2023年2月28日火曜日

at 18:30 (JST), February 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/20230228183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : tomahawk budget
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230227_19/

The Japanese government plans to acquire up to 400 US-made Tomahawk cruise missiles to help boost counterstrike capabilities.

Members of the ruling coalition disclosed this during a directors' meeting of the Lower House budget committee on Monday.

They said 400 is the maximum number and the actual figure will be decided later.

The disclosure came after the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party urged the government last week to announce how many missiles it plans to buy.

Prime Minister Kishida Fumio replied that the matter attracts much public interest, and the government will decide whether to make an announcement.

The opposition party also requested that the government present concrete examples of cases in which the country would exercise its counterattack capabilities.

But the government declined, saying that disclosing such details could undermine national security.


Key words : growing number ukraine visit
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230228_02/

A growing number of Japanese lawmakers say they endorse a plan for Prime Minister Kishida Fumio to head to Ukraine without prior notice to the Diet.

The lawmakers, both from the ruling and opposition parties, see Kishida's possible trip to Ukraine as an exceptional case.

Such a plan goes against the standard practice of prime ministers telling the Diet about their travel plans before heading overseas.

But Motegi Toshimitsu, secretary general of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, justified the plan, saying great precautions would need to be taken in order to respond to unexpected events and ensure Kishida's safety.

A senior opposition politician echoed that view, saying the Diet should not stand in the way of Kishida's possible visit to Ukraine.

The government has yet to make a decision on the plan and is carefully watching if more politicians are coming to support it as a key diplomatic move for Japan, which holds the G7 presidency this year.

Some experts, however, have pointed out that securing the prime minister's safety in the conflict-torn country isn't an easy task for Japan, which doesn't have any military troops or special-operations units.


Key words : china taiwan strait
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230228_16/

A US Navy patrol aircraft has flown through the Taiwan Strait -- the politically sensitive waterway between Taiwan and mainland China.

The US 7th Fleet said a P-8A Poseidon transited the strait in international airspace on Monday, local time.

The fleet noted that the aircraft operated in accordance with international law, and that the flight demonstrates the US commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Taiwan's defense ministry made a similar announcement.

The Eastern Theater Command of China's People's Liberation Army said its forces closely monitored the US plane as it transited the strait.

It released a statement, saying, "The US side's actions deliberately interfered with and disrupted the regional situation and endangered peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. We firmly oppose this."


Key words : border control from china random
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230227_24/

The Japanese government will ease its COVID-19 border controls on travelers arriving from China starting Wednesday.

The government imposed tighter measures on travelers from China in December last year, after the number of infections of the coronavirus soared in the country.

The current measures require all visitors from China to be PCR tested upon their arrival, as well as to show proof of a negative test result.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu on Monday told reporters that starting on March 1, the mandatory testing will be switched to random testing of a limited number of people.

He said Japan will also do away with limiting arrivals of direct flights connecting with China to four major airports, including Tokyo's Haneda.

Matsuno cited the need to ease restrictions in stages, saying entrants from China will still be required to submit negative test results.

Asked why the government decided to ease its measures, Matsuno said the rate of travelers from China testing positive for the coronavirus continues to drop.

He said new border controls will be in place for the time being, and the government will respond in a flexible manner, while assessing China's coronavirus situation and also other countries' border controls.


Key words : lawyer religious group
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230227_28/

A team of lawyers lodged a complaint with Japan's health ministry in Tokyo on Monday against the teachings of the Jehovah's Witnesses religious group. The complaint said the group's practices such as declining blood transfusions for their children could amount to child abuse.

The lawyers provide legal assistance to former followers of the group as well as to the children of group members.

About 100 people said in interviews with the team that they had been instructed by senior members of the religious group to refuse blood transfusions for their children.

Others said they were whipped by their Jehovah's Witness parents while growing up.

The lawyers say such practices may constitute child abuse.

Monday's action comes as the health ministry in December issued guidelines to municipalities stating that denying children necessary medical treatment, including blood transfusions, is neglect, a form of abuse.

The guidelines also state that resorting to such punishments as whipping a child constitutes physical abuse.

One of the lawyers, Tanaka Kotaro, noted that the team was able to hold meaningful discussions with ministry officials, as the two sides confirmed the need for cooperation in dealing with the problems.

The ministry has expressed its readiness to discuss what actions should be taken after scrutinizing the submitted report.

Jehovah's Witnesses maintains that the claims run counter to the facts.

Jehovah's Witnesses said it is heartbreaking that a wrong conclusion has been reached based on distorted reports from only those critical of the group.

They say they do not approve of blood transfusions for religious reasons.

The group maintains that medical decisions are made by individuals and their families, and should be made after sufficient discussion.


Key words : air self-defense plaintiff
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230227_25/

A member of Japan's Air Self-Defense Force has sued the state, alleging that the SDF failed to properly address her complaints that she was sexually harassed by a male colleague.

The female member filed the lawsuit with the Tokyo District Court. She is seeking more than 11 million yen, or about 80,000 dollars, in compensation for mental suffering.

Her lawyers say the male member repeatedly made sexually suggestive remarks, including making fun of her physical characteristics, from 2010 to 2013 when she was serving at Naha Air Base in Okinawa Prefecture.

The lawyers say the SDF failed to take proper corrective measures.

The plaintiff says she suffered mentally as she was forced to share a workplace with the man for a total of five years after she made the complaints. She said her case was used in a sexual harassment education seminar on the base, and her name was disclosed.

Her lawyer said at a news conference that the lawsuit will stress the seriousness of secondary damage resulting from sexual harassment.

The lawyer expressed the intention of pursuing the "organizational responsibility" of harassment as an issue for Japanese society as a whole, not just in the SDF.

The Defense Ministry says it will discuss the matter with relevant bodies and address it appropriately after receiving the complaint.


Key words : cedar pollen
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230227_31/

Japan's Environment Ministry warns that a massive amount of cedar pollen, an allergen that causes sneezing and running noses, is expected to be in the air this season in many parts of the country.

In order to estimate the amount of pollen that will be dispersed, the ministry counts the number of male flower buds on cedar trees in 34 prefectures.

The ministry found that this season the number of buds exceeds the average for the past 10 years in 23 prefectures from southern Tohoku to Kyushu.

The bud-counts were the highest in a decade in 12 prefectures: Fukushima, Tokyo, Kanagawa, Niigata, Toyama, Ishikawa, Kyoto, Hyogo, Okayama, Tottori, Hiroshima and Fukuoka.

The counts for Tottori, Toyama and Okayama were more than double the average, and almost double in some other prefectures.

The ministry says the areas with greater-than-average numbers of male buds had longer daylight hours and higher temperatures last summer.

The ministry says such measures as placing a gauze pad inside a face mask, drying laundry indoors and frequently mopping floors can be effective.


2023年2月27日月曜日

at 18:30 (JST), February 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/20230227183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : finance ministers fail objected
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230226_04/

India has revealed that the G20 nations were unable to issue a joint statement after their meeting because China and Russia objected to the inclusion of a passage condemning Moscow's war in Ukraine.

The finance ministers and central bank governors of the Group of 20 nations wrapped up their meeting in the southern city of Bengaluru on Saturday, after they failed to reach a consensus.

India chaired the meeting. The country's Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, spoke to reporters after the meeting. She said opposition from China and Russia prevented the nations from issuing a joint statement.

She revealed that China and Russia opposed the inclusion of a statement, which said that most of the members strongly condemn the war in Ukraine. They also rejected the inclusion of a line, which stressed that the situation in Ukraine is causing immense human suffering and exacerbating existing fragilities in the global economy.

