2022年1月31日月曜日

at 18:30 (JST), January 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/20220131183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : north capable
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220131_05/

North Korea has confirmed the test-firing of an intermediate-range ballistic missile on Sunday.

The ruling Workers' Party newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, said on Monday that the Hwasong-12 type missile was launched from the country's northwestern region toward the sea on a lofted trajectory, which is a steeper angle than usual, to reach a higher altitude.

The paper also said that the test confirmed the accuracy, security and effectiveness of the Hwasong-12 type weapon system's operation. It said the missile is being produced and deployed.

The range of the Hwasong-12 is estimated at up to 5,000 kilometers, capable of covering the distance to the US territory of Guam.

Sunday's test-firing was the first launch of the Hwasong-12 missile since September 2017, when it flew near Cape Erimo in the northern Japanese prefecture of Hokkaido.

South Korea's military said on Sunday that the North fired an intermediate-range ballistic missile from the northern Jagang province toward the sea earlier that morning.

The military also said the missile reached an altitude of about 2,000 kilometers. It was the North's seventh launch this year.


Key words : security experts warned
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220130_15/

Security experts are warning of security flaws in a smartphone app that is mandatory for participants in the Beijing Winter Olympics.

Athletes, officials and reporters are required to use the app to keep track of their health conditions as part of coronavirus prevention measures.

But researchers at the University of Toronto say it has a vulnerability that allows third parties to extract data. They also say it is unclear how Chinese authorities plan to use the data collected by the app.

The Reuters news agency says US Olympic officials have warned athletes heading to Beijing that their communications could be monitored or leaked.

The Olympic committees of the US, Canada and the Netherlands have urged their athletes and officials to rent mobile phones and leave their main devices at home.

China's foreign ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told reporters on January 18 that those countries are making unfounded accusations against an innocent party.

The Chinese embassy in Canada released a statement on the same day saying that the report is distorted and unfounded, and the concern about cybersecurity is unnecessary.

The embassy said, "China has been firmly opposing and cracking down on all forms of cyber attack and cyber theft all along."

The International Olympic Committee says an independent organization checked the app and found no serious vulnerabilities.


Key words : taiwan not take part
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220129_02/

Taiwan's delegation for the Beijing Winter Olympics will not take part in the opening or closing ceremonies.

Officials said on Friday that the 15-member delegation, which includes four athletes, will be arriving in the Chinese capital in groups from Taiwan, the United States and Switzerland.

They said not all members will be able to arrive by the opening ceremony on February 4 because flights have been adjusted or delayed due to China's pandemic and entry policies.

The officials also said most members will go home after their events are over, and that they will not be in Beijing on the day of the closing ceremony.

Under an agreement with the International Olympic Committee, Taiwan competes with the name "Chinese Taipei" in English. Chinese character notation to that effect was used at the 2008 Beijing Games.

At a news conference on Wednesday, China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian referred to the delegation using Chinese characters suggesting "Taipei, China."

Some people in Taiwan reacted sharply, saying that Zhu was indicating that Taiwan is part of China's territory.


Key words : cambodia meeting of
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220130_05/

Cambodia says the postponed meeting of foreign ministers of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations has been rescheduled for February 16 and 17.

The country's foreign ministry made the announcement on Saturday.

Cambodia, ASEAN's rotating chair this year, initially planned to host the two-day meeting in Siem Reap, northern Cambodia, from January 18. But it announced the postponement several days before the gathering.

ASEAN members are expected to exchange opinions on how to deal with Myanmar. The agenda is likely to include sending a special envoy to mediate dialogue between the military and pro-democracy forces.

Since the coup in Myanmar, ASEAN member countries have refused to invite Myanmar's military leader to the group's summits. They cite the junta's continued crackdown on pro-democracy groups.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen seeks to bring Myanmar back to ASEAN summits. He visited Myanmar in early January to hold talks with the country's military leader.

Some other ASEAN members reacted sharply to the move. It is believed that differences among member nations may have been behind the delay of the foreign ministers' meeting.


Key words : taliban better environment
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220130_03/

The Taliban say they are continuing to make efforts to create a better environment for women's education.

In Friday's video message released on Twitter, Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid said Afghanistan's future depends on education.

He stressed that efforts are ongoing to implement plans for women's education under the interpretation of Islamic teachings. He said education issues will be resolved.

Officials from Western countries and Taliban representatives held talks in Norway earlier this month. The Western side called on the Taliban to provide access to education for secondary school girls.

A Taliban spokesperson for the education ministry told NHK on Saturday that secondary schools for girls are expected to resume in March when the new term begins.

But no specific details were provided.


Key words : ban foreign arrival
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220129_09/

Demonstrators in several countries have called on the Japanese government to ease its coronavirus entry restrictions.

Participants gathered on Friday in front of Japanese embassies and other places in eight countries, including Germany, Spain and Bangladesh. Those who took part were people trying to come to Japan for study and other purposes.

Japan has barred new foreign arrivals through the end of February as part of its border controls against the Omicron variant.

The demonstrators held up pieces of paper with messages such as "Stop Japan's Ban" and "Waiting for two years."

Jade Barry launched a group that called for the demonstrations. She said members want a specific roadmap and date to plan for entry. She said she loves Japan and its people.

Japan's Immigration Services Agency says that as of October 1, about 147,800 foreigners who wanted to study in Japan were unable to enter the country.

In late January, the government started allowing 87 foreign students with Japanese government scholarships to enter the country. Officials say these people are special cases who have to take in-person classes to meet imminent deadlines for graduation or the completion of their academic work.

The government says it will be flexible in its consideration of whether to grant more exemptions to the entry ban, based on humanitarian grounds, national interests and other special circumstances.


Key words : chinatown
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220130_13/

The organizers of events to celebrate the Lunar New Year in Yokohama's Chinatown near Tokyo plan to dramatically scale things down this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

A group of store and restaurant owners made the decision because quasi-emergency measures are in place in Kanagawa Prefecture. Yokohama is the prefectural capital.

The events were originally scheduled from February 1 to 15 and would be the first in two years.

But the group says it will cancel the popular lion dance scheduled for February 1, the day the Chinese New Year begins. The event symbolizes hopes for good business and is filled with the sounds of firecrackers and drums.

A parade scheduled for February 5 will be postponed.

But the group says the countdown event from January 31 to February 1 will go ahead, with spectator stands to be cut to one-fourth the size of a usual year.

The head of the Yokohama Chinatown Development Association, Takahashi Nobumasa, says the decision was made with a heavy heart to cancel traditional festivities.

He says that rather than giving up all events, the association hopes to carry out ones that can be held with thorough measures to reduce infection risks, in line with the rules of the central and local governments.


2022年1月30日日曜日

at 20:00 (JST), January 30

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20220130200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : projectile launched
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220130_11/

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu has said that North Korea launched a ballistic missile eastward. This is the 7th launch Pyongyang has conducted so far this year.

Matsuno said "If the missile was on a normal ballistic trajectory, it is estimated to have flown about 800 kilometers, with a maximum altitude of about 2,000 kilometers, for about 30 minutes. It is also believed to have fallen outside Japan's exclusive economic zone off the Sea of Japan coast."

Matsuno also said that the Japanese government has set up an emergency task force to gather information.

He said at the moment no damage has been confirmed.

South Korea's military also announced that North Korea fired a projectile believed to be a ballistic missile.

It says the launch was from Jagang Province and toward the Sea of Japan. South Korea's military is conducting a detailed analysis with the US military.

North Korea has fired missiles multiple times just this month.

On Friday, Pyongyang said it had conducted test-launches of long-range cruise missiles on Tuesday and "tactical guided missiles" on Thursday.

