2022年10月31日月曜日

at 18:30 (JST), October 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/20221031183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : south 154 130
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221031_05/

A Japanese survivor of the deadly crowd crush in Seoul, South Korea has described the horror of the experience.

A Japanese man in his 50s was in the capital's Itaewon district on Saturday night when the accident occurred.

He captured video of another narrow alley about 20 meters from the scene of the accident and posted it online.

He said even one hour before, people were packed together so tightly it appeared that they couldn't move.

The man whose YouTube account name is Yukkuri JKR Channel said, " I was caught between people trying to go back and those trying to move forward without knowing what was going on.
The pressure on my ribs and internal organs really started to hurt. I thought I might die if the situation got any worse."

South Korean authorities say at least 154 people had died as of early Monday morning and more than 130 others were injured.


Key words : local media popular
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221031_20/

The South Korean media are questioning whether authorities could have anticipated that more than 100,000 people would gather in Seoul's Itaewon district for Halloween.

At least 154 people, many of them youths, died on Saturday night in a massive crowd surge in the popular entertainment district. Two Japanese women are among the victims.

A woman in her 50s living near the scene said she is heartbroken, and that she hopes similar incidents never happen again.

A memorial incense stand was set up in the city center on Monday. President Yoon Suk-yeol and his wife came to offer flowers and to observe a moment of silence.

The local media say that more than 100,000 people used a railway station closest to the scene of the incident on the day.

They quoted an expert who analyzed footage of the scene as saying that there were more than 10 people per square meter.

They also quoted eyewitnesses as saying that some people lost consciousness while still standing.

The media point out that investigators are expected to look into whether sufficient security measures had been taken.


Key words : tomikawa foreigner
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221031_08/

Officials in South Korea say most of the people who died or were injured during the Halloween crowd crush in Seoul on Saturday night, are in their teens and 20s. They say foreigners are among the victims, including two Japanese women.

26-year-old Tomikawa Mei was from Hokkaido in northern Japan. Her father told NHK that since June she had been studying the Korean language in Seoul.

Tomikawa Ayumu says he tried to call his daughter's mobile phone several times after he learned about the accident. However, he says Mei did not answer and after several attempts a South Korean police officer responded instead.

A Japanese Foreign Ministry official told him on Sunday that Mei had died.

Tomikawa says, "My daughter said she wanted to work in South Korea and had been studying Korean for a long time before she went there. I think she must be very disappointed."


Key words : western india
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221031_06/

A pedestrian suspension bridge has collapsed in western India, throwing people into a river. Local media report that more than 70 people have died.

The accident occurred in Morbi in the state of Gujarat on Sunday.

Local footage shows some people swimming for safety or clinging to parts of the bridge.

Multiple local media outlets report the bridge reopened just days ago after renovation. They added that the death toll could climb further as a large number of people were crossing the bridge at the time of the disaster.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter, pledging all-out rescue efforts and support for injured people and bereaved families.


Key words : 132
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221031_23/

The local government in India's western state of Gujarat says at least 132 people have been confirmed dead in Sunday's collapse of a pedestrian suspension bridge.

A senior official of the Gujarat government released the updated death toll on Monday.

Local footage of the accident in Morbi showed people swimming for safety or clinging to parts of the bridge.

Multiple local media outlets reported that the bridge had been reopened just days ago after being renovated. They added that the death toll could climb further, as a large number of people were crossing the bridge at the time of the disaster.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter, pledging all-out rescue efforts and support for injured people and bereaved families.


Key words : religious researcher
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221028_36/

A group of religious researchers in Japan has called on authorities to exercise their right to ask questions to bring about a swift investigation into the religious group previously known as the Unification Church.

Twenty-five researchers, including Professor Emeritus Shimazono Susumu of the University of Tokyo and Professor Sakurai Yoshihide of Hokkaido University, issued a statement.

At a news conference on Friday, Shimazono said the government is tasked with a difficult job and that the group is presenting their views as researchers.

The researcher group said that the solicitation of huge donations that force followers and others into bankruptcy goes against the public welfare.

They urged authorities to quickly investigate by exercising their right to ask questions. They also called for a fair examination by a panel of experts.

In addition, they sought financial relief for victims who have suffered from allegedly shady marketing practices and the solicitation of large donations. They also called for support for the children of the church's followers.

Shimazono said the ex-Unification Church's practices deviate from those of religious institutions and can be called unreasonable.

On legal procedures for a disbandment order, he said authorities should proceed after fully considering accuracy, discretion, fairness and transparency.


Key words : hong kong prison sentence
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221028_43/

A Hong Kong court has sentenced eight anti-government protesters to jail for engaging in violent demonstrations three years ago.

In November, 2019, protesters gathered near Polytechnic University on the Kowloon Peninsula to help students holed up on the campus. The protesters clashed with police, who used tear gas to disperse them.

Among those indicted, eight people in their 20s to their 60s were given prison sentences on Friday ranging from 3 years 8 months to 4 years 8 months.

Police have arrested about 1,400 people in relation to a series of such incidents, and 420 of them have been indicted.


Key words : russia ambassador
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221029_04/

Russia's ambassador to Japan Mikhail Galuzin will reportedly leave his post as early as next month.

Galuzin assumed the role in 2018. He has served in Japan four times, stretching back to the days of the Soviet Union.

Galuzin promoted cultural exchanges between the two countries, while taking a hardline stance over the issue of four Russian-held islands claimed by Japan.

Japan calls the islands the Northern Territories.

Galuzin says Japan should recognize that the islands became Russian territory as a result of World War Two.

In February, just before Russia invaded Ukraine, he told NHK that Moscow had no intention of waging war.

He has since sought to justify the invasion, and also Russia's unilateral annexation of Ukrainian territory.

Russia's state news agency also reported about Galuzin's impending departure from Japan.


Key words : industry minister inspected
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221029_17/

Japanese Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Nishimura Yasutoshi has inspected a next generation nuclear reactor being developed to produce energy more efficiently.

Nishimura visited a research center of the Japan Atomic Energy Agency in Ibaraki Prefecture, near Tokyo, on Saturday.

He observed the prototype of a high temperature gas-cooled reactor, or HTGR. It uses helium gas for coolant, and is touted to have superior characteristics of safety and economy.

Nishimura's visit comes as the government considers promoting the development and construction of next generation reactors. It plans to utilize nuclear power to achieve stable power supply and carbon neutrality.

During the closed inspection, Nishimura is said to have received an explanation about the reactor's characteristics while he was inside the test reactor's containment vessel.

The minister later told reporters he believes nuclear power is extremely important to achieve both stable power supply and decarbonization.

He said he had heard that some supply chains are in danger because of the suspension of operations at some nuclear plants.

Nishimura said the government will provide the necessary support to promote its energy policy, including human resources and technology.


Key words : 2030s
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221029_14/

The Japanese government plans to consider developing and building next-generation nuclear reactors. One of them is known as a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor.

One feature of such a reactor is the use of helium gas to cool the reactor's core. That theoretically makes it possible to extract extreme heat in an efficient manner compared with existing light-water reactors.

Electricity can be generated using gas turbines in addition to steam turbines. Experts say this can enhance power generating efficiency.

They also say the extreme heat extracted from the reactor could be used to produce hydrogen, seen as a next-generation energy source that can help reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

Experts add that a structure that easily removes heat, along with fuel that can withstand high temperatures, can ensure the reactor's safety, even if it loses power in an earthquake or tsunami.

According to a timetable set by the government, a demonstration reactor is expected to go into operation in the 2030s.

Researchers have been exploring the idea of developing a high-temperature gas-cooled reactor since the 1960s. But more than 50 years on, the technology is still under development. No reactors of this type have been used for commercial operation anywhere in the world.


