at 20:00 (JST), February 29

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20200229200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : Abe understanding his request
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200229_23/

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has asked for understanding regarding the government's request to temporarily close schools around the country.

He made the remarks in a news conference on Saturday to explain his commitment to containing the spread of the new coronavirus.

He asked for cooperation from every Japanese citizen, saying that the government alone will not be able to win the fight against the virus.

Abe quoted experts as saying it is possible to slow the pace of its spread, and said he decided he should do everything he can to contain the spread over the next couple of weeks.

Abe said that he had asked organizers of major sports and cultural events to suspend, postpone or downsize them.

He said he also asked operators of sports gyms and buffet-style restaurants to refrain from conducting business in a way that puts many people in contact with others. He also called on the businesses to take sufficient preventive measures.

Regarding his request to shut down schools around the country, Abe said his government needs to prepare for the risk of infection, keeping in mind that children's health and safety are of utmost importance.

He said that in order to alleviate the burden on parents, his government will fully support municipalities to open after-school care programs in the morning as during the spring holidays.

He said his government will also set up a financial support program to provide allowances to those who are kept from going to work, regardless of whether they are regular or non-regular workers.

Abe said he made the decision and is determined to take complete measures under his responsibility.

He said he intends to compile a second set of emergency measures within about 10 days.

Key words : Abe ask Olympic
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Key words : World Health very high pandemic
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200229_09/

The World Health Organization has raised its global risk assessment over the spread and potential impacts of the new coronavirus to its highest level.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters on Friday that the UN agency has increased its global risk assessment to "very high" on a 4-stage scale.

Tedros said the continued increase in the number of cases and affected countries is "clearly of concern."

The WHO has released its risk assessment over the spread of the virus since January 23. It had put China at "very high," and the global risk at "high."

WHO Emergencies Program Director Michael Ryan was asked how close to a pandemic the situation is.
Ryan said that it is unhelpful to declare a pandemic when they are still trying to contain a disease.

He explained that a pandemic is a unique situation which they believe that all citizens on the planet will likely be exposed to a virus within a defined period of time.

He noted the designation was not meant to alarm or scare people, but to alert every country to be vigilant.

The official warned that the virus may be on its way and said that world governments have a duty to their citizens.

The UN agency also revealed it will send a team of experts to Iran, where the largest number of deaths from the virus have been reported outside China.

Key words : mainland China
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200229_18/

Chinese health officials say 47 more people died from the new coronavirus on Friday, bringing the total number of deaths in mainland China to 2,835.

Many of the victims are from Hubei Province, where the outbreak began.

Total infections now stand at 79,251, including 427 new cases. Only four of the new infections were reported outside Hubei.

The officials told reporters on Friday that treatments have shown results, saying the number of new serious cases has decreased and nearly half of the patients have been discharged from hospitals.

Also on Friday, authorities in Beijing issued further instructions to boost preventive measures.

Lodging facilities are being asked to secure an area of 4 square meters per person, and keep the number of people per room at six or less.

The restrictions are apparently aimed at preventing the spread of infection among workers returning to cities as companies resume business.

Many workers from rural areas perform jobs in cities, where they live in shared rooms.

Key words : Japan 11 death
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Key words : outside mainland 80 death
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Key words : south revise 594 infections
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Key words : Trump denying
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Key words : Trump summit mid-march
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200229_17/

A senior United States official has told NHK that a summit between the country and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations has been postponed as a result of the new coronavirus outbreak. The meeting had been planned for mid-March.

The official said the US had decided, in consultation with its ASEAN partners, that it would be difficult to hold the summit given the ongoing global efforts to contain the virus.

US President Donald Trump had invited ASEAN leaders to meet in his country. And ASEAN said at a foreign minister meeting in Vietnam earlier this year that it was considering a summit with the US in March.

Last November, Trump sent then newly-appointed National Security Advisor Robert O'Brien to a summit with ASEAN in Thailand. But only three of the 10 ASEAN leaders attended, widely seen as a sign of the bloc's dissatisfaction with the US.

Key words : Kim
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200229_15/

North Korea's state-run media says the country's leader Kim Jong Un has expressed serious concern over the threat of the new coronavirus.

The ruling Workers' Party newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, on Saturday reported on a party meeting attended by Kim.

The paper said Kim told officials the virus will have serious consequences if it finds its way into his country.

It added officials had discussed bolstering preventive measures.

The report indicates North Korea's increasing sense of urgency over the issue.

State media has repeatedly asserted that no cases of infection have been confirmed in the country. But the United Nations has expressed concern over the lack of information coming from North Korea.

The Rodong Sinmun also reported on Kim's inspection of a military exercise on Friday. A photograph shows accompanying officers wearing face masks.

Analysts say the report may be meant to show the country's military capacity is unaffected. No mention was made on the stalled denuclearization talks with the United States, or Pyongyang's nuclear and missile programs.

Key words : lost her family
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200229_16/

A Japanese film about a girl who lost her family in the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami in northeastern Japan has been honored at the Berlin International Film Festival.

"Kaze no Denwa," or "Voices in the Wind," by director Nobuhiro Suwa, was given "special mention" by the International Jury in the "Generation 14plus" category at Friday's award ceremony.

The film was inspired by an actual telephone booth set up in the town of Otsuchi in Iwate Prefecture, for people to express their feelings to deceased victims of the disaster.

In a comment read out at the ceremony, Suwa expressed gratitude to the judges.

The jury praised the film as gentle and grand, and described its ending as shocking yet moving.

Kyoko Inukai, the film's screenwriter, says she hopes the movie will provide a measure of support to the people affected by the disaster.

The winner of the festival's top Golden Bear award will be announced on Saturday.

at 20:00 (JST), February 28

The governor of Hokkaido has declared the state of emergency in Japan's northernmost prefecture due to coronavirus urging residents to refrain from going out.

Japan's Prime Minister says the government will push forward with its plan to temporarily close schools to curb the spread of the virus.

The key stock index in Tokyo fell more than 1,000 points in trading on Friday, as the outbreak is weighing on Japan's economy.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20200228200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : Hokkaido declared until
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200228_42/

The governor of Japan's northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido has declared that the outbreak of the new coronavirus in the prefecture is an emergency.

Governor Naomichi Suzuki on Friday urged local residents to refrain from going out until March 19, particularly this weekend.

Suzuki said officials have been working hard to contain the outbreak, but that the situation is getting more serious.

He also called on residents to stay home to protect the lives of themselves and their loved ones.

He said some of the people who have tested positive may have contracted the virus at places such as restaurants or sports gyms.

The governor added that the outbreak is at a crucial stage and stressed the need to put an end to it as soon as possible.

Key words : Abe push forward
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200228_13/

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says the government will push forward with its plan to temporarily close schools and will not hesitate to take the necessary steps to curb the spread of the new coronavirus.

The government decided on Thursday to request the closure of all elementary, junior and senior high schools and schools for students with special needs from Monday.

Abe on Friday asked for understanding for the plan and said the government will be responsible for any issues resulting from the closures.

He stressed that the next week or two will be crucial for containing the spread of the coronavirus.

He said the government attaches the utmost priority to protecting the lives and health of the Japanese people and will take the necessary measures depending on how the situation develops.

Education minister Koichi Hagiuda told reporters on Friday that each school can make its own arrangements depending on the local situation.

He also asked the government and private sectors to show consideration for employees with children by allowing them to take days off if necessary.

Key words : school respond
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200228_20/

Schools in Japan are busy responding to a request from the government to close down, starting on Monday.

The education ministry on Friday morning asked education boards across the country to shut their schools for about two weeks. That would be until spring break. This is part of efforts to curb the spread of the new coronavirus.

Teachers at Tokyo's Seiryo Junior High School held an emergency meeting early in the morning. They discussed ways to complete the required class hours and help students with their studies when the school is closed.

The school decided that it will open on Monday morning and allow students to come in. But it will close in the afternoon to prepare for the shutdown.

Teachers later explained the situation to students in each class.

The students reportedly asked many questions. They wanted to know whether all school events would be cancelled. They also wanted to know what they should do about coursework that was not covered in classes.

Senior high school entrance examinations are another concern. Public senior high schools in Tokyo are scheduled to announce the results of entrance exams on Monday. Arrangements will have to be made for unsuccessful students.

It is also uncertain if Seiryo Junior High School will be able to hold its graduation ceremony. One student said he was hoping to spend time with his friends before graduation. He added that it is regrettable that his school days will come to an end so suddenly.

