at 18:30 (JST), August 31

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/20210831133000_english_1.mp3


Key words : self-defense airlift
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210831_06/

Japan's government plans to soon recall Self-Defense Forces aircraft that have been sent to help airlift evacuees from Afghanistan.

The government has kept the aircraft on standby in neighboring Pakistan since last week, when a Japanese national and 14 Afghans were airlifted to the Pakistani capital of Islamabad.

Officials say they are aware of more than 500 people still stranded in Afghanistan, including Afghans working for the Japanese Embassy and other organizations.

Japanese Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu discussed the matter at an online ministerial-level meeting on Monday with countries including the US and Britain.

Motegi stressed the need for governments to closely coordinate their evacuation operations.

The Japanese government will keep foreign ministry officials in neighboring countries to continue helping the evacuation efforts. It also plans to seek cooperation from Qatar and other countries that have connections with the Taliban.

Key words : music festival
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210830_24/

An outdoor music festival held on Sunday in central Japan has come under fire for failing to take anti-coronavirus measures, including serving alcoholic drinks to the crowds packing the venue.

The "NAMIMONOGATARI2021" event was held at an open-air facility on an island in Tokoname City in Aichi Prefecture.

Guidelines posted on the organizer's homepage required participants to wear face masks, maintain social distancing and refrain from screaming.

But videos shared on social networks by the performing artists and attendees at the event showed many young people packed closely together and yelling without masks.

The venue is managed by Aichi Prefecture. Governor Ohmura Hideaki said on Monday that prefectural officials had called on the organizer to take thorough anti-infection measures, such as refraining from serving alcohol.

The governor said it is extremely regrettable that the requests were not complied with, and indicated that the organizer will be banned from using facilities belonging to the prefecture.

Tokoname City officials also expressed strong criticism of the organizer, saying that the incident took place at a time when they are asking residents to adhere to various antivirus measures.

Key words : nuclear agency
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210831_02/

The International Atomic Energy Agency has expressed serious concern over signs that North Korea has resumed the operation of a nuclear reactor in Nyongbyon.

The UN's nuclear agency released its latest report, dated Friday, about North Korea's nuclear development programs.

The agency wrote that, "since early July 2021, there have been indications, including the discharge of cooling water, consistent with the operation of the reactor."

It added that there had been no such indications from early December 2018 to the beginning of July 2021.

It also pointed out that a steam plant at the Nyongbyon nuclear site had operated for approximately five months, from mid-February 2021 to early July 2021.
It said the five-month period is consistent with the time required to reprocess spent fuel.

The IAEA said the continuation of North Korea's nuclear program is a clear violation of UN Security Council resolutions and is deeply regrettable.

Key words : schoolchildren watch
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210830_29/

The Japanese prefecture of Chiba has decided to pull out of a program to allow schoolchildren to watch Tokyo Paralympic events in person.

Chiba Governor Kumagai Toshihito announced the decision on Monday, saying many parents are worried about the safety of their children.

Before the Paralympic Games began, more than 23,100 students in the prefecture had been expected to take part in the program.

The governor had said the plan should go ahead with strict anti-coronavirus measures in place, as it has great educational value in raising inclusivity awareness.

But the announcement on Monday came after a string of last-minute cancellations and the confirmation that two teachers who took students to a Paralympic event have tested positive for the virus.

The governor said that although the two teachers were believed to have been infected before going to the event, all remaining participation will be canceled, starting Tuesday.

Kumagai said it would require more precautionary measures, such as PCR tests, to assure the parents and teachers of the children's safety, and that would be a huge burden.

Key words : nikai five years
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210831_13/

Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide plans to remove Nikai Toshihiro as secretary-general in a personnel reshuffle of the main ruling Liberal Democratic Party.

Suga told Nikai and Acting Secretary-General Hayashi Motoo about his plan on Monday. This comes ahead of elections for the party's leadership and the Lower House.

Nikai indicated that he will accept the move. He said he has already served as secretary-general for more than five years, so he would like the personnel change to be conducted without reservations.

Suga is expected to continue adjustments and implement the changes before the end of September, when the terms of the executives' posts expire.
An LDP executive has indicated that the personnel reshuffle may take place next week.

Nikai is the longest-serving secretary-general on record. Some party members have commented that he has been in the post for too long.

Former LDP Policy Research Council Chairperson Kishida Fumio, who has announced his candidacy in the party leadership election, has indicated that he will limit executives' terms to three consecutive years.

Campaigning for the LDP presidential election will officially begin on September 17, and voting is scheduled for September 29.

Senior members of the ruling camp have said that the Lower House election should be held around October 21, when the legislators' terms end.
They say a political vacuum created by the dissolution of the chamber should be avoided.

Key words : coast guard
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210830_11/

Japan's Coast Guard says four Chinese government vessels entered Japanese territorial waters off the Senkaku Islands early on Monday.

The vessels were reportedly approaching a Japanese fishing boat. Coast Guard personnel are trying to ensure the safety of the Japanese fishers, and they are warning the Chinese vessels to immediately leave the waters.

Japan controls the islands. The Japanese government maintains that the islands are an inherent part of Japan's territory. China and Taiwan claim them.

The Coast Guard says the four Chinese ships entered Japan's waters off Uotsuri Island and Minamikojima Island, two of the Senkaku Islands, one after another starting at around 2:40 a.m.

It says that, as of 3:30 a.m., three of the vessels were sailing 12 to 17 kilometers south of Uotsuri Island. It says the other was traveling about 15 kilometers south-southwest of Minamikojima Island.

This is the 28th occasion this year on which Chinese government ships have been confirmed to be navigating in Japan's territorial waters off the Senkaku Islands. The last intrusion was reported on Saturday.

Key words : china announced
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210831_01/

The Chinese government has announced new rules instructing online game providers to limit the time users under the age of 18 can play to Fridays, weekends, and holidays, and up to one hour each day.

China's state-run Xinhua news agency on Monday reported on the restrictions aimed at preventing minors from becoming addicted to online gaming.

Under the new rules, companies will only be able to offer online gaming services to children from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Fridays, weekends and holidays.

Firms are also barred from providing any gaming services to players who fail to register their real name.

The report said authorities will strictly deal with companies that fail to follow the rules.

The move comes as the gaming industry faces scrutiny in China due to children becoming addicted to online games.

A state-run media recently called for more measures to prevent addiction, describing online games as "spiritual opium."

at 18:30 (JST), August 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/20210830183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : foreign substances okinawa
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210829_09/

Foreign substances have been found in another lot of the Moderna coronavirus vaccine. They were spotted at a large vaccination center in the southern prefecture of Okinawa on Saturday.

A pharmacist spotted black substances in a syringe with the vaccination dose.

Later, another syringe and a vial were found to be containing black substances. And pink substances were found in a different syringe filled with vaccine.

Okinawa Prefecture halted vaccination at the site and it remains suspended on Sunday.

On Thursday, Japan's ministry of health suspended the use of doses from three lots as foreign substances had been found in unopened vials of the Moderna vaccine at multiple vaccination sites.

The three lots were made at the same factory during the same period. Foreign substances were found in one of the lots and none were found in two others.

Takeda Pharmaceutical, which handles distribution in Japan, will analyze the situation and look into the possibility of contamination during the production process.

It will decide on what responses should be taken in coordination with the ministry.

Key words : foreign substances asking
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210826_04/

Japan's health ministry says foreign substances were found in some doses of the coronavirus vaccine developed by US firm Moderna. It has decided to suspend the use of about 1.6 million doses of the vaccine.

The ministry says foreign substances were discovered in 39 unused vials at eight vaccination centers in the country from August 16.

The ministry says it has received no reports of health damage.

Takeda Pharmaceutical, which handles the vaccine's distribution and other tasks in Japan, says it has yet to identify what the substances are.

Takeda says the doses in question were produced in Spain in the same time frame.

The company is asking Moderna to conduct an investigation.

Takeda says it will take swift responses in coordination with Moderna and the health ministry.