Key words : miura
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221030_21/

Miura Kazuyoshi has set a new record as the oldest player to score in the highest level of the Japanese amateur soccer league.

The 55-year-old star, who used to play in the country's top J1 league, now belongs to Suzuka Point Getters in the Japan Football League, or JFL. His team played FC Tiamo Hirakata in Osaka Prefecture on Sunday.

Miura was sent onto the pitch 39 minutes after the break, when his team had a 2-0 lead.

Shortly later, his team member headed the ball from a corner kick. The ball hit an opponent's hand, so the referee gave Suzuka Point Getters a penalty kick for a handball violation. Miura netted the goal, allowing his team to widen its lead.

Miura, surrounded by his teammates, performed his so-called "Kazu dance," which he typically does after he scores.

The previous JFL record was held by Nagai Hideki of FC Ryukyu, who scored a goal in 2013 at the age of 42 years and 50 days. Miura broke that record at 55 years and 246 days.


2022年10月30日日曜日

at 18:00 (JST), October 30

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20221030180000_english_1.mp3


Key words : south 151
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221030_14/

Emergency authorities have counted at least 151 people dead and 82 others injured after a stampede in Seoul's Itaewon district on Saturday night.

They also said many of the people killed are in their teens and 20s.

The crush took place in a narrow, sloping alley lined with bars and restaurants. A large number of young people had gone there to celebrate Halloween.

The local fire department said 19 among the dead are foreigners.

Japanese Embassy officials in Seoul said they have no information about Japanese nationals involved in the accident. They added that they are still gathering information.

It was the first Halloween event in Seoul in three years after the South Korean government relaxed coronavirus restrictions, prompting a huge crowd to gather in the Itaewon district. Local media estimate about 100,000 people converged on the area on Saturday night.


Key words : nhk aoki yoshiyuki
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/videos/20221030151026791/

NHK World's Seoul bureau chief Aoki Yoshiyuki reports from the site of the Halloween night stampede that killed over 150 people, many in their teens and 20s.


Key words : Kishida condolence stampede
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221030_17/

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has expressed his condolences for the victims and to the families of those who died at a stampede in Seoul's Itaewon district.

Kishida posted on twitter on Sunday saying he is deeply shocked and saddened by the loss of so many lives including young people.

He also said he hopes for quick recovery of those who were injured.

US President Joe Biden has also released a statement on Saturday, saying he and his wife "send our deepest condolences to the families who lost loved ones in Seoul."

The statement also said they "grieve with the people of South Korea", and that the United States stands with South Korea during this tragic time.


Key words : expert crowd accident
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221030_10/

The deadly stampede in Seoul's Itaewon district on Saturday has once again revealed the danger of crowd surges.

It still remains unknown how the stampede in Seoul began. Experts say it is extremely difficult to escape when involved in such accidents. They warn people to stay away from crowds, especially in narrow spaces.

Experts say when people get so packed together that they cannot move, there is a point when they fall over one another.

They explain bodies on top of people on the ground exert so much pressure, even breathing becomes extremely difficult.

There have been many accidents involving crowd surges.

In Japan, a stampede on a crowded footbridge killed and injured many people in the western city of Akashi, Hyogo Prefecture, in 2001.

Other countries have also seen similar accidents in the past, such as during the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia.


Key words : brazil race
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221030_02/

Voters in Brazil will go to the polls for a presidential runoff on Sunday. Local media outlets predict a tight race between leftist former president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and right-wing incumbent Jair Bolsonaro.

Lula came top in the first-round vote on October 2. Bolsonaro placed second. The latest polls suggest Bolsonaro has narrowed Lula's lead.

Lula led the country for two terms between 2003 and 2010. He has gained support mainly from needy Brazilians. Lula is stressing that while in office he expanded social security for the underprivileged, and significantly reduced the number of low-income earners.

Bolsonaro has rallied support from wealthy people and conservatives. He is proposing a series of economic measures, including cutting fuel prices.
Leftist governments have taken power in several Latin American countries in recent years. They distance themselves from the United States.

Observers are watching to see if Brazil follows suit at a time when the US and the EU are increasingly at odds with Russia over the conflict in Ukraine.

Polling will end at 5 p.m. on Sunday. Vote counting will start immediately.


Key words : russia suspended export
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221030_06/

Russia says it has indefinitely suspended its participation in a deal that facilitated agricultural exports from Ukraine.

The Russian foreign ministry made the announcement in a statement on Saturday.

The unilateral move came after Russia's defense ministry claimed Ukrainian forces had carried out a drone attack on its Black Sea Fleet in Crimea, with Britain's help.

The statement said the Russian side can no longer guarantee the safety of cargo ships participating in the deal. The ministry cited the attack as the reason.

Russian forces blocked grain exports from Black Sea ports after the invasion of Ukraine began.

The agreement brokered by the United Nations and Turkey in July allowed shipments to resume.

Russia's suspension has raised fears that exports could be disrupted again. This comes amid concerns about a global food crisis.

UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric says, "It is vital that all parties refrain from any action that would imperil the Black Sea Grain Initiative which is a critical humanitarian effort that is clearly having a positive impact on access to food for millions of people around the world."

Ukraine's foreign minister tweeted about the suspension. Dmytro Kuleba said Moscow is using a "false pretext" to block the deal. He urged countries to compel Russia to stop what he called its "hunger games" and recommit to its obligations.


Key words : US president criticized
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221030_16/

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has condemned Russia for suspending a UN-brokered deal that allows Ukrainian grains to be exported from Black Sea ports.

In an online address released on Saturday, Zelenskyy said, "Russia began deliberately aggravating the food crisis back in September, when it blocked the movement of ships with our food."

He said that as of today, 176 grain carriers are waiting in the sea, unable to follow their routes, and more than 2 million tons of food shipments have been blocked.

Zelenskyy said a strong international response is needed now, "both at the UN and other levels, particularly at the level of the G20."

The Ukrainian leader also said it is "nonsense" for Russia to be part of the G20, when it is deliberately working toward starvation on other continents.

He urged G20 leaders to take a stronger stance against Russia at their summit in Indonesia next month.

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden also criticized Russia's move, calling it, "purely outrageous."

He also told reporters, "the UN negotiated the deal and that should be the end of it."


Key words : study of war mobilization
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221030_15/

A US think tank says Russian President Vladimir Putin's mobilization of reserves is, "unlikely to decisively impact the country's combat power."

The Institute for the Study of War released an assessment on Friday.

It says, "Russia's deployment of 41,000 poorly trained combat personnel to Ukraine may have temporarily stiffened Russian defense lines but these reserves have not yet faced the full weight of a major and prepared Ukrainian counteroffensive thrust."

It also says a total of 150,000 mobilized personnel will be deployed to combat roles in November but believes additional mobilization of combat units, "remains unlikely to change the trajectory of the war. "

The assessment also mentions Putin ending mobilization. It says the decision was made to, "free up training capacity in time for the delayed start of the Russian autumn conscription cycle, which will begin on November 1".

It says, "Russia's military likely does not have the capacity to simultaneously support training of troops who have been mobilized and 120,000 new autumn conscripts."


2022年10月29日土曜日

at 18:00 (JST), October 29

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20221029180000_english_1.mp3


Key words : nancy
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221029_08/

Police in the United States say House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's husband has been attacked by an intruder with a hammer at the couple's San Francisco home.

Paul Pelosi was taken to a hospital and is expected to make a full recovery.

Police say the 42-year-old male suspect was arrested at the scene.

Multiple media say the assailant could have been searching for the House Speaker.

He reportedly shouted, "Where is Nancy?" when breaking into the house early on Friday. She was in Washington at the time.