School principal Masanori Chiba said the government's announcement was made on short notice and that it's difficult for the school to respond to the request.

He added that it is definitely necessary to prevent the spread of the virus. But he said he wanted at least one week to make preparations.

Key words : infrastructure minister
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200228_23/

Japan's infrastructure minister says public works projects will be suspended until March 15 to prevent the further spread of the new coronavirus.

Kazuyoshi Akaba held a news conference on Friday.

He said the state will shoulder costs incurred during the suspension period, such as heavy equipment leasing fees and personnel expenses.

Key words : industry ministry
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200228_33/

Japan's industry ministry is urging consumers not to be swayed by false information circulating online about an impending shortage of toilet paper due to the coronavirus outbreak.

The ministry made the appeal on Friday in response to a rush by consumers that emptied some store shelves.

Rumors have spread through social media that ramped-up production of facemasks will cause a shortage of toilet paper material.

Ministry officials say domestic supplies are uninterrupted, and consumers should remain calm.

An association of household paper manufacturers says it isn't true as reported on social media that masks and toilet paper are made of the same material.

It also denies online postings that say most of the toilet paper sold in Japan is imported from China. It says 97 percent of marketed products are made domestically.

The association says domestic makers have ample inventories and that there are no production problems.

It says the run on toilet rolls may briefly result in shortages at stores, but they will quickly be restocked so consumers shouldn't be alarmed.

Key words : key stock index
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200228_31/

The key stock index in Tokyo fell more than 1,000 points in trading on Friday, as the new coronavirus outbreak is weighing on Japan's economy.

Sell orders were placed from the start of the trading, and the Nikkei 225 extended its losses in the afternoon.

It rebounded somewhat before closing at 21,142. That's down 805 points, or 3.6 percent, from Thursday.

This is the second time in less than a week that the index shed more than 1,000 points during trading.

Investors are becoming pessimistic about the economy, as the government is asking local authorities to consider shutting down all elementary, junior and senior high schools starting Monday.

Amusement parks and museums have closed or decided to close to help prevent the spread of the virus.

Market sources say share prices are also falling in other major Asian markets.

They say investors are also worried that the yen's advance against the dollar will hurt Japanese exporters' earnings.

They say the stock market is likely to remain volatile next week.

Key words : turkish deadly attack
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Key words : line urging users
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200228_28/

Instant messaging service Line is urging users not to access any suspicious websites after thousands of its accounts were hacked.

Line says there have been over 4,000 unauthorized logins in Japan. There have been over 80 in Taiwan, and dozens more in other countries and regions.

It says that in some cases, messages were received that appeared to be from users' contact lists. The messages contained website addresses designed to lure people into giving up their account information. Some accounts have been actually hijacked.

Line says it is investigating. In the meantime, it is urging users to change their passwords when unfamiliar messages are sent from their accounts or when they receive notices they have logged in from devices they don't know.

Key words : segmet wrapping up the top stories of the week
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at 20:00 (JST), February 27

Japan's government is studying additional measures to prop up the tourist industry and smaller businesses hit hard by the new strain of coronavirus.

Officials in Osaka say a woman in her 40s, who had been treated for symptoms of the coronavirus and left hospital early this month, has again tested positive.

The UN nuclear watchdog has expressed qualified aproval for Japan's plan to release radioactive wastewater from the damaged nuclear plant into the sea or air.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20200227200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : Japan studying
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200227_33/

The Japanese government is studying additional measures to prop up the tourist industry and smaller businesses hit hard by the coronavirus scare.

Officials have already come up with a 140-million dollar package to fight the outbreak.

They are now planning to use reserve funds from this year's national budget to take additional measures. The priority will be to help medium-sized and small businesses raise funds.

The officials want to expand the current credit guarantee system. It covers about 150 types of businesses, including cement manufacturers and liquor retailers. Discussions are now underway to add hotel and tour bus operators to the list.

The system makes it easier for smaller businesses to get loans from financial institutions. It's aimed at firms whose sales drop by more than 5 percent from a year earlier due to unusual circumstances.

Key words : Abe plans to ask schools
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Key words : Hokkaido 80s died
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200227_49/

Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe says he will ask all elementary and high schools across the country to temporarily close beginning Monday.

The development comes after a man in his 80s who was infected with the new coronavirus died in the northern prefecture of Hokkaido. Fifteen new cases of infection were reported there on Thursday.

Hokkaido's governor said the man who died had pre-existing conditions.

Naomichi Suzuki said, " The patient was more susceptible to respiratory problems compared to healthy people."

Officials say 2 of the 15 new cases are children under 10 years of age.

The latest cases bring the number of confirmed infections in Hokkaido to 54, the most in Japan.

All elementary and junior high schools in the prefecture will be closed for about a week.

Infected people there include students, a teacher, and a school-bus driver.

Meanwhile health officials in the western prefecture of Osaka revealed a woman in her 40s has tested positive for the coronavirus for a second time.

The patient is a tour guide. She led a bus with visitors from Wuhan, China ... the city at the center of the outbreak ... last month. She was later diagnosed and hospitalized.
The woman was discharged after testing negative in early February. But she felt pains in her throat and chest and came back positive on Wednesday.

The latest developments came as crew members aboard the quarantined ship docked near Tokyo began disembarking Thursday.

Those without symptoms will be quarantined and undergo medical checkups for 14 days.

It will take about 3 days for the approximately 240 crew members of the Diamond Princess to disembark.

Across Japan, more than 900 cases of infection have been confirmed. More than 700 of those are from the cruise ship. Eight people have died.

The outbreak has prompted the Japanese government to call for major events to be canceled, delayed or scaled back over the next two weeks.

Key words : learned positive
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200227_23/

NHK has learned that the number of people in Japan who tested positive for the new coronavirus had risen to 894 as of Thursday morning.

Of the total, 175 are people who were infected in Japan or tourists from China, 705 are passengers from the Diamond Princess cruise ship and 14 had returned from China on chartered flights.

Seven people -- four from the cruise ship and three who got the virus in Japan -- have died.

The number of cases stand at 39 in Hokkaido, 35 in Tokyo, 25 in Aichi Prefecture and 18 in Kanagawa Prefecture. Health ministry officials and quarantine officers have also been infected.

The health ministry says 51 of those who tested positive are in serious condition. They include 36 people from the cruise ship.

The ministry also says 32 people had been discharged from medical institutions as of Tuesday.

Key words : Osaka in her 40s treated for
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200227_12/

Officials of Osaka Prefecture, western Japan, say a woman in her 40s, who had been treated for symptoms of the new coronavirus and left hospital early this month, has again tested positive.

The woman is a tour guide living in the city of Osaka.
She was on a bus carrying tourists from Wuhan, China, in mid-January, and tested positive on January 29.

The woman was discharged from a local medical institution on February 1, and was confirmed as virus-free on February 6.

But on February 19, she felt throat and chest pain. After several visits to the doctor, she was tested a week later and tested positive again.

The woman reportedly wore a mask and stayed at home after leaving the medical institution.

She did not go to work, and had no close contact with anyone. She is now hospitalized in the prefecture.

Prefectural officials believe that either viruses that remained in the woman multiplied, or the woman was re-infected.

An expert on infectious diseases at Osaka University says people who are infected develop antibodies, so they can usually avoid re-infection by the same virus.

However, if there had not been enough antibodies, that individual could have been prone to re-infection or viruses that had been undetected in the body could have multiplied.

Key words : crew member tested negative
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200227_36/

Japan's health ministry says crew members who tested negative for the new coronavirus have begun disembarking from the Diamond Princess cruise ship docked at Yokohama Port, near Tokyo.

The crew members were transferred to a government-designated facility in Saitama Prefecture on Thursday. Officials say it will take several days before all 240 crew members leave the ship.

The crew members will be tested again when the 14-day quarantine period ends. If the results are negative, they will be allowed to leave Japan for their home countries.

Key words : hundreds of Hokkaido
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200227_25/

Rising concerns over the spread of the coronavirus are forcing hundreds of schools in Japan's northern prefecture of Hokkaido to close for about a week.

The closure applies to more than 1,600 public elementary, junior high and special needs schools. The majority cancelled classes from Thursday.

The move follows a request from the governor. Hokkaido has reported the largest number of confirmed coronavirus cases among the country's 47 prefectures. School children are among those infected.

Meanwhile, Sapporo, the prefectural capital, decided to close the roughly 300 schools in the city from Friday.

Officials said this is to allow parents to prepare for the school closure.

Some working parents said that while it's hard to make arrangements for childcare it's better than seeing the virus spread in schools.