Key words : junior high school chiba
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210830_09/

Six teachers at a junior high school in Chiba Prefecture have tested positive for the coronavirus, including two who took students to a Paralympic event.

Officials in Chiba City say the six teachers are in their 30s to 50s. Their infections were confirmed through Sunday.

The officials say the two who went to the Paralympic venue in the city on Wednesday took 18 students with them on two buses.

The teachers had no symptoms on the day. But they later developed fever and other signs of COVID-19.

The city officials say about 120 students who had contact with the six teachers will undergo virus testing.

A new school term is due to start on Monday at elementary and junior high schools in Chiba City.

But the junior high school where the infections occurred has decided to cancel classes through Friday.

Key words : paralympic committee two afghan express
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210829_14/

An official at the International Paralympic Committee says two Afghan athletes are grateful to be taking part in the Tokyo Games and the IPC will support them.

IPC Chief Brand & Communications Officer Craig Spence spoke at a news conference on Sunday.

Afghan track athlete Hossain Rasouli and taekwondo athlete Zakia Khudadadi arrived in Tokyo on Saturday and were welcomed by IPC President Andrew Parsons at the Paralympic Village.

Earlier they gave up their spots in the competition following the Taliban's takeover.

After the collapse of the Afghan government, the country's Paralympic committee canceled their participation, citing the lack of a safe means of transportation for the pair.

The two spent a week in Paris under the protection of the French sports ministry after leaving Afghanistan last weekend.

Speaking about the two athletes, Spence said what the IPC can say is limited, stressing that human life is the most important thing.

He said now that the athletes could be safely evacuated from Kabul and as both wanted to attend the Tokyo Games, the IPC governing board decided on August 22 to allow the Afghan flag to be paraded at the Games' opening ceremony to show solidarity.

He said both Afghan athletes expressed their sincere gratitude for the opportunity to fulfill their lifelong dream of attending the Paralympic Games.

Spence said that taking their preference into account and out of consideration for their mental state, the IPC has decided not to allow media interviews after their competitions.

He said the IPC will continue to work for the two athletes to ensure they receive all the care and support they need both during and after the Tokyo Games.

Key words : taliban told nhk control of
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210830_01/

A Taliban spokesperson has told NHK the group has taken control of parts of Kabul's international airport that were vacated by the US military.

Zabihullah Mujahid made the comment on Sunday, two days ahead of the August 31 deadline for the ongoing US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan.

Mujahid said the Taliban are optimistic about the complete pullout of foreign forces from the airport. He added that the group will put the entire airport under its control in the near future.

The Taliban are calling for the withdrawal of not only US forces but also staff from NATO member countries, who have been managing air traffic control, security and other duties at the airport.

However, the Taliban are believed to be short of trained personnel who can operate the airport, prompting some in the US government to question whether the group can operate flights as usual from next month.

The Taliban have been seeking cooperation from Turkey, which has been involved in managing military operations at the airport.

Attention is focused on whether the Taliban can secure the necessary assistance it needs to keep the airport operating to allow airlifts of relief supplies to Afghanistan from the United Nations and other entities.

Key words : self-defense 500 people still
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210828_05/

Japan has evacuated one national from chaos-ridden Afghanistan on a Self-Defense Forces aircraft.

The government still plans to evacuate up to 500 people, including Afghans working for the Japanese embassy, who were unable to reach the airport in Kabul.

The C130 transport plane arrived in Pakistan's capital Islamabad on Friday night carrying a Japanese woman. Japanese foreign ministry officials and SDF personnel who are conducting the mission were also on board.

The government says they have been moved to Islamabad temporarily, adding that the SDF will be put on standby in the city.

Ministry officials say they will continue working to evacuate Japanese nationals and Afghans in cooperation with the United States and other nations.

The situation in Afghanistan has grown increasingly dangerous since the Taliban took power earlier this month amid the US military's full withdrawal from the country.

Key words : china origin phone
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210830_07/

China has opposed the summary of a US report that describes as "plausible" the theory that human infection with the novel coronavirus was likely a result of a lab accident in the Chinese city of Wuhan.

China's Foreign Ministry said Minister Wang Yi resolutely opposed the summary during a phone conversation with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Sunday.

The ministry said Wang urged the US to stop politicizing the COVID-19 origins tracing, and putting pressure on the World Health Organization.

Last Tuesday, China sent a document to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, calling for investigations into theories that the virus originated in the US.

China claims that studies on the virus were held at the US Army's research installation in the state of Maryland and the University of North Carolina.

The US Office of the Director of National Intelligence released the summary of a review on the origins of the virus on Friday. The report was requested by President Joe Biden.

The summary says the intelligence community "remains divided on the most likely origin of COVID-19." But it says, "All agencies assess that two hypotheses are plausible: natural exposure to an infected animal and a laboratory-associated incident."

Key words : paralympian withdraw self-driving
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210828_11/

A Japanese Paralympian is out of the Games after being hit by a self-driving vehicle inside the Athletes' Village.

The accident left judo competitor Kitazono Aramitsu, who has a visual impairment, with injuries to his head and legs.

Police say Kitazono was struck on Thursday afternoon while using a pedestrian crossing.

They say he was treated at a clinic inside the village and that his injuries will take two weeks to heal.

Kitazono was due to compete in the 81-kilogram class in the men's Para judo. He was forced to withdraw from a match scheduled for Saturday.

None of the seven people on board the electric shuttle bus were injured.

The Toyota vehicle is part of a fleet being used to transport athletes and Paralympic officials around the village.

Toyota Motor President Toyoda Akio posted an apology on the company's website.

He said self-driving vehicles have struggled to cope with the special environment of the Paralympics, which includes people who can't see and those with other impairments.

Key words : organizer meal
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210827_19/

The organizers of the Tokyo Games say that during the month starting July 3, about 130,000 meals prepared for the Olympics were thrown away.

It had been reported that about 4,000 boxed lunches and other food prepared for staff and volunteers went uneaten at the Olympics opening ceremony on July 23. Many similar cases of food waste were reported at competition venues.

The organizers told reporters on Friday that they improved their way of placing orders, and cut food waste to 10 to 20 percent of the ordered amount for the latter half of the Olympics. They added that leftovers for the Paralympic opening ceremony on August 24 were limited to about 100 meals among the roughly 6,000 that were procured.

Organizing committee spokesperson Takaya Masanori said that while eliminating food waste is difficult, the committee will work to manage orders appropriately.

The organizers plan to donate leftover bread and other items with relatively long consumption periods to food banks.

at 14:00 (JST), August 29

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20210829140000_english_1.mp3


Key words : Biden tough
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210829_08/

US President Joe Biden has pledged to take a tough stand against an Islamic State affiliate in Afghanistan. He hinted at further strikes against the group in retaliation for a deadly suicide bombing near Kabul's airport.

The US Central Command announced on Friday that US forces carried out a drone strike against the militant group ISIS-K. It is believed to have conducted the bombing on Thursday, in which many civilians and 13 US service members were killed.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Biden said, "This strike is not the last. We will continue to hunt down any person involved in that heinous attack and make them pay."

Biden noted, "The threat of terrorist attacks on the airport remains high. Our commanders informed me that an attack is highly likely in the next 24-36 hours."

He went on to say that he discussed with his national security team in Washington and his commanders in the field the ongoing preparations to help people continue to leave Afghanistan after their military departs.

Earlier on Friday, Defense Department Press Secretary John Kirby said at a briefing that the US drone strike killed two high-profile members of ISIS-K, a "planner" and a "facilitator," and injured another person.

Key words : leader france
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210829_05/

Leaders and ministers from nine Middle Eastern nations and France have discussed efforts to eliminate the threat of the Islamic State militant group at an international conference hosted by Iraq.

The meeting on regional issues was held in Baghdad on Saturday, two days after a deadly suicide bombing in the Afghan capital, Kabul. The attack is believed to have been conducted by members of a regional affiliate of Islamic State militants.

