at 18:30 (JST), December 07

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/20221207183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : experts china omicron
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221207_05/

China's state-run Central Television has broadcast an interview with experts who say the virulence of the Omicron coronavirus variant is low. The move is widely seen as a sign that Beijing may ease its strict anti-coronavirus measures further.

In an interview repeatedly broadcast on Tuesday, an expert says the virulence of the currently spreading Omicron has obviously weakened compared with the prime strain and other variants.

The expert says over 90 percent of those infected with the Omicron are asymptomatic or show very mild symptoms and that the current variant is very close to seasonal influenza.

Another expert suggests there is no need to transfer all infected people to hospitals or isolation sites like before.

The expert says it is possible for those with mild symptoms to recuperate at home while taking cold remedies and other medicines.

Chinese media previously reported on the need for the government to continue its zero-COVID policy, stressing that Omicron has stronger transmissibility.

Anti-coronavirus measures are under review across the country following nationwide protests against the harsh policies.

Key words : japan fighter jet
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221206_37/

Japan's Air Self-Defense Force has sent two fighter jets to the Philippines, the first time it has dispatched them to the country. The two nations are deepening their security ties as China increases its regional presence.

Two F-15 fighter jets arrived on Tuesday at Clark Air Base on Luzon Island after taking off from an airbase in southwestern Japan. The aircraft flew for about four hours and were refueled in the air.

Japan's ASDF and the Philippine Air Force began joint exercises last year. The two jets will not take part in the drill this time.

Japan has also begun transferring air surveillance radar systems to the Philippines.

Lieutenant Colonel Arisawa Shotaro of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force called the Philippines "a very important partner" of Japan's that shares common values.

"We want to expedite cooperation, inter-operation and mutual understanding, and contribute to stabilization in the region," Arisawa said.

SDF officials say the Philippines is the third country to which Japan has sent its fighters, after the United States and Australia.

Key words : sakamoto cancer
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221207_03/

Prominent Japanese musician Sakamoto Ryuichi, who is undergoing treatment for cancer, has published a video message ahead of the online streaming of his piano performances he recorded this autumn.

The message released on Wednesday shows Sakamoto sitting by the piano.

He says in the video that he has continued his treatment for cancer while engaging in almost no public activities.

Sakamoto disclosed in January 2021 that he was diagnosed with rectal cancer while in remission from throat cancer which was discovered in 2014.

He says in the latest video that it is now difficult for him to play for an hour, or 90 minutes, as he used to, because he has lost strength.

Sakamoto says he has decided to record his piano numbers piece by piece, and edit them into an uninterrupted concert.

He wraps up his message by saying that he hopes his fans will enjoy his performances as they would a normal performance.

The recorded footage will be streamed around the world on December 11 and 12, Japan time.

Key words : myanmar pro-democracy shadow
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/videos/20221109200248662/

In Myanmar... a pro-democracy shadow government is waging an armed uprising against the military, which staged a coup in early 2021. Fighting between the shadow government's armed wing and the military has become increasingly violent. In this report we look at the hardship of people engaged in the prolonged fighting.