Others said they were considering taking time off work for their children.

Key words : Akihabara
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200227_52/

Amid growing concerns over the spread of the coronavirus, some religious facilities in Tokyo are now halting their public services.

A mosque located in the Akihabara district has decided to suspend its Friday prayers until next week.

The mosque's manager said in a phone interview with NHK the decision was prompted by the government's call to cancel gatherings.

Muhammad Anwar of Masjid Nusantara Akihabara Tokyo said, " This mosque has a capacity of up to 100 people. In general, they are not wearing a face mask to pray here. So we're trying to prevent the spread of the virus."

Meanwhile, the Catholic Archdiocese of Tokyo also announced the suspension of public masses until March 14. The move comes as Lent, a holy season of observance for Catholics, begins.

Key words : growing number some restriction
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200227_17/

A growing number of countries and regions have banned the entry of travelers from Japan or imposed some restrictions as the new coronavirus continues to spread.

Japan's foreign ministry says that as of Wednesday, Micronesia, Samoa, Kiribati, Tuvalu, the Solomon Islands, and Comoros had restricted the entry of travelers from all countries and territories affected by the virus.

Iraq bans the entry of travelers from some affected countries, including Japan.

Israel bans the entry of foreign nationals who have stayed in affected countries and territories including Japan and South Korea in the previous 14 days. Kuwait says it is taking a similar measure.

Some South Pacific nations, including Micronesia and Kiribati, require travelers to have stayed for at least 14 days in a country or territory not affected by the virus immediately before their arrival.

Kazakhstan, Liberia, India's Kerala state, Oman and the British territory of Gibraltar do not have entry bans, but require travelers to remain indoors or to be monitored by medical institutions for a certain period.

Turkmenistan and Kyrgyzstan now require medical checks for arriving travelers.

Key words : under control
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200227_42/

The head of the Chinese health authorities' expert team has said he is confident that the new coronavirus outbreak in the country will be basically under control by the end of April.

Zhong Nanshan offered his assessment during a news conference on Thursday in Guangzhou.

He pointed out that the number of new cases in China is declining, thanks to strong public health control measures taken by the central government, such as restrictions on movement of people.

As for the government's initial response, Zhong said that if the authorities had taken more rigorous measures in the early stages of the outbreak, the number of cases in China would have been much smaller.

He noted that several doctors sounded early warnings about a mysterious respiratory disease on social media, but their warnings were not taken seriously.

Looking ahead, Zhong argued that China will face a public health crisis like this one again in the future, unless a government department in charge of disease control and prevention is upgraded and given the powers to report directly to the leadership and to communicate to the public, as is already the case in some other countries.

Zhong also commented about the fast increase in the number of cases in other countries, such as Japan.

He said the coronavirus can spread easily inside enclosed spaces. He said he believes Japan's efforts to contain the outbreak on a cruise ship have failed.

He said it is important that countries where infections are spreading should learn from China's experience, identify those infected as soon as possible, and quarantine them, so that they can contain the spread early.

Key words : wastewater Kajiyama
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200227_31/

The head of the International Atomic Energy Agency has expressed some understanding for Japan's plan to release diluted radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant into the ocean or air.

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi held talks with Japan's industry minister Hiroshi Kajiyama in Tokyo on Thursday.

The two reportedly discussed the disposal of wastewater that is being stored at the nuclear plant. Water used to cool the damaged reactors has been treated to remove most of the radioactive materials. But tritium and some other substances remain, and a huge amount of water has accumulated at the plant.

A Japanese government panel said in a report earlier this month that releasing diluted wastewater below environmentally permissible levels into the sea or the air are realistic options. It also said releasing the water into the ocean is a surer method because monitoring the spread of radioactive materials would be easier.

Grossi reportedly said at Thursday's meeting that the proposed methods are technically feasible and in line with international practice.

But people in the local fisheries and tourism industries oppose releasing the water into the ocean. They fear a negative impact on the region's image.

The government says it will make a final decision after hearing the opinions of local residents. But it has not said when it will make the decision.

Key words : Japanese worker
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200227_34/

Japanese workers and companies can expect to pay more of their income on taxes and social-security during fiscal 2020. A hike in the consumption tax in October is mainly responsible for adding weight to the financial burden.

Finance Ministry officials say that on average, 44.6 percent of workers' and companies' income will go to the government. That's up 0.7 point from the current fiscal year.

The officials say last year's increase in the consumption levy from 8 to 10 percent lifted the burden to a record high. They also point to reforms that will hit high-earners with steeper income-tax rates.

The burden ratio is a gauge for comparing Japan with other countries.

Data from 2017 shows that people and businesses in France paid 68.2 percent to the government. Germany's ratio was 54.1 percent. Japan was at 43.3 percent, and the US at 34.5 percent.

Key words : transportation officials
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200227_24/

Japanese transportation officials say that a defective installation of a cable led to an accident involving a driverless train that went in the wrong direction.

The Japan Transport Safety Board on Thursday released intermediate findings from its investigation into last year's incident on the Yokohama Seaside Line in Yokohama, near Tokyo. Seventeen passengers were injured and the operator later found a broken circuit linked to the directional control system.

The board says a communication cable was installed by workers at the train assembly plant in a way that allowed it to come into contact with nearby metal material. It says that caused abrasion on the cable's insulation.

The board also says inspection of the cable was not conducted at the time of the installation nor during regular checks after the train went into operation by the relevant departments.

The board now plans to look into a possible design flaws.

at 20:00 (JST), February 26

The Japanese government is stepping up its protective measures againist the new coronavirus, with a proposed pause on large public gatherings.

The South Korean government announced on Wednesday that the total number of people confirmed to have benn infected with the new coronavirus topped 1,200.

Some local governments in China have grown wary of visitors bringing in the coronavirus amid signs that the country's outbreak has begun subsiding.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20200226200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : Japanese government protect
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200226_43/

The Japanese government is stepping up its protective measures, with a proposed pause on large public gatherings.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has suggested that major sport, cultural and other events should be cancelled, delayed or scaled down for about two weeks.

Abe said, "Now is the crucial time to contain the spread of the virus at an early date."

He added the government will ban foreign nationals from southern areas of South Korea from entering Japan starting Thursday.

The government has also set up a team of experts to tackle virus clusters a growing global concern.

Health Minister Katsunobu Kato said, "A cluster is a group of people infected with the virus in a chain. Clusters may produce other clusters. The government and experts are afraid of this kind of expansion."

The ministry says clusters may have already occurred in some parts of Japan, including Tokyo and the western prefecture of Wakayama.

In Japan, more than 860 people have been confirmed to be infected. Nearly 700 of them are from a quarantined cruise ship docked near Tokyo.

Health officials say an elderly person with the virus has died in the northern prefecture of Hokkaido, the second fatality outside the ship.

Four people from the vessel have died.

Key words : Medical Association
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Key words : labor ministry
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200226_40/

Japanese labor ministry officials say they've been inundated by calls from businesses seeking advice about how to respond to the coronavirus outbreak since launching a consultation service almost two weeks ago.

The officials say they've had about 800 inquiries from firms in the manufacturing, tourism, hospitality and other sectors. They say some companies want to know if they can get financial support if their businesses take a hit.

Others inquiries are related to suspending operations or laying off workers.

Ministry officials say they've also received hundreds of calls from individual employees.

Key words : Japan claim canceling
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200226_25/

Japan claims an International Olympic Committee member's mention of the possibility of canceling the Tokyo Olympic Games because of the coronavirus outbreak was not an official comment, and stresses it will continue preparations for the games.

IOC member Dick Pound said during an interview with the Associated Press on Tuesday that the decision of whether the Games will go ahead could be put off until late May.

He also said that around that time, people have to ask if the coronavirus outbreak is under sufficient control. He said if the IOC decides the games cannot go forward as scheduled in Tokyo, "you are probably looking at a cancellation."

On Wednesday, Minister for Tokyo Olympics and Paralympic Games Seiko Hashimoto was asked by an opposition lawmaker about the government's take on Pound's remark.

The minister said the organizers asked the IOC, and were told that Pound's remark was not the official view of the IOC, but was an explanation that the IOC is preparing to hold the Tokyo Games as scheduled.

She also said that simulating the worst case scenario is necessary to improve the quality of the Games to make them a success. She added all that should be done is to contain the virus as soon as possible and give athletes and organizers peace of mind as they prepare for the Games.

Key words : living in Japan
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200226_37/

Authorities in some prefectures where people are confirmed to be infected with the new coronavirus are providing multilingual information services for foreigners visiting or living in Japan.