The assault comes less than two weeks before the US midterm elections.


Key words : consumers in the US
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221029_N01/

Consumers in the US have seen inflation drive up the price of the things they need the most, including food, housing, and gas. Now, a key economic indicator shows just how much the rising prices are costing them.

The Department of Commerce keeps track of consumer activity with a monthly report detailing personal income and expenditures. The report for September, released on Friday, found that prices rose 6.2 percent compared to last year.

The report also found that, without volatile food and fuel costs added in, prices rose by 5.1 percent. This suggests that inflation is affecting a wide range of sectors.

Still, President Joe Biden says his administration's economic plan is starting to work. He released a statement Friday pointing out that inflation in the third quarter of the year was down overall, and that workers are enjoying higher incomes and solid economic growth.

Policymakers at the Federal Reserve Board are looking at the numbers as well. They have responded to persistent inflation by hiking their key interest rate. However, the consumer-pricing figures for September show that their efforts, so far, have fallen short.


Key words : german chancellor visit third term
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221029_03/

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is set to visit China on November 4 for talks with President Xi Jinping.

Scholz will be the first Group of Seven leader to meet Xi since the Chinese leader entered an unprecedented third term in office.

On Friday, a German government spokesperson said Scholz will be accompanied by a delegation of business leaders.

There is growing concern in Germany about China's human rights record and maritime advances in the South China Sea. At the same time, China is Germany's largest trade partner.

On Wednesday, the German government approved a Chinese state-owned company's plans to invest in a port in the northern city of Hamburg.

German media say Scholz led the agreement despite objections within his Cabinet.


Key words : russian leader scrambling
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221029_N02/

Russian leaders have been scrambling to find more troops for their stalled invasion of Ukraine. They have called up hundreds of thousands of reservists under orders from President Vladimir Putin. Now, they say they have filled the ranks and are getting the troops ready for battle.

Sergei Shoigu, the Russian defense minister, met with Putin near Moscow on Friday. He said the mobilization of 300,000 troops had been completed.

Putin offered his gratitude to all those who joined the armed forces. He thanked them for their "fidelity to duty, their patriotism, and their determination to defend Russia."

He added that the most important thing is to make sure the troops have everything they need to fight, for them to feel "confident."

Shoigu informed Putin that more than 80,000 of the conscripts have already been dispatched and provided with the necessary weapons, rations, and other supplies.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy downplayed the call-up. He said in a briefing that his troops tell him the situation is "completely different on the front lines." He added that, even though Russia is trying to put more pressure on Ukrainian positions by using the newly mobilized troops, they are poorly prepared and equipped.

Zelenskyy also criticized the Russians for decimating the southern Kherson region, calling it "a zone without civilization." The Russian-backed authorities there have ordered civilians to evacuate in the face of advancing Ukrainian troops. Zelenskyy vowed to his people that "the Ukrainian flag will return."


Key words : world health omicron
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221029_10/

The World Health Organization says there is so far no epidemiological evidence that coronavirus Omicron subvariants BQ.1 and XBB will be of substantially greater risk than other Omicron sub-lineages.

A WHO advisory group of experts issued a statement on BQ.1 and XBB, which have been detected in some countries, including Japan.

The group says BQ.1 is showing a significant growth advantage over other circulating Omicron sub-lineages in many settings, including Europe and the US.

The experts add that while there are no data from studies with humans, the subvariant may have an immune escape advantage over other circulating Omicron sub-lineages.

They say further investigation is needed to determine whether there is a higher reinfection risk and reduced protection by vaccines.

The advisory group also says available data from some countries, including Singapore, suggest the growth advantage of XBB.

But the experts add that the current data do not indicate there are substantial differences in disease severity for XBB infections.

The WHO says it will continue to closely monitor the two subvariants and is asking countries to be vigilant.


Key words : southern philippines 45
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221029_16/

Torrential rains have caused widespread flooding and landslides in the southern Philippines. Government officials say 45 people are dead, and 18 are still missing.

Authorities in the Maguindanao Province of Mindanao Island say tens of thousands of homes were inundated as tropical storm Nalgae was approaching.

They earlier said the death toll was at least 72. But the central government has reduced that number, saying officials mistakenly double-counted some of the victims.

The Japan Meteorological Agency says the storm appeared to be moving across the Philippine islands in the early afternoon. People are bracing for further flooding and landslides.


Key words : mother of orphan south
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221029_12/

A Japanese woman who raised more than 3,000 Korean orphans has been remembered ahead of the 110th anniversary of her birth at the end of this month.

On Friday, about 750 people from South Korea and Japan attended a ceremony in South Korea's southwestern city of Mokpo to honor Tauchi Chizuko.

Born in the Japanese western prefecture of Kochi in 1912, Tauchi moved to Mokpo when she was seven years old. She married a Korean man who ran an orphanage in the city.

After her husband went missing during the Korean War, she continued to raise orphans until her death at the age of 56. She is known as the "mother of orphans" in South Korea.

A message from South Korea President Yoon Suk-yeol was read out during the ceremony. He praised Tauchi's achievements, saying her love and dedication to protecting children moved the hearts of people in both countries.

The eldest son of Tauchi, Yoon Kee, who serves as the head of the organization that runs the orphanage, said he is thankful to the people of Mokpo for remembering his mother.

He expressed hope that the memory will help promote exchanges between Japan and South Korea.


2022年10月28日金曜日

at 18:30 (JST), October 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/20221028183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : china police station
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221028_09/

China has reportedly set up overseas police stations in Europe. Reports say they are being used to apply pressure on Chinese residents.

Dutch media outlets reported on Tuesday that China had established at least two undeclared stations in the Netherlands since 2018.

The reports say the overseas stations offer services such as renewing driver's licenses, but one of these offices may have also been involved in an attempt to pressure a Chinese man who fled to the Netherlands.

On Thursday, the BBC reported that a similar police station had been opened in the Irish capital of Dublin this year.

The Dutch Foreign Ministry told NHK that officials are investigating the activities of the police centers, and will take appropriate actions.

Ireland's Foreign Ministry said it had asked the Chinese embassy to close the police station in Dublin. The ministry added that the Chinese side says the office has ceased operations.

A Spain-based NGO, Safeguard Defenders, said that as of September, China had set up 54 police stations in 30 countries, including Japan and the United States.


Key words : ukraine european summit
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221028_N02/

Russian leaders have made their neighbors in Central Asia nervous, first with the invasion of Ukraine and then with their rhetoric. European Union officials see the situation as an opening.

European Council President Charles Michel traveled to Kazakhstan for a summit with five Central Asian leaders.

He said, "Today's meeting is much more than just a policy dialogue between two regions. It's a powerful symbol of our reinforced cooperation and a strong signal of the EU's commitment to this region."

Western sanctions on Russia have forced European leaders to explore other sources of energy. They've already agreed to cooperate with partners in Kazakhstan.

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said, "We also affirm our intention to strengthen the strategic partnership within the framework of our enhanced agreement."

Kazakh leaders rely on investments from Europe. However, many of their transport routes run through Russia, so they are exploring new ways to export oil and other products.


Key words : satellite north
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221028_07/

Satellite images reportedly show large-scale construction work in North Korea believed to be aimed at advancing its intercontinental ballistic missile technology.

NK News, which carries news on North Korea, says photos taken this month appear to show workers installing roofing over a new manufacturing building at the Kusong Tank Plant in the country's northwest.

Pyongyang launched an ICBM-class Hwasong-14 missile from Kusong in July 2017.

An expert told NK News that in recent years the factory has appeared to be involved in manufacturing new tracked transporter erector launchers.