The country also fired what are believed to have been hypersonic missiles on January 5 and 11.


Key words : north guided missile
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220130_09/

Japanese Defense Ministry officials announced at 8 am Sunday that North Korea may have launched a ballistic missile. It is the seventh launch Pyongyang has conducted so far this year.

The Japanese government has set up an emergency task force to gather information.

Defense Ministry officials say what appears to be a ballistic missile has already come down. They are contacting ships in order to get information.

North Korea has fired missiles multiple times this month.

On Friday, North Korea announced that it had conducted test launches of long-range cruise missiles on Tuesday and of "tactical guided missiles" on Thursday.

The country also fired what are believed to have been hypersonic missiles on January 5 and 11.


Key words : north 2017
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220130_17/

The South Korean military says North Korea fired an intermediate-range ballistic missile from Mupyong-ri in the northern province of Jagang into the Sea of Japan shortly before 8 a.m. on Sunday.

The military also says the missile flew about 800 kilometers at a maximum altitude of 2,000 kilometers.

A military source says the missile's top speed was Mach 16, adding that South Korea and the US had detected signs of the launch and taken a readiness posture.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in told the National Security Council that the situation resembles that of 2017.

At that time, Pyongyang fired a long-range ballistic missile after launching an intermediate one.

Yonhap News Agency reports that this is the first time since the launch of the Hwasong-15 intercontinental ballistic missile in November 2017 that Pyongyang has fired an intermediate or longer-range missile.

The agency also says Sunday's launch is the highest level of provocation since then, adding that North Korea is more likely to resume ICBM tests and review its suspension of nuclear tests.

South Korean experts argue that North Korea may have resumed activities involving the Hwasong-12 intermediate-range ballistic missile. The country fired this type of missile three times in 2017.

Japan, South Korea and the United States are on high alert after North Korea fired a ballistic missile.

The head of the Japanese Foreign Ministry's Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau, Funakoshi Takehiro, and the US Special Representative for North Korea, Sung Kim, talked over the phone on Sunday.

They agreed that the latest launch is more intensive than other recent ones.

They reaffirmed that their countries and South Korea will maintain close cooperation in resolving North Korea's nuclear and missile development as well as the abductions of Japanese and other foreign citizens.

Funakoshi held separate telephone talks with South Korea's Special Representative for Korean Peninsula Peace and Security Affairs, Noh Kyu-duk.

They shared grave concern over the latest missile launch, and reaffirmed three-nation cooperation.


Key words : research fellow at Yonsei University
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/videos/20220105170108753/

North Korea's suspected ballistic missile launch could have been aimed at testing the resolve of other nations, according to expert Bong Young-shik. NHK World spoke with the research fellow at Yonsei University's Institute for North Korean Studies in Seoul for more insight.


Key words : 84-thousand
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220130_02/

Japan's coronavirus case count has marked a record high for the fifth day in a row, spurred on by the highly transmissible Omicron variant. Health authorities across the country confirmed more than 84-thousand new infections on Saturday. 734 people are in serious condition, up 37 from Friday.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government reported 17,433 new cases on Saturday. That's the second highest daily count after Friday's. The seven-day average is nearly double what it was a week earlier.

The growing number of infections among children is starting to have an effect on advanced pediatric services.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Children's Medical Center treats children suffering from severe illnesses. But the number of patients being hospitalized who are or may be infected with the coronavirus is rapidly increasing, nearly nine-fold from the start of this month.

This has forced the hospital to reduce its regular medical services and put off operations requiring advanced pediatric care.

Hospital officials say they may have to further restrict general medical services next week if the current situation continues.

A doctor at the hospital, Horikoshi Yuho said, "We accept children other hospitals cannot. There are a lot of medical services only we can do. We definitely want to avoid a situation where we cannot save a life that otherwise could have been saved."

Dialysis patients have also been affected by the recent surge. These patients are at higher risk of developing severe symptoms if infected with the virus.

But a group of experts says there are some cases in which patients with both kidney problems and the coronavirus are unable to be hospitalized.

A doctor, Kikuchi Kan said, "I think some changes may be necessary, such as getting hospitals to take in only high-risk patients and allowing those with light symptoms to be treated at other facilities."

The group says about 21 percent of dialysis patients who have been infected with the coronavirus have required oxygen support. And it says the fatality rate is high, at 14.5 percent.


Key words : chinatown dance
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220130_13/

The organizers of events to celebrate the Lunar New Year in Yokohama's Chinatown near Tokyo plan to dramatically scale things down this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

A group of store and restaurant owners made the decision because quasi-emergency measures are in place in Kanagawa Prefecture. Yokohama is the prefectural capital.

The events were originally scheduled from February 1 to 15 and would be the first in two years.

But the group says it will cancel the popular lion dance scheduled for February 1, the day the Chinese New Year begins. The event symbolizes hopes for good business and is filled with the sounds of firecrackers and drums.

A parade scheduled for February 5 will be postponed.

But the group says the countdown event from January 31 to February 1 will go ahead, with spectator stands to be cut to one-fourth the size of a usual year.

The head of the Yokohama Chinatown Development Association, Takahashi Nobumasa, says the decision was made with a heavy heart to cancel traditional festivities.

He says that rather than giving up all events, the association hopes to carry out ones that can be held with thorough measures to reduce infection risks, in line with the rules of the central and local governments.


Key words : film festival soviet era
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220130_06/

The Georgia Film Festival, which features valuable works produced in the country during the former Soviet era, has begun in Tokyo.

The festival opened on Saturday at Iwanami Hall in Jinbocho in central Tokyo.

Before the screenings, Georgian Ambassador to Japan Teimuraz Lezhava delivered a speech.

He said his country is proud of having cultivated its culture while undergoing a difficult international situation. He added that films are an important cultural item that conveys the spirit of Georgia.

The festival features 35 films. They include a movie depicting the life of Georgia's leading painter Niko Pirosmani. He is known for a romantic episode that was turned into a hit song, "Million Scarlet Roses."

One of the audience members said Georgian films have an appeal that cannot be found in Western movies. She said she wants to watch all the works.

Painter Harada Takehide, who planned the film festival, said only a limited number of works are available for screening, as many films produced during the former Soviet era are missing or have deteriorated.

Harada said there were restrictions on expression at that time, but the films reflect the pride of the Georgian people and their desire for freedom. He expressed hope that people will learn more about the works.

The film festival runs through February 25.


2022年1月29日土曜日

at 20:00 (JST), January 29

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20220129200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : metropolitan second 48 percent
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220129_12/

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government reported 17,433 new cases of the coronavirus on Saturday.

That's the second highest daily count after Friday's, and about 1.6 times the figure from a week earlier.

The seven-day average stands at 13,781.7, nearly double from the previous week.

The capital's occupancy rate for COVID-19 hospital beds was 48 percent, up 1.9 percentage points from Friday.


Key words : dozens of
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220129_06/

Dozens of post offices in Japan have been forced to suspend in-person services amid the latest wave of coronavirus infections.

Japan Post says that as of Friday evening, 45 branches had halted their counter services after several employees got infected or were classified as close contacts.

Most of the affected branches are small, but some are in urban areas and have large customer bases.

One is in Tokyo's Setagaya Ward, and gets an average of about 100 visitors each day. Management suspended counter services on January 20, and has also halted ATM services. People are asked to use a nearby post office instead.

Another post office in Setagaya suspended in-person services last Monday. It typically gets around 1,000 visitors a day.

Japan Post says wherever possible it is sending workers from surrounding branches to assist at outlets that have been hit by sudden staff shortages. But it says this is becoming increasingly difficult.

It says there has been no major impact on its delivery services.