Okinawa Prefecture has set up a round-the-clock hotline serviced by medical professionals who provide information on medical institutions that can handle foreign languages. The service is available in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Vietnamese and Thai. The phone number is 0570-050-235.

In Kumamoto Prefecture, the Kumamoto Support Center for Foreign Residents is offering telephone consultations in 18 languages: English, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Nepalese, Indonesian, Tagalog, Thai, Portuguese, Spanish, Malay, French, Russian, German, Italian, Burmese, Khmer, and Mongolian.

The service is available on weekdays from 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. The phone number is 080-4275-4489.

Fukuoka Prefecture has a hotline, which is available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The Multilingual Medical Information Service Call Center provides the service in 17 languages: English, Chinese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, Nepali, Tagalog, Indonesian, Portuguese, German, Russian, French, Spanish, Italian, Malay, Burmese, and Khmer.
The phone number is 092-286-9595.

A hotline is also available for foreigners visiting Yamaguchi Prefecture and those in the Kyushu region. The service is provided 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

The service is available in 17 languages: English, Chinese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese, Nepali, Tagalog, Indonesian, Portuguese, German, Russian, French, Spanish, Italian, Malay, Burmese, and Khmer.
The phone number is 092-687-6639.

Osaka Prefecture is offering telephone services in 10 languages including English, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, Spanish, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Thai, Indonesian and Nepalese. The Osaka Foundation of International Exchange is providing a hotline on weekdays and on the second and fourth Sundays. The phone number is 06-6941-2297.

The Osaka International House Foundation is also offering telephone services in English, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese and Tagalog. The phone number is 06-6773-6533.

And the Osaka Convention & Tourism Bureau has a hotline exclusively in Chinese. The phone numbers are 080-1460-7627 and 080-1463-3489.

Kyoto Prefecture is offering the telephone support services in English, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Portuguese and Spanish. The service is provided by the Kyoto Prefectural International Center every day, except for the second and fourth Tuesdays and holidays. The phone number is 075-343-9666.

Wakayama Prefecture is providing information in English, Chinese and Tagalog through the Wakayama International Exchange Center. Tagalog is available from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. English and Chinese are available from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except Wednesday. The phone number is 073-435-5240.

Aichi Prefecture is offering support through its Multilingual Call Center. The call center can be accessed using a smartphone, by first visiting the prefecture's official tourism site Aichi Now, where there is a link to the call center page. A call can be made by pressing the button on the page.
The service is available in 9 languages: English, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese, and Spanish for 24 hours.
Thai service is available from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.. Calls in Vietnamese, Tagalog, and French can be made from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m..

Mie Prefecture is offering telephone information in 10 languages: English, Portuguese, Spanish, Tagalog, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Nepalese, Indonesian and Thai.

The service is provided by the Mie Consultation Center for Foreign Residents on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The phone number is 080-3300-8077.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is offering a hotline for speakers of English, Chinese, Korean, Spanish and Thai and can refer people to relevant public health centers as necessary. The service is provided by the Tokyo Metropolitan Health and Medical Information Center "Himawari" from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day including weekends and holidays. The phone number is 03-5285-8181.

In Ishikawa Prefecture, the Ishikawa Foundation for International Exchange is offering phone consultations in five languages: English, Chinese, Korean, Portuguese and Russian.

The service is available on weekdays, from 9:15 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. The phone number is 076-222-5950.

In Nagano Prefecture, the Nagano Multilingual Call Center is offering telephone consultations free of charge around the clock every day of the year.

The service is available in 17 languages: English, Chinese, Korean, Thai, Indonesian, German, French, Italian, Russian, Spanish, Portuguese, Vietnamese, Nepalese, Tagalog, Malay, Burmese, and Khmer.
The phone number is 0120-691-792

In Saitama Prefecture, the Saitama Information & Support is offering telephone support services in 10 languages: English, Chinese, Spanish, Portuguese, Korean, Tagalog, Thai, Vietnamese, Indonesian and Nepalese.
The service is available on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The phone number is 048-833-3296.

Hokkaido Prefecture is also providing an information hotline in English, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, Tagalog, Thai, Russian, Nepalese, Indonesian and Burmese. The service is provided by the Hokkaido Foreign Resident Support Center. The phone number is 011-200-9595. The service is available on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Key words : south announced total number
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200226_20/

The South Korean government announced on Wednesday that 169 more people have tested positive for the new coronavirus, pushing the total number of infections in the country to 1,146.

South Korea is the second country to confirm over 1,000 cases. China was the first.

The number of fatalities in South Korea also rose by one to 11.

Key words : Japanese government arrange
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200226_11/

The Japanese government has begun making arrangements to bar foreign nationals from southern areas of South Korea from entering Japan, in response to the spread of the new coronavirus.

The measure would block the entry of foreign citizens who have stayed in Daegu City and Cheongdo County in North Gyeongsang Province within 14 days of their arrival in Japan, unless they have special reasons.

The members of a government task force on the virus outbreak plan to discuss the ban on Wednesday.

This comes after Japan's foreign ministry raised the risk for infectious diseases in that South Korean area to level two on Tuesday. The highest level is four. People are advised to cancel unnecessary travel to the area.

Japan has already banned the entry of foreign nationals who have stayed in the Chinese provinces of Hubei and Zhejiang within 14 days of their arrival in Japan. Those who hold passports issued by the provinces have also been barred. Exceptions can be made if people from those areas have special reasons.

Key words : some local governments in China
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200226_34/

Some local governments in China have grown wary of visitors bringing in the coronavirus amid signs that the country's outbreak has begun subsiding.

Health authorities in China reported 52 new deaths in Hubei Province on Tuesday, bringing the death toll on the mainland to 2,715.

But no deaths were confirmed in other parts of the country for the first time in three weeks.

The authorities also confirmed 406 new cases, all but five in Hubei, bringing the total to 78,064.

Some local governments are shifting their attention to visitors from Japan and South Korea, where new cases are emerging.

Authorities in Weihai, Shandong Province, announced that visitors from Japan and South Korea would be placed in 14-day quarantine at a hotel regardless of their nationality.

Officials in Yanbian, Jilin Province, said they would deny entry to tour groups from South Korea. The region is home to many ethnic Koreans.

Authorities in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, say they're requiring visitors from Japan and South Korea to declare where they've been and to be monitored at their residence for two weeks.

Key words : nuclear regulator
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200226_21/

Japan's nuclear regulator has officially approved an assessment of a nuclear reactor in an area devastated by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

The Nuclear Regulation Authority compiled an assessment that allows Tohoku Electric Power Company to restart its No.2 reactor at the Onagawa plant in Miyagi Prefecture.

The utility applied for screening in 2013. The nuclear regulator approved a draft assessment last November and solicited public opinion.

At a meeting on Wednesday, the regulator decided to approve the document, reflecting people's opinions. It noted that concerns were raised about huge tsunamis, but said the utility's seawalls are 29 meters above sea level and can withstand such waves.

Onagawa's No.2 reactor is the first to be approved in the Tohoku region and the second of those damaged by the tsunami after the 2011 earthquake to be approved. The first was the Tokai No.2 plant's reactor in Ibaraki Prefecture.

It's unclear how soon the Onagawa reactor will actually go back online, as it must still must obtain support from local municipalities.

The Onagawa plant has two more reactors. The operator has already decided to decommission one and is considering applying for screening for the other.

Utilities must meet tougher government requirements introduced after the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi accident before putting their reactors back online.

Key words : swedish met
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200226_32/

Young Swedish activist Greta Thunberg has met Malala Yousafzai, the youngest winner of the Nobel Peace Prize.

Thunberg, age 17, promotes a global movement calling for measures against climate change. On Tuesday, she visited the university in Britain attended by Yousafzai.

Yousafzai has been promoting the rights of women and children to receive education, even though she was the target of a gun attack by Islamic extremists.

Thunberg posted a photo of the two sitting on a bench, with the comment "today I met my role model."

Yousafzai also posted a tweet, joking "she's the only friend I'd skip school for." Thunberg has gained attention for her initiative by staging a school strike.

British media say the two talked about their activities.

On Twitter, there are many posts praising their work, such as the one saying both are everyone's role models.

at 20:00 (JST), February 25

Japan's government has laid out measures aimed at preventing the new strain of coronavirus known as COVID-19 from spreading.

Health authorities in China say the death toll from COVID-19 on the mainland stood at 2,663 on Monday.