He added that the launchers provide an alternative to wheeled vehicles for carrying heavier missiles introduced in the last five years over rough terrain.

Meanwhile a US think tank, the Center for Strategic and International Studies, on Wednesday released the results of an analysis of imagery captured this month of another North Korean facility.

The CSIS said the photos show "dramatic and ongoing construction progress throughout the eastern half of the Sohae Satellite Launching Station." The complex is located at Tongchang-ri in the country's northwest.

The CSIS says the "activity has expanded beyond the launch pad area" over the past two months.

A North Korean media outlet reported in March that leader Kim Jong Un called for modernizing the facility to enable the launch of large carrier rockets, including one for a military reconnaissance satellite.

North Korea launched what were believed to be long-range ballistic missiles from the site in 2012 and 2016. It described them as earth observation satellites.

The CSIS says the modernization plans at the facility will support the development of technology that can also be used in North Korea's ICBM programs.


Key words : rising tension taiwan drone
#N/A


2022年10月27日木曜日

at 18:30 (JST), October 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/20221027183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : news agency revised constitution
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221027_06/

The Chinese Communist Party's revised constitution, adopted at its National Congress on Saturday, says the party firmly opposes independence for Taiwan.

State-run Xinhua News Agency released a full text of the amended constitution on Wednesday.

The text now says the party resolutely opposes and deters what it calls separatists seeking "Taiwan independence" and shall "achieve the reunification of the motherland."

The document also obliges party members to uphold President Xi Jinping's core position in the party.

It also adopts a plan to basically realize socialist modernization by 2035 and build China into a "great modern socialist country" by the middle of the century.

However, a slogan expressing loyalty to Xi was not included in the text. The slogan is intended to cement Xi's core position in the party and his role as China's ideological leader.

There was also speculation that Xi's political theory would be renamed "Xi Jinping Thought." Mao Zedong, considered China's founding father, has an ideology named after him called "Mao Zedong Thought." But the change was not made.

Observers say while Xi consolidated his grip on power by appointing his allies to the party's supreme leadership, the revisions to the party constitution turned out to be more modest than expected.


Key words : bangladesh cyclone
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221027_04/

People in Bangladesh are feeling the aftermath of a tropical cyclone that barreled across the country in recent days. Local media say at least 24 people were killed.

Cyclone Sitrang slammed into Bangladesh's southern coast late Monday, bringing violent winds and rain as it travelled north.

Reports say about 10,000 homes and over 6,000 hectares of cropland were damaged. Millions are without power. Communication lines are down, making it hard to assess the damage.

The reports also say refugee camps in the country's southeast for Rohingya people fleeing Myanmar have not been severely affected.


Key words : parliamentary help rebuild
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221026_28/

Ukrainian parliamentary delegates have wrapped up their visit to Japan with a pledge to use what they have learned in Japan to rebuild their country after the war.

The parliamentarians arrived in Japan on October 15 for the first time since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February. They met Japanese lawmakers and government officials during their 12-day stay.

The group held a news conference in Tokyo on Wednesday prior to their departure from Japan.

The head of the delegation, Galyna Mykhailiuk, thanked pledges of continued support for Ukraine from all sectors of Japan. She said Japan has proved to be a reliable partner and they appreciate all the help received.

Mykhailiuk said Russian missile attacks have destroyed 40 percent of Ukraine's energy infrastructure, and she appealed for power generators and other supplies to overcome the winter.

Delegation member Yaroslav Zheleznyak is from the eastern city of Mariupol, which fell under Russian control in May after a fierce battle.

He expressed hope of visiting Japan again after Ukraine's victory to discuss a reconstruction plan. He said he wants to make Ukrainian cities beautiful again, just as Japan has recovered from World War Two and natural disasters.


Key words : united states and south response north
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221026_25/

Vice foreign ministerial-level officials of Japan, the United States and South Korea have agreed to prepare together for further possible North Korean provocations, including a nuclear test.

Japan's Vice Foreign Minister Mori Takeo met US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman and South Korea's First Vice Foreign Minister Cho Hyun-dong at the Iikura Guest House in Tokyo on Wednesday.

The three diplomats agreed that North Korea's test-firings of ballistic missiles in rapid succession are an obvious and grave challenge to the international community.

They also agreed that Russia's claims that Ukraine is preparing to use so-called dirty bombs are false and unacceptable.

On China, they said efforts to unilaterally change the status quo in the East and South China seas by force cannot be condoned, and that they will keep a close eye on the third-term leadership of President Xi Jinping.

Mori later told reporters that cooperation among the three countries has added importance now that the security environment is rapidly growing severe. He pledged to further promote close partnership and cooperation through multilayered communication.

Sherman described Japan and South Korea as strong, close allies. She stressed unwavering US commitment to defending Japan and South Korea, and said the three are bound by shared national security interests.

Cho said the three countries confirmed the need for the strongest-ever response in case the North conducts a seventh nuclear test. He added that they will step up cooperation with the international community so that denuclearization talks can resume.


Key words : association of immediate released
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221026_36/

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations is deeply concerned about the latest escalation of violence in Myanmar, and is urging an immediate end to hostilities.

Current ASEAN chair Cambodia released a statement on Tuesday, citing Sunday's airstrike in the northern Kachin state that reportedly killed about 50 civilians and others.

The statement said the escalation of violence defies the spirit of the Five-Point Consensus that ASEAN agreed with the junta last year. It said attempts by a special envoy to bring progress are being undermined.

ASEAN has been leading the way in trying to restore peace. But the junta appears to have done little to cooperate. The five-point plan calls for an immediate end to violence, and dialogue between the envoy and all relevant parties.

The group's foreign ministers are due to have a special meeting on Thursday to discuss the situation.


Key words : journalist detained
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221026_22/

Friends and other supporters of a Japanese journalist detained in Myanmar demanded his release at a news conference in Tokyo on Wednesday.

Kubota Toru was detained by security forces during anti-military protests in Myanmar's largest city, Yangon, in July.

He was sentenced to 10 years in prison for violating the immigration law and other charges.

One of the participants in Wednesday's news conference was Kitazumi Yuki, a journalist who was detained in Yangon in April last year and freed about a month later.

He said Kubota seems okay for now, but conditions have become far worse than they were last year. He said the detention of journalists is unjust, and he seeks Kubota's immediate release.

Human Rights Watch's Kasai Teppei said trials in Myanmar are not seen by the public nor the international community. He pointed out that defendants are almost certainly convicted.

He urged the Japanese government to do whatever it can to secure the release of all detainees.

The Japanese Embassy in Myanmar has promised to seek Kubota's release through various channels, but there are fears his detention could become prolonged.


Key words : reduce food waste
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221026_34/

More businesses in Japan are introducing technology and services to reduce the amount of edible food that is wasted.

Major food delivery company Oisix ra daichi has started processing substandard shape vegetables and other foodstuffs at a facility near Tokyo.

Those vegetables that can be sold fresh are cut into pieces. The parts close to the peel or stalk are turned into ready-to-eat ingredients using the firm's proprietary technologies for heating or freezing them.

Oisix aims to reduce food waste by 1,000 tons annually in three years.

In another initiative, the Japan Department Stores Association is conducting trials to encourage restaurant customers to take home their leftovers.

Eateries at 18 department stores are taking part. One Chinese restaurant in Tokyo offers paper take-out cartons. So far, the service is used about 10 times a day by groups of guests.

Food waste is a major social problem in Japan. An estimated 5.2 million tons were dumped in fiscal 2020. That is 20 percent more than the total volume of food aid distributed by the UN World Food Programme in the same period.