French President Emmanuel Macron said the Islamic State group remains a threat and that the countries must not lower their guard.

The participants also agreed on increased cooperation to help rebuild the economy of Iraq, where many infrastructure facilities were destroyed in the fight against the Islamic State group.

US troops stationed in Iraq are expected to end their combat mission by the year-end. The forces have been in operations to wipe out Islamic State militants.

Among the participants were foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia and Iran, which severed their diplomatic relations five years ago.

Iraq, the host country, is apparently trying to increase its presence in the region by inviting the opposing parties and encouraging them to improve ties.

Key words : paralympic two afghan first female
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210826_01/

The International Paralympic Committee says two Afghan athletes who were due to compete in the Tokyo Games have evacuated their home country following the Taliban's takeover.

The two are a male discus thrower and a female taekwondo athlete who would have been the country's first female Paralympian representing Afghanistan.

The IPC said Afghanistan's Paralympic committee canceled their participation, citing the lack of a safe means of transportation for the pair.

IPC spokesperson Craig Spence told a news conference on Wednesday that efforts were made to take the two out of the country, and "they are now in a safe place."
He declined to reveal their whereabouts out of concern for their safety.

Meanwhile, Australian public broadcaster ABC reported that the country's government has decided to accept more than 50 Afghan athletes, including the two, and their family members on humanitarian grounds.

Spence was asked about the possibility of the two participating in the Games if they can travel to Japan, but he declined to speculate on that possibility.

In the opening ceremony of the Games on Tuesday, a volunteer carried Afghanistan's national flag. But the country is not included in the 161 countries and regions participating in the Paralympics.

Key words : paralympic paris
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210829_07/

The International Paralympic Committee said two Afghan athletes who were due to compete in the Tokyo Games arrived in Japan on Saturday. They once gave up their participation following the Taliban's takeover.

The two are a male track athlete, Hossain Rasouli, and a female taekwondo athlete, Zakia Khudadadi.

After the collapse of the Afghan government, the country's Paralympic committee canceled their participation, citing the lack of a safe means of transportation for the pair.

On Wednesday, an IPC spokesperson said the two athletes had fled their home country. But he declined to reveal their whereabouts out of concern for their safety.

On Saturday evening, the organization said the two had arrived at Tokyo's Haneda Airport and gone into the Paralympic Village.

The IPC said following their safe evacuation from Afghanistan last weekend, the two athletes spent a week in Paris, France. The committee said they left Charles de Gaulle Airport for Japan on Friday.

IPC President Andrew Parsons welcomed the two at the Paralympic Village. He released a statement saying, "We always knew there was a remote chance both athletes could participate at Tokyo 2020, which is why the Afghan flag was paraded at Tuesday's Opening Ceremony."

Parsons added the arrival of the two shows the remarkable power of sport to bring people together in peace.

Key words : people around the world afghan
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210829_11/

People around the world took to the streets on Saturday to call for support for Afghans.

In Afghanistan, citizens trying to flee the country have gathered around the airport in Kabul as the August 31 deadline nears for the US military to leave the country.
The US government has warned that the threat of terrorist attacks remains high.

In Washington, about 1,000 people gathered outside the White House, including Afghans living in the United States.

Participants held signs that say "Save Afghanistan" or "Save Afghan lives." They urged the administration of President Joe Biden to help as many Afghans as possible flee the country and help protect the rights of Afghan women.

One woman said she moved to the US 21 years ago to escape Taliban rule. She said tearfully that she is heartbroken as she cannot help her family in Afghanistan. She said she wants many people to think about the rights of the Afghan people.

Organizers of the rally said similar events were held in more than 30 cities, including London and Berlin.

Key words : foreign substances okinawa
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210829_09/

Foreign substances have been found in another lot of the Moderna coronavirus vaccine. They were spotted at a large vaccination center in the southern prefecture of Okinawa on Saturday.

A pharmacist spotted black substances in a syringe with the vaccination dose.

Later, another syringe and a vial were found to be containing black substances. And pink substances were found in a different syringe filled with vaccine.

Okinawa Prefecture halted vaccination at the site and it remains suspended on Sunday.

On Thursday, Japan's ministry of health suspended the use of doses from three lots as foreign substances had been found in unopened vials of the Moderna vaccine at multiple vaccination sites.

The three lots were made at the same factory during the same period. Foreign substances were found in one of the lots and none were found in two others.

Takeda Pharmaceutical, which handles distribution in Japan, will analyze the situation and look into the possibility of contamination during the production process.

It will decide on what responses should be taken in coordination with the ministry.

Key words : US state hurricane
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210829_10/

The US state of Louisiana is bracing for approaching hurricane Ida as Governor John Bel Edwards declared a state of emergency, calling for residents to evacuate.

US weather officials say that Ida is moving northwest over the Gulf of Mexico. It could intensify and make landfall in or near Louisiana on Sunday afternoon local time as a Category 4 storm on the five-step scale.

Forecasters warn that strong winds, heavy rains and a storm surge could cause extensive damages.

US President Joe Biden on Saturday urged people in the area "to pay attention and be prepared."

Sunday marks the 16-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina which caused devastation in the same area particularly to the city of New Orleans. More than 1,800 people died.

Weather officials say that Ida could be more intense than Katrina at the time of the landfall.

at 14:00 (JST), August 28

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20210828140000_english_1.mp3


Key words : US central command
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210828_09/

The US Central Command said on Friday that the US conducted a drone strike against a member of the militant group ISIS-K believed to be involved in planning terrorist attacks.

It also said initial indications are that the strike in Nangarhar Province, eastern Afghanistan, killed the target.

The US strike is seen as retaliation against an apparent suicide bombing near Kabul's airport on Thursday, in which many civilians and 13 US service members were killed.

Key words : ABC news killed
#N/A


Key words : ISIS-K unable to reach
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210828_02/

Afghanistan's capital continues to be in chaos as people scramble to flee the country and the Taliban. Two major explosions near Kabul's airport on Thursday killed more than 70 Afghans and 13 US military personnel.

The attacks happened outside a crowded airport gate where US and British forces were stationed. Several gunmen reportedly fired shots, adding to the turmoil.

A news agency linked to the Islamic State militant group published a statement saying a regional affiliate of the group known as ISIS-K claimed responsibility for the attacks.

The deteriorating security situation is causing panic among Afghans.
One man says "It was a really heartbreaking incident for Afghans. If the present situation continues, many people will flee to neighboring countries."

Kabul was quiet on Friday, a holiday. But Taliban fighters are on high alert against further attacks. They appear to be intensifying security near the airport.

A Taliban official told Turkish media on Thursday the group condemns the attacks and blamed the presence of foreign troops.

Abdul Qahar Balkhi says "Targeting innocent civilians is an act of terrorism that has to be condemned by the entire world. It is because of the presence of foreign forces that such attacks take place."

He said the Taliban will ensure security at the airport and surrounding areas after foreign forces leave.

Japan's Self-Defense Force aircraft ferried a Japanese national to Pakistan on Friday, marking the first evacuation flight of their mission.

The Japanese government had been trying to evacuate up to 500 people, mostly Afghans working for the Japanese embassy and international organizations along with their families. But those people were unable to reach the airport in Kabul.

Officials had effectively set a Friday deadline for their evacuation mission. Foreign Ministry officials and SDF personnel sent for the operation have left Afghanistan.

European governments including Germany, Poland, Belgium and the Netherlands have announced the end of their evacuation flights.

Germany's Chancellor Angela Merkel said trying to evacuate people following the explosions involved immense risk.

Merkel said "We will not forget those people who could not be rescued by the air bridge. Rather, we will do everything we can to enable their evacuation."

US President Joe Biden says his nation will not be deterred by terrorists. He added the evacuation plan will continue, even after the completion of the US military withdrawal at the end of the month.

Key words : japanese woman
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210828_05/

Japan has evacuated one national from chaos-ridden Afghanistan on a Self-Defense Forces aircraft.

The government still plans to evacuate up to 500 people, including Afghans working for the Japanese embassy, who were unable to reach the airport in Kabul.