Hong Kong media say a court in China handed down 10-year prison sentence to a Hong Kong seller of books critical of Chinese Communist Party.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20200225200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : government minor symptom
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200225_31/

Japan's government has decided on a basic policy for measures to protect against a domestic outbreak of the new coronavirus. It includes asking people with minor symptoms to recuperate at home, in order to secure adequate care at medical facilities for those who are seriously ill.

The government's task force on the new coronavirus met on Tuesday at the prime minister's office.

The task force says currently there are sporadic cases of patients in multiple areas of Japan where the route of infection is unclear. It also notes small clusters of infection in some areas.

To prevent the spread of the virus, the task force is calling on people to stay home from work or school if they develop a fever or symptoms of a cold. It's also urging businesses to promote teleworking and flex-time commuting.

The task force stops short of urging across-the-board event cancellations and downsizing, but is asking organizers to reconsider whether they need to go ahead with their plans.

In regions that have seen a surge in the number of infections, people with minor symptoms will be principally asked to recuperate at home. Medical institutions that are not specialized to treat infectious diseases will be asked to take in patients after setting examination hours and movement zones.

In regions where cases of infection continue to rise, monitoring of people who've had close contact with patients will be scaled back. Instead they will be asked to stay indoors as much as possible.

When shifting to these measures, local governments will be asked to make their own decisions based on the health ministry's ideas and situations in their areas.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe stressed the need to reduce the rate of new infections as much as possible and control the spread of the coronavirus in Japan.

He vowed to implement measures to contain regional infections, and create a system to provide sufficient medical care in cooperation with local governments and medical institutions.

Key words : health minister stressed avoid
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200225_37/

Japan's health minister stressed that now is a crucial time to control the spread of the new coronavirus in the country, and appealed for the public's cooperation.

Katsunobu Kato spoke to reporters on Tuesday following the government's endorsement of a basic policy for measures against the virus outbreak.

He noted that there are currently sporadic cases in multiple areas of Japan where the route of infection is unclear, as well as small clusters of infection in other areas.

Kato stressed that the government aims to prevent one group of patients from creating another group of patients. He said it will try to control the rate of infections as much as possible and establish a system of medical care focused on seriously ill patients.

Kato added that in many cases, the infected people have not spread the virus to others around them. But in others, the virus appears to have spread significantly from certain individuals.

He also pointed out that in small, enclosed spaces, there is a risk of infection even if an infected person is not coughing or sneezing.

Kato urged the public not to seek medical treatment out of fear without prior consultation.

He also called on people to avoid high-risk places, wash their hands, cover their mouth when coughing, wear a mask, and to avoid going outside when they have symptoms of a cold.

Key words : developed fever
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200225_38/

Japan's health minister says 28 passengers have developed fevers or other symptoms after disembarking from the quarantined Diamond Princess cruise ship.

Katsunobu Kato said at a Diet committee meeting on Tuesday that the passengers are among those who have responded to his ministry's follow-up surveys.

About 970 passengers who tested negative for the new coronavirus got off the ship over three days starting last Wednesday.

Among them, a woman in her 60s tested positive after returning to her home north of Tokyo.

Key words : member of crew return home
#N/A


Key words : confirmed infect in Japan
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200225_09/

As of the start of Tuesday local time, the total number of confirmed infections with the new coronavirus in Japan was 851.

Of these,146 are people infected in Japan or tourists from China and elsewhere. The figure includes a health ministry official and a quarantine official who boarded the quarantined Diamond Princess and tested positive on Monday.

Among the passengers and crewmembers of the cruise ship, 691 cases have been confirmed. There were 14 infected people among those evacuated from China's Hubei Province on flights chartered by the Japanese government.

Outside mainland China and Japan, a total of 1,520 people have been confirmed as infected, according to a tally by NHK. They are in 34 countries and territories.

South Korea has reported 833 cases. Italy has reported 229. There have also been 90 reported cases in Singapore, 76 in Hong Kong, 61 in Iran, 35 in Thailand, 30 in Taiwan, 22 in Malaysia and 17 in the United States.

Germany and Vietnam have each confirmed 16 cases. Australia reported 15 cases, and the United Arab Emirates confirmed 13.

There have been 12 confirmed cases in France, 10 each in Macao and Canada, nine in Britain, and three each in India, the Philippines and Kuwait.

Russia, Spain and Oman have each reported two cases.

Nepal, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Finland, Sweden, Belgium, Egypt, Lebanon, Bahrain, Afghanistan and Iraq all have one infection each.

Iran has reported 12 deaths, and South Korea confirmed 7 deaths. Italy has reported six deaths and Hong Kong confirmed two deaths. The Philippines, France and Taiwan have each reported one death.

Key words : shaking financial market soon after
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200225_26/

The coronavirus outbreak is shaking financial markets around the world as investors see no end to the crisis in sight. Investors are rushing to sell riskier assets due to growing fears about the economic impact.
In Tokyo, the Nikkei average dropped sharply -- losing more than 1,000 points, or more than 4 percent, soon after the open on Tuesday.

But the Nikkei later trimmed some of those losses.
It ended the morning about 3 percent lower than its close before the long weekend.

Only two of the index's 225 listings were up.

The broader TOPIX also tumbled. Energy companies and major exporters were big losers.

Many people in Tokyo were rattled by the selloff.

One man said, "I'm really surprised by the plunge. I think the whole world is in a mess."

Another man said, "I expected it. That's because Japan's economy heavily depends on China. And the coronavirus is spreading all over the world."

Equity markets elsewhere in Asia are also looking shaky. The benchmarks in Shanghai and Shenzhen have started trading in negative territory.

Seoul's Kospi has recovered slightly after losing about 4 percent on Monday.

Stock markets in New York dived on Monday.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average plunged more than 1,000 points. That followed similar falls in Europe.

Key words : soccer league postponing
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200225_42/

Japan's professional soccer league, J.League, is postponing all official matches for the next three weeks in response to the spread of the new coronavirus.

J.League Chairman Mitsuru Murai announced at a news conference on Tuesday that all 94 matches scheduled until March 15 will be postponed. The matches include those for the top J1, J2 and J3 divisions.

Murai noted suggestions by a government panel that the next few weeks will be crucial in containing the outbreak. He said the league will provide maximum cooperation in efforts to prevent the spread of the virus.

In the past, the J.League has cancelled matches in the wake of the 2011 disaster in northeastern Japan and due to bad weather. But this is the first time it has postponed matches due to a virus outbreak.

Key words : health authorities bringing death toll
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200225_23/

Health authorities in China say 71 more people died on Monday from the new coronavirus, bringing the total death toll in mainland China to 2,663.

The authorities also say 508 new cases were reported, bringing the total number of infected people to 77,658.

The number of new infections outside of Hubei Province, where the outbreak started, stood at only nine. No new infections were confirmed in 23 of the 31 provinces, cities and other administrative units across China.

Guangdong Province has lowered its public health alert by one level. Many Japanese manufacturers operate in the southeastern province.

The World Health Organization is urging China to keep up massive efforts to contain the virus despite a decline in the number of new infections.

WHO official Bruce Aylward held a news conference on Monday in Beijing. He noted that measures implemented last month to effectively lock down the hardest-hit city of Wuhan in Hubei Province, have helped bring down the number of new infections.

But he cautioned that it's risky for people to get complacent.

Key words : state visit Xi
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200225_04/

Japan plans to continue preparing for Chinese President Xi Jinping's state visit to the country, even though one of China's key political events has been postponed due to the coronavirus outbreak.

China's decision to put off the annual National People's Congress has raised doubts about Xi's planned visit to Japan.

A senior Japanese foreign ministry official spoke to NHK. The individual said that Japan has no choice but to continue preparing for Xi's visit as planned, because "the ball is on China's side."

Shigeru Kitamura is the head of Japan's National Security Council Secretariat. He will meet with China's top diplomat Yang Jiechi as early as this weekend. Yang is a member of the Communist Party Political Bureau.

It remains to be seen what will come out of the discussions about Xi's planned visit.

The decision to postpone this year's National People's Congress was made by members of the Congress's standing committee on Monday.

The Congress was due to begin on March 5. Nearly 3,000 representatives from across the country get together at the annual event and decide on policies for the coming year.

Key words : tally by NHK 34 countries three each
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200225_09/

As of the start of Tuesday local time, the total number of confirmed infections with the new coronavirus in Japan was 851.

Of these,146 are people infected in Japan or tourists from China and elsewhere. The figure includes a health ministry official and a quarantine official who boarded the quarantined Diamond Princess and tested positive on Monday.