2022年10月26日水曜日

at 18:30 (JST), October 26

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20221026183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : taiwan president
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221025_29/

Taiwanese President Tsai Ing-wen has stressed that Taiwan will not bow to pressure from China, which has made clear it will not renounce the use of force to achieve reunification.

Tsai was speaking on Tuesday at the opening ceremony of the World Movement for Democracy's three-day global assembly in Taipei.

The movement is co-sponsored by the US nongovernmental organization the National Endowment for Democracy.

Taiwanese authorities say more than 200 pro-democracy activists from about 70 countries and regions are taking part in the session.

Tsai criticized China for its increasingly aggressive attempts to threaten Taiwan's democracy, citing military intimidation, cyberattacks and economic coercion.

She said that even under constant threat the people of Taiwan refuse to shy away from challenges and continue to combat authoritarian forces looking to undermine their democratic way of life.

Tsai's remarks come in response to a refusal by Chinese President Xi Jinping to renounce the use of force against Taiwan, as he began his third term as head of China's ruling Communist Party.


Key words : international community condemned airstrke
#N/A


Key words : unarmed airstrike
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221025_11/

Myanmar's military has conducted an airstrike in the northern state of Kachin, killing at least 50 people. Part of the state is controlled by the armed forces of the Kachin ethnic minority.

Local media report Myanmar aircraft raided the area on Sunday night, leaving at least 50 dead and 50 others injured. The reports said a celebration sponsored by the armed group's political wing, Kachin Independence Organization, was being held there at the time. They added many of the victims were civilians, including local popular singers.

The UN office in Myanmar expressed grave concern over the attack in a statement released on Monday. It said, "What would appear to be excessive and disproportionate use of force by security forces against unarmed civilians is unacceptable."

Meanwhile, the Myanmar military justified the attack in a statement. It said several key members of the Kachin armed forces, not civilians, were killed in the attack. It added the attack was necessary in response to actions carried out earlier by the group.

The armed forces of the Kachin ethnic minority have long been in fighting the military, calling for broader autonomy. Since the military took power in a coup in February last year, the Kachin forces have reportedly conducted drills and fought jointly with pro-democracy forces against the military.


Key words : weak abroad study
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221025_28/

Students in Japan who are hoping to study abroad are mulling changes to their plans due to rising tuition and housing costs caused by a weakening yen.

A Tokyo-based company which helps students make arrangements to study overseas says the number of inquiries about changes in plans has been rising since the beginning of the month.

The company says the number of students who wish to study abroad is recovering gradually, after dropping drastically due to the coronavirus pandemic.

It said last year the cost of studying in the United States for one year was about 3.6 million yen, or about 24,000 dollars, excluding travel expenses. But it said now the cost is 5.6 million yen, or about 38,000 dollars, due to a weakening yen against the dollar.

The cost of studying in other countries has also risen about 20 percent.

The company said inquiries about shortening the period of stay, changing countries, or postponing plans are increasing.

A mother planning to send her son to a high school in Britain said she came to ask about reducing his stay by one week as the cost has increased from the initial plan. She said sending her son abroad for study was a hard decision in a tough household budget, but she wants to help her son learn a foreign language.

A company official said inquiries are increasing from students who could not go overseas to study due to the pandemic, but the cost may change due to daily fluctuations in the exchange rate.

The official said some students are changing their destination to countries that allow them to work while studying.


Key words : xi unprecedented third authoritarian
#N/A


2022年10月25日火曜日

at 18:30 (JST), October 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/20221025183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : at least 50 airstrike
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221025_11/

Myanmar's military has conducted an airstrike in the northern state of Kachin, killing at least 50 people. Part of the state is controlled by the armed forces of the Kachin ethnic minority.

Local media report Myanmar aircraft raided the area on Sunday night, leaving at least 50 dead and 50 others injured. The reports said a celebration sponsored by the armed group's political wing, Kachin Independence Organization, was being held there at the time. They added many of the victims were civilians, including local popular singers.

The UN office in Myanmar expressed grave concern over the attack in a statement released on Monday. It said, "What would appear to be excessive and disproportionate use of force by security forces against unarmed civilians is unacceptable."

Meanwhile, the Myanmar military justified the attack in a statement. It said several key members of the Kachin armed forces, not civilians, were killed in the attack. It added the attack was necessary in response to actions carried out earlier by the group.

The armed forces of the Kachin ethnic minority have long been in fighting the military, calling for broader autonomy. Since the military took power in a coup in February last year, the Kachin forces have reportedly conducted drills and fought jointly with pro-democracy forces against the military.


Key words : china sitting next
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221024_33/

A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson has avoided clarifying what happened to former leader Hu Jintao, when he was escorted out of the Communist Party's National Congress on Saturday.

Hu was sitting next to President Xi Jinping when he was whisked out of the closing ceremony of the congress.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin was asked about Hu at a news conference on Monday. Wang simply said a Xinhua News Agency correspondent has already reported related information.

The state-run agency posted on its English-language Twitter account around midnight on Saturday. It said Hu attended the congress even though he had been recuperating from ill health and left early because of his deteriorating condition. It says the staff accompanied him to a room next to the meeting venue for a rest. It adds that his condition has much improved.

People in China do not have unfettered access to Twitter because of the government's tight grip on the Internet. So far, no media have reported on Hu's sudden departure.

Speculation on what happened to Hu has been rife. Some say he developed a health problem, while others say politics played a role in his sudden exit.


Key words : north praise
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221024_23/

North Korea's ruling party newspaper has praised Chinese President Xi Jinping for starting an unprecedented third term as the leader of the Communist Party. It called for deeper ties between the two countries.

The Workers' Party newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, carried an editorial lauding Xi on its front page on Monday.

The editorial says that Xi's leadership has protected China's core interests from oppressive maneuvers by hostile forces -- an apparent reference to the United States.

It stressed that North Korea and China must step up unity and cooperation, as scheming by imperialists is becoming apparent.

The front page also featured a congratulatory telegram to Xi from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

On Monday, Chinese customs authorities said the value of trade between China and North Korea in September was around 104 million dollars.

The figure increased for four months in a row, becoming the largest since February 2020, when effects of the pandemic became apparent.

The coronavirus pandemic has taken its toll on North Korea's economy, and Pyongyang is believed to be hoping to expand cooperation with China.


Key words : china export growth
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221024_31/

Chinese officials announced the latest trade data on Monday after 10-day delay. It shows that export growth slowed in September for the second month in a row.

The value of China's exports in dollar terms grew 5.7 percent from the same month last year, which is 1.4 percentage points lower than the previous month.

The value of imports rose 0.3 percent.

Exports to the United States dropped significantly, and exports to the European Union increased at a lower rate. The economic slowdowns in the US and the EU are likely pushing down demand for Chinese products.

China's trade with Russia remained strong amid economic sanctions on Moscow by Western nations.
Crude oil imports to China from Russia rose about 21 percent year-on-year, and liquefied natural gas climbed about 32 percent.


Key words : goto step
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221025_15/

Japan's Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has decided to appoint former Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Goto Shigeyuki as the new economic revitalization minister. He will succeed Yamagiwa Daishiro, who stepped down on Monday amid a series of revelations about his links with the controversial religious group previously known as the Unification Church.

Goto is a member of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party. He currently serves as chairperson of the party's Research Commission on Social Security System.

The 66-year-old lawmaker was appointed health, labor and welfare minister when Kishida formed his first Cabinet in October last year.

Prime Minister Kishida apparently expects Goto to work instrumentally in compiling a new economic package aimed at tackling soaring prices, and in smoothly handling Diet debates on a supplementary budget that will fund the package.

Goto joined the Finance Ministry in 1980 and was first elected to the Lower House in 2000 on the ticket of the then-Democratic Party of Japan, an opposition party. He later joined the LDP. He is in his seventh term at the Lower House.