Key words : health authorities struggling
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220128_42/

Health authorities across Japan have reported a record number of new infections for the fourth consecutive day.

The country's daily tally exceeded the 80,000 mark for the first time on Friday. As the highly transmissible Omicron variant becomes dominant, the national figure has more than tripled in just two weeks.

And the effects of the spike are being felt by local authorities. The western city of Osaka is struggling to maintain trash collection services.

Officials say more than 100 of their 1,400 sanitation workers are now unable to do their jobs. Many have been deemed close contacts of people already infected and are required to self-isolate for 10 days.

An Osaka city official says they have been struggling to keep enough garbage collectors on the job, but says it's getting tougher.

The government has decided to shorten the isolation period for close contacts.

Japan's Prime Minister Kishida Fumio said, "As the number of infections continues to rise, we need to strike a balance between preventing the spread of the virus and maintaining social and economic activities as much as possible. "

Kishida also said he will shorten the self-isolation period to seven days. And essential workers can resume work from day five after contact if they test negative for the virus.


Key words : foreign student
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220129_09/

Demonstrators in several countries have called on the Japanese government to ease its coronavirus entry restrictions.

Participants gathered on Friday in front of Japanese embassies and other places in eight countries, including Germany, Spain and Bangladesh. Those who took part were people trying to come to Japan for study and other purposes.

Japan has barred new foreign arrivals through the end of February as part of its border controls against the Omicron variant.

The demonstrators held up pieces of paper with messages such as "Stop Japan's Ban" and "Waiting for two years."

Jade Barry launched a group that called for the demonstrations. She said members want a specific roadmap and date to plan for entry. She said she loves Japan and its people.

Japan's Immigration Services Agency says that as of October 1, about 147,800 foreigners who wanted to study in Japan were unable to enter the country.

In late January, the government started allowing 87 foreign students with Japanese government scholarships to enter the country. Officials say these people are special cases who have to take in-person classes to meet imminent deadlines for graduation or the completion of their academic work.

The government says it will be flexible in its consideration of whether to grant more exemptions to the entry ban, based on humanitarian grounds, national interests and other special circumstances.


Key words : south record fifth
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220129_10/

South Korea has confirmed a record high number of coronavirus cases for the fifth straight day, driven by a rapid spread of the Omicron variant.

The country's public health authorities said that Friday's tally stood at an all-time high of 17,542. That's 2.5 times the figure from a week earlier.

The case count came as the five-day Lunar New Year holiday began on Saturday.

The government is calling on people to refrain from travelling to their hometowns or elsewhere.

It has banned eating indoors at rest areas along expressways and limited sales of train tickets to window seats only.

South Korean authorities have set up examination centers, are providing free PCR tests nationwide and, on Saturday, began to offer antigen tests whose results become available more quickly.

Health authorities are also accelerating the administering of booster shots, by cutting the interval between the second and thirds shots to 3 months.

The proportion of people in the country who have gotten booster shots has reached 52.3 percent among those eligible for the doses.


Key words : ukraine put on alert
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220129_07/

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin says Russia has amassed enough military capacity on its border with Ukraine to seize the country's cities and territories.

Austin told reporters on Friday the US doesn't believe Russian President Vladimir Putin has made a final decision to use the forces, but he "clearly now has that capability."

Austin noted Putin has multiple options. He said these include "the seizure of cities and significant territories" and "coercive acts or provocative political acts like the recognition of breakaway territories."

The chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Mark Milley, said Russia has deployed more than 100,000 troops along its border with Ukraine. He said this is larger in scale and scope than anything since the Cold War.

He warned an invasion by Russia would "result in a significant amount of casualties."

Austin also stressed the importance of diplomatic efforts. He said, "Conflict is not inevitable. There is still time and space for diplomacy."

Meanwhile, the administration of President Joe Biden has put on alert around 8,500 US-based troops for possible deployment to Europe.

Biden told reporters on Friday he will be moving US troops to eastern Europe and NATO countries, "in the near term," but said the number would be "not a lot."


Key words : security council diplomacy
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220129_08/

The United States has proposed an open meeting of the UN Security Council next Monday to discuss the military crisis over Ukraine. But Russia opposes the move.

The US proposal says Russia's buildup of troops along its border with Ukraine threatens international peace and security.

A senior US administration official said on Friday the meeting would be a clear opportunity for Russia to tell the Security Council whether it sees a path for diplomacy or is interested in pursuing conflict.

Russia's deputy ambassador to the UN, Dmitry Polyanskiy, criticized the US on Twitter for proposing discussions on what he calls "its own baseless allegations and assumptions."

He expressed hope that other Security Council members will reject the US proposal.

There is speculation Russia might call for a Security Council vote on whether to convene the proposed meeting.


Key words : johnson visit Japan
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220129_03/

NHK has learned that British Prime Minister Boris Johnson plans to visit Japan in mid-February for talks with Prime Minister Kishida Fumio.

It would be the British leader's first time in Japan since taking office, and the second time he has met Kishida in person, following November's COP26 summit in Britain.

Their talks are likely to cover anti-coronavirus measures and the effort to realize a carbon-free society.

They are also expected to reaffirm cooperation on issues such as China's increasingly assertive activities and the rising tensions over Ukraine.


Key words : olympic opening closing
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220129_02/

Taiwan's delegation for the Beijing Winter Olympics will not take part in the opening or closing ceremonies.

Officials said on Friday that the 15-member delegation, which includes four athletes, will be arriving in the Chinese capital in groups from Taiwan, the United States and Switzerland.

They said not all members will be able to arrive by the opening ceremony on February 4 because flights have been adjusted or delayed due to China's pandemic and entry policies.

The officials also said most members will go home after their events are over, and that they will not be in Beijing on the day of the closing ceremony.

Under an agreement with the International Olympic Committee, Taiwan competes with the name "Chinese Taipei" in English. Chinese character notation to that effect was used at the 2008 Beijing Games.

At a news conference on Wednesday, China's Taiwan Affairs Office spokesperson Zhu Fenglian referred to the delegation using Chinese characters suggesting "Taipei, China."

Some people in Taiwan reacted sharply, saying that Zhu was indicating that Taiwan is part of China's territory.


Key words : commissioner human rights
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220129_05/

China's foreign ministry says it is inviting the United Nations' high commissioner for human rights to the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region after the Beijing Winter Olympics.

Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told reporters on Friday that it has already extended an invitation to Michelle Bachelet. He said China will welcome her to the region, and added that the two sides have been in communication on the matter.

Zhao also said the purpose of the visit is to promote exchanges and cooperation, and that China opposes any attempt to exploit this issue for political purposes.

The United States and other countries have announced diplomatic boycotts of the Beijing Winter Olympics, saying they will not send government officials to the Games. They cited alleged human rights abuses in Xinjiang.

China appears to be eager to quell international criticism. It is unclear if Bachelet has accepted the invitation.


2022年1月28日金曜日

at 18:30 (JST), January 28

Asian View

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


https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20220128183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : north test-fired guided missile
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220128_07/

North Korea's state-run Korean Central News Agency says the country's Academy of National Defense Science test-fired tactical guided missiles on Thursday.

KCNA's report on Friday also said "two tactical guided missiles precisely hit the target island."

South Korea's military stated on Thursday that the North fired two projectiles from South Hamgyong Province toward the Sea of Japan. It said it believes the projectiles were short-range ballistic missiles.

It is presumed that North Korea's announcement refers to these projectiles.

KCNA also said North Korea conducted the test-firing of a long-range cruise missile system on Tuesday. It added that two missiles "hit the target island" 1,800 kilometers away.