Those passages were included in a declaration that was unanimously adopted at the G20 summit in Indonesia last year. China and Russia approved that declaration.

Sitharaman noted that Russia and China explained that they had no problem with the passages then, but that they cannot accept them now.


Key words : xi invited belarusian
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230226_01/

China's Foreign Ministry says President Xi Jinping has invited Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko to pay a state visit from Tuesday to Thursday.

The ministry made the announcement on Saturday.

On the same day, the Belarusian presidential office said Lukashenko and Xi are scheduled to discuss the strengthening of economic cooperation between the two countries.

It also said the two leaders would focus on possible ways to respond to urgent international issues.

They are expected to confirm their countries' respective positions on the situation in Ukraine.

Ahead of the announcement, Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang held telephone talks on Friday with his Belarusian counterpart Sergei Aleinik.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry says Qin explained to Aleinik the contents of a paper released on Friday detailing Beijing's stance on the situation in Ukraine.

The ministry noted how Qin stressed that China has always supported efforts to promote peaceful negotiations.

On February 17, Lukashenko visited Moscow and met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The leaders discussed military cooperation between their countries.


Key words : daisuke award
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230227_01/

Japanese animation director Tsutsumi Daisuke's "Oni: Thunder God's Tale" has claimed two of the prestigious Annie Awards, which are often called the Oscars of animation.

The winners of the 50th Annie Awards were announced at a ceremony in Los Angeles on Saturday.

"Oni: Thunder God's Tale" collected the award for "Best TV/Media -- Limited Series" and another for "Best Production Design -- TV/Media."

The work is a four-part series offered on a video streaming service. It uses computer graphics to create an atmosphere like a puppet show.

The story is set in a world of gods and spirits from Japanese mythology. It depicts a courageous, lively girl named Onari, who struggles to find her true powers to confront the menacing presence called Oni.

Tsutsumi told reporters that he is really happy that of all the high-quality nominees, his work was selected for the awards.

He said given that people all over the world can watch Japan-themed productions through streaming and other online services, it is important to create with sincerity.

Meanwhile, the award for Best Feature went to "Guillermo del Toro's Pinocchio," which reinvents the classic tale of the wooden marionette that is magically brought to life.


Key words : families message kim
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230226_13/

The families of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korean agents have released a new message for the country's leader Kim Jong Un. They say they will not oppose humanitarian aid if North Korea allows all the abductees to return while their parents are still alive.

This is the first time the relatives' group has mentioned humanitarian assistance in a message for the North Korean leader. The two previous messages were issued in 2019 and 2021.

The message states that the group will not object to the Japanese government providing humanitarian aid to North Korea if the country repatriates the abductees while their parents are still living.

It also proposes that Tokyo and Pyongyang work together to resolve various humanitarian issues.

The document calls on the North's leader to agree to meet with his Japanese counterpart as soon as possible, and immediately allow all the abductees to return home.

The members of the relatives' group and their supporters met in Tokyo on Sunday. They discussed how to achieve a prompt resolution of the issue, as the abductees' parents are aging. A number of these parents have died without being reunited with their children.

The group's leader, Yokota Takuya, said the abductees have been deprived of their freedom for decades, and the North's acts that violate human rights and humanitarian principles must never be tolerated.

He urged the Japanese government to hold a bilateral summit as soon as possible to bring back the remaining abductees. He added that they will not give up and will continue to raise their voices.

Yokota's older sister, Megumi, was abducted 46 years ago when she was 13.

Japan's government says North Korean agents abducted at least 17 citizens in the 1970s and 1980s. The whereabouts of 12 remain unknown.


Key words : parents lgbtq
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230227_06/

Parents of LGBTQ children in Japan have called for the enactment of legislation that clearly stipulates discrimination is unacceptable. The group held an online news conference on Sunday.

The event was organized after Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio dismissed a top aide earlier this month for making discriminatory remarks about same-sex couples.

The issue prompted a non-partisan group of lawmakers to initiate a bill that facilitates understanding of LGBTQ people.

But some members of the main governing Liberal Democratic Party are opposed to the inclusion of language in the law that clearly states "discrimination is unacceptable."

Parents' group members said many LGBTQ children face serious discrimination and some have even taken their own lives.

They called for the establishment of basic rules stating discrimination is prohibited.

A woman from Tokyo with a young child said the only way to protect children is to shield them from discriminatory words. She noted that children will stop using such language if adults change their mindset, and said banning discrimination by law would be a big step.

The group plans to submit a written request to the government calling for the early enactment of a law that clearly bans discrimination.


Key words : 11-year-old girl died bird flu
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230226_05/

The World Health Organization says an 11-year-old girl in Cambodia has died from bird flu. It is urging all countries to be more vigilant.

The WHO had announced on Friday that the girl and a member of her family were infected with the H5N1 bird flu virus.

The organization says it is collecting information and conducting an investigation in the country. It also says it is communicating closely with the Cambodian government.

The H5N1 bird flu strain can cause respiratory symptoms. The WHO says it is taking the situation seriously, as the death rate was more than 50 percent in the past.

It also says the global situation is worrying, given that the virus has been detected in birds all over the world. It adds reports of infection cases involving humans and other mammals have been increasing.


Key words : philippine
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230225_15/

Saturday marks the 37th anniversary of the ousting of the late Philippine dictator President Ferdinand Marcos in a pro-democracy uprising.

Civic groups held a rally at a square in central Manila where the People Power movement that toppled the dictatorship took place in 1986.

Participants mourned those who were tortured to death during Marcos' rule, and criticized his son President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., for repeatedly making remarks to justify what his father had done and whitewash the misdeeds of his regime.

A 22-year-old participant said "We've seen a systematic flow of disinformation and lies. That's why we are against historical revisionism."

Marcos Jr. said in a statement that he was one with the nation in remembering "those times of tribulation and how we came out of them united and stronger as a nation."

He said he offers "my hand of reconciliation to those with different political persuasions to come together as one in forging a better society."


2023年2月26日日曜日

at 18:00 (JST), February 26

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20230226180000_english_1.mp3


Key words : iranian-made
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230226_07/

The UK defense ministry says that there have been no reports of Iranian-made attack drones being used in Ukraine since around February 15.

The ministry said in its intelligence update on Saturday that the lack of such deployment "likely indicates that Russia has run down its current stock."

It added that "Russia will likely seek a resupply."

Fighting in the eastern parts of Ukraine is raging as the aggression has now entered its second year.

The Russian defense ministry announced on Saturday that its forces had attacked Ukrainian troops and weapons depots in the eastern regions of Donetsk and Kharkiv.

The Ukrainian General Staff also announced that the Russian forces continue to shell Bakhmut and Lyman, two of the key cities in the Donetsk region.


Key words : finance minister group of 20 ended
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230226_03/

Finance ministers and central bank governors from the Group of 20 nations have ended their meeting in the southern Indian city of Bengaluru. But they were unable to issue a joint statement.

India, as the host of the meeting, released a chair's summary on the two days of talks.

Sources say many member countries condemned Russia for its invasion of Ukraine, but Russia and China did not.

This is the fourth consecutive time since last April the meeting has failed to compile a joint statement.

One year after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, G20 economies again failed to reach a consensus to address international economic issues.


Key words : foreign ministry xi invited
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230226_01/

China's Foreign Ministry says President Xi Jinping has invited Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko to pay a state visit from Tuesday to Thursday.

The ministry made the announcement on Saturday.

On the same day, the Belarusian presidential office said Lukashenko and Xi are scheduled to discuss the strengthening of economic cooperation between the two countries.

