at 18:30 (JST), December 30

Asian View

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

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20221230183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : emergency border direct flights
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221230_02/

The Japanese government on Friday imposed emergency border controls on travelers from China, due to a surge in the number of coronavirus cases there.

All travelers on direct flights from mainland China and people who have been there within seven days prior to entry to Japan will be tested for the virus upon arrival.

If they test positive, those with symptoms will be required to stay at quarantine facilities for seven days. Those with no symptoms will be required to do so for five days.

Samples of all positive cases will be sent for genomic analysis to check for any possible new variants.

Direct flights from China will be limited to four airports: Narita and Haneda serving Tokyo, and Kansai and Chubu. Airlines have been asked not to increase the number of flights between Japan and China.

Direct flights from Hong Kong and Macao will be allowed to fly to Shin-Chitose, Fukuoka and Naha in addition to the four airports if they do not carry anyone who has been in mainland China within seven days prior to entry.

The government plans to monitor the infection situation in China to determine how long the measures should stay in place.

Key words : scientist
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221230_03/

An expert with the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention says coronavirus infections are peaking in the cities of Shanghai and Chongqing, Hubei Province and elsewhere.

The expert also said on Thursday that infections had passed their peaks in Beijing, Tianjin and elsewhere. The scientist did not disclose the specific numbers of infections.

The expert said the situation will become more complex now that severe winter conditions have arrived and the Lunar New Year holiday is approaching in late January, when many people travel.

The person said the effects of the outbreak need to be contained as much as possible.

The number of infections has been surging across the country since the government eased its stringent anti-virus requirements on December 7. The number of seriously ill patients has been soaring, straining the healthcare system.

The government recently announced it would drop coronavirus quarantine requirements for arriving travelers, starting on January 8. It also said it would restore outbound travel by Chinese nationals in stages.

Other countries are urging China to share information on the infection situation.

Key words : south conducted
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221230_07/

The South Korean military has conducted drills to strengthen its air defense after failing to intercept North Korean drones that violated the South's airspace.

Criticism has mounted after the military missed five drones that crossed the military demarcation line between the two countries on Monday.

South Korean military helicopters and other aircraft attempted to shoot them down by firing more than 100 rounds, without success.

On Thursday, the military conducted drills involving its air force and army near Seoul under the hypothetical scenario of drone infiltrations.

The Joint Chiefs of Staff said about 20 aircraft, including attack helicopters, were mobilized, and they practiced detecting, identifying, tracing and intercepting the drones.

The military also released photos showing ground troops taking part in the drills. It said the soldiers practiced intercepting drones with autocannons and surface-to-air missiles.

South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol on Thursday called for punishment and retaliation against what he called "acts violating our freedom." He said this is the only means to deter provocations.

Key words : railway airport
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221229_11/

Railways, airports and expressways in Japan are packed with people heading off to hometowns and vacations during the year-end and New Year holidays.

The mass exodus was peaking on Thursday. Many people are taking trips during the holiday as no coronavirus restrictions are in place for the first time in three years.

Japan Railway companies say Shinkansen bullet trains leaving Tokyo are crowded.

Non-reserved seats of some Nozomi super expresses on the Tokaido Shinkansen Line saw up to 50 percent more passengers than capacity.

Non-reserved seats of some Tohoku and Hokuriku Shinkansen trains were almost fully occupied.

Reserved seats of some west-bound Tokaido Shinkansen trains were all taken on Thursday morning, with some vacancies reportedly left in the afternoon.

All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines say domestic flights leaving Osaka or Tokyo's Haneda are fully or almost fully booked for the day.

Major airlines said last week that more than 2.7 million people have booked flights over the nine days to January 5.

ANA and JAL say their reservations combined have recovered to 83 percent of the figure before the start of the pandemic.

Expressways have begun to see traffic jams. The Japan Road Traffic Information Center says on Thursday morning some sections of the Tomei and other expressways were backed up more than 10 kilometers.

Key words : group of seven hiroshima yamamoto
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