South Korean military officials said on Tuesday that the North apparently launched two cruise missiles. It is believed that the KCNA report refers to these missiles.


Key words : 162 people
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220128_04/

Hong Kong police say a total of 162 people have been arrested on suspicion of violating the territory's national security law since the legislation took effect in June 2020.

The commissioner of the police said at a news conference on Thursday that more than 100 of them have been charged.

Those arrested include 47 citizens who were later indicted on subversion charges for their involvement in unofficial primary elections ahead of a Legislative Council vote.

The arrestees also include several senior members of civic groups that, for years, organized memorials for the victims of the 1989 crackdown on pro-democracy protesters in Beijing's Tiananmen Square.

Six others, including the founder of the Apple Daily newspaper, Jimmy Lai, were indicted on charges of endangering national security by colluding with foreign forces. The newspaper, known for its critical stance toward Beijing, closed last June.

The police commissioner also said the hotline dedicated to possible national security law offenses had received over 230,000 calls from the public since it was launched in November 2020.

The Hong Kong government is planning new legislation to crack down on acts considered hostile toward Beijing.

The police commissioner said Hong Kong's security situation is set to stabilize but still warrants caution.


Key words : european union discriminatory
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220128_03/

The European Union says it has launched a case at the World Trade Organization against China over its discriminatory trade practices against Lithuania.

The EU said in an announcement on Thursday that China's actions appear to be illegal under WTO rules.

It says China has significantly restricted trade with Lithuania since December and been pressuring EU companies that export to China not to use Lithuanian content.

China has been increasing pressure on Lithuania since the Baltic nation allowed Taiwan to open a representative office under its own name in November.

The European Commission announced last month a set of measures to counter what it calls "economic coercion" by third countries. They include tariff hikes and trade restrictions.

European Commission Executive Vice-President Valdis Dombrovskis has called for the measures to be swiftly approved by EU member states and the European Parliament so they can be implemented soon.


Key words : afghan skier
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/videos/20220119194917857/

Not every country will be represented at the upcoming Beijing Olympics, like Afghanistan. NHK World's Kojima Mei reports on an Afghan refugee who's trying to keep his Olympic dreams alive.


2022年1月27日木曜日

at 18:30 (JST), January 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/20220127183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : north launched sixth
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220127_10/

The South Korean military says North Korea has fired two projectiles believed to be short-range ballistic missiles toward the sea off its east coast.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff made the announcement shortly after 8:00 a.m. on Thursday, local time.

It is working with US forces to gather and analyze information about the launch.

North Korea has repeatedly launched missiles since the beginning of this year.

It fired one projectile each on January 5 and 11, and announced the next day that it had tested a hypersonic missile.

It also fired two projectiles each on January 14 and 17. They are believed to have been short-range ballistic missiles.

On Tuesday, South Korean military sources said the North had fired what appeared to be two cruise missiles.

Thursday's launch, the sixth this year, underscores Pyongyang's intention to boost its military capabilities.

North Korea's ruling Workers' Party political bureau decided at a meeting on January 19 that the country must prepare for a long-term confrontation with US imperialism.

It hinted at reviewing its unilateral suspension of nuclear and intercontinental ballistic missile tests announced in 2018.

Observers say North Korea is sending a warning to the US, which unveiled new sanctions over Pyongyang's nuclear and missile tests and has called for the UN Security Council to issue a statement urging the North to abide by its resolutions.


Key words : cambodian
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220127_02/

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen has urged Myanmar's military leaders to follow a five-point agreement reached at an ASEAN meeting last year.

Hun Sen spoke with Myanmar's Senior General Min Aung Hlaing online on Wednesday. Cambodia chairs the Association of Southeast Asian Nations this year.

The talks come after Hun Sen's visit to Myanmar in early January to meet with the military chief.

The Cambodian government said that at the latest talks, the prime minister expressed deep concern about continuing violence in Myanmar.

It also said Hun Sen again asked Min Aung Hlaing to implement the five-point agreement, including halting violence immediately and accepting a special envoy to mediate dialogue.

Myanmar's state-run TV reported that the military chief told Hun Sen that Myanmar will do its utmost to cooperate with ASEAN.

ASEAN has refused to invite Myanmar's military leader to the group's summit meetings as the junta, which took power in the February 2021 coup, continues its crackdown on civilian protesters.

But Hun Sen expressed his willingness to bring Myanmar back into the group's summits.

However, Indonesia and Singapore said ASEAN should not accept Myanmar's military leader in the summits unless there is progress in the five-point agreement.


Key words : finance
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220126_13/

The Japanese government's debt exceeded its assets by a record 5.7 trillion dollars at the end of the last fiscal year. That was partly due to supplementary budgets for measures to cope with the coronavirus pandemic.

The Finance Ministry said on Tuesday that assets grew 5.8 percent from the previous fiscal year to more than 720 trillion yen, or over 6.3 trillion dollars. These include roads and other infrastructure, as well as securities.

The ministry said liabilities expanded 8.1 percent in yen terms to 1,376 trillion yen or 12 trillion dollars in the fiscal year that ended in March 2021. As a result, the government's negative net worth totaled 655.2 trillion yen or over 5.7 trillion dollars, up 10.7 percent.

The country's fiscal health could get even worse. Government officials have compiled a supplementary budget worth more than 300 billion dollars for the current fiscal year.

The government compiled three supplementary budgets in fiscal 2020.
The annual increase in negative net worth also hit the highest level since the government started announcing these figures in fiscal 2003.


Key words : india parade
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220126_25/

India celebrated Republic Day on Wednesday with an annual military parade in the capital New Delhi.

Republic Day marks the anniversary of the adoption of India's constitution that came into force on January 26, 1950.

The parade included tanks and surface-to-air missiles that have been deployed, in addition to former Soviet-made tanks that had been used in past wars with Pakistan over control of Kashmir.

Spectators also saw a formation flight of aircraft including French-made Rafale fighter jets that were put into service in 2020.

With its border disputes with China and Pakistan, India has been modernizing its weapons. According to Sweden's Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, India's 2020 military spending stood at about 72 billion dollars, ranking third in the world, after the United States and China.

India has been increasing the manufacturing of weapons under the administration of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, shifting from imports.


Key words : marubeni
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220127_18/

Major Japanese trading house Marubeni says it's going to sell its entire stake in its struggling US grain unit.

Marubeni will unload its shares in Gavilon to a Dutch company. The transaction is slated to take place next fiscal year, which starts from April. It will follow the transfer of some of Gavilon's operations to a subsidiary.

The trading house acquired the grain exporter nine years ago for 2.7 billion dollars. Gavilon has since incurred losses of more than one billion dollars.

Marubeni's chief executive officer of food and agriculture operations, Terakawa Akira, told reporters that the company wants to invest in new business models that are closer to consumers, including the plant protein business.

Marubeni did not disclose the price of the sale.
But it expects to recoup about 3.5 billion dollars and post some of the proceeds as a capital gain.


Key words : toyota
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220127_17/

Toyota Motor says it is extending the suspension of production at plants in Japan for three more days. The stoppages have been caused by parts shortages amid a surge in coronavirus infections in the country.

The auto giant halted 19 assembly lines at 11 plants on Tuesday and Wednesday, affecting output of models including the Corolla, Prius and Land Cruiser. The suspensions will now continue on Thursday, Friday and Monday.

Toyota says parts shipments have been delayed, as suppliers have been hit by coronavirus infections.

Daihatsu Motor, which makes some Toyota models, will also suspend some production for three days.

Toyota says the stoppages will affect output of about 94,000 units this month.


Key words : south ambassador fund
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220126_20/

People gathered at a train station in Tokyo on Wednesday to remember two men who died there 21 years ago, while trying to save a man who had fallen onto the tracks.