It also said the two leaders would focus on possible ways to respond to urgent international issues.

They are expected to confirm their countries' respective positions on the situation in Ukraine.

Ahead of the announcement, Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang held telephone talks on Friday with his Belarusian counterpart Sergei Aleinik.

The Chinese Foreign Ministry says Qin explained to Aleinik the contents of a paper released on Friday detailing Beijing's stance on the situation in Ukraine.

The ministry noted how Qin stressed that China has always supported efforts to promote peaceful negotiations.

On February 17, Lukashenko visited Moscow and met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The leaders discussed military cooperation between their countries.


Key words : three week challenge
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230226_06/

More than 50,000 people have been confirmed dead following the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria earlier this month.

Almost three weeks have passed since the quake, and the affected countries are facing challenges in distributing aid to those in need.

It has been confirmed that the magnitude 7.8 earthquake on February 6, and subsequent quakes, killed 44,218 people in Turkey, and another 5,914 in Syria.

In the Pazarcik district in the southern province of Kahramanmaras, at the epicenter of the earthquake, there is concern over the worsening hygiene situation. Nearly 800 residents still have no potable water.

A medical team visited the community on Saturday and conducted health checks on residents, measuring their blood pressure and checking for sore throats.

The team also handed out toothbrushes, soap bars and other hygiene supplies to residents.

One doctor told NHK that he started working as a volunteer immediately after the quake. He said Turkey has suffered from earthquakes many times before, and he believes people need to help each other.


Key words : danger buildings
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230225_17/

The death toll from the magnitude-7.8 earthquake that hit southern Turkey near the Syrian border on February 6th and the tremors that followed has surpassed 50,000.

People living amid damaged buildings and rubble are expressing anger at the authorities.

Forty-four-thousand-two-hundred-eighteen deaths have been confirmed in Turkey, and 5,914 in Syria.

The Turkish government says, as of Friday, at least 173,000 buildings had either collapsed or were in danger of collapsing.

While aid and restoration efforts are continuing, damaged buildings in some areas have still not been demolished or rubble removed.

Hasan Degirmenci, who lives in the hard-hit southern district of Pazarcik, lost six relatives, including his sister, her husband and their two children.

The local authorities who checked his three-story house concluded it needs to be demolished and instructed him not to enter it, but demolition work has not yet begun in the past week.

Hasan, who is Kurdish, says aid and restoration work has been delayed in areas where many Kurds live.

The disaster management authorities covering the area told NHK that buildings most at risk of collapse are being given priority for demolition.


Key words : world health 11-year-old bird flu
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230226_05/

The World Health Organization says an 11-year-old girl in Cambodia has died from bird flu. It is urging all countries to be more vigilant.

The WHO had announced on Friday that the girl and a member of her family were infected with the H5N1 bird flu virus.

The organization says it is collecting information and conducting an investigation in the country. It also says it is communicating closely with the Cambodian government.

The H5N1 bird flu strain can cause respiratory symptoms. The WHO says it is taking the situation seriously, as the death rate was more than 50 percent in the past.

It also says the global situation is worrying, given that the virus has been detected in birds all over the world. It adds reports of infection cases involving humans and other mammals have been increasing.


Key words : kim daughter successor
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230226_11/

North Korea's state-run media say leader Kim Jong Un has attended a ground-breaking ceremony for a new construction project in Pyongyang, accompanied by his daughter.

Korean Central Television reported on Sunday that the event was held on the previous day.

It showed photographs of Kim's daughter ceremoniously shoveling the earth, along with his father and other participants, and described her as "most beloved."

The project is for high-rise housing units to accommodate more than 4,000 households. More than 100,000 young people from across the country will reportedly take part in it.

North Korean media first published photos of Kim's daughter in November, when she accompanied her father at a test launch of a ballistic missile.

This is the first time that Kim has been reported to have brought his daughter to an economy-related event. Kim could be trying to stress his commitment to developing the country's economy for the next generation.

South Korean intelligence officials say the daughter is Kim's second child. Some analysts say she could be Kim's successor.


Key words : tokyo metropolitan
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230226_09/

Officials of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government are planning to install shutters and gates at subway station entrances to keep flood water from flowing into tunnels.

Tokyo officials fear torrential rain could cause heavy flood damages to urban areas, as powerful storms have been more frequent in recent years in Japan.

They estimate that more than 60 kilometers of subway tunnels could be submerged in the worst case scenario. That's about 60 percent of all subway lines operated by the Tokyo government.

Officials now plan to install shutters and gates at 65 subway entrances by mid-2040s. They also plan to take steps to prevent water from entering through ventilation equipment.

Officials say those measures will help reduce the area of flooded subway tunnels by two-thirds.

Some construction work has already begun. The total cost is estimated at about 220 million dollars.


Key words : japanese journalist
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230226_08/

A Japanese journalist known for disclosing classified documents on a Japan-US secret pact on the 1972 reversion of Okinawa has died at the age of 91.

Nishiyama Takichi was a reporter with the Mainichi Shimbun newspaper when he obtained the documents. They indicated that Japan had secretly promised to shoulder four million dollars of costs to restore US military sites to their original state. He wrote an exclusive article in 1971.

The Japanese government denied the existence of the secret pact. Nishiyama was arrested and indicted in 1972 for illegally obtaining classified documents from a female foreign ministry official. His sentence of four months suspended for one year was confirmed by the Supreme Court in 1978.

Around 2000 the United States declassified and released government documents that indicated the existence of secret pacts related to the return of Okinawa to Japan from US rule.

Nishiyama and others filed a lawsuit demanding the Japanese government disclose diplomatic documents related to secret pacts.

During court hearings, a former senior foreign ministry official who was involved in the reversion negotiations admitted that Japan and US had a secret pact.

But the Supreme Court dismissed the case in 2014, on the grounds that related documents were likely to have been destroyed.

Nishiyama died of a heart failure on Friday.


2023年2月25日土曜日

at 18:00 (JST), February 25

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20230225180000_english_1.mp3


Key words : zelenskyy positively
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230225_07/

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has reacted positively to a Chinese proposal for a ceasefire in the Russian invasion of his country, but says he will watch what Beijing does next.

Zelenskyy met with more than 100 journalists in Kyiv on Friday, which marks one year since the invasion began. The news conference started with a moment of silence to mourn the journalists killed in the conflict.

China on Friday issued a document calling on Russia and Ukraine to resume direct talks on a ceasefire.

Zelenskyy said it is good that China has begun to talk about Ukraine. But he said he does not know what will happen later, and that it all depends on the next steps.

He said he wants to believe that China will not supply weapons to Russia, which he said is very important.

Zelenskyy also expressed hope for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping. He stressed that such talks would be beneficial for their countries as well as for global security.

In response to a question from an NHK reporter, Zelenskyy said Japan's support has been very important. Japan holds this year's Group of Seven presidency.

He said he has invited Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio to visit Ukraine and that he is looking forward to his visit. He added that it has not yet been decided when this will take place.

The question-and-answer session lasted for about two and a half hours.


Key words : footage uknainian poet
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Key words : beijing military aid
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230225_10/

The Washington Post says China is considering providing Russia with artillery shells.

Citing US government officials, the US paper reported on Friday that China is considering sending Russia lethal military aid in the form of artillery ammunition.

However, it added that there is no evidence that any weapons transfers have occurred.

Meanwhile, CNN quoted multiple sources as saying the United States has intelligence that the Chinese government is considering providing Russia with drones and ammunition for use in the war in Ukraine.

The sources reportedly said Beijing has apparently not yet made a final decision, but that negotiations between Russia and China are ongoing.