Key words : unesco welcome
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221025_12/

A UNESCO advisory body has welcomed a local government proposal for a new railway for Mount Fuji, a World Heritage site in central Japan.

The highest peak in Japan was registered as a World Heritage site in 2013. It straddles the central Japanese prefectures of Shizuoka and Yamanashi.

Local officials need to address a range of challenges facing the mountain, including overcrowding and traffic jams.

The Yamanashi prefectural government drew up the concept in February last year to build a railway on an existing road, connecting the foot of Mount Fuji with the fifth station. Visitors start their climb to the peak there.

NHK has learned that International Council on Monuments and Sites, or ICOMOS, an advisory body to UNESCO, welcomed the railway concept in an internal document.

ICOMOS stated that "it could offer an integrated approach to address many of the challenges relating to visitor management and environmental degradation that are facing the property."

The advisory body also said the concept could present "an opportunity to improve the overall facilities in and around the higher stations."

But ICOMOS added that the proposal is clearly at an early stage and much work is needed to explore its feasibility and draw in support from the relevant stakeholders.

Some local residents are concerned that the railway construction could damage the environment.

The Yamanashi prefectural government hopes to gain the understanding of locals based on the opinions presented by ICOMOS.


Key words : electric vehicle
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221025_16/

Electric vehicles are becoming more popular in Japan but finding somewhere to charge them is still a problem.
Come spring, however, that's going to change when a new sharing service will connect charging stations and EV drivers through a smartphone app.

The service is bringing together three main players.
The electronics firm Panasonic is busy developing the app.
Mizuho Bank will handle the settlement of the usage fee. And Sompo Japan will cover damage insurance.

With the app, drivers will be able to find a charging site, make a reservation and pay the fee while the station owners will be able to register the facilities they have in parking areas and other locations.

The owners will be able to sign up from late November.

A Panasonic official told a news conference that it's impossible for just one company to enable an EV society. He said the group hopes many drivers will sign up.

The Japanese government is aiming for a five-fold increase in the number of charging stations around the country by 2030 from the current level.


2022年10月24日月曜日

at 18:30 (JST), October 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/20221024183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : xi economic challenges reshuffle
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221024_01/

Chinese President Xi Jinping begins a third term in office with the country facing economic challenges.

The Communist Party selected seven members of its top leadership on Sunday. The new lineup is dominated by Xi's close aides, including subordinates who worked under him in the past.

The party also reshuffled its economic leadership.

Premier Li Keqiang, who was in charge of economic policy, was removed from the top decision-making body.

Vice Premier Liu He was also not included. As an economic expert, he was responsible for trade negotiations with the United States.

The two will be replaced when their terms expire at the National People's Congress next year.

Shanghai's top Communist Party official, Li Qiang, is likely to succeed Li Keqiang as the new premier. He oversaw the lockdown measures to contain the coronavirus infection.

The head of the National Development and Reform Commission, He Lifeng, is expected to replace Liu He as vice premier. He has served for many years in regional posts.

China is facing various challenges, ranging from a confrontation with the United States to its aging population with a low birthrate.

The country's economic recovery has been slowed by the government's "zero-COVID" policy and a sluggish real estate market.

The question now is how the new leadership team will overcome these challenges and get the country's economy back on track.


Key words : relatives another summit
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221023_19/

Relatives of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea are calling on the Japanese government to hold another bilateral summit at an early date to resolve the issue.

They made the appeal at a rally in Tokyo on Sunday. North Korea acknowledged the abductions for the first time at a summit with Japan in September 2002.

Five abductees returned to Japan in that year, but the others, including 12 who are recognized by the Japanese government, remain unaccounted for.

Fifty-four-year-old Yokota Takuya is the leader of the relatives' group. His older sister, Megumi, was abducted 45 years ago when she was 13.

He said there is no time left, as the abductees' parents are passing away without seeing their children.

Yokota called on Prime Minister Kishida Fumio to keep reminding North Korean leader Kim Jong Un about the importance of resolving the issue, and make another summit happen soon.

Megumi's 86-year-old mother, Sakie, said she feels sad because she constantly wonders how her daughter is doing in North Korea.

She said she worked hard with her husband to try to save their daughter, but he was drawn up to heaven after using up all his energy.

Sakie said she wants to save all the remaining abductees as soon as possible so they can return to their country.


Key words : south warning shots fired back
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221024_08/

South Korea's military says it fired warning shots at a North Korean ship that crossed the de facto inter-Korean maritime border early on Monday. Pyongyang fired back in response.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff say a North Korean merchant vessel crossed the border about 27 kilometers northwest of the island of Baengnyeong in the Yellow Sea at around 3:42 a.m. local time.

The South Korean military says the vessel left the area following the warning shots.

Meanwhile, North Korea's General Staff of the Korean People's Army says a South Korean naval ship crossed the border, and that North Korean forces fired 10 shells from multiple rocket launchers toward the territorial waters at around 5:15 a.m.

North Korea has not recognized the de facto inter-Korean maritime border established by the US-led United Nations Command.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff have denounced the North for undermining the peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula and the international community.


Key words : former defense minister arrested
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221022_14/

South Korean prosecutors have arrested a former defense minister and a former coast guard chief over the death of a fisheries official in waters near the de facto inter-Korean maritime border two years ago.

A crew member of a South Korean fisheries ministry boat was fatally shot by North Korea's military in September 2020 in the Yellow Sea, west of the Korean Peninsula.

South Korean coast guard officials initially said the crew member was trying to defect to the North. But they retracted the comment in June this year, telling reporters that there was no evidence to suggest such motives.

Prosecutors arrested former Defense Minister Suh Wook and former Coast Guard Commissioner General Kim Hong-hee on Saturday over their alleged involvement in covering up the facts and suspected abuse of power.

The arrests came as the government of President Yoon Suk-yeol expands an investigation into the 2020 killing of the crew member. There is speculation that the previous administration led by Moon Jae-in sought to cover up the incident to avoid a deterioration of ties with the North.

South Korean media say other top security officials of the previous administration, including former National Security Adviser Suh Hoon and former National Intelligence Service chief Park Jie-won, may also face charges.


Key words : tour boat northern japan
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221023_13/

The Japan Coast Guard and police are continuing to search for people who went missing six months ago in a sightseeing boat accident off the northern Japanese prefecture of Hokkaido.

The "Kazu I" tour boat sank off the Shiretoko Peninsula in April. Of the 26 passengers and crew members onboard, 20 have been confirmed dead and six remain missing as of Sunday.

Officials started an intensive search at the tip of the peninsula on Friday.

Divers will begin an underwater search when the weather improves.

DNA tests will be carried out on sixteen bone-like objects that had been found by Saturday.

The coast guard is trying to identify the cause of the accident by examining the salvaged ship and by restoring data from the onboard electronic devices that have been recovered so far.

The Japan Transport Safety Board is also carrying out an investigation.

The coast guard is looking into the possibility of professional negligence in the case, and has interviewed the boat operator's president, Katsurada Seiichi.


Key words : western japan dazzling
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221023_16/

People in western Japan have enjoyed a rare and dazzling spectacle on the region's highest peak.

The sun rose from behind the top of Mount Daisen in Tottori Prefecture.

It created a phenomenon called "Diamond Daisen," since the sun shines like a gem. It can usually be seen around February and October, weather permitting.

About 1,000 people gathered at nearby Yonago Castle to take in the magnificent view.

A male visitor said, "I'm glad there were no clouds. I feel energized and refreshed."

A girl said, "I prayed for happiness for my family and it's sure to happen."