South Korean student Lee Su-hyon and Japanese photographer Sekine Shiro jumped from the platform to try to save the man at JR Shin-Okubo Station on January 26, 2001. All three died after being hit by a train. Lee was 26 and Sekine was 47 at the time.

People who gathered at the station on Wednesday included South Korea's Ambassador to Japan, Kang Chang-il, and the head of the Japanese language school Lee attended.

They laid flowers in front of a plaque paying tribute to the victims and observed a moment of silence on the platform.

During a subsequent memorial ceremony, a video message sent from Lee's mother, Shin Yoon-chan, was shown. She had visited Japan on the anniversary every year, but due to the coronavirus pandemic refrained from doing so again this year.

In the video message, she said she had been looking forward to traveling to Japan because visiting Shin-Okubo on January 26 makes her feel like she can see her son. She added that she is grateful to supporters who have warmly welcomed her over the past 21 years.

Lee's parents used condolence money to set up a fund for studying Japanese in Japan, like their son who had hoped to serve as a bridge between Japan and South Korea.

The fund has so far offered scholarships to 1,059 students from 19 countries and regions.


2022年1月26日水曜日

at 18:30 (JST), January 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/20220126183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : plan to deploy
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220126_04/

Japan and the United States plan to deploy US unmanned military aircraft at a base of Japan's Self-Defense Forces for the first time to step up surveillance amid China's increasing maritime activities.

The two sides are considering deploying around seven MQ-9 aerial vehicles to the Maritime Self-Defense Force's Kanoya base in Kagoshima Prefecture, southern Japan.

About 100 US personnel are expected to operate and maintain the aircraft.

The Japanese and US governments say officials will visit the base as early as next month to inspect hangars and accommodations.

The plan comes after the foreign affairs and defense chiefs of the two countries agreed that their personnel should increase shared use of facilities.

Japan's Defense Ministry plans to brief the mayor of Kanoya City on the matter.


Key words : sports minister
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220126_02/

South Korea says it will send its sports minister to the opening ceremony of the Beijing Winter Olympics.

The government announced on Tuesday that Hwang Hee will attend the ceremony next week.

But President Moon Jae-in will not be traveling to the Games.

Separately, National Assembly Speaker Park Byeong-seug will visit Beijing at the invitation of the Chinese Communist Party's number-three official Li Zhanshu.

Park will hold talks with Li, attend the opening ceremony and a luncheon to be hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian told reporters on Tuesday that China welcomes the speaker.

Zhao said South Korea has been actively supporting China in hosting a successful Games, which is in line with the Olympic spirit and embodies bilateral friendship.

President Moon is believed to have decided against attending the Games in line with the US diplomatic boycott.

But South Korea is apparently sending the sports minister out of consideration for the Olympic host.


Key words : automakers
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220125_20/

Japan's Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors and their French partner Renault plan to invest tens of billions of dollars to boost their alliance and accelerate development of electric vehicles.

The three automakers have been working together on common platforms and components.

Sources say the trio will invest 23 billion euros-that's about 26 billion dollars-over the next five years to develop EVs.

The same sources say the carmakers also plan to share solid-state batteries and install them in new EV models once the technology is commercially viable.
Those batteries can store more electricity than lithium-ion ones.

Nissan, Mitsubishi and Renault were early entrants into the EV market that's getting more competitive all the time.


Key words : kobe
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/videos/20220113075345851/

A singer-songwriter who lost his sister in the massive Kobe earthquake 27 years ago has turned his experiences into a song to convey the dearness of life and the importance of overcoming tragedy.

 (text converter and manual correction as follows)
27 years ago, on January 17th a magnitude 7.3 earthquake struck Kobe a large city in Western Japan. About 250,000 houses collapsed in over 6,000 people perished. A local singer has been sharing his experiences of the disaster through his music. NHK World Ide Mizuha reports. 

Tashiro Sakuto is a singer-songwriter from Kobe. 

Tashiro is the fourth of five siblings. When he was 10, his house was torn down by the earthquake. His sister was killed. She was 17 at the time. I'll never forget when my mother came out shaking her head, saying my sister didn't make it. Tashiro’s parents divorced after the disaster. For a while he was homeless. In his most desperate moments memories of the sister came to mind. She had looked after the family everyday while studying tore her dreams. 

I realized I was too ashamed to face my sister like this. 

Tashiro decided to make a living with his passion for music. He composed dear sister a song in which he bowed to face his feelings on the quake and his sister's death. 

He made his professional debut with the song. He sings it each year when the anniversary of the earthquake approaches. The song  resulted a request to share his stories of the disaster with children who are unaware of it. 

I’ve been invited to elementary and junior high school as a guest teacher and talk about the earthquake. I’m grateful in many ways for being a singer.

Tashiro will continue to sing about overcoming the tragedy of the disaster and the preciousness of life. As he cherishes the promise made to his sister. 

Ide Mizuha, NHK World Kobe. 

2022年1月25日火曜日

at 18:30 (JST), January 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/20220125183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : china human rights hong kong
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220125_01/

China is reacting sharply against Japan and the United States over a recent online summit in which the leaders of the two nations discussed human rights issues in China.

At a news conference on Monday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian announced that China had lodged strong complaints with Washington and Tokyo.

He criticized the two leaders, saying they once again attacked and unjustly slandered China and violently interfered with the country's internal affairs. He said China "deplores and rejects this, and has lodged solemn diplomatic representation with the two countries."

Japan's Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and US President Joe Biden met virtually last Friday.

They both expressed opposition to unilateral attempts to change the status quo in the East and South China Seas and any economic coercion, apparently with China in mind.

They also shared serious concerns about the situation in Hong Kong, and the human rights situation in the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region.

Furthermore, they underscored the importance of peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and encouraged the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues.

Kishida and Biden agreed to coordinate closely in addressing various issues related to China.

Zhao told reporters that issues concerning Taiwan, Xinjiang region, and Hong Kong are purely China's internal affairs and meddling by any country or outside force is unacceptable.

He stressed no one and no nation should underestimate the Chinese people's resolve to protect the country's sovereignty and territory.


Key words : china fighter unveiled
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220125_03/

Taiwan's defense ministry has for the first time confirmed that China's new type of electronic warfare fighter jet flew into its air defense identification zone, or ADIZ.

The ministry says J-16D fighter jets were among the 13 Chinese aircraft that entered a southwestern part of Taiwan's ADIZ on Monday.

The J-16D was unveiled at last year's air show in China's southern province of Guangdong. It is capable of neutralizing opponents' radar and communication systems.

The official newspaper the People's Liberation Army Daily says the J-16D has comprehensive and integrated capabilities in terms of reconnaissance, attack and defense.

The paper said in November that the jets were already in use for practical training.

An official at Taiwan's Institute for National Defense and Security Research points out that the J-16D poses a threat to Taiwan's security, since it can not only disrupt radar systems like previous aircraft, but also destroy them with missiles.


Key words : taliban officials
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220125_04/

The Taliban and officials from Western countries have held talks in Norway on the serious humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan.

Taliban officials, including acting foreign minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, are in Europe for the first time since the group retook control of Afghanistan last August. They were invited by the Norwegian government.

The delegates were in Oslo on Sunday and talked with human rights activists who evacuated Afghanistan.

This was followed by talks the next day with officials from Western nations, including Britain and Germany. They discussed Afghanistan's humanitarian crisis. The attendees also included US special representative Thomas West.

Muttaqi revealed after the closed-door talks that the topics included humanitarian support and the economy.

He said his side made proposals for the fields of the economy and education, and shared information with other countries.