Key words : poland german-made
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230225_11/

The first batch of German-made Leopard 2 tanks has been handed over to Ukraine.

Poland delivered four Leopard 2 tanks to Ukraine on Friday, exactly one year after the start of Russia's invasion of its neighbor.

Poland's Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki made the announcement during his visit to Kyiv.

His Ukrainian counterpart Denys Shmyhal posted a photo of him and Morawiecki shaking hands in front of the tanks on Twitter.

He wrote, "We are grateful to Poland for the decisive steps that bring Ukraine closer to victory." He went on to say, "We are waiting for the expansion of the tank coalition."

Germany announced on the same day that it will provide four more Leopard 2 tanks, in addition to the 14 it pledged last month.

Germany has been aiming to deliver two tank battalions, each comprising 31 units, to Ukraine by calling on other European countries to cooperate.

Germany now says with the latest addition, it can deliver a total of 31 tanks or one battalion, together with Sweden and Portugal.


Key words : delegates
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230225_03/

Delegates to the United Nations Security Council have marked one year since the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Foreign ministers from eight of the council's 15 members attended Friday's meeting.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the invasion a blatant violation of the UN Charter and international law.

He called for dialogue, saying, "The path of diplomacy and accountability is the road to a just and sustainable peace."

He also underscored the need to "encourage every meaningful effort to end the bloodshed and, at long last, give peace a chance."

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said when Russian President Vladimir Putin "couldn't break the Ukrainian military, he intensified efforts to break Ukrainians' spirit."

Blinken also criticized Russia for targeting Ukraine's infrastructure, including more than half of the country's energy grid.

Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa pointed out that Russia launched the invasion right in the middle of Security Council discussions on how to prevent aggression against Ukraine.

He described the move as an insult to the entire UN, and said it demonstrated how little Russia cares about the international body.

Hayashi added that Japan condemns Russia's actions "in the strongest possible terms."

In response, Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia said the situation is worsening because Western nations continue to send weapons to the battlefield.

He argued that Moscow has no option other than to eliminate the threat to Russia militarily.


Key words : ukrainian foreign minister will win
#N/A


Key words : group of 7 account
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230225_N02/

Leaders of the Group of 7 nations are determined to hold Russian President Vladimir Putin and those responsible for the invasion of Ukraine "to account." They have announced a new round of sanctions and warn that any country supporting the Russians will "face severe costs."

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy took part in their online meeting on Friday. The leaders condemned what they called Russia's "illegal, unjustifiable and unprovoked war."

Zelenskyy said, "You and I can make this year 2023 to be the year of the end of Russian aggression, the year of the return to peace."

The leaders also denounced Putin's "irresponsible nuclear rhetoric." They called out his decision to suspend participation in the New START treaty with the US. And they expressed concern over the continued occupation of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant.

The sanctions are aimed at reducing Putin's ability to finance the war by strengthening export bans on oil products. They will also introduce measures against diamond exports while targeting additional financial institutions.

The leaders agreed, once again, to support Ukraine "for as long as it takes." They say their immediate focus is on delivering air defense systems, munitions and tanks.

They have also pledged economic support this year of 39 billion dollars. And they are urging the International Monetary Fund to provide a financial program by the end of March. Ukrainian leaders are seeking at least 15 billion dollars.


Key words : 50,000 people opposition
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230225_05/

Opposition lawmakers in Turkey are criticizing President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's response to the devastating earthquakes, with an eye on the upcoming presidential election.

The magnitude-7.8 earthquake on February 6 and subsequent tremors have left more than 50,000 people dead -- at least 44,218 in Turkey and 5,914 in Syria.

There is growing speculation that the disaster may force Turkey to delay the presidential and parliamentary elections planned for May.

Presidential adviser Ibrahim Kalin told CNN on Thursday that it is the election administration commission that decides on whether to hold the elections as scheduled.

He said there are technical issues, including how to enable the more than 2 million people who have evacuated from their home towns to cast ballots. But he added that the vote is likely to go ahead in May if there is no opposition.

On Tuesday, President Erdogan revealed a plan to build 270,000 public housing units for quake survivors and pledged all-out efforts for reconstruction.

The deputy leader of Turkey's largest opposition Republican People's Party, Ali Oztunc, criticized the authorities for allowing the construction of buildings that did not meet quake-resistance standards.

Speaking to NHK on Friday, Oztunc said the elections should go ahead. He said the Erdogan administration needs to be removed as soon as possible. He said the opposition will win the elections by a large margin.


Key words : us consumer spending
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230225_02/

US consumer spending surged last month amid continued inflationary pressure, adding to market fears the Federal Reserve could continue rising interest rates for some time.

The US Commerce Department said on Friday that the personal consumption expenditures price index, the Fed's preferred gauge of inflation, rose 5.4 percent in January from a year earlier.

The price index excluding food and energy increased 4.7 percent.

Both figures were up 0.1 percentage point from December, and higher than market expectations.

Other economic indicators announced earlier this month also suggest prices in the US are still rising.


Key words : prime minister screen
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230225_06/

Japan's government is set to screen applications for electricity rate hikes by utilities on instructions from Prime Minister Kishida Fumio.

Half of Japan's 10 major utilities have applied for government approval for rate hikes starting in April.

Tohoku Electric Power Company, Hokuriku Electric Power, Chugoku Electric Power, Shikoku Electric Power and Okinawa Electric Power plan to raise regulated rates for households by 28 to 45 percent.

On Friday, Kishida instructed his Cabinet ministers to screen the applications carefully and study ways to keep the rates from increasing.

The Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry will proceed with the screenings, taking fuel prices and foreign exchange rates into account.

The ministry's move could result in a reduction in the margin of rate increases and could prevent the utilities from raising rates in April.

The government has recently begun granting subsidies of 7 yen, or about 5 cents, per kilowatt-hour to household subscribers as a way to reduce their financial burden.

The government plans to study additional burden-easing measures and announce them by the end of March.

It is also set to draw up support measures against surging wheat and livestock feed prices.


2023年2月24日金曜日

at 18:30 (JST), February 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/20230224183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : north conducted four
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230224_16/

Japan's government spokesperson says there have not been any reports of damage in the country from North Korea's claimed cruise missile drill on Thursday.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu spoke to reporters on Friday, after the North's ruling party newspaper reported that the country's military had conducted a strategic cruise missile launch drill on Thursday.

The report said the military fired four missiles from the country's northeast, which it said hit the "preset target" on the Sea of Japan.

Matsuno said his government has not confirmed that the missiles flew over Japan's exclusive economic zone or its territory.

He quoted North Korea as claiming that the missiles traveled 2,000 kilometers. He said if that is true, such launches threaten regional peace and security.

Matsuno said his government will keep working closely with the United States and South Korea. He says Japan will stay vigilant while collecting and analyzing information.


Key words : more than 60 percent
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230222_28/

As Moscow's invasion of Ukraine drags on, more than 60 percent of Japanese firms in Russia have either suspended their operations or withdrawn from the country completely.

That is the finding from the responses of 99 companies to a survey conducted last month by the Japan External Trade Organization.

Four percent said they had either already withdrawn from Russia or decided to leave. Another 17.2 percent said they had completely suspended operations, while 43.4 percent said they had partially suspended business activity. Only 35.4 percent said it was business as usual.

There was an 11-point increase in firms that had fully or partially suspended operations compared to a similar survey conducted last August.

Looking ahead, 10 percent of companies said they expect to pull out of Russia over the next six to 12 months, while 37 percent expected to continue operating.

A JETRO official said more firms will have to decide whether to withdraw from Russia, but some are concerned they will lose market share to countries such as China if they leave.