2022年10月23日日曜日

at 18:00 (JST), October 23

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20221023180000_english_1.mp3


Key words : xi grip
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221023_15/

Chinese President Xi Jinping has cemented his grip on power with the announcement by the country's Communist Party of its new core leadership.

Xi will get an unprecedented third term as the party's General Secretary. And he has promoted his close allies to other top positions for the next five years.

The party announced the seven members of the all-powerful Politburo Standing Committee on Sunday. On the top of the list is President Xi.

Four members of the committee are new, and Xi chose to appoint subordinates who worked under him in the past.

He spoke about what he called the "rejuvenation" of China.

Xi said, "On our new journey, we should always keep our spirits high, so we can push forward with building a modern socialist country."

There is no clear successor to Xi within the top decision-making body.

Analysts say the appointments are a sign that Xi is trying to eliminate his political rivals.

China's second-ranking official, Premier Li Keqiang, was among those removed from the leadership.

Vice-Premier Hu Chunhua, who was considered a potential future leader of China, also stepped down as a party executive. He was close to Li and also to the country's former President Hu Jintao.


Key words : foreign minister wang diplomat
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221022_17/

Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who turns 69 later this month, and 72-year-old Zhang Youxia, the top officer of the Chinese military, were elected to China's Communist Party's 205-member Central Committee on Saturday. That is despite a precedent that top party officials retire at the age of 68.

Wang is a career diplomat who is well-versed in Japanese affairs and once served as China's ambassador to Japan. Since 2018, he has doubled as a state councilor in charge of diplomacy and foreign minister. He accompanied President Xi Jinping on nearly all his overseas trips.

Zhang is the son of a top military official who fought for the Communist revolution. His father and Xi's father, Xi Zhongxun, are believed to have been close friends who fought in the same conflict.

Meanwhile, Premier Li Keqiang, ranked second in the party's hierarchy and Wang Yang, ranked fourth, did not make it to the Central Committee's new roster despite both being 67 years old.

Media in Hong Kong have reported that Xi will pick his close aides from among people who worked under him when he was assigned to provincial posts.


Key words : nakamura genta
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221023_14/

Click to watch NHK World Nakamura Genta at our Beijing Bureau provide the latest details on what the landscape looks like with the personnel change in China's supreme leadership.


Key words : russian forces drone energy
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221022_16/

Russian forces continue to attack Ukraine's energy facilities with missiles and drones.

Ukraine's Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko told Reuters in an interview on Friday that Russian forces had struck 30 to 40 percent of Ukraine's power infrastructure. He also said at least half of the thermal power generation capacity in his country had been lost.

Halushchenko said rebuilding the damaged infrastructure would take months.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has been calling on people to save energy. In a video released on Friday, Zelenskyy said although a fierce battle continues in southern and eastern Ukraine, their forces are taking the initiative.
Analysts at the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War say Russian forces seem to have started to withdraw from the western part of the Kherson region.

Ukrainian forces said on social media on Friday that Russian forces started moving units from areas around Kherson City to the other side of the Dnipro River.

Ukrainian forces are believed to be increasing their counteroffensive to win back the region.


Key words : hayashi
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221023_07/

Japan's Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa is hoping to reconfirm cooperation with the Group of Seven countries when he takes part in the meeting of the foreign ministers on November 3 and 4 in Munster, Germany.

Hayashi will be meeting with his counterparts separately on the sidelines of the conference.

Continued support for Ukraine and sanctions on Russia will be discussed. Eight months have passed since Russia invaded Ukraine.

Hayashi plans to hold talks with German foreign and defense ministers there and Japan's Defense Minister Hamada Yasukazu is expected to join them online. The "two-plus-two" talks were first held online last year.

The ministers are expected to discuss and confirm the importance of the rule of law and strengthening security ties keeping Russia and China in mind.


Key words : emperor and okinawa disabilities
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221023_10/

Japan's Emperor and Empress have attended the opening ceremony of art and culture festivals in Okinawa Prefecture.

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako appeared at the opening ceremony for the national cultural festival and the national art and cultural festival for people with disabilities in Ginowan City on Sunday.

In a speech, the Emperor mentioned Okinawa's long history of cultural activities through its exchanges with East Asia since the time when it was the Ryukyu Kingdom.

The Emperor said he is delighted to see people gathering in Okinawa for art and cultural events this year, when the prefecture marks 50 years since it was returned to Japan from US rule.

The Imperial couple later enjoyed music and dance performances depicting Okinawa's history.

Their visit to the prefecture was the first since the Emperor's enthronement in 2019.

On Saturday, they visited the National Cemetery for the War Dead in Itoman City. The city was the site of the last fierce ground battle between Japanese and US troops in Okinawa during the closing days of World War Two.


Key words : western japan enjoyed dazzling
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221023_16/

People in Western Japan have enjoyed a rare and dazzling spectacle on the region's highest peak.

The sun rose from behind the top of Mount Daisen in Tottori Prefecture.

It created a phenomenon called "Diamond Daisen," since the sun shines like a gem. It can usually be seen around February and October, weather permitting.

About 1,000 people gathered at nearby Yonago Castle to take in the magnificent view.

A male visitor said, "I'm glad there were no clouds. I feel energized and refreshed."

A girl said, "I prayed for happiness for my family and it's sure to happen."


2022年10月22日土曜日

at 18:00 (JST), October 22

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20221022180000_english_1.mp3


Key words : communist party wrapped up
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221022_13/

China's Communist Party has just wrapped up its twice-a-decade National Congress.

President Xi Jinping is set to secure an unprecedented third term as leader, while Premier Li Keqiang is likely to step down from the party's top leadership.

The final session of the congress on Saturday was attended by more than 2,000 delegates.

They picked some 200 members of the party's Central Committee.

Xi was elected, which means he will stay in power for an historic third term. Under the party's unwritten rule, top officials are supposed to retire at the age of 68. Xi turned 69 this year.

Premier Li Keqiang, at 67, did not make it onto the new committee's list. He is likely to step down from the party's supreme leadership, the Politburo Standing Committee, which currently has 7 members. His term as premier ends in March of next year.

The delegates also voted on a draft revision of the party's constitution. It incorporates a slogan called "two establishments" which expresses support for Xi's core position in the party and his role as an ideological leader. That means all party members are obligated to be loyal to Xi.

The newly-elected Central Committee is expected to hold its first meeting as early as Sunday to select members for the Politburo Standing Committee.


Key words : former president reluctant
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221022_15/

Former Chinese President Hu Jintao was led out of Saturday's closing ceremony of the Communist Party's National Congress in the Great Hall of the People in Beijing while the meeting was still in session.

Hu, who was sitting next to President Xi Jinping, was prodded to leave by two staff members before the adoption of a draft revision to the party's constitution.

Hu initially appeared reluctant and tried to stay in his seat by shaking off the hand of a steward who was holding his arm.

On his way out, Hu had a brief exchange with Xi. He also patted the shoulder of Premier Li Keqiang, who was not elected to the party's Central Committee.

Hu was escorted out of the venue with one of the staffers holding his arm.

His unexpected exit took place in front of media crews who were covering the congress.


Key words : japan and australia next 10 years
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221022_12/

Japan and Australia have issued a new joint declaration on security cooperation for the next decade.

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio met with Australian counterpart Anthony Albanese in Australia's western coastal city of Perth for about two hours on Saturday morning.

The leaders signed the joint declaration, which is viewed as reflecting the security environment in the region, including China's increasing maritime activity.

The declaration underscores the significance of a rule-based order. It says that Japan and Australia will discuss a response to a contingency that could impact both countries and their surrounding areas.

The joint declaration also says that Japan's Self-Defense Forces and the Australian military will deepen their cooperation by conducting joint exercises and sharing facilities.