The C130 transport plane arrived in Pakistan's capital Islamabad on Friday night carrying a Japanese woman. Japanese foreign ministry officials and SDF personnel who are conducting the mission were also on board.

The government says they have been moved to Islamabad temporarily, adding that the SDF will be put on standby in the city.

Ministry officials say they will continue working to evacuate Japanese nationals and Afghans in cooperation with the United States and other nations.

The situation in Afghanistan has grown increasingly dangerous since the Taliban took power earlier this month amid the US military's full withdrawal from the country.

Key words : Biden Israeli
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210828_N02/

US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett have met for the first time since becoming leaders of their countries.

The meeting took place in Washington on Friday.

The two leaders searched for common ground to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons. However, they are split on their approach.

Biden said his administration is putting diplomacy first and seeing where that takes them. But if diplomacy fails, they are ready to turn to other options.

Bennett said Iran is the world's number one exporter of terror, instability, and human rights violations. He said the Iranians are, right now, spinning their centrifuges in Natanz and Fordow and must be stopped.

Bennett wants Biden to take a more hardline approach. Former US President Donald Trump placed sanctions on Tehran and pulled out of a deal to monitor Iran's nuclear program. Biden wants to revive the deal.

The two leaders remain apart on other matters as well. Biden said he wants to help advance peace and prosperity for both Israelis and Palestinians. Bennett has reiterated that he is against a Palestinian state. He has also said he plans to expand Jewish settlements in the West Bank.

Key words : chairman federal reserve
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210828_N01/

US Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell said the economy is making steady progress, mainly in employment. He indicated that the Fed will start scaling back quantitative easing measures by the end of the year.

Powell made the comments on Friday during an online version of the Fed's annual economic symposium.

He said that if the economy evolves broadly as anticipated, it could be appropriate to start reducing the pace of asset purchases this year.

The Fed increased its purchases of US government bonds starting in March 2020 to support the economy during the coronavirus pandemic.

Powell did not say exactly when the Fed will scale back its bond purchases.

He said he is closely watching how the spread of the Delta variant is affecting the economy.

He added that policymakers have not made a decision to raise interest rates.

He said the timing and pace of the coming reduction in asset purchases will not be intended to carry a direct signal regarding the timing of interest rate liftoff.

Key words : samoa
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210828_03/

New Samoan Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa hopes to strengthen ties with Japan and other nations instead of relying too heavily on China.

Fiame, who took office in July, spoke in an interview with NHK on Friday.

China has been supporting a port development project in Samoa. Fiame said her administration has informed Beijing that it plans to scrap the project. She expressed concern about the "debt factor".

Fiame said her country should be prioritizing other matters. She also expressed hope about working on projects with Japan and other partners.

Beijing has been increasing its influence among Pacific island nations with large financial incentives. China is the largest creditor in Samoa, accounting for 40 percent of the country's external debt.

Fiame said, "We're very mindful to be focused on what our needs are and how we continue the bilateral relationship with China as a development partner."

Key words : kitazono
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210828_11/

A Japanese Paralympian is out of the Games after being hit by a self-driving vehicle inside the Athletes' Village.

The accident left judo competitor Kitazono Aramitsu, who has a visual impairment, with injuries to his head and legs.

Police say Kitazono was struck on Thursday afternoon while using a pedestrian crossing.

They say he was treated at a clinic inside the village and that his injuries will take two weeks to heal.

Kitazono was due to compete in the 81-kilogram class in the men's Para judo. He was forced to withdraw from a match scheduled for Saturday.

None of the seven people on board the electric shuttle bus were injured.

The Toyota vehicle is part of a fleet being used to transport athletes and Paralympic officials around the village.

Toyota Motor President Toyoda Akio posted an apology on the company's website.

He said self-driving vehicles have struggled to cope with the special environment of the Paralympics, which includes people who can't see and those with other impairments.

at 18:30 (JST), August 27

Asian View

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

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20210827183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : self-defense operation
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210827_08/

Officials of Japan's Defense Ministry and the Self-Defense Forces are carefully considering whether to carry out evacuation operations as planned following the bombings at the airport in the Afghan capital Kabul.

The SDF has sent three transport aircraft to Islamabad in neighboring Pakistan to bring Japanese nationals, local embassy staff and others out of Afghanistan.

The SDF hopes to evacuate as many people as possible before the August 31 deadline for the US troop withdrawal. Some officials involved in Japan's evacuation mission say their operations may effectively end on Friday.

Defense Ministry and SDF officials are assessing the local security situation to determine whether it is possible to secure the safety of evacuees and SDF personnel.

They say they will make their decision after confirming how many evacuees have reached the airport. The US administration and other governments are advising people to stay away from the airport, citing security reasons.

Key words : hong kong
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210827_04/

Hong Kong authorities have disqualified a pro-democracy lawmaker after he was deemed to be not loyal enough. This is the first such case under a Beijing-backed eligibility review committee instituted earlier this year.

The second-highest ranking official in Hong Kong's government, Chief Secretary John Lee, told a news conference on Thursday that Cheng Chung-tai had been removed from the Legislative Council. He added that Cheng will also be ineligible to run in elections for the next five years.

Lee said Cheng failed to uphold the Basic Law and bear sufficient allegiance to Hong Kong.

Lee said the review committee had decided that Cheng would not be suitable as a member of the election committee.

Cheng had been expected to be picked as a member of the election committee next month and vote in a poll to select Hong Kong's chief executive next March.

Cheng remained a lawmaker even after other pro-democracy legislators resigned en masse last November.

The review committee determines whether election candidates are patriots based on the territory's national security law. The legislation is aimed at cracking down on anti-government activities.

The committee was set up in May when Hong Kong's electoral system was overhauled under Chinese President Xi Jinping's administration.

Key words : video thailand
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210827_09/

A video clip of police officers torturing a suspect to death in Thailand has gone viral on the Internet. Seven officers have been arrested on suspicion of murder.

The security camera footage was first posted on social media on Tuesday. It shows a man being pinned down to the floor and tortured to death in a police station. The man's head is covered by some plastic bags.

Police in Thailand announced on Thursday night that they had arrested the head of the police station in Nakhon Sawan province and six others. The individuals are reportedly suspected of assaulting and killing an alleged drug dealer in their custody on August 5.

The lawyer who released the footage said he had received it from a police officer at the Nakhon Sawan station. Citing information he was given when he got the clip, the lawyer said the chief of the police station had demanded that the suspect pay 2 million baht in return for his release.

Police say the head of the police station admitted that the man was killed, but denied that he was extorted.

The revelation of an apparent brutal murder by police officers has sent shock waves through Thailand. Many people are calling for the country's police force to be reformed. The force has been accused of corruption.

Key words : chinese government children workload
#N/A

at 18:30 (JST), August 26

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/20210826183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : US officials control airport
#N/A


Key words : self-defense nationals embassy staff
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210826_21/

Japan has dispatched a fourth plane to Pakistan to assist the evacuation of Japanese citizens and local embassy staff from neighboring Afghanistan.

The Boeing 777, operated by the Air Self-Defense Force, left Komaki Air Base in Aichi Prefecture for the Pakistani capital Islamabad on Thursday afternoon.

The plane is being sent to speed up the transportation of SDF personnel and equipment for the evacuation operations. The aircraft is not expected to carry any evacuees.

Japan has already dispatched three SDF transport aircraft to Islamabad to evacuate Japanese nationals, local embassy staff and others from Afghanistan.

Key words : taliban spokesperson called on
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210825_23/

A Taliban spokesperson has called on the United States to stop encouraging Afghans to leave the country, saying Afghanistan needs experts, such as doctors and engineers.

Zabihullah Mujahid made the remark at a news conference on Tuesday.

He said the Taliban are trying to reduce the number of people swarming the airport in Kabul.

He assured Afghans that they can return home and live peacefully.

Key words : takeover economy
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210825_24/

The Taliban takeover in Afghanistan is having an impact on the country's economy and people's lives.