Key words : toyota electric vehicle
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230224_13/

Japanese automaker Toyota is expected to start producing electric vehicles in the United States as early as 2025, in response to the expansion of the EV market.

Sources say Toyota will begin EV production in earnest at its plant in the US state of Kentucky. The company is investing 460 million dollars in updating the plant.

Toyota plans to make its own batteries to keep the manufacturing process efficient and is building a separate plant for that purpose in North Carolina, also to start production in 2025.

The company's incoming president Sato Koji has presented his roadmap to accelerate EV development under the new management. His focus is on establishing efficient local systems.

Sato has also indicated his intention to maintain the strategy of marketing various types of vehicles, such as hybrids and fuel-cell vehicles, based on factors in each region.
Attention is on whether Toyota can turn its past success into competitiveness in the crowded EV market.


Key words : Friday marks one year
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2023年2月23日木曜日

at 18:30 (JST), February 23

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/20230223183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : wang putin third party
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230223_02/

Diplomatic movements are heating up ahead of the first anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks Wednesday with China's top diplomat, Wang Yi.

Putin said Russian-Chinese relations are developing just as the two countries planned in previous years, and everything is moving forward and developing, and new milestones are being reached.

He said he expects trade between their countries to reach 200 billion dollars by 2024.

Putin also said he is waiting for Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit Moscow for a summit as planned.

Wang replied relations between their nations are mature, resilient and stable.

He said China would like to emphasize once again that the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries has never been directed against a third party and is not subjected to interference and provocation by any third party.

On the same day, Russia's parliament approved the suspension of the remaining nuclear arms control treaty it had signed with the United States. Putin had announced on Tuesday Moscow was halting its participation in the New START Treaty.

He said it is Western nations that started the war, and Russia is using its force to stop it.

Western leaders rejected Putin's claim. NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg said nobody is attacking Russia. He added Russia is the aggressor and Ukraine is the victim of aggression.

US President Joe Biden said Ukraine will never be a victory for Russia, and its support for Ukraine will not waver.

Both sides are digging in their heels as the war continues and causes more and more casualties.

Putin spoke at a rally in a Moscow stadium and called for national unity. Russian media reports say about 200,000 government supporters attended the rally.


Key words : south solid-fuel faster
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230222_24/

South Korean intelligence service officials have told lawmakers that North Korea may make progress in developing solid-fuel intercontinental ballistic missiles this year.

South Korea's National Intelligence Service under the defense ministry made the comment at a closed-door briefing to the parliamentary intelligence committee on Wednesday, according to an attendee.

Solid-fuel ballistic missiles can be ready for launch faster than liquid-fuel ones. North Korea announced in December that it successfully conducted a combustion test of what it called a high-thrust solid-fuel motor.

At the briefing, the intelligence officials also told about North Korea's development of a military reconnaissance satellite included in its five-year national defense plan. The North said it will finish preparations for the satellite by April. The officials say a launch is very likely.


Key words : the united states reaffirm philippines
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230222_32/

The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to the defense of the Philippines, following a flare-up of tensions in the South China Sea. Manila has accused a Chinese ship of pointing a laser at one of its patrol ships.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with his Philippine counterpart Carlito Galvez by phone.

Austin said an attack on a Philippine vessel anywhere in the South China Sea would invoke the US mutual defense commitment under a treaty between the two countries.

The Philippine Coast Guard says a Chinese government ship directed a military-grade laser at its patrol vessel earlier this month near the Spratly Islands.

Beijing claims the ship did not direct lasers at the crew, or cause any damage. It says the Chinese ship was compelled to respond, since the Philippine vessel entered Chinese waters without permission.

But Austin agreed with Galvez that the incident took place inside the Philippines' exclusive economic zone.

They discussed joint patrols in the South China Sea and further cooperation with like-minded countries like Japan, that want a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Manila aims to expand its security cooperation with other countries as well. It's mulling joint patrols with Australia in the South China Sea.


Key words : senior official visited virginia
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230222_21/

Senior officials from Taiwan have visited the United States and reportedly held talks with US officials.

Taiwan's Foreign Minister Joseph Wu and National Security Council Secretary General Wellington Koo visited the American Institute in Taiwan's headquarters in Arlington, Virginia, on Tuesday.

US Deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman and senior officials from the White House and the US Defense Department visited the office around the same time.

Taiwan media reported that the two sides talked for around seven hours, likely about diplomatic and security matters.

The two sides have reportedly held such closed-door meetings for years, without confirmation from either side.

It is unusual that media were allowed to cover the officials' entering the possible meeting venue.

The US and Taiwan have no formal diplomatic ties.

US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense Michael Chase, who is the Pentagon's top China official, reportedly visited Taiwan last week.

Exchange between the US and Taiwan has apparently become active at a time when US-China relations remain tense over treatment of Taiwan and the recent shooting down of a Chinese balloon by the US.


Key words : population fertility
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230222_15/

South Korea's fertility rate in 2022 marked a record low for the seventh year in a row.

Statistics Korea said on Wednesday that the average number of children born per woman stood at 0.78 last year, down 0.03 from the previous year.

The agency says South Korea is the only country among members of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development with a fertility rate below one.

About 249,000 children were born last year in South Korea, the lowest since record-keeping began in 1970.

An agency official has attributed the decline to people marrying later in life or not marrying at all. The official says the trend is likely to continue until at least 2024.

The South Korean government is working to address the low birthrate. It views the issue, along with that of the aging population, as a serious challenge that will affect the nation's survival.


Key words : Kishida issue social support
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Key words : chinese expert worried economic growth
#N/A


Key words : economic growth
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230223_01/

Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang says "major country rivalry" should not take place in the Asia-Pacific -- in an apparent bid to keep the United States in check.

Qin was speaking at a joint news conference with Indonesian Foreign Minister Retno Marsudi after their meeting in Jakarta on Wednesday. Qin arrived in Indonesia on Tuesday on his first trip to Southeast Asia after assuming office last December.

Qin said that a "new Cold War or major country rivalry" should not be brought to the region.

He said China supports the strategic independence and unity of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. He made the remarks as Washington enhances its involvement in Southeast Asia to counter China.

Retno expressed hope that Southeast Asia will be a peaceful and stable region, as well as a center of economic growth.

Indonesia is at odds with China over the South China Sea. Some ASEAN members dispute the sovereignty of the waters with China.

Retno said Indonesia and other ASEAN members hope to produce an "effective, substantive and actionable" code of conduct on the South China Sea and hold discussions with Beijing on the matter.


Key words : naruhito turned 63 okinawa
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230223_03/

Japan's Emperor Naruhito turned 63 on Thursday.

Ahead of his birthday, he spoke to the media at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.

The Emperor and Empress Masako resumed visits within Japan last year, after a near three-year suspension due to the coronavirus pandemic.

They visited Okinawa Prefecture in October last year, which marked 50 years since its return to Japan from US rule.

The Emperor said they felt very grateful that they were able to meet and talk to the people of Okinawa in person.

He said they met the bereaved families of those who died in the 1945 Battle of Okinawa and felt for each and every person who experienced difficulties and sorrows.

He reflected on the meetings, and said the importance of peace was again engraved deeply in his heart.

The Emperor and Empress attended the state funeral of Britain's Queen Elizabeth in September last year.

The Emperor expressed his deep gratitude for the Queen's kindness toward him on various occasions when he studied at Oxford University and on subsequent visits to the UK.

The Emperor also expressed his gratitude to Empress Masako, to whom he will be married for 30 years in June.

He said she is a precious person who supports his activities on a daily basis while being also a mentor for him in public and in private.