They are scheduled to meet again on Tuesday.

Western officials will likely demand an improvement in Afghanistan's humanitarian situation as a condition for support. Taliban representatives are expected to call for frozen Afghan assets overseas to be released.


Key words : maritime self-defense 300
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220124_26/

A Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ship has left for Tonga to deliver relief supplies.

The MSDF transport vessel Osumi departed from its base in Kure City, western Japan, on Monday afternoon with about 300 crew members on board.

A high-pressure cleaning machine to remove volcanic ash was loaded onto the ship earlier in the day along with drinking water and other supplies.

Osumi is also carrying an air-cushioned landing craft and a CH47 transport helicopter, for use if ports in Tonga have been damaged or are inaccessible.

The vessel is due to arrive at waters off the South Pacific nation in about two weeks.

Last Thursday, Japan's Defense Ministry dispatched two Air Self-Defense Force C130 transport airplanes to deliver drinking water to Tonga.


Key words : expand 34 tighter
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220125_18/

Japan's coronavirus panel has approved the government's plan to expand areas where quasi-emergency measures are in place to stem the spread of the coronavirus and prevent a strain on healthcare.

The restrictions will be in effect in 18 more prefectures from Thursday to February 20. Intensive measures already in place in Okinawa, Yamaguchi and Hiroshima prefectures until next Monday will be extended until February 20.

As a result of the move, 34 of Japan's 47 prefectures face tighter anti-coronavirus restrictions. The 18 added prefectures are Hokkaido, Aomori, Yamagata, Fukushima, Ibaraki, Tochigi, Ishikawa, Nagano, Shizuoka, Kyoto, Osaka, Hyogo, Shimane, Okayama, Fukuoka, Saga, Oita and Kagoshima.

The Cabinet Office's state minister in charge of coronavirus measures, Kikawada Hitoshi, explained on Tuesday that the prefectures requested the measures.

He said the alert for the situation of infections and medical care was judged to be at level two, and that case counts are rising quickly. He said if the spread of infections continues at this rate, healthcare may soon shoulder a heavy burden.

Kikawada said many people are still testing positive in Okinawa, Yamaguchi and Hiroshima, and there are concerns that healthcare could be even more burdened depending on the future situation of infections.

The government plans make the decision official after briefing the Diet in advance and holding a question-and-answer session.


Key words : organizer bubble
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220124_23/

Organizers of the Beijing Winter Olympics say they have found the first coronavirus case among national team members that entered China on Sunday.

The organizing committee said on Monday that the case was identified from PCR tests of 529 Olympic-related people at an airport in Beijing the previous day.

The committee did not disclose which team the athlete or official belongs to. It revealed that three people who were not members of a team also tested positive at the airport.

The committee also said that more than 38,000 tests were conducted on Sunday inside the so-called bubble separating Games-related personnel from the public. Two infections were confirmed from among those tests.

From January 4 through Sunday, 43 coronavirus cases were found at the airport and 35 inside the Olympics bubble.


Key words : unmanned
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220124_15/

Japanese telecom giants are working on a novel way to keep communications up and running during disasters. They are developing flying base stations that could maintain cell phone service.

The firms are working on a system called High Altitude Platform Station, or HAPS. The technology places communications equipment on autonomous aircraft to serve as relay stations.

SoftBank is pouring resources into developing a solar-powered aircraft. The company is issuing bonds this month worth 30 billion yen, or over 260 million dollars, to fund the project.

Around 40 of the aircraft could provide coverage for communications across Japan.
SoftBank first aims to put the system to use overseas in 2027.

Wakikawa Ryuji, SoftBank's Head of Advanced Technology Division, says, "We'd like to work out what we need to do, such as creating rules regarding safety and cost, to turn this into a business within five years."

Meanwhile, NTT Docomo has successfully tested with European aircraft maker Airbus sending radio waves from an unmanned aircraft.

Telecom firms believe that flying base stations will also be useful in developing countries that lack communications infrastructure.


2022年1月24日月曜日

at 18:30 (JST), January 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/20220124183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : emanuel
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220123_15/

The new US Ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, arrived in Tokyo on Sunday.

After landing at Haneda Airport with his wife, Amy, Emanuel posted a message on Twitter in both Japanese and English. It said, "Amy and I are excited to have arrived in Japan and are eager to meet the people of Japan as we travel throughout the country."

The 62-year-old Chicago native is known for his hard-driving style. He was a member of the US House of Representatives before serving as chief of staff to then-President Barack Obama. Emanuel is known to be close to current President Joe Biden, who was Obama's vice president.

In an interview with NHK before leaving for Tokyo, Emanuel indicated he will work to further strengthen Japan-US relations, with China's growing influence in mind. He said the two democracies are at a critical juncture to advance their common value systems.

The post of US ambassador to Japan was vacant for about two and a half years after William Hagerty stepped down in July 2019 to run for the Senate.

The US Embassy in Tokyo said Emanuel is expected to start his work as ambassador after 10 days of quarantine at his official residence in the capital.


Key words : taiwan defense aircraft
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220124_08/

Taiwan's defense ministry says that on Sunday 39 Chinese military airplanes flew over waters southwest of the island and entered its air defense identification zone, or ADIZ.

The ministry says that is the second largest number of aircraft recorded in a single day, since it began releasing reports about the entry of Chinese military planes in the current format in September 2020. J-10 and J-16 fighters were among the Chinese planes that entered the ADIZ on Sunday.

Fifty-six Chinese military aircraft entered the ADIZ on October 4. Nearly 1,000 Chinese military planes entered Taiwan's ADIZ in 2021. That was about 2.5 times more than the previous year.

It has been confirmed that more than 100 Chinese aircraft have entered the ADIZ this year.

The defense ministry released a report in November warning about gray zone threats posed by China.

The report says China is trying to wear down Taiwan's military capabilities, and create unrest among the people, without actually conducting an armed attack. It suggests that sending aircraft into Taiwan's ADIZ is one of the tactics China is using.

The report says that China's goal is to take control of Taiwan without engaging in a fight.


Key words : okinawa election
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220124_03/

Incumbent Mayor Toguchi Taketoyo of Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture, supported by ruling parties, has secured his re-election in Sunday's vote.

The mayoral race comes as the central and prefectural governments remain locked in a standoff over the planned relocation of US Marine Corps Futenma Air Station to the city.

Toguchi, supported by the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito, garnered 19,524 votes. His rival and newcomer Kishimoto Yohei got 14,439 votes.

Kishimoto, supported by opposition parties and backed by Okinawa Governor Tamaki Denny, called for the cancellation of the relocation plan.

60-year-old Toguchi was born in Nago and was first elected as mayor in 2018, after serving in the city's assembly.

During the campaign, Toguchi did not state whether he was for or against the planned relocation. He instead said he would wait and see how the rift between the central and prefectural governments pans out.

Toguchi also underlined his achievements during his first term, such as realizing free school meals and free medical services for children.

After the election, Toguchi said he thinks his governance over the past four years, including child support measures, has been appreciated by voters.

He noted that there have been lawsuits filed by the central and prefectural governments over the relocation plan, and said he, as mayor, had no choice but to wait and see how things will develop.

The voter turnout was 68.32 percent, down 8.6 points from the previous election, and the lowest-ever.


Key words : one week drinking
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220122_16/

Saturday marks one week since a massive underwater volcano erupted near the island nation of Tonga in the South Pacific.

Support from other countries is moving into full swing.

Australia and New Zealand have been delivering drinking water, communications equipment and other supplies since Thursday.

A Japanese Air Self-Defense Force aircraft arrived in Tonga with a load of drinking water on Saturday.