Most banks in the capital, Kabul, have been closed since the group took control of the country on August 15. On Wednesday, citizens were seen gathered in front of banks, waiting for their services to resume.

Prices of goods are surging. A grocer says prices of flour and apples have risen by about 50 percent in the past week.

One shopper said life is getting tough because of rising prices.

On Monday, the Taliban announced the appointment of a new acting governor of the central bank.

They said the appointee had been in charge of the group's financial affairs.

But a former central bank official says most of the bank's assets are held by the US Federal Reserve. The former official says unless those assets are made available, the Taliban can only tap a fraction of the bank's assets.

The International Monetary Fund has suspended financial assistance to Afghanistan. The Taliban will likely face a challenge of gaining international economic aid as they prepare to launch a new government.

Key words : health ministry suspend
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210826_04/

Japan's health ministry says foreign substances were found in some doses of the coronavirus vaccine developed by US firm Moderna. It has decided to suspend the use of about 1.6 million doses of the vaccine.

The ministry says foreign substances were discovered in 39 unused vials at eight vaccination centers in the country from August 16.

The ministry says it has received no reports of health damage.

Takeda Pharmaceutical, which handles the vaccine's distribution and other tasks in Japan, says it has yet to identify what the substances are.

Takeda says the doses in question were produced in Spain in the same time frame.

The company is asking Moderna to conduct an investigation.

Takeda says it will take swift responses in coordination with Moderna and the health ministry.

Key words : vice president underscore
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210825_22/

US Vice President Kamala Harris has underscored the need to pressure China on its actions in the South China Sea in a meeting with Vietnamese President Nguyen Xuan Phuc.

Harris held talks with Phuc in Vietnam on Wednesday. She was in the country after visiting Singapore.

In the meeting, Phuc said Vietnam is contributing to peace and security in the region and the world, and that the United States is an important partner. He added Hanoi wants to enhance cooperation with Washington.

Harris raised the issue of China's territorial claims and increasing military activities in the South China Sea. She said, "We need to find ways to raise pressure on Beijing to abide by the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and to challenge its bullying and excessive maritime claims."

Vietnam has overlapping claims with China in the South China Sea.

The administration of US President Joe Biden attaches importance to the Indo-Pacific region to counter China's influence.

Observers see Harris' tour of Southeast Asia as aimed at keeping China in check by boosting ties in the region.

Vietnam apparently wants to strengthen relations with Washington to keep Beijing's moves in check. But it is also expected to watch and see if the Biden administration can curb China's activities.

Key words : 13 prefectures
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210825_40/

Japan's prime minister has officially expanded the coronavirus state of emergency to cover 8 more prefectures where infections are spreading rapidly. As Tokyo hosts the Paralympics, nearly half of Japan's prefectures will be under the measure.

Suga Yoshihide said on Wednesday, "The number of new infections across the country remains at a record high. The figure is especially high in the Aichi area. The highly contagious Delta variant is posing serious threats. I call on the public to cooperate more to overcome the crisis."

13 prefectures -- Okinawa, Tokyo, Saitama, Chiba, Kanagawa, Osaka, Ibaraki, Tochigi, Gunma, Shizuoka, Kyoto, Hyogo and Fukuoka -- are currently under the state of emergency.
From Friday until September 12, the measure is to cover eight more: Hokkaido, Miyagi, Gifu, Aichi, Mie, Shiga, Okayama and Hiroshima.

So-called quasi-emergency measures will be in effect in 12 other prefectures: Ishikawa, Fukushima, Kumamoto, Toyama, Yamanashi, Kagawa, Ehime, Kagoshima, Kochi, Saga, Nagasaki and Miyazaki.

Officials plan to urge restaurants and bars to stop serving alcohol and impose stricter procedures such as limiting the number of people allowed at shopping malls and events. But Japan's measures do not resemble the strict lockdowns imposed in other countries.

Earlier on Wednesday, officials confirmed that the Delta variant continues to sweep across the nation.

Hospitals are under enormous strain, with more seriously ill patients than ever. Officials say many people don't know where they got infected.

Officials plan to introduce anti-infection measures at schools, but not to force them to close. They also plan to give teachers and other staff priority access to vaccines and provide schools with virus test kits.

Key words : more than 24,000 new infections
#N/A


Key words : shigeru
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210825_15/

The head of the Japanese government's coronavirus advisory panel said that some local governments should consider pushing back the start of the new school term in order to curb the spread of infections.

Omi Shigeru made the comment at a Lower House health committee meeting on Wednesday.

Omi said that infections are spreading in Tokyo at a slower speed, but that the number of new cases has not declined by much. He noted that it is too early to determine when the number of infections will dramatically go down.

He pointed out that the strain on the medical system and the high number of patients with severe symptoms will likely continue for a while.

He said that the reopening of schools could trigger a further spike in the number of infections and place a burden on the medical system.

Omi said effective and convincing measures must be implemented with an abundance of caution. He also noted that local governments should consider delaying the start of the new school term.

Omi was asked why the medical system has come under serious strain. He said the government and the advisory panel shared a sense of crisis, but that the government's analysis at times may have been slightly more optimistic than that of the experts.

Omi questioned the wisdom of International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach's visit to Japan for the Paralympic Games, which opened on Tuesday.

He wondered why Bach could not have delivered his remarks online, as the Japanese government has been asking people to telework. He said that was just a personal thought he had as a member of the general public. He added that Bach went to Tokyo's Ginza shopping district when he visited Japan for the Olympics.

Key words : operator tunnel ocean
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210824_24/

NHK has learned that Japan's government and the operator of the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant plan to release treated water from the facility into the ocean through an undersea tunnel.

The government officially decided in April that the treated water will be diluted to well below national standards and will then be released into the sea beginning in about two years' time.

The government and the Tokyo Electric Power Company have since been studying two methods. One is to dig a tunnel under the sea to release the water about one kilometer off the coast. The other is to discharge the water directly from the coastline.

Sources told NHK that the government and TEPCO are now planning to create a tunnel so that the water would better diffuse into the ocean.

The sources say TEPCO is set to start a magnetic survey of the seabed as early as next month before conducting a boring survey of geological features.

The company is to work to complete the tunnel by early 2023. It aims to submit the plan to the Nuclear Regulation Authority as early as next month for screening.

There is strong opposition to the plan to release treated water into the environment, mainly from local fishermen.

The government and TEPCO are hoping the tunnel can minimize reputational damage that could affect the local fishing industry.

Water is used to cool molten nuclear fuel at the plant. It mixes with rain and groundwater seeping into damaged reactor buildings.

The water undergoes a treatment process that removes most radioactive material, except for tritium.

The government said in April that the treated water will be diluted so the tritium concentration is well below national standards and about one-seventh of the level the World Health Organization suggests is safe for drinking water.

The International Atomic Energy Agency supports the plan, noting that the method is in line with international practice.

at 18:30 (JST), August 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/20210825183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : biden stick
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210825_N01/

US President Joe Biden said on Tuesday that he plans to meet his August 31 deadline for pulling American forces out of Afghanistan. He said every day of operations brings added risks to the troops.

The Taliban have retaken control of the country. Biden fears American soldiers could be attacked.

US officials and those from other nations have scrambled to get their citizens out of the country. Afghans, too, have rushed to the airport in Kabul. The chaos has hindered the airlift.

Biden suggested on Sunday that he might push the deadline beyond the end of the month. The Taliban warned that extending the time frame would bring "consequences."

The President explained his views in an online meeting with leaders of the Group of Seven nations. He said US officials need to airlift all Americans and their Afghan allies.

Key words : sdf pakistan
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210825_04/

Japan's government will use one of its aircraft to transport Self-Defense Force personnel who will evacuate Japanese expats, local embassy staff and others from Afghanistan.

The Defense Ministry is making final arrangements to dispatch the Boeing 777 on Wednesday at the earliest to the Pakistani capital of Islamabad, where the SDF mission will be based.

