at 18:30 (JST), February 16

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/20220216183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : plan restriction suspended
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220216_05/

Japan is considering raising the upper limit of the number of people arriving in the country and accepting foreigners under certain conditions from March.

New foreign arrivals have been suspended in principle. Returning Japanese and other residents are required to self-isolate for seven days upon arrival to help prevent the further spread of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus.

The government now plans to ease the restrictions in phases, citing more data obtained on the variant and the prospect that the rollout of vaccine booster shots will progress. Officials are making arrangements to allow new foreign arrivals, with the exception of tourists, if they take appropriate anti-infection measures and meet other conditions.

The daily cap on entrants, including foreigners, is likely to be raised from 3,500 to 5,000.

The government is also considering allowing people to end self-isolation if they test negative on the third day.

Currently, people from countries and regions designated by the Japanese government are required to stay in accommodations assigned by quarantine offices for three to 10 days. The isolation period is likely to become three days for such entrants.

Those who have gotten a booster shot and come from regions where the Omicron variant is not spreading are expected to be spared self-isolation.

Key words : chipmaker
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220216_04/

The world's leading chipmaker Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company has announced that it will increase investment in a new factory to be built in Kumamoto Prefecture, western Japan.

TSMC said on Tuesday that the total expenditure for the joint venture with Japan's Sony Group will be about 8.6 billion dollars. That's up about 1.6 billion dollars from the amount announced in November.

The company also said the factory is expected to create about 1,700 high-tech professional jobs, 200 more than previously announced.

The factory will produce more advanced semiconductors in addition to products originally planned.
The partners aim to start production by the end of 2024.

TSMC also announced that Japanese auto parts maker Denso will acquire a more than 10 percent stake in the joint venture.

The Taiwanese firm will have a majority stake in the venture, while Sony will hold a less than 20 percent stake.

Denso hopes that taking part in the joint venture will help ensure stable procurement of semiconductors in the mid- to long-term, as global chip shortages are disrupting auto production.

Key words : technologies paper
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20220215_32/

A collection of new products and technologies using paper and other materials that can easily be recycled is being showcased in Tokyo.
The exhibition comes before a law calling on businesses and others to reduce single-use plastic products takes effect in April.

Nippon Paper Industries has developed a container that it says is sturdy enough to be used as refill packs for shampoo.

It applies special processing to the inside of the vessel that prevents liquid from leaking out and helps maintain the product's quality.

Major printing company Toppan is displaying its containers that are made of only one type of plastic.

The firm says the newly developed material is highly durable.

Containers in the past were often made of several materials, such as aluminum and plastic, which made recycling harder.

Key words : myanmar multiple challenges
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/videos/20220202201233493/

Myanmar has been through a tumultuous year since the military took power in a coup last February. After a violent crackdown on peaceful protests, civilians have turned to armed resistance...but they are facing multiple challenges in a potentially drawn-out conflict.