But local residents are concerned about damage to agriculture caused by volcanic ash, and power shortages.

World Health Organization staff member Setoya Yutaro told NHK from the Tongan capital of Nuku'alofa by telephone that the situation is calm but that ash is still falling.

Setoya said that 99 percent of the island is blanketed in ash, crops have been damaged and distribution has been brought to a standstill. He said supplies of food and water are running low. He said that other islands were running out of petroleum and may soon not be able to generate electricity.

Setoya also said many homes had been partly or completely destroyed. He said recovery from the disaster will take time and long-term support will be required.


Key words : high-pressure
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220124_26/

A Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ship has left for Tonga to deliver relief supplies.

The MSDF transport vessel Osumi departed from its base in Kure City, western Japan, on Monday afternoon with about 300 crew members on board.

A high-pressure cleaning machine to remove volcanic ash was loaded onto the ship earlier in the day along with drinking water and other supplies.

Osumi is also carrying an air-cushioned landing craft and a CH47 transport helicopter, for use if ports in Tonga have been damaged or are inaccessible.

The vessel is due to arrive at waters off the South Pacific nation in about two weeks.

Last Thursday, Japan's Defense Ministry dispatched two Air Self-Defense Force C130 transport airplanes to deliver drinking water to Tonga.


Key words : Saturday marked one year
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220123_06/

The head of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, or ICAN, has urged Japan to contribute to the treaty's effort against nuclear weapons.

Saturday marked one year since the UN treaty banning the use, development and possession of nuclear weapons took effect.

Fifty-nine countries and regions have ratified the treaty. But Japan, which is under the US nuclear umbrella for its security, is not a signatory, along with nuclear states such as the United States and Russia.

Executive Director of ICAN, which won the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize for its contribution to the adoption of the treaty, Beatrice Fihn spoke with NHK.
Fihn expressed her strong concern over the present situation where nuclear states are modernizing their arsenals.

She warned of the dangerous situation stemming from the tensions between the US, and China and Russia while expressing appreciation for the participation of more countries.

The Executive Director said the "risk of nuclear weapons use is increasing" and it is urgent to "work on nuclear disarmament" and work with the treaty on nuclear prohibition.

She said that non signatory countries including Germany and Norway have shown their intent to take part as observers in the first meeting of signatories which is scheduled in March this year.

Fihn explained that a very concrete discussion about victim assistance, a subject in which the Japanese government has a lot of expertise, is to take place at the meeting and stressed that Japan could contribute much in a non-political way.


Key words : shipment lithuania
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220122_14/

A shipment of Lithuanian rum has arrived in Taiwan after it was learned last month that it could be blocked from the original destination, China. Taiwan's purchase of the rum is part of measures to support the Baltic nation which has been under pressure from China for strengthening ties with Taipei.

Lithuania's relationship with China has deteriorated since it allowed a "Taiwanese Representative Office" to open in mid-November. China responded by downgrading its diplomatic ties with Lithuania.

Lithuania asked Taiwan for help in December when the country's rum exporters concluded that a shipment of 20,400 bottles of rum was likely to be denied entry by Chinese customs.

Taiwan's public tobacco and liquor company agreed to purchase the rum. The liquor was reloaded onto another vessel and shipped to Taiwan. Bottles of the rum were shown to the media on Saturday.

The labels were printed in simplified Chinese characters for the China market but will be replaced with those with the characters used in Taiwan.

The importers plan to start selling the rum by the Chinese New Year holidays.

Taiwanese authorities say there are at least 120 cargo containers which Chinese authorities have refused clearance. Taiwan plans to purchase all of the cargo inside the containers including the rum.

Earlier this month, Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda said it was a mistake to allow the opening of a representative office under the name of "Taiwan," indicating differences of opinion within his administration.

Taiwan has pledged to set up a 1 billion dollar program to fund projects by Lithuanian and Taiwanese companies, aiming to boost ties between the countries.


Key words : olympic first 12 days
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220124_01/

The Beijing Winter Olympic village has opened its doors to the first group of residents, 12 days before the opening of the Games.

Chinese state media report that people involved in the Games arrived at the village on Sunday, from more than 20 nations and regions, including China, the United States and Britain.

The Olympic village will officially open on Thursday and many athletes are expected to arrive.

The Winter Games will begin on February 4 in Beijing and neighboring Zhangjiakou in Hebei Province.

The venues for the Games are divided into three zones and a separate Olympic village is set up in each zone.

Officials will put in place a "bubble" system where Games-related personnel are physically separated from others to prevent the coronavirus from spreading. The system was adopted at the Tokyo Games last year.

Beijing Olympic officials said on Sunday that they had confirmed 33 positive cases inside the "bubble" among over 330,000 tests conducted from January 4 to 22.

They said those who tested positive are neither athletes nor people related to them.

In Beijing 43 positive cases were reportedly confirmed as of Sunday, including people with no symptoms.

Chinese authorities are on high alert against the virus. They conducted coronavirus testing on roughly 2 million residents in Fengtai District, where a relatively high number of infections have been reported.


2022年1月23日日曜日

at 20:00 (JST), January 23

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20220123200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : eruption european
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220123_11/

A European earth observation satellite captured imagery of what appears to be waves spreading after an underwater volcano erupted off the island nation of Tonga on January 15.

The satellite passed near Tonga and collected data about 13 hours after the eruption. The satellite's radar allows detailed observation of Earth's surface and changes in sea surface.

Tofua Island, which is about 100 kilometers north of the volcano, is near the center of the imagery taken from the satellite. Semicircular waves can be seen spreading over dozens of kilometers around the island.

Professor Mori Nobuhito at the Disaster Prevention Research Institute of Kyoto University is an expert on tsunamis and high waves. He said the imagery captured the sea-surface change after the eruption.

Mori pointed out that each wave was up to five kilometers apart from the next one, which is a much narrower interval compared with tsunamis generated by earthquakes.

He said this led to a shorter period between each wave, which corresponds with what was indicated by the data collected by tide gauges at various locations after the eruption.

Mori said this observation is very rare, and the data is important to help understand how the sea surface changed after the eruption.

He added that if the intervals are shorter, waves tend to move in a complicated way, as they are reflected over terrain.

Mori said waves with shorter intervals were apparently traveling back and forth in the Pacific even half a day after the eruption, which possibly led to the waves of various heights that were observed around Japan.

He also said the sea-surface change was a very rare and complicated phenomenon caused by multiple factors, including a change in atmospheric pressure after the eruption.

He said that he believes the spatial data will lead to a deeper understanding of the entire phenomenon.


Key words : 90 percent
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220123_07/

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says new research shows a booster dose of a coronavirus vaccine is 90 percent effective in preventing hospitalization due to infection with the Omicron variant.

The CDC on Friday released its study on the effectiveness of booster shots of the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, based on data from medical institutions across the country.

It says that two doses of the vaccine were 81 percent effective against hospitalization after six months when the Delta variant was surging, and 57 percent when the Omicron variant became dominant.

However, a booster shot raised the effectiveness to 94 percent during the Delta wave, and to 90 percent during the Omicron surge.

Unvaccinated people aged between 50 and 64 are 44 times more likely to be hospitalized for COVID-19, compared to fully vaccinated and boosted individuals. The figure rose to 49 times among those aged 65 or older.

CDC Director Rochelle Walensky said the research demonstrates that protection against hospitalization is higher for those who have had booster shots. She urged people who are eligible to get their booster shot to get it as soon as possible.


Key words : daily tally united states
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220123_04/

The daily tally of new cases of coronavirus infection in the United States remains high at more than 700,000, creating staff shortages at schools and hospitals.

The daily national count of confirmed new infections has surpassed 1 million on some recent days.