The ministry says it's sending the plane because the government will airlift evacuees only until the deadline for the withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan at the end of August.

The ministry has dispatched three SDF transport aircraft to Islamabad. One of them arrived on Tuesday and the other two are scheduled to arrive on Wednesday.

The ministry says the Boeing 777 will return home after delivering the personnel, food and water without taking part in transporting evacuees.

The government plane is operated by the Air Self-Defense Force.

Key words : taliban allow
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210824_20/

The Taliban say they will accept Japan's deployment of Air Self-Defense Force transport aircraft to evacuate Japanese nationals and others from Afghanistan.

NHK spoke to Taliban spokesperson Qari Yousaf Ahmadi on the matter on Tuesday. Speaking in Pashtun, he said that if the Japanese government "can make arrangements on their own and can evacuate their nationals, we don't have any problem." He said, "They are allowed to evacuate them."

Three SDF aircraft left Japan on Tuesday on a mission to evacuate Japanese nationals and local staff of the Japanese Embassy in Kabul and other organizations.

There has been chaos in and around the airport in Kabul, with crowds of people seeking to flee Afghanistan. Foreign governments have been sending aircraft to evacuate their citizens and Afghans. But the worsening security situation in Kabul has been hampering the smooth evacuation of civilians.

The United States set August 31 as the deadline for US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan. US President Joe Biden's administration is considering extending the deadline. But the Taliban have warned against it.

Leaders from the Group of Seven nations are expected to hold an online meeting on Tuesday to discuss ways to cooperate to carry out safe evacuations.

Key words : philippine
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210825_07/

Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has declared that he will run for vice president in an election on May 9 next year.

A presidential election is scheduled for the same day. But Duterte cannot seek re-election, as the country's constitution limits the president to a single term.

Duterte said in a televised speech on Tuesday that he is concerned about the proliferation of drugs and insurgent activities.

He said he would be able to advise the government at any time if he serves as vice president.

Duterte is apparently aiming to retain his influence over the next administration. But he did not mention a favored successor.

His eldest daughter, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte, is considered one of the possible presidential candidates.

Star boxer and senator Manny Pacquiao is also said to be showing a willingness to run. He has openly criticized the Duterte administration.

Ruling and opposition parties will select their candidates in the run-up to the start of the application process in October.

Key words : naruhito
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210825_02/

The Tokyo Paralympics kicked off on Tuesday night. For nearly the next two weeks, athletes from around the world will compete in hundreds of events.

The opening ceremony started with dancers carrying red, blue and green balloons in the shape of the Paralympic symbol. The symbol reflects the Paralympic motto, "Spirit in Motion." It is meant to represent the strong will of every Paralympian.

A record number of 4,400 athletes from over 160 countries and territories will compete.

At the head of the athletes' parade was a team made up of refugees.

The Afghanistan team had to withdraw, so instead a volunteer marched with the nation's flag.

Emperor Naruhito declared the Games officially open, after which the Paralympic cauldron was lit.

Three Japanese athletes, including wheelchair tennis player Kamiji Yui, were the final torch bearers.

The Games will run through September 5.

The host city remains under a state of emergency, as the Japanese government tries to address worst outbreak yet.

Key words : afghan swimmer refusee
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/videos/20210726210456301/

We have a story about Afghan Para swimmer who aims to win a medal in the upcoming Tokyo Paralympics. He is one of the six members of the refugee athlete team. NHK World's Yamamoto Kento reports on his passion for the Games.

at 18:30 (JST), August 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/20210824183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : taliban warned deadline
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210824_02/

A senior Taliban official has warned the United States not to extend the deadline for American troops to leave Afghanistan.

Suhail Shaheen, who also serves as a spokesperson for the group, told Britain's Sky News that an extension beyond the August 31 deadline would amount to the US extending its occupation of the country.

The spokesperson said such a move would "provoke a reaction."

On Sunday, US President Joe Biden revealed that there are discussions among US officials about extending the deadline to oversee evacuation efforts in Kabul.

Biden said that as of Sunday morning, nearly 28,000 people, including Americans and Afgan allies, had been evacuated since August 14.

Many people have gathered in and around the airport in Kabul in hopes of getting out of the country. The US and other countries continue efforts to evacuate their nationals and Afghan collaborators. Observers say the Taliban spokesperson's latest remarks are raising concerns over how those efforts could be affected.

Key words : exchange fire
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210823_19/

A firefight at Kabul airport left one Afghan security guard dead and three injured.

The death came amid confusion at the airport, where crowds have gathered in hopes of fleeing a country that fell under Taliban control on August 15.

The exchange of gunfire erupted at an airport gate early Monday. It is not clear who made the first shots. German and US military forces returned fire.

German armed forces in charge of security at the airport disclosed the Afghan guard's death.

The US Embassy in Kabul has issued an alert advising Americans to stay clear of the airport amid potential security threats.

As countries scramble to evacuate nationals along with Afghans who have been cooperating with them, security at the airport and the surrounding area remains uncertain.

In another development, a Taliban spokesperson announced on Monday that the militant group had begun surrounding Panjshir province in northeastern Afghanistan.

Panjshir is not under Taliban control.

Ahmad Massoud, son of the late leader of the anti-Taliban Northern Alliance, has vowed to resist the Taliban in the province.

Key words : paralympic on Tuesday safety
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210824_01/

The Tokyo Paralympics kick off on Tuesday, amid concerns over safety brought on by the coronavirus pandemic.

Tokyo will become the first city in the world to host a Summer Paralympics for the second time. The last time the Japanese capital staged the Games was in 1964.

The Paralympics were postponed by one year due to the pandemic.

A record 4,400 athletes will participate from 161 countries and territories, as well as from a refugee athletes' team. During the 13-day Games, the athletes are scheduled to take part in 539 events in 22 sports.

A major challenge facing the organizers is how to ensure the safety of athletes. Some of the athletes are at risk of developing serious symptoms if they are infected with the coronavirus, due to their disabilities or underlying health conditions.

Another challenge is how to deepen social understanding for people with disabilities through the Paralympics. At focus is whether the Games will be able to embody the Paralympic ideal of realizing an inclusive society, when the events will largely be held without spectators. There are special programs to allow schoolchildren to watch selected events at the venues, but many people are expressing reservations about the plan.

International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons says despite the challenges, the Tokyo Games can have a huge impact on the World.

"The biggest goal of these Games is to change societies, change the ways that society perceives persons with disability, not only in Tokyo, not only in Japan, but around the World," he said.

Key words : vice president sailor
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210824_N01/

US Vice President Kamala Harris has faced repeated questions about the US withdrawal from Afghanistan, even as she visited another part of the world.

Harris headed to Singapore at the start of a short tour of Southeast Asia. She became the latest member of the Biden administration to visit the region.

The Vice President toured Changi Naval Base and visited with sailors aboard the USS Tulsa. She was unable to avoid questions about the pullout of American troops from Afghanistan and the chaos that has ensued.

Harris met earlier with Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. White House officials said they discussed security and economic cooperation in the face of Chinese aggression.

Key words : self-defense 1 a.m.
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210824_04/

A Japanese Self-Defense Force aircraft has left Japan on a mission to evacuate Japanese nationals and local staff at the Japanese Embassy in Afghanistan.

The C2 transport plane stationed at the Miho Air Base in western Japan is one of the three aircraft the SDF has decided to dispatch on the orders of Defense Minister Kishi Nobuo.

The other two aircraft are C130 transport planes at the Komaki Air Base in central Japan.

The planes will be used to airlift Japanese nationals, including those working for international organizations, and Afghans working for the Japanese Embassy and others.

The C2 aircraft left Japan shortly after 1 a.m. on Tuesday, after picking up an SDF team at a base near Tokyo and refueling.

The two C130s are scheduled to leave Japan on Tuesday afternoon.

The Defense Ministry says hundreds of members of the Air and Ground Self-Defense Forces are being sent to help evacuees board the Japanese aircraft at Kabul airport.