Among the passengers and crewmembers of the cruise ship, 691 cases have been confirmed. There were 14 infected people among those evacuated from China's Hubei Province on flights chartered by the Japanese government.

Outside mainland China and Japan, a total of 1,520 people have been confirmed as infected, according to a tally by NHK. They are in 34 countries and territories.

South Korea has reported 833 cases. Italy has reported 229. There have also been 90 reported cases in Singapore, 76 in Hong Kong, 61 in Iran, 35 in Thailand, 30 in Taiwan, 22 in Malaysia and 17 in the United States.

Germany and Vietnam have each confirmed 16 cases. Australia reported 15 cases, and the United Arab Emirates confirmed 13.

There have been 12 confirmed cases in France, 10 each in Macao and Canada, nine in Britain, and three each in India, the Philippines and Kuwait.

Russia, Spain and Oman have each reported two cases.

Nepal, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, Finland, Sweden, Belgium, Egypt, Lebanon, Bahrain, Afghanistan and Iraq all have one infection each.

Iran has reported 12 deaths, and South Korea confirmed 7 deaths. Italy has reported six deaths and Hong Kong confirmed two deaths. The Philippines, France and Taiwan have each reported one death.

Key words : 10-year
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200225_48/

China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson has defended the 10-year prison sentence handed down to former Hong Kong bookseller Gui Minhai.

Zhao Lijian said on Tuesday that Gui harmed China's national security by illegally providing intelligence overseas. He added that China is a country under the rule of law, and the judiciary's ruling was strictly based on law.

Gui's detention had drawn criticism from Sweden. The country's foreign minister said detaining a Swedish citizen is a very serious matter and a brutal intervention.

Zhao said Gui was tried as a Chinese national because after being naturalized as Swedish in 1996 he voluntarily reacquired Chinese citizenship in 2018.

But Zhao did not elaborate on which of Gui's actions were deemed problematic.

Zhao reiterated his government's firm opposition to intervention in China's domestic affairs or judiciary by any country or organization.

Key words : malaysia step down accepted
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200225_10/

Malaysia's Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has announced his resignation, leaving the Southeast Asian country in political turmoil.

Mahathir tendered his resignation to the king on Monday, amid increasing pressure from his coalition government to step down.

The king accepted Mahathir's resignation and asked him to stay on as interim prime minister until a successor is named.

Mahathir made a surprising return to power in the May 2018 election, after earlier serving as prime minister for 22 years through 2003.

The 94-year-old leader has been urged to fulfill his pledge to hand over his position to former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim.

The pressure intensified after Mahathir said at a news conference on Friday that he will stay on for the time-being.

Mahathir's resignation followed Monday's departure of a group led by Economic Affairs Minister Mohamed Azmin Ali from the ruling coalition. The move made it difficult for Mahathir to maintain a majority in parliament that is essential for his government.

A new prime minister will likely be appointed after a session of parliament opens on March 9.
But with multiple parties still supporting Mahathir as prime minister, it is unclear who might form the next government.

Key words : less than six months
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200225_32/

With less than six months to go until the Tokyo Paralympic Games, NHK has learned many para-sports organizations are concerned about the lack of facilities available to para-athletes.

NHK conducted a survey of 26 domestic para-sports associations and received responses from all of them.

About 69 percent said the number of facilities that can be used on a daily basis are "totally insufficient" or "somewhat insufficient."

The main reasons they gave were that few facilities are equipped for para-sports and that facilities are not easily accessible enough. They also said facilities refuse para-athletes on wheelchairs out of fear they will damage the floor.
Seven organizations said that even athletes on national teams have been rejected from using facilities.

The respondents also pointed out that some facilities are anxious about whether it's safe for an athlete with disabilities to practice alone.

Professor Motoaki Fujita of Nihon Fukushi University, an expert on the relationship between para-sports and society, stressed central and local governments are focusing too much on training para-athletes for medals.

He said one of the aims of the Paralympics is to create an environment where everyone can play para-sports, and this will not be achieved unless this situation changes.

He added that administrative bodies should review the management policies of public sports facilities and secure spaces that can be used by people with disabilities.

Key words : sony
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200225_44/

Japanese electronics giant Sony says it plans to release a new smartphone with 5G network connectivity in markets around the world from this spring.

The new smartphone has a 6-point-5 inch OLED display screen that can show 4K high-definition images. Its camera can take 20 photos per second.

But the new phone won't come cheap and will likely be priced at over 900 dollars.

Three major mobile carriers plan to start offering high-speed 5G network services in Japan this spring.

Sony's new device will be facing some tough competition in the market. Sharp plans its own 5G-capable smartphones.

South Korea's Samsung and China's Huawei have already taken the lead in developing such devices.

Sony had planned to make its announcement at a major exhibition of mobile devices scheduled to kick off this week in Spain.

But that show has been canceled due to fears about the coronavirus. Sony delivered its news through an online video instead.

at 20:00 (JST), February 24

Experts on a government panel have agreed on the need to prevent clusters of the new coronavirus in Japan from expanding further.

Chinese health authorities say an additional 150 people infected with the new coronavirus have died, bringing the death toll in mainland China to 2,592.

Asian shares dropped on Monday over concerns about the impact of the new coronavirus on the economy.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20200224200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : experts government panel
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200224_20/

Experts on a government panel have agreed on the need to prevent clusters of the new coronavirus in Japan from expanding further.

The view comes as the Japanese government is set to compile comprehensive guidelines to contain the spread of the virus on Tuesday.

The panel, headed by the Director of the National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Takaji Wakita, met for the third time on Monday.

Health Minister Katsunobu Kato said taking into account the status quo, it is of the utmost importance to curb the increase of new cases to contain further outbreaks.

He added that these efforts will allow the government to prepare for a potential surge in the number of infected people by establishing a medical service framework.

He also said the government must show the people a clear basic policy by organizing measures that will deal with possible future developments.

Japan has seen clusters of outbreaks, including one at a hospital in western Japan, and another at a restaurant boat in Tokyo. Panel members agreed on the need to establish the infection routes of these outbreaks as well as to make efforts to prevent the virus from spreading to wider areas.

The panel members stressed the need for the government to release information in plain language so the public can respond appropriately.

They added that the government's measures should also reflect the difference between the new coronavirus and influenza viruses.

As of 5.30 p.m. local time on Monday, the total number of infections confirmed in Japan had risen to 844.

Of these,139 are people infected in the country and tourists from China. The figure includes a health ministry official and a quarantine official who were on board the quarantined Diamond Princess and tested positive on Monday, as well as four people in Hokkaido Prefecture.

691 cases have been confirmed among passengers and crewmembers aboard the Diamond Princess. 14 were among those evacuated on government-chartered flights from China's Hubei Province.

Key words : Toyota resumed
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200224_13/

Japanese carmaker, Toyota Motor, has resumed operations at a plant in Chengdu, China.

Monday's restart came as the facility secured sufficient workers and ensured its supply chain for components.

Chengdu is one of four cities in China where Toyota produces vehicles jointly with local manufacturers.

The new coronavirus outbreak forced the firm to push back a plan to resume production early this month after the end of the Lunar New Year holidays.

Operations resumed last week at the plants in three other cities, Guangzhou, Changchun and Tianjin.

With output running at reduced capacity, Toyota officials say they do not know when the Chinese plants will return to normal.

Key words : organizer under pressure
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200224_08/

The organizers of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympic Games are under pressure to come up with clear guidelines on how to deal with the new coronavirus infection.

The Olympic flame will start making its way across Japan in late March. The organizers say it's not possible to push that date back.

They plan to seek feedback from prefectures around the country as they work out ways to safely go ahead with the relay.

A series of test events for the Games are also scheduled to take place from March to May.

A Boccia event will be held on Friday without spectators as players with disabilities are more vulnerable to infection.

Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games officer Hisashi Nakaminami says many players have devoted their life training for the Games, and adds that organizers should keep preparing to give them a chance to compete.

Key words : chinese health 150
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200224_17/

Chinese health authorities say an additional 150 people infected with the new coronavirus have died, bringing the death toll in mainland China to 2,592.

The number of infections has risen by 409 and now sits at 77,150.

State-run media says 24 of the country's 31 provinces, direct-administered municipalities and autonomous regions did not report any infections on Sunday.

The health authorities say an international team led by the World Health Organization conducted investigations and held talks with local officials in the hardest-hit city of Wuhan, Hubei Province, over the weekend.

Key words : China has officially
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200224_22/

China has officially postponed the annual National People's Congress due to the spread of the new coronavirus.

CCTV reported on Monday that members of the Congress's standing committee have put off the event that was originally scheduled to begin on March 5.