The figure has been continuing to surge in southern, midwestern and western states in contrast to a downtrend observed since mid-January in the eastern state of New York and elsewhere.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says as of Wednesday, the seven-day average of new cases in the US stood at more than 740,000 while that of new hospital admissions hovered above 20,000.

National Guard personnel have been helping with non-medical jobs at hospitals across the western state of Oregon to lessen the burden on medical professionals.

Parents of students have been teaching classes at some schools in the southern state of Texas due to the spread of infections among educational staff.

The CDC predicts that the coronavirus will continue to spread across the US, raising the possibility that about 61,000 more people could die from the virus over the next four weeks.


Key words : texas
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220123_04/

The daily tally of new cases of coronavirus infection in the United States remains high at more than 700,000, creating staff shortages at schools and hospitals.

The daily national count of confirmed new infections has surpassed 1 million on some recent days.

The figure has been continuing to surge in southern, midwestern and western states in contrast to a downtrend observed since mid-January in the eastern state of New York and elsewhere.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says as of Wednesday, the seven-day average of new cases in the US stood at more than 740,000 while that of new hospital admissions hovered above 20,000.

National Guard personnel have been helping with non-medical jobs at hospitals across the western state of Oregon to lessen the burden on medical professionals.

Parents of students have been teaching classes at some schools in the southern state of Texas due to the spread of infections among educational staff.

The CDC predicts that the coronavirus will continue to spread across the US, raising the possibility that about 61,000 more people could die from the virus over the next four weeks.


Key words : Sunday marks
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220123_01/

Sunday marks two years since China imposed a lockdown on the city of Wuhan to bring the coronavirus outbreak under control.

The lockdown on Wuhan in Hubei Province came amid the world's first confirmed outbreak of COVID-19 in the city. The measure lasted for two-and-a-half months.

Wuhan's health care system collapsed due to a surge in the number of coronavirus patients.

Authorities say that as of April 2020, more than 3,800 people had died of the disease in the city. But they say no community transmission of the virus has been observed in the city since last August.

The central government has been maintaining a "zero-COVID" policy to prevent the spread of the virus. It involves large-scale PCR testing and lockdowns on areas where infections have been reported.

Authorities implemented a de facto lockdown on the city of Xi'an in Shaanxi Province last December. The city has a population of about 13 million, making the measure equivalent to Wuhan's in the number of people affected. The lockdown remains in effect in part of Xi'an.

Authorities also sealed off some areas of Beijing, the nearby city of Tianjin, and elsewhere after cases of the Omicron coronavirus variant were detected there.

Officials are now scrambling to contain infections ahead of the Beijing Winter Olympics, whose opening ceremony takes place on February 4.


Key words : chinese government
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220123_09/

The Chinese government has tightened its control on information about the coronavirus in the country. Authorities detained people who tried to tell the world about the city of Wuhan when it was put under lockdown two years ago.

Independent journalist Zhang Zhan traveled to Wuhan during the lockdown and shared online firsthand accounts, including ones about citizens who were forced to live a tough life. The Shanghai native was detained by authorities for spreading false information.

In December 2020, a court sentenced Zhang to four years in prison for disrupting public order. She is still serving time in prison.

Her lawyers argue the ruling was unfair.

In November, the US Department of State and international human rights groups urged the Chinese government to free her immediately.

One of her lawyers, Zhang Keke, says he hopes Zhang will be released as soon as possible. He also wants many people to pay attention to this issue.

Some people point out that the initial response to the outbreak in Wuhan by President Xi Jinping's leadership was delayed. The government is apparently trying to control information to stem critical opinions.


Key words : stem critical
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220123_09/

The Chinese government has tightened its control on information about the coronavirus in the country. Authorities detained people who tried to tell the world about the city of Wuhan when it was put under lockdown two years ago.

Independent journalist Zhang Zhan traveled to Wuhan during the lockdown and shared online firsthand accounts, including ones about citizens who were forced to live a tough life. The Shanghai native was detained by authorities for spreading false information.

In December 2020, a court sentenced Zhang to four years in prison for disrupting public order. She is still serving time in prison.

Her lawyers argue the ruling was unfair.

In November, the US Department of State and international human rights groups urged the Chinese government to free her immediately.

One of her lawyers, Zhang Keke, says he hopes Zhang will be released as soon as possible. He also wants many people to pay attention to this issue.

Some people point out that the initial response to the outbreak in Wuhan by President Xi Jinping's leadership was delayed. The government is apparently trying to control information to stem critical opinions.


Key words : Saturday marked
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220123_06/

The head of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, or ICAN, has urged Japan to contribute to the treaty's effort against nuclear weapons.

Saturday marked one year since the UN treaty banning the use, development and possession of nuclear weapons took effect.

Fifty-nine countries and regions have ratified the treaty. But Japan, which is under the US nuclear umbrella for its security, is not a signatory, along with nuclear states such as the United States and Russia.

Executive Director of ICAN, which won the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize for its contribution to the adoption of the treaty, Beatrice Fihn spoke with NHK.
Fihn expressed her strong concern over the present situation where nuclear states are modernizing their arsenals.

She warned of the dangerous situation stemming from the tensions between the US, and China and Russia while expressing appreciation for the participation of more countries.

The Executive Director said the "risk of nuclear weapons use is increasing" and it is urgent to "work on nuclear disarmament" and work with the treaty on nuclear prohibition.

She said that non signatory countries including Germany and Norway have shown their intent to take part as observers in the first meeting of signatories which is scheduled in March this year.

Fihn explained that a very concrete discussion about victim assistance, a subject in which the Japanese government has a lot of expertise, is to take place at the meeting and stressed that Japan could contribute much in a non-political way.


Key words : as observer
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220123_06/

The head of the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, or ICAN, has urged Japan to contribute to the treaty's effort against nuclear weapons.

Saturday marked one year since the UN treaty banning the use, development and possession of nuclear weapons took effect.

Fifty-nine countries and regions have ratified the treaty. But Japan, which is under the US nuclear umbrella for its security, is not a signatory, along with nuclear states such as the United States and Russia.

Executive Director of ICAN, which won the 2017 Nobel Peace Prize for its contribution to the adoption of the treaty, Beatrice Fihn spoke with NHK.
Fihn expressed her strong concern over the present situation where nuclear states are modernizing their arsenals.

She warned of the dangerous situation stemming from the tensions between the US, and China and Russia while expressing appreciation for the participation of more countries.

The Executive Director said the "risk of nuclear weapons use is increasing" and it is urgent to "work on nuclear disarmament" and work with the treaty on nuclear prohibition.

She said that non signatory countries including Germany and Norway have shown their intent to take part as observers in the first meeting of signatories which is scheduled in March this year.

Fihn explained that a very concrete discussion about victim assistance, a subject in which the Japanese government has a lot of expertise, is to take place at the meeting and stressed that Japan could contribute much in a non-political way.


Key words : shiga busy making
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220123_10/

Pottery makers in the western Japanese city of Koka in Shiga Prefecture are busy making dolls for the Girls' Festival on March 3.

The region is known for its pottery called "Shigaraki-yaki," and statues of raccoon dogs.

One of the potters, Kuzuhara Junko, has been making what are known as Hina dolls.

She kneads a lump of clay and cuts out parts for kimono. Pine branch and chrysanthemum patterns are then embossed into the kimono.

Small clay spheres are transformed into faces by carving eyes, nose and mouth with a needle.

After the clay dolls are dried for about ten days, they are painted and baked in a kiln several times.

Kuzuhara says that she makes the dolls, hoping that they will help people think of the coming spring and be uplifted, as many are feeling down amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The doll making will continue till mid-February.