Under the SDF law, they are allowed to use weapons only when the lives of themselves, other SDF members, or people they are transporting are in danger. The ministry says it cannot disclose the kind of arms they carry.

Officials say the SDF wants to start transporting people later this week at the earliest.

The SDF has been deployed four times in the past to evacuate Japanese nationals from other countries, but this is the first time for it to also transport foreign nationals under the SDF law.

Key words : taiwan
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210823_08/

Taiwan began rolling out a locally-developed coronavirus vaccine on Monday. President Tsai Ing-wen received a shot on the same day to emphasize its safety and efficacy.

The recombinant protein vaccine was developed by Medigen Vaccine Biologics. It was approved for emergency use for people aged 20 or older in July.

Tsai posted a video clip of herself receiving the vaccination on social media.

Opposition party members are voicing their doubts about the vaccine, as it received authorization for emergency use before undergoing the final phase of a clinical trial.

As of last weekend, about 40 percent of the people in Taiwan had received at least one vaccine dose. Around three percent had gotten their second shot.

Authorities are hoping to accelerate the pace of inoculations by introducing the vaccine made in Taiwan and by procuring more vaccines from overseas.

The highly contagious Delta variant is not spreading in Taiwan. New case numbers have remained in single digits on many days this month. But those numbers exclude cases from overseas.

On Tuesday, authorities plan to increase the maximum number of people allowed to gather indoors from 50 to 80. The maximum number of people permitted to gather outdoors will be increased from 100 to 300.

Key words : chip shortage medical
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210823_20/

A shortage of microchips has been casting a long shadow over global industry. Now, it is hitting production of key medical equipment used in the fight against coronavirus.

Japan's Fukuda Denshi usually churns out oxygen concentrators, which can be used to help COVID patients breathe. But some of its output has ground to a halt as it struggles to get chips.

The firm usually imports semiconductors from the United States. But it says that has been tough since last spring amid surging appetite from companies that make cars or home appliances.

Its production manager, Kanda Toyoharu, says "An oxygen concentrator can be a matter of life and death for a coronavirus patient. We're looking for chips globally. When we find them, we're buying them even if they're very expensive."

The company says it is planning to change its chip-supplier, as well as asking hospitals to hold off on maintenance that might require new parts.

at 18:30 (JST), August 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/20210823183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : taliban establish unclear
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210823_03/

Forces in northern Afghanistan have been holding out against the Taliban, making it unclear whether the insurgent group will be able to rule the entire country.

The son of Ahmad Shah Massoud, one of the leaders of the Northern Alliance, vowed to resist the Taliban in the northeastern province of Panjshir, which is now not under Taliban control.

He made the pledge in an opinion piece published in The Washington Post. The Northern Alliance fought against the Taliban when the militant group was last in power.

Local fighters in the northern province of Baghlan have reportedly attacked and recaptured some districts from the Taliban.

Meanwhile, the Taliban are working to establish a new administration, holding talks with senior officials of the government that was toppled on August 15 when the militants took control of the capital Kabul.

A Taliban official told Reuters news agency that the group's commanders are set to meet former governors and bureaucrats in more than 20 of Afghanistan's 34 provinces to ensure their safety and seek cooperation.

Against this backdrop, people continued to gather on Sunday at Kabul's international airport to board flights out of the country.

A resident of Kabul said jobs and economic activity have vanished since the Taliban takeover. He said unemployment is at its worst level, with people locking themselves in their homes.

Another man said thieves and others pretending to be Taliban members have been committing crimes.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted on Sunday that he will convene a G7 leaders meeting on Tuesday for urgent talks on the situation in Afghanistan. The meeting will take place online.

He added it is "vital" that the international community works together to ensure safe evacuations from the country and prevent a humanitarian crisis.

The foreign affairs chiefs of the G7 nations held an online discussion about Afghanistan on Thursday. They called on the Taliban "to guarantee safe passage to foreign nationals and Afghans wanting to leave" the country.

Key words : self-defense afghanistan 500 people
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210823_01/

The Japanese government is planning to send Self-Defense Force aircraft to Afghanistan to evacuate more Japanese nationals and local embassy staff.

Last week, the government evacuated the Japanese embassy's employees in Kabul using a British military plane.

Officials from Japan's foreign and defense ministries left for Afghanistan on Sunday to study the situation there.

Japan's Foreign Ministry says local embassy staff and their families, as well as Japanese who work at international organizations have sought help to leave Afghanistan.

Ministry sources said SDF planes may evacuate more than 500 people.

The sources added that government officials will consider how to move evacuees to an airport in Afghanistan, and to which country or countries they should be taken.

Key words : organizing committee concept
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210822_01/

The Tokyo Games organizing committee says the concept of Tuesday's Paralympic opening ceremony will be "WE HAVE WINGS."

The committee made the announcement on Saturday. The opening ceremony is scheduled to start at 8 p.m. on Tuesday at the National Stadium in Tokyo.

The committee says the concept seeks to raise awareness that everybody has wings through highlighting the courage of Paralympic athletes who are trying to spread their wings against adverse winds.

The committee also adds that the concept for the closing ceremony scheduled for September 5 will be "Harmonious Cacophony."

It says the spirit behind that concept is acknowledging diversity among people and transforming their differences into a shared unity.

The committee says a total of 161 public applicants have been selected to perform at the opening and closing ceremonies, and 75 of them will participate in the opening ceremony.

The number of participants from the public is smaller than initially planned, due to the coronavirus pandemic.

A rehearsal for the opening ceremony will be held at the National Stadium on Sunday.

Key words : king of malaysia
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210821_07/

The king of Malaysia has appointed Ismail Sabri Yaakob prime minister following the resignation earlier this week of Muhyiddin Yassin amid public anger at his handling of the coronavirus pandemic.

The appointment on Friday came as infections in Malaysia hit a record high.

The king said he believed Ismail Sabri had the support of a majority of members of parliament.

Ismail Sabri served as deputy prime minister and defense minister under the Muhyiddin government, and played a central role in its response to the coronavirus.

This has raised concerns about whether he is capable of reining in infections and reviving the economy.

A lockdown in force since June has placed limits on economic activity and movement.

Despite this, the daily tally of cases hit a new record of 23,564 on Friday. The country is reporting more than 200 deaths each day.

Key words : iran parliament nominee
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210821_17/

Iran's parliament has opened deliberations on President Ebrahim Raisi's proposed cabinet, which includes a foreign minister nominee known for his hardline stance toward the United States.

The discussions on the 19-member lineup began on Saturday with Raisi in attendance.

Raisi, who assumed office earlier this month, said his cabinet will aim to enhance people's lives and establish international relations based on national interests.

Raisi named former Deputy Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian as foreign minister.

Amir-Abdollahian has been a diplomat in charge of foreign affairs concerning the Middle East. He is also reported to have good ties with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Raisi said Amir-Abdollahian is trustworthy in the field of foreign affairs as he has knowledge and experience.

With the Iranian government led by the anti-US conservative hardline president, indirect talks between Tehran and Washington that began in April to salvage the 2015 nuclear agreement may become even tougher.

The administration of former President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew the US from the deal and resumed sanctions against Iran in 2018.

The parliament will hold several more days of discussions on the nominations before voting to approve or disapprove them.

Key words : first weekend
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210823_07/

Japan had its first weekend under an expanded state of emergency as it battles the coronavirus. But there are no signs of the rate of infection slowing, with Tokyo reporting its highest-ever tally for a Sunday.

There were 4,392 new cases in the capital. That's down about 700 from Saturday, but up 97 from the week before. The seven-day average has jumped 11 percent from a week ago. Tokyo officials say eight patients died on Sunday, while another 271 had serious symptoms.

A woman in her 50s was among those who are being forced to recover at home to ease the strain on hospitals. The woman tested positive last month despite receiving two vaccine shots.

She lives alone in Tokyo and says it was tough to recover. She kept notes throughout the experience. Entries show she had a high fever, a cough, and lost her sense of smell and taste. She says she started thinking about death for the first time.