It added that the committee will meet again to determine the revised schedule.

The National People's Congress brings together nearly 3,000 representatives from across the country to decide policies for the coming year.

Key words : Xi described
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200224_03/

Chinese President Xi Jinping has described the outbreak of the new coronavirus as a "crisis" and vowed to step up measures to minimize its impact on the economy and society.

China's state-run broadcaster CCTV reported that Xi held an online meeting with senior Communist Party officials on Sunday.

The Chinese leader expressed a sense of urgency saying that the outbreak is one of the most serious public health emergencies since the founding of the People's Republic. He said, " For us, this is a crisis and a big test."

Xi said the measures being implemented have had some effect, but added "no victory should be lightly announced until there is a complete victory."

He ordered the expansion of medical services in the hardest-hit Hubei Province and preventative measures in the capital Beijing.

Xi said the outbreak will inevitably have a greater impact on the economy and society. He said corporate activities should gradually resume depending on the situation in each region.

The Chinese president also ordered increased controls on public opinion to minimize the impact on the economy and society.

Nearly 77,000 cases of infection have been confirmed in China, with the death toll reaching 2,442.

The Chinese leadership is expected to officially decide on Monday to postpone the National People's Congress, which was scheduled to start on March 5.

Key words : chinese expert
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200224_18/

A Chinese expert has said on the country's state-run broadcaster that officials should expand the definition of those in "close contact" with people infected by the new coronavirus.

Xiang Nijuan, a researcher at the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention, made the comments on Friday during an interview on CCTV.

Xiang said close contact has been defined as being near someone infected by the virus after the person has started showing symptoms.

She said people in close proximity to infected individuals up to two days before symptoms appeared should also be classified as having been in close contact.

Key words : south announced 161
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200224_14/

The South Korean government announced on Monday morning that it has confirmation of 161 new cases of the new coronavirus. That brings the country's total to 763 infected people.

The death toll also increased by two, from five people to seven.

South Korea has seen four consecutive days of more than 100 new infections.

Among the new cases, 129 are people with links to a church in the southern city of Daegu.

The government designated Daegu and its vicinity as a special care zone in a bid to contain the outbreak.

Government officials say they are increasing their efforts to deal with a potential crisis.

South Korea's foreign minister Kang Kyung-wha briefed the World Health Organization's Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus in Geneva on Sunday.

The pair spoke about international cooperation to address the problem.

Key words : G20 global economy ended
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200224_04/

G20 finance ministers and central bank governors say the coronavirus poses a new risk to the global economy and agreed to adopt appropriate policies.

Their two-day meeting in Saudi Arabia ended with the adoption of a joint statement on Sunday.

The statement forecasts that global growth will pick up modestly in 2020 and 2021. However, it also cites downside risks stemming from geopolitical and trade tensions, and policy uncertainty.

The statement also refers to growing concern over the spread of the coronavirus.

It says, "We will enhance global risk monitoring, including of the recent outbreak of COVID-19. We stand ready to take further action to address these risks."

After the meeting, Bank of Japan Governor Haruhiko Kuroda said he is mindful of the possible impact of the coronavirus on the Japanese economy and financial markets. He pledged to take all necessary measures.

Some overseas investors and economists have raised concerns about the negative impact of the coronavirus on the Japanese economy, and are carefully monitoring the government's response.

Key words : Aso warned
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200224_09/

Japan's finance minister Taro Aso has warned his G20 counterparts about digital currency, saying more work is needed before any issuance.

In a news conference after the meeting of the Group of 20 finance ministers and central bank chiefs in Saudi Arabia, Aso said regulations on digital currency should be drawn up to avoid potential risks such as money laundering.

China is already moving towards issuing a digital yuan.
But Aso said because of the impact China should not go ahead with issuing it until potential problems are solved.

Aso also said he expressed concern during the meeting over the US "safe-harbor" proposal regarding global rules on taxes paid by digital giants.
Washington has proposed giving large IT firms a choice about whether they would have to follow the new rules on where they pay taxes or remain with the current regulations.

Aso said that giving firms choices would diminish the regulatory effect of the new rules.

Key words : asian shares drop
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200224_23/

Asian shares dropped on Monday over concerns about the impact of the new coronavirus on the economy. South Korean shares were hit the hardest following a big spike in new cases.

South Korea's benchmark stock index tumbled by 3.8 percent from Friday's close. The Vietnamese index fell by 3.1 percent. Philippines shares were lower by 2.4 percent; Hong Kong shares down 1.7 percent; and Taiwanese shares down 1.3 percent.

Shares in Australia also plunged, by 2.3 percent.

Japan's stock market is closed Monday for a holiday.

Market sources say investors are concerned about the impact of the ongoing outbreak on their countries' economies.

They say investors are focusing on whether the governments of the affected nations can implement effective measures to contain the spread of the virus.

Key words : conservative
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200224_11/

Conservative hardliners have won about 70 percent of the seats in Iran's parliament following Friday's vote.

The country's interior ministry announced the result as ballot counting ended on Sunday.

More than 210 of 290 seats were taken by conservative hardliners who campaigned to stand up against the United States.

Reformists and moderates who support President Hassan Rouhani won about 20 seats.

Rouhani, who prefers dialogue with the international community, and his supporters, face a series of challenges.

Iran's economy has worsened under sanctions imposed by the US after Washington pulled out of the 2015 nuclear agreement.

Voter turnout was just over 42 percent, the lowest since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei blamed foreign media reports for dissuading Iranians from heading to the polls by over-stressing the threat of the new coronavirus.

But many voters said they chose not to vote because they were dissatisfied and disillusioned with their government.

Key words : Malaysia tender
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200224_21/

The office of Malaysia's prime minister said on Monday that Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad has tendered his resignation to the king.

The 94-year-old leader has been facing increasing pressure from his coalition government to step down after returning to power in the May 2018 election. He has been urged to fulfill his pledge to hand over his position to former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim.

The pressure intensified after Mahathir said at a news conference on Friday that he will stay on until the end of the APEC summit this November.

Mahathir previously governed the country as Prime Minister for 22 years since 1981.

He is known as an expert on Japan. He successfully led Malaysia to become a Southeast Asian industrial power under his Look East policy. It emphasized measures to learn from Japan's advanced industrial technologies and work style.

During the current term, he addressed fiscal policy by scaling back projects in his country that were part of China's Belt and Road initiative.

Political parties will now be faced with the task of forming a coalition government to pick Mahathir's successor.

Key words : families Miyagi
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200224_10/

Families in Miyagi Prefecture, northeastern Japan, have made bamboo lanterns in preparation to welcome the Olympic flame for the 2020 games.

The flame will be lit in Olympia, Greece, and transported on March 20 to Japan's Self Defense Force Matsushima base in Miyagi Prefecture.

Local residents plan to float about 1,000 bamboo lanterns in a canal the day before the arrival of the flame.

The lanterns will be lit to welcome the flame and to express their wishes for the recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami of 2011.

On Sunday, about 20 people assembled bamboo pieces to make lanterns and wrote their wishes on them.

A mother who came with her daughter said she wants children who have not experienced the earthquake and tsunami to know about the disaster.

One of the organizers, Kiyoko Mii, said she wants to float many lanterns to remember and pray for the victims of the devastation.

at 20:00 (JST), February 23

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20200223200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : Chinese city lockdown
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200223_12/

Sunday marks one month since a de facto lockdown began for the coronavirus-hit Chinese city of Wuhan. Its residents are increasingly concerned about their future.

Health authorities in Hubei Province, where Wuhan is located, said on Sunday that 96 more people in the province had died due to infection with the new coronavirus. That brings the death toll to 2,441 in mainland China.

Upwards of 20,000 patients have been discharged from hospitals. But almost 2,500 others remain in serious condition in the hardest-hit province of Hubei, where Wuhan is situated.

Authorities in Wuhan have been strictly keeping people from leaving their homes, with an airport, train stations, and expressway gates closed to contain the spread of the virus.

Some food items are reportedly in short supply, leading to a surge in their prices.

Business activity has been gradually resuming outside of Hubei. But the province's government says it would postpone the restart of company operations to March 11.

Key words : now spread
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200223_04/

Health authorities in China say 109 more new coronavirus patients died on Friday, bringing the total number of fatalities to over 2,300. The number of infections in the country now exceeds 76,000. Most of them are in Hubei province where the outbreak began.

Meanwhile, some provinces have downgraded the public health emergency level, following a drop in the number of new cases.