He noted that she is watching over their daughter, Princess Aiko, with much care from day to day, and he is grateful to Empress Masako for bringing ease and warmth into his life.

Later on Thursday, Emperor Naruhito will give his first birthday greeting to the public at the palace since he ascended the throne.


2023年2月22日水曜日

at 18:30 (JST), February 22

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/20230222183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : china stop
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230221_27/

Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang has called on certain countries to stop fueling the fire in the Ukraine crisis, apparently referring to the US and its allies.

The foreign minister made the remarks on Tuesday in an address to a forum in Beijing.

He said China is deeply concerned about the escalation of the Ukraine crisis and the possibility of it spiraling out of control.

On Monday, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson told reporters that it is the United States, not China, that has been supplying weapons to the battlefield in Ukraine. He said the US is in no position to tell China what to do.

Beijing appears to be ratchetting up its criticisms against Washington after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Saturday told Wang Yi, his Chinese counterpart, about his concern that Beijing may provide "lethal support to Russia."


Key words : thailand and
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230221_45/

Thailand and Myanmar are starting to reopen border crossings to travelers. The checkpoints were closed for nearly three years due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Officials from the countries gathered for a ceremony marking the reopening of the Thai-Myanmar Friendship Bridge on Monday.

The bridge links Chiang Rai province in northern Thailand with Tachileik township in eastern Myanmar. It is one of the main nodes for trade between the countries and had been closed since March 2020.

Another major checkpoint was opened to travelers in January. This came after months of delays.

Both reopenings were postponed repeatedly due to concerns about security in Myanmar. The situation in the border regions of the country has been unstable since the military coup in February 2021. Some of the areas are home to ethnic minority militias that are fighting the junta forces.


Key words : coronavirus aftereffect
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230222_06/

A Japanese research institute says one in four people continued to experience suspected coronavirus aftereffects even 18 months after infection.

The National Center for Global Health and Medicine interviewed 502 people in their 20s to 70s who were infected between February 2020 and November 2021.

The center found that 32.3 percent complained of possible aftereffects six months after they got the virus.

The figure fell to 30.5 percent one year after infection, and to 25.8 percent another six months later.

As for symptoms one year after infection, 11.7 percent complained of memory loss, 11.4 percent cited lack of concentration and 10.3 percent had problems with their sense of smell.

Brain fog affected 9.1 percent of the former patients, while 7.5 percent suffered psychological distress.

The center says women tend to be affected by an abnormal sense of smell, hair loss and lack of concentration.

Those who had moderate to severe COVID-19 symptoms often experience shortness of breath, cough and lethargy.

Doctor Morioka Shinichiro says aftereffects are said to be less frequent among people infected with the Omicron variants, but they should not be underestimated because case counts are so high.

He urges people to keep taking anti-infection measures, warning that aftereffects could last long even if symptoms of infection are mild.


Key words : many ukrainian singing
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/videos/20230126110226585/

A Ukrainian musician who fled to Japan from his homeland after Russia's invasion has found a place to perform in a restaurant run by a Japanese Russian woman in northern Japan. This report explores how the pair hope to convey a message of peace through music.


2023年2月21日火曜日

at 18:30 (JST), February 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/20230221183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : emergency meeting past few days
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230221_20/

The United Nations Security Council has held an emergency meeting about North Korea's latest ballistic missile launches. Most of the member nations are standing united, but Russia and China continue to block any strong response.

Pyongyang has launched at least three ballistic missiles over the past few days. The two short-range ballistic missiles fired on Monday were the latest. On Saturday, a launched ICBM fell into waters within Japan's exclusive economic zone.

During Monday's emergency meeting, member nations criticized North Korea for launching the missiles in violation of Security Council resolutions.

US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield said, "The United States condemns in the strongest possible terms the DPRK's February 18 and February 19 launches of three ballistic missiles."

She also said, "Those who shield the DPRK from the consequences of its escalatory missile tests put the Asian region and entire world at risk of conflict."

China and Russia have divided the Security Council by blocking attempts to expand the sanctions against Pyongyang. They have instead accused the US of heightening tensions around the Korean Peninsula.

Eleven countries issued a joint statement. Security Council members Japan, the US and Britain were among the eleven. The statement notes that North Korea has been emboldened by the Council's silence. It stresses that the members must act now.

Japan's ambassador Ishikane Kimihiro echoed those strong concerns. Ishikane said, "A considerable number of Security Council members have mentioned the need for a unified message on North Korea."

Ishikane added that Japan's delegation will do its utmost to enable the Security Council to send a unified message.


Key words : south impose sanctions
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230220_24/

South Korea has imposed new sanctions of its own against four individuals and five entities of North Korea over a recent series of ballistic missile launches.

The South Korean government announced the sanctions on Monday just after the North fired off two short-range ballistic missiles.

Pyongyang also launched its Hwasong-15 intercontinental ballistic missile toward the Sea of Japan on Saturday.

South Korea says the four individuals were involved in evading the UN Security Council sanctions against the North. It says the five entities include trading and shipping firms linked to North Korea's nuclear and missile development programs through coal exports.

Seoul says the sanctions were imposed in the shortest time after North Korea's provocations. It says it will continue efforts to cut off funds flowing into the North.

The latest sanctions against the North are the fourth imposed independently under the administration of President Yoon Suk-yeol.

Earlier on February 10, Seoul announced its own sanctions on North Korean individuals and organizations said to be involved in cyberattacks.


Key words : matsumoto father told him
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230220_43/

A Japanese author renowned for his cosmic epics has died. Matsumoto Leiji created "Galaxy Express 999 " and "Space Battleship Yamato" --- manga and anime that popularized the space genre.

The smash-hit titles also made it to the silver screen, delighting audiences the world over. He earned prestigious honors from both the Japanese and French governments. Matsumoto's signature drawing style was characterized by his meticulous attention to detail.

He relied on extensive research and his own family's history. Many of Matsumoto's works were influenced by stories his father told him about life as a pilot in the now-defunct Imperial Japanese Army.

He said, "My father told me his eyes met those of an American pilot, who he thought might have family and children. But he had to be a devil and shoot down the enemy plane."

Matsumoto was also known for his works of historical fiction. He said he spent half a century trying to depict the foolishness of war, stressing the importance of life.

He said "My hope, dream or wish is that someday there will be no more war."

Matsumoto died in a Tokyo hospital from heart failure. He was 85 years old.


Key words : india major buyer
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230220_39/

India has become a major buyer of Russian oil as Western countries shy away following Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

Indian government data show the country imported nearly 35 million tons of crude in 2022. That's more than seven times the previous year's amount.

India bought around 400,000 tons in March, right after the invasion. But the figure jumped to some 5.5 million tons in December.

Iraq and Saudi Arabia have been India's largest oil suppliers. But from September to December, Russia held the top position.

Western countries have strengthened sanctions on Russian oil to choke off a key source of revenue for Moscow. But analysts point out China and India have exploited the situation by buying Russian energy at a discount.

India's foreign minister says the government should prioritize the domestic economy, arguing its consumers need the best possible access to the international market.

The country's economy has been hit hard by inflation and a weakening rupee as the US and European countries continue hiking interest rates.


Key words : museum in tokyo
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230220_23/

Japan's Emperor Emeritus Akihito and Empress Emerita Michiko have visited a museum in Tokyo to see an exhibition of materials related to Japanese nationals who were interned in Siberia and elsewhere after World War Two.

They arrived at the Memorial Museum for Soldiers, Detainees in Siberia, and Postwar Repatriates in Shinjuku Ward on Monday and stayed for about an hour.