People recuperating at home are supposed to be provided meals and a device to monitor their oxygen levels.

But the woman says she got neither. She thinks authorities are overwhelmed. She said, "I felt deserted. I really worry about what will happen to older people who live alone and don't have any family to support them. I still feel scared."

Meanwhile, the virus is casting a shadow over the Tokyo Paralympics, which kick off on Tuesday. Thirty more people visiting for the Games have tested positive, including two athletes from abroad. That's a record daily count for people involved in the event. The total now stands at 131.

Japan reported more than 22,000 cases on Sunday. The health ministry says the number of hospitalized patients in serious condition has hit 1,891, marking the tenth daily record in a row.

Key words : antibody
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210822_05/

The Japanese government plans to make the so-called "antibody cocktail treatment" accessible nationwide for COVID-19 patients with non-serious symptoms.

The treatment was authorized in Japan last month. Patients receive two drugs by IV drip simultaneously to suppress the virus.

The government plans to speedily provide the drugs to hospitals in prefectures where a coronavirus state of emergency is in place.

It had initially targeted hospitalized patients. But in mid- August, it started allowing patients isolating at hotels and temporary medical facilities to receive the treatment subject to certain conditions, as it is getting difficult for them to find a vacant hospital bed.

Patients who are recuperating at hotels in Tokyo and Fukuoka are already receiving the drugs.

Some doctors say the treatment should also be given to patients isolating at their homes.

But the government is cautious regarding such requests because of severe reactions reported overseas.

The US pharmaceutical company that developed the treatment says possible reactions include fever, headache and breathing difficulty.

The firm says unknown side-effects could also occur, as clinical data are still limited.

The health ministry says medical workers should monitor patients who received the treatment.

at 20:00 (JST), August 22

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20210822200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : 4,392
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210822_17/

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government says it confirmed 4,392 new coronavirus infections on Sunday.

The figure is up 97 from a week ago and the highest for a Sunday.

The seven-day average through Sunday is 4,732.9, up 11 percent from a week ago.

The total number of coronavirus cases confirmed in the capital now stands at 312,262.

Key words : koike visited new facility
#N/A


Key words : paralympic athlete cases
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210822_11/

Thirty more people involved in the Tokyo Paralympics have tested positive for the coronavirus. The tally includes two para athletes who came to Japan from overseas.

This is the highest daily figure ahead of the Paralympics, which opens on Tuesday.

Sunday's figure brings the total number of cases to 131, since the organizing committee began releasing the data 10 days ago.

Key words : more tha 22,000 cases
#N/A


Key words : antibody nationwide unknown
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210822_05/

The Japanese government plans to make the so-called "antibody cocktail treatment" accessible nationwide for COVID-19 patients with non-serious symptoms.

The treatment was authorized in Japan last month. Patients receive two drugs by IV drip simultaneously to suppress the virus.

The government plans to speedily provide the drugs to hospitals in prefectures where a coronavirus state of emergency is in place.

It had initially targeted hospitalized patients. But in mid- August, it started allowing patients isolating at hotels and temporary medical facilities to receive the treatment subject to certain conditions, as it is getting difficult for them to find a vacant hospital bed.

Patients who are recuperating at hotels in Tokyo and Fukuoka are already receiving the drugs.

Some doctors say the treatment should also be given to patients isolating at their homes.

But the government is cautious regarding such requests because of severe reactions reported overseas.

The US pharmaceutical company that developed the treatment says possible reactions include fever, headache and breathing difficulty.

The firm says unknown side-effects could also occur, as clinical data are still limited.

The health ministry says medical workers should monitor patients who received the treatment.

Key words : research UK
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210822_02/

A British government survey shows that nearly 6,400 soccer fans are likely to have contracted the coronavirus when they attended the eight Euro 2020 soccer matches held in London this year.

The British government on Friday released the results of research investigating the impact of the virus on mass events ahead of their reopening. Large numbers of spectators had been allowed to some events on certain conditions to monitor how infections would spread.

A total of 350,000 people attended the Euro 2020 final and seven other matches that took place in London in June and July.

Before entering the stadium, spectators were required to present proof they had either been vaccinated or tested negative for the virus.

The study found about 9,400 COVID-19 cases among fans. Considering the incubation period, more than 3,000 of them were likely to have been already infected at the time of the matches.

Infections were concentrated at the final as well as the semifinal in which England played.

The number of new cases surged across the UK during that period.

The researchers say soccer fans who watched the matches at pubs and other crowded spaces outside the stadium may have contributed to the spike.

The researchers add the data show how easily the virus can spread in close-contact settings. They are calling on people to wear face masks in crowded places.

Key words : new york concert
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210822_09/

New York City has held an outdoor concert in the hope of reviving the local economy that was hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic.

The concert started on Saturday evening in a section of Manhattan's Central Park that can accommodate 60,000 people.

Concert goers were required to show proof of vaccinations or a negative PCR test done in the last 72 hours, depending on their age and health condition.

They were enjoying live performances for about two-and-a-half hours, until the concert was called off due to bad weather.

Last year, the pandemic forced many concert halls and theaters in the Big Apple to shut down, dealing a huge blow to the entertainment industry.

While the city organized the concert in the hope of a comeback, it is also seeing a resurgence in cases, mostly of the highly transmissible Delta variant.

One woman in the audience said she and many others have been locked up for the past 18 months, but now she is vaccinated. She said she was excited, as it had been so long since going to something like this concert.

She said everyone is concerned about the Delta variant but the good thing is so many of them are vaccinated and she feels safer.

Key words : taliban new administration bank
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210822_04/

People in Afghanistan are waiting with anxiety and a sense of alert to see how the Taliban are going to launch a new administration one week after the militant group seized control of Kabul.

The Taliban took control of the capital on August 15, prompting the government to collapse. It happened as US forces withdraw from Afghanistan.

Markets in Kabul are reopening, and people's daily lives have regained a certain degree of calm.

But many shops and all banks remain closed. Many people are staying at home, apparently watching the situation.

Turmoil continues at the international airport in Kabul, swarmed by people trying to flee the country.

The US Embassy in Kabul issued an alert on Saturday, advising Americans to stay clear of the airport until they receive a new instruction, citing potential security threats.

The Taliban's number-two leader, Mullah Abdul Ghani Baradar, arrived in Kabul from the southern city of Kandahar on Friday. He is expected to lead the group's talks to form a new administration.

Reuters news agency has quoted a Taliban spokesperson as saying the group aims to unveil a new governing framework in the next few weeks.

Anxiety is mounting among the people in Afghanistan. The Taliban imposed strict Islamic rules and infringed on human rights while they controlled the country from 1996 to 2001.

Key words : quake haiti UN
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210822_06/

People in southwestern Haiti lack aid one week after a magnitude 7.2 quake hit the area.

The government says the August 14 quake left 2,189 people dead, 12,268 others injured, and 322 people missing.

Heavy rain and landslides have hampered the delivery of water, food, and other supplies.

Video footage from the area shows people swarming relief trucks and fighting over supplies.

UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed visited the affected area and said the UN will invest in long-term development and support government leadership as well as providing emergency support.

Key words : tropical storm okinawa
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210822_08/

Severe tropical storm Omais is approaching the Sakishima islands of Okinawa Prefecture, southwestern Japan.

The Japan Meteorological Agency says Omais is moving north over the ocean southeast of Okinawa's Miyakojima island.

The storm has the central atmospheric pressure of 996 hectopascals and the maximum wind speed of 90 kilometers per hour, gusting at 126 kilometers per hour.

Maximum wind speeds are forecast to be 126 kilometers in the Miyakojima region and 108 kilometers in the Yaeyama region.

Waves are expected to be as high as 6 meters in the Miyakojima region, 4 meters in the Yaeyama region and the Okinawa main island region.

An hourly rainfall of up to 50 millimeters are forecast for the Sakishima region.

Weather officials are warning of violent winds, high waves, rain-triggered landslides, and flooding in low-lying areas.