the soccer World Cup is set to begin in the Middle Eastern nation.

About 50 people participated in a rally in front of the Qatari Embassy in the British capital on Saturday. Human rights activists were among them.

Criticism is mounting over the deaths of many foreign workers in Qatar. The individuals helped construct a stadium and other facilities for the World Cup finals. They are said to have worked under harsh conditions.

Some of the demonstrators also voiced their objections to human rights abuses against sexual minorities in Qatar. Same-sex relationships are illegal in the country.

Some participants waved rainbow flags. Others held up signs stating that the Qatari government arrests sexual minorities and forces them to change their identities. Many chanted, "Shame on Qatar," and "No Freedom, No Football."

Peter Tatchell is one of the organizers. He was once detained in Qatar for participating in a protest.

He said the most important thing is to highlight the human rights abuses. He also said both Qatar and FIFA should be compelled to do something to stop the abuses from happening.

He asked people who watch the games to spread information about the abuses in Qatar and express support for those who are oppressed.