According to the health and welfare ministry, more than 54,000 Japanese soldiers and civilians died in detention camps in Siberia and elsewhere run by the former Soviet Union.

The latest displays feature postcards the internees sent to their families in Japan, as well as tools they were using while in the camps.

The Emperor Emeritus, along with the Empress Emerita, offered prayers for the war dead before his abdication in 2019. They visited Okinawa, the cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which were hit with atomic bombs, and the Pacific island of Saipan, the site of a fierce battle.


Key words : flying car
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230221_30/

Organizers of the World Expo 2025 in western Japan have announced the names of businesses picked to operate flying car shuttle services during the event.

The flying cars are operated using drone technology.
They are electrically powered and take off and land vertically.

The vehicles' developers are aiming to put them into commercial service at Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai.

The Japan Association for the 2025 World Exposition has been recruiting operators of flying car shuttles for the route between the Expo venue and Kansai International Airport, and between the venue and central Osaka.

The four corporate groups chosen in the first round were announced on Tuesday.

Japan's ANA Holdings was selected along with the US venture firm Joby Aviation, which will develop the vehicle's body.

Another pick, Japan Airlines, will use a vehicle developed by Germany's Volocopter.

Major Japanese trading house Marubeni plans to use a vehicle made by Britain's Vertical Aerospace, while the Japanese venture firm SkyDrive will use its own product.

The association's Secretary General Ishige Hiroyuki described flying cars as mobility of the future, which would enable people to fly safely and freely as a part of everyday life.

He expressed the hope of realizing a once-in-a-century air travel revolution at the expo.


Key words : red-crowned crane
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230220_07/

A couple has held a wedding in front of red-crowned cranes in the northern Japanese prefecture of Hokkaido as the bird stays with the same mate for life.

The ceremony took place at an observation site of wild cranes in Kushiro City. Last year marked 70 years since the red-crowned crane was designated as a special natural monument of Japan.

The groom was 36-year-old Iwai Takeo, and the bride was 26-year-old Ishikawa Natsumi, who wore a red wedding gown adorned with embroidered cranes. They signed a marriage certificate and pledged their undying love.

The couple and the guests toasted with a glass of milk in celebration.

The cries of cranes gathered at the field sounded like congratulatory cheers.

The groom said his heart was filled with emotion. He said he promises to stay with the bride for life just like a crane couple.


2023年2月20日月曜日

at 18:30 (JST), February 20


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/20230220183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : north fell outside
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230220_14/

The Japanese Defense Ministry has confirmed North Korea launched at least two ballistic missiles. They were fired from the country's west coast and fell outside Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff says the two short-range ballistic missiles were launched after 7am Monday morning. They were fired over a span of about 11 minutes. Early reports suggested three ballistic missiles were launched but they were later corrected. Japan's Coast Guard says there are no reports of any damage to ships in the region.

Also on Monday, Kim Yo Jong, the sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, issued a warning to the US.

She said Pyongyang could use the Pacific Ocean as its "firing range," depending on Washington's actions.


Key words : north state media large
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230220_31/

Members of the UN Security Council are preparing to have an urgent discussion about a recurring issue that some fear could escalate.
The emergency meeting comes as North Korea launched missiles -- two times in only three days.

On Saturday an intercontinental ballistic missile fell within Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone. Monday's pair of missiles landed just outside of it. The firings came soon after Pyongyang warned the US and South Korea against holding military drills.

Japan's Coast Guard says it seems no ships were damaged in the Monday morning volley. The two came 11 minutes apart.

North Korea has been unusually quick to comment.
State media say the military was testing a large-caliber rocket launcher designed to deliver tactical nuclear weapons.

Leader Kim Jong Un has called that technology essential for any future conflicts where the North would need to paralyze US and South Korean military bases.

The tests also came with a warning for Washington, from the leader's sister. Kim Yo Jong told the US to stop its drills -- or risk the Pacific Ocean becoming North Korea's "firing range".


Key words : hayashi wang met
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230219_04/

Japan has urged China to prevent "balloon-shaped flying objects" from making unauthorized entries into Japan's territory.

Japan's Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa and China's top foreign policy official Wang Yi met for talks in the German city of Munich on Saturday.

Hayashi said a flying object's entry into another country's airspace, without permission, amounts to an intrusion.

Flying objects have been spotted in Japan's airspace in recent years, and defense ministry officials strongly suspect that they were Chinese spy balloons.

Hayashi also conveyed his concerns about the situation in the East China Sea. He mentioned the Senkaku Islands.

Japan controls the islands. The Japanese government maintains the islands are an inherent part of Japan's territory. China and Taiwan claim them.

Hayashi expressed concerns about the military activities that Beijing has been ramping up near Japan, in coordination with Russia.

He stressed that it is important to maintain peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait.

Referring to the situation in Ukraine, Hayashi urged China to be a responsible major power and play a positive role.

The two diplomats agreed to work together to build a constructive and stable bilateral relationship. They exchanged views on economic cooperation.

Both sides confirmed that they will maintain communication at all levels, and they said that the Japan-China Security Dialogue will be held next week for the first time in four years.

They also agreed to continue to make arrangements for Hayashi to visit China.


Key words : victim manila
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230218_22/

About 40 people gathered in front of a monument in central Manila on Saturday to mourn the approximately 100,000 civilians who were killed in fierce street battles between the former Japanese Imperial Army and US forces in the closing days of World War Two.

The fighting began in February 1945 and continued for about one month.

The mourners laid wreaths and prayed, and stressed the need to pass down memories of the war to the next generation.

A woman who was six years old at the time and who lost her grandparents and a cousin said the fighting was terrible, and that she hopes such a tragedy will never happen again.

Some of the victims' family members then viewed a documentary film featuring testimonies of civilians who lived through the war.


Key words : electricity bill
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230220_02/

Electricity bills have soared across Japan since energy costs rocketed temporarily following the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine nearly a year ago.

The energy situation is driven partly by European nations seeking to pivot their energy sources from Russia to other parts of the world.

Japan relies on imports to meet most of its demand for liquefied natural gas, or LNG, a major energy source for thermal power plants.

The Japan Korea Marker, or JKM, is a benchmark index for spot prices of LNG cargo to East Asia including Japan.

The index stood at some 20 dollars per one million British thermal units before the invasion began on February 24 last year.

But it soared to a record 84.7 dollars per million Btu in March. It also topped 70 dollars last August in response to a rise in energy demand.

The index has since dropped and is currently below levels seen before the start of the Russian invasion. But last year's surges are pushing up electricity bills across Japan.

Many households across the country subscribe to major utility firms under plans that cap how much the companies can pass on energy cost rises to consumers.

All of Japan's 10 major electricity providers have raised their power bills as much as they can under government regulations. Seven of them have applied for regulatory approval to increase their rates above the ceilings from April or later.

Roughly 9 percent of LNG imports to Japan comes from Russia in terms of volume.

Two Japanese trading houses retain stakes in the oil and gas project Sakhalin-2 in the Russian Far East despite international sanctions against Moscow for the invasion.

But there are strong concerns about whether Japan will be able to continue securing sufficient amounts of LNG as it remains uncertain how Russia will act.


Key words : foreign minister and south agreed
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230219_13/

The foreign ministers of Japan and South Korea have agreed to continue close communication for an early settlement of the wartime labor issue, which has strained ties between their countries.

Japan's Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa met his South Korean counterpart Park Jin for about 30 minutes on Saturday, on the sidelines of the Munich Security Conference.

They discussed a plan proposed by Seoul regarding the issue of wartime labor.