The northeastern province of Liaoning announced on Saturday that it has lowered the level from the highest, level 1, to level 3 on a 4 tier scale.

The province says no new cases of infections have been reported since Monday.

The new coronavirus has now spread to about 30 countries and territories.

Key words : more than 100 Moon
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200223_32/

South Korean President Moon Jae-in has raised the country's alert level in response to the new coronavirus to the highest after the number of cases rose by more than 100 for three days in a row.

Moon raised the level to highest in the four-tier system on Sunday.

He also ordered the government to set up a task force led by Prime Minister Chung Sye-kyun, and to provide support to medical institutions in the southern city of Daegu, where a mass infection occurred.

The health ministry says it confirmed 169 new cases on Sunday. The overall number of infected people has risen to 602. Five have died.

The ministry says more than half of the infected people have links with a church in Daegu.

Ministry officials believe the virus spread among worshippers who gathered in a closed and crowded space.

City authorities are conducting health checks on about 9,300 church members. Of these, around 1,270 have suspected symptoms of the infection.

The officials say they haven't been able to contact about 670 of the people who should be checked.

Key words : Italian 11 towns
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200223_18/

The Italian government has banned people from entering and leaving 11 towns with outbreaks of the new coronavirus.

Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte held a news conference on Saturday after a total of 71 cases of infection with the virus were confirmed in the northern regions of Lombardy and Veneto on Friday and Saturday.

The cases include two people in their 70s who died, and a 38-year-old man in Lombardy who was the first confirmed case in the country..

Conte announced the government will, for the time being, close 10 towns, about 60 kilometers from the city of Milan in Lombardy. He added that one other town in neighboring Veneto is also subject to the measure.

The government will deploy police to the towns to set up checkpoints aimed at blocking people from leaving the areas, which have a total population of over 50,000.

Authorities have closed schools and other public facilities in those towns. They are also calling on residents in the areas to stay home and are asking businesses to suspend their commercial activities.

Meanwhile, 19 Italians who disembarked from the virus-stricken Diamond Princess cruise ship returned to Italy by military plane on Saturday. A large number of infections took place on the vessel that was quarantined near Tokyo.

The 19 reportedly tested negative for the virus in Japan. But they will be isolated at a military facility for two weeks.

Key words : 770
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200223_26/

City officials of Sapporo in northern Japan say a resident has contracted the new coronavirus.

The officials say the man in his 70s did not travel abroad or have contact with other patients during the 14-day period before he began showing symptoms.

As of 11:30 a.m. on Sunday, 770 people in Japan were confirmed as infected.

Of them, 122 were either infected in Japan or were tourists from China, 634 were passengers or crew of a cruise ship, and 14 were people who returned from the Chinese city of Wuhan on flights chartered by the Japanese government.

Key words : got off
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200223_02/

A woman in her 60s in Tochigi Prefecture, north of Tokyo, has tested positive for the new coronavirus after disembarking from the quarantined cruise ship docked near Tokyo.

On February 14, the woman on the Diamond Princess tested negative for the virus.

She got off the ship on Wednesday after the two-week quarantine period ended.

But Tochigi officials announced on Saturday that she has since been confirmed to be infected after undergoing another test.

This is the first time a passenger from the ship has tested positive in Japan after disembarking.

Key words : Israel Australia
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200222_08/

The last group of passengers to test negative and show no symptoms for the new coronavirus have disembarked from a quarantined cruise ship docked near Tokyo.

A man in his 70s said, " I just want to sit around and take a bath for now."

Another male passenger said, "I will stay at home without going out for a while."

970 people have left the Diamond Princess since the 14-day quarantine period ended on Wednesday. 634 have contracted the virus. On Thursday, two passengers died.

Anyone who tested negative but shared a cabin with an infected person is required to stay at a government-provided facility.

Officials are asking those who have returned home to monitor their health for two weeks and avoid going out.

Health officials and the ship's operator plan to discuss under what conditions the crew members will be allowed to disembark.

Among them, 78 are Indonesian. The country's president says he wants Japan to provide answers about their health. So far, four have been infected.

Indonesian President Joko Widodo said, "We have been asking Japanese government officials repeatedly about the situation but they have yet to respond. We hope they will swiftly inform us about their policy regarding the ship so that we can decide how to bring the Indonesian crew home."

Meanwhile, some Canadians who were on the ship arrived back in the country on Friday. The government says about 50 citizens who tested positive are being treated in Japanese hospitals.

Australian health authorities say two people from the vessel were confirmed to be infected after returning home. They initially tested negative, and are in stable condition.

An Israeli woman who was on the ship has also tested positive.

Officials from the country say she was one of 11 citizens onboard who returned on Friday. They say she was not infected in Israel and is the nation's first case.

Key words : express operator
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Key words : tourism hotline
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Key words : bank musashino
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200223_31/

Customers of an online bank and three regional banks have had problems using their services on Sunday.

SBI Sumishin Net Bank said most of its online banking functions stopped working around 10 a.m. on Sunday.

The bank said customers were unable to make online transfers or withdraw cash from ATMs.

Customers of Yamagata Bank, based in northern Yamagata Prefecture, were unable to use online banking or ATMs from around 9:30 a.m.

Musashino Bank in Saitama Prefecture, north of Tokyo, and Yamaguchi Bank in western Yamaguchi Prefecture reported similar problems.

The banks say the problems had mostly been resolved by Sunday evening.

The banks said they use a system developed by IBM Japan to manage transaction data, and it stopped working on Sunday morning.

IBM Japan says it is investigating the cause of the problem.

Key words : multiple media win
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200223_23/

Multiple media outlets in the US say Senator Bernie Sanders is certain to win the Nevada Democratic caucuses. The caucuses are the third nomination contest held by the party in the US presidential election.

Bernie Sanders said, "in Nevada, we have just put together a multi-generational, multi-racial coalition, which is going to not only win in Nevada, but which is going to sweep this country."

Sanders is a strong critic of economic inequality. He's calling for universal healthcare, free tuition at public colleges and universities and forgiving all student debt. He's focusing on attracting the support of young voters.

Sanders and former South Bend, Indiana, Mayor Pete Buttigieg essentially tied for victory in the earlier Iowa caucuses. Sanders then won the New Hampshire primary. He now has the highest support rate among Democratic candidates across the nation.

Winning in a state with many non-white voters like Nevada indicates that Sanders has a broad support base. The victory also gives him momentum ahead of so-called "Super Tuesday" on March 3, when Democratic presidential hopefuls will compete in vote-heavy states like California and Texas.

Key words : Thailand disband protest
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200223_09/

Hundreds of Thai students and citizens have rallied in Bangkok to protest the disbanding of an opposition party that has been calling for an end to military control of politics.

The Constitutional Court ordered the dissolution of the Future Forward Party on Friday. The election commission had accused it of taking unlawful funds.

The party became the third largest force in parliament in an election last March. It has been a vocal opponent of the current government, led by former army chief Prayut Chan-o-cha.

At the rally at a university on Saturday, students said an independent body has succumbed to a dictator and that there is no longer any justice in Thailand. They asked if they now have to live in an unfair society.

Participants were seen writing messages of protest on a white cloth placed at the venue.

One student said the hopes of democracy-loving citizens have been crushed by the court decision.

The Constitutional Court has ordered the dissolution of political parties in the past. Critics at home and abroad have questioned its neutrality.

Amnesty International has criticized the latest court decision, saying it "illustrates how the authorities use judicial processes to intimidate, harass and target political opposition."

Key words : afghanistan 60 percent
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20200223_14/

A UN report says the annual number of civilian casualties in the conflict in Afghanistan in 2019 topped 10,000 for the sixth straight year.

The report published on Saturday puts last year's casualty number at 10,392. Of them, 3,403 were fatalities and 6,989 others were injuries. The total was roughly 600 lower than the figure from the previous year.

The report notes that about 60 percent of the casualties were caused by anti-government elements, including the Taliban.

It adds that their use of improvised explosive devices in "both suicide and non-suicide attacks continued at extreme levels."

The report also cites airstrikes by international military forces and search operations by Afghan forces as contributing to the high number of casualties.

The Taliban issued a statement, saying the report lacks impartiality, as it was supervised by the United States.

The statement says the biggest factor for casualties is attacks by US and Afghan government forces. It adds the Taliban have witnessed many civilians fall victim to air raids and other operations by the US military.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a statement on Friday that US negotiators came to an understanding with the Taliban on a significant and nationwide reduction in violence across Afghanistan.

He said that upon successful implementation, the US will be ready to sign a peace agreement on February 29.