Kishida and Albanese confirmed they would increase cooperation to secure stable supplies of liquefied natural gas, rare metals and other resources.

At a joint news conference after the meeting, Kishida said the new security declaration covers how to cooperate on a range of defense and security issues over the next 10 years and will help strengthen bilateral ties.


Key words : britain former prime
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221022_08/

Britain's House of Commons leader Penny Mordaunt has become the first person to declare their intention to replace Liz Truss as Conservative party leader and Prime Minister. Truss announced her resignation on Thursday.

Mordaunt took to Twitter on Friday to say, "I've been encouraged by support from colleagues who want a fresh start, a united party and leadership in the national interest."

Candidates for party leader need the backing of at least 100 of the 357 Conservative members of parliament. Nominations will close on Monday.

Local media say former finance minister Rishi Sunak and former prime minister Boris Johnson are planning to run.

They report that Sunak currently has more than 70 endorsements, while Johnson has more than 40 and Mordaunt about 20.

If only one candidate secures 100 nominations, that candidate automatically becomes party leader.

Should there be two or more candidates, lawmakers will cast ballots and party members will vote online. The result would be announced on Friday.


Key words : US committee investigating
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221022_09/

A US Congressional committee has issued a subpoena to former President Donald Trump in connection with last year's attack on the Capitol by his supporters.

The House of Representatives panel investigating the deadly riot on January 6, 2021 said on Friday that it had subpoenaed Trump to demand his testimony.

The panel says it has assembled overwhelming evidence that the former president personally orchestrated and oversaw a multi-part effort to overturn the 2020 presidential election and to obstruct the peaceful transition of power.

The subpoena demands that relevant documentary material be submitted to the panel by November 4, and that Trump appear for a deposition beginning on or around November 14.

If Trump does not comply, he could be held in contempt of Congress.

Congress would vote on whether to refer Trump to the Justice Department, which has the authority to decide whether to bring criminal charges.

Trump's former chief strategist, Steve Bannon, defied a subpoena from the January 6 committee. He was sentenced on Friday to serve four months in prison and fined 6,500 dollars after being found guilty of contempt of Congress.


Key words : ukrainian leader receive
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221022_N01/

Ukrainian leaders say they are continuing to receive reports of Russian attacks across the country. They say power plants, residential buildings and civilian facilities have become targets. Now, they are warning of serious damage to a vital dam.

Ukrainian forces have advanced in the south and recaptured the territory they had lost in the Kherson region. However, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russian troops may be planning to flood the city. He believes they are preparing an operation to blow up a dam on the Dnipro River.

Zelenskyy said, "Now everyone in the world must act powerfully and quickly to prevent a new Russian terrorist attack. Destroying the dam would mean a large-scale disaster."

Analysts at the Washington-based Institute for the Study of War say Russia is planning a "false flag" attack that could overshadow the news of its retreat from the region and that could portray Ukraine as a terrorist state.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke by phone with his Russian counterpart, Sergei Shoigu, for the first time since May. Pentagon officials said Austin "emphasized the importance of maintaining lines" of communication. Earlier, he spoke with Ukraine's defense minister and promised unwavering support.


Key words : icc
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221022_10/

The chief of the International Criminal Court has called for international support for the court's investigation into alleged war crimes by Russians in Ukraine.

ICC President Piotr Hofmanski spoke to NHK in Tokyo on Friday.

The judge said it's the most wide-ranging situation the court has ever dealt with.
He said that there are hundreds of victims and also possibly many perpetrators.

The ICC chief indicated that the ongoing probe is the largest by the ICC since it was established in 2003.

He said, "Everything from the beginning is more complex, more difficult, and more costly, including the process of the collecting evidence, security of victims, costs of travels, and so on."

He called for international support as the investigation is expected to take time and require more resources.

The ICC cannot seek cooperation from Russia as the country has not ratified the international treaty that governs the ICC. The question is whether the court can try Russia's political and military leaders based on evidence collected in Ukraine.

Hofmanski said if charges are brought against them, the ICC judges will consider what to do.

He said that the ICC wants to attract more professionals from Japan to apply for positions at the court.

He also said that the ICC wants to help strengthen the educational system in Japan in respect to international criminal law.

The ICC is considering opening an office in Japan, which is the largest donor country to the organization.


Key words : learned mako
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221021_31/

NHK has learned that Komuro Kei, the husband of Japan's former Princess Mako, has told a person close to him that he has passed the New York State bar exam.

Lawyer Okuno Yoshihiko says he received a call from Komuro on Friday telling him that he passed the exam. It was his third attempt.

Okuno heads a law firm where Komuro worked when he was in Japan, and also helped Komuro move to the United States to study at a law school.

According to Okuno, Komuro said he has finally managed to become a lawyer, and thanked Okuno for his support. Komuro is quoted as saying that he will strive to improve as a lawyer, and that he is very happy.

The New York State Board of Law Examiners says about 9,600 candidates sat for the exam in July and that 66 percent of them passed. It says the success rate stood at 23 percent for repeat candidates like Komuro.

Komuro currently works as an assistant at a law firm in New York State, where he and Mako live. Mako is the eldest daughter of Crown Prince Akishino and a niece of Emperor Naruhito.


2022年10月21日金曜日

at 18:30 (JST), October 21

Asian View

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


https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20221021183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : consumer feeling the pinch
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221021_18/

Japanese consumers are feeling the pinch as prices continue to rise. The internal affairs ministry said on Friday that the consumer price index, excluding fresh food, climbed 3 percent in September from a year earlier.

Japan has not seen that level of increase since August 1991, except for when the consumption tax was increased.

The government and the Bank of Japan have set an inflation target of 2 percent to pull the country out of deflation. September was the sixth straight month that the figure exceeded that mark.


Key words : japan and thailand
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221020_41/

Japan and Thailand have held a meeting of public and private sector officials on the transfer of Japanese technologies to help the Southeastern country reduce carbon emissions.

The officials held their first meeting in Thailand's capital of Bangkok on Thursday in accordance with a memorandum concluded between the two governments on cooperation in the energy sector. Nearly 20 firms from the two countries took part.

Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries have a high ratio of thermal power generation using coal and gas. They face a challenge of reducing carbon emissions, while expanding power supply as high economic growth is expected in the region.

At the meeting, Japanese firms introduced technology to use ammonia for power generation. Ammonia does not emit carbon dioxide when burnt. Technologies concerning electric vehicles were also shown.

The Japanese government expects companies between the two countries to launch projects.

A senior official from Thailand's energy ministry said a reduction in carbon emissions cannot be achieved only through efforts by the country, so it is necessary for Japan and Thailand to cooperate and make efforts.

Japan plans to hold government and private sector conferences in other Southeast Asian countries to support their efforts to reduce carbon emissions in phases.


Key words : noble gases
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221021_02/

A group of researchers says it has found traces of noble gases on sand and other asteroid samples brought back by a Japanese space probe.

The discovery was made by a team that includes Okazaki Ryuji, an associate professor at Kyushu University.

The team analyzed samples in an airtight cylindrical capsule fitted to Hayabusa2. The samples were collected from the asteroid Ryugu, about 300 million kilometers away.

The team says it detected tiny amounts of noble gases such as helium and neon that are extremely rare in the Earth's atmosphere.

It says it believes that the gases were originally emitted by the sun onto the asteroid and released when sand or other substances rubbed against each other.

Earlier this year, other research groups say their analyses found amino acids and carbonated water in samples from the capsule.

Okazaki says Hayabusa2 brought back gases as well as solids and liquid. He says this shows Japan has advanced technology that can be used in a space mission to retrieve ice and highly volatile organic matter.


Key words : north behind missile launches
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