The plan involves having a public foundation offer payments to the plaintiffs in wartime labor lawsuits. The public foundation would be used instead of the Japanese companies that have been ordered by South Korea's Supreme Court to compensate the plaintiffs.

The Japanese government maintains that any right to claims was settled completely and finally in 1965, when Japan and South Korea normalized ties.

The ministers affirmed that the two foreign ministries will maintain close communication so that the issue will be resolved at an early date, returning bilateral ties to a healthy state.

They also discussed North Korea's firing of an intercontinental ballistic missile on Saturday. They both condemned the launch.

The ministers confirmed that their countries, along with the United States, will cooperate closely to strengthen regional deterrence and take steps in the UN Security Council to push for the denuclearization of North Korea, in line with UNSC resolutions.


Key words : classical musician hiroshima
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230220_03/

Classical musicians from Russia and Ukraine have performed at a charity concert in the western Japanese city of Hiroshima to pray for peace and support Ukrainians.

Russian pianist Andrey Gugnin and Ukrainian violinist Aleksey Semenenko played in the event on Sunday before the first anniversary of the start of Russia's invasion of Ukraine on February 24.

Gugnin took to social media right after the start of the invasion to express his opposition to the Russian move. He now lives in Croatia.

Semenenko teaches music at a German university. He is also engaged in efforts to help Ukraine.

The concert was realized based on the wishes of the two artists to hold the concert in Hiroshima and send a message from the atomic-bombed city. They are concerned that Russia may use nuclear weapons.

Organizers say proceeds from the event will be used to supply heaters and other goods to people in Ukraine.

Gugnin said the concert sought to show unity against Russian attacks on Ukraine and its people. He said he hopes Russia will face a major turning point after Ukraine regains occupied territories.

Semenenko said he has special feelings about the concert in Hiroshima as he visited the city's Peace Memorial Museum in November. He said he hopes that his family in Ukraine will stay safe and that the war will end as soon as possible.


Key words : visitors farewell western japan
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230219_15/

Visitors to a theme park in western Japan are bidding farewell to three giant pandas ahead of their scheduled return to China.

The three are among the seven pandas kept at Adventure World in the town of Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture.

Eimei, fondly nicknamed "Super Papa" for fathering 16 cubs at the facility, is 30 years old, the human equivalent of 90. Female twins Ouhin and Touhin are eight years old. They will leave for China on Wednesday.

Many fans visited the park on Sunday to take photos of Eimei and Touhin munching on bamboo.

A woman in her 70s who visited from Mie Prefecture said that she came to say good-bye to the pandas. She also said they are all adorable, and she will really miss them after they return to China.

A man in his 30s who came with his family from Nara Prefecture said that he is a big fan of Eimei, and wanted to thank him.

The park plans to hold a farewell ceremony for the pandas on Tuesday.


2023年2月19日日曜日

at 18:00 (JST), February 19

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20230219180000_english_1.mp3


Key words : top diplomat met and china
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230219_14/

The top diplomats from the US and China have discussed a Chinese balloon that flew over the US mainland, but their views remain divided.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and China's top foreign policy official Wang Yi met on Saturday on the sidelines of the security conference in Munich, Germany. It was their first face-to-face meeting since the US military's downing of the balloon earlier this month.

US officials say Blinken criticized China for flying the balloon in US territorial airspace, underscoring that such an "irresponsible act" must never be repeated.

They also say Blinken "made clear the United States will not stand for any violation of our sovereignty," noting that Chinese surveillance balloons have "intruded into the airspace of over 40 countries across 5 continents."

He also mentioned Russia's assault on Ukraine and warned of the implications and consequences if China provides material support to Russia, or assistance with systemic evasion of sanctions.

Blinken also stressed that Washington does not want conflict with China, and is not looking for a new Cold War, underscoring the importance of maintaining diplomatic dialogue.

China's state-run Xinhua News Agency reported that Wang made clear " China's solemn position" on the downing of the balloon in "an unofficial contact" with Blinken.

The report said Wang urged the US side to "change course, acknowledge and repair the damage that its excessive use of force caused to China-US relations."


Key words : north international airport
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230219_11/

North Korea has confirmed that it carried out a test launch of a Hwasong-15 intercontinental ballistic missile on Saturday afternoon.

The ruling Workers' Party newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, said on Sunday that the missile was fired from an international airport in Sunan on the outskirts of the capital Pyongyang.

The paper claimed that the test has shown to the United States and South Korea that North Korea has the capability to launch a strategic nuclear counterattack.

It said North Korean leader Kim Jong Un issued an order to conduct the test at 8 a.m. on Saturday.

A Hwasong-17 ICBM was tested in November last year. The latest launch was reportedly conducted by the same team under the auspices of a newly-founded "missile general bureau."

The paper said that the missile was launched on a lofted trajectory and reached an altitude of 5,768.5 kilometers, flying the distance of 989 kilometers in an hour, six minutes and 55 seconds.


Key words : EEZ oshima
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230218_20/

Japan's defense ministry says North Korea launched a ballistic missile late Saturday afternoon. The Japanese coastguard says it likely landed in the Sea of Japan near Hokkaido, which is within Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone.

Japanese defense officials say North Korea launched the ballistic missile in an eastward direction at 5:21 p.m. on Saturday. They estimate it crashed into the sea at around 6:27 p.m. in waters to the west of Oshima-oshima Island in Hokkaido.

Several minutes later Japanese coast guard officials announced that the missile had landed in the Sea of Japan near Hokkaido.

Japanese government officials say the landing point was within Japan's EEZ, which would be the first time a North Korean missile has landed in the EEZ since November 18 last year.

This is the twelfth time a North Korean ballistic missile has fallen into the Sea of Japan.

South Korean military officials also confirmed the launch. The country's Joint Chiefs of Staff estimates that North Korea fired a long-range ballistic missile at 5:22 p.m. on Saturday. They say the missile was fired in an eastward direction from Sunan near Pyongyang.

The North's most recent launch was on January 1 of this year.


Key words : hamada us mainland
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230218_24/

Japan's defense minister says a ballistic missile fired by North Korea late Saturday afternoon could target the entire US mainland. The projectile is believed to have been an intercontinental ballistic missile, or ICBM.

Hamada Yasukazu told reporters on Saturday night that the missile could reach a distance of more than 14,000 kilometers depending on the warhead weight. He said the result was based on a calculation of its flight path.

Japanese defense officials say North Korea launched the missile in an eastward direction at 5:21 p.m. on Saturday. They estimate it crashed in the sea at around 6:27 p.m. in waters west of Oshima-oshima in Hokkaido, which is within Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone, or EEZ.

They say the missile is estimated to have flown about 900 kilometers at a maximum altitude of about 5,700 kilometers.

They also estimate the missile followed a lofted trajectory rather than being launched at a normal angle.

It is the first time a North Korean missile has landed inside Japan's EEZ since November 18 last year. The North's most recent launch was on January 1 of this year.

Meanwhile, the South Korean government has also confirmed the launch. The country's Joint Chiefs of Staff estimates that North Korea fired a long-range ballistic missile at 5:22 p.m. on Saturday. They say the missile was fired in an eastward direction from Sunan near Pyongyang.

South Korea's Yonhap News Agency quoted a defense official as saying that the missile was likely an ICBM class Hwasong-17.

South Korea's military said it is planning to hold a table-top exercise based on the scenario of a nuclear threat by North Korea on February 22. It also said it will hold a regular joint military exercise with US forces for eleven days starting from mid-March.

North Korea responded sharply to the exercises, saying Seoul and Washington are planning "the largest-ever mobile tactical field exercises."

It warns that the two nations will "face unprecedentedly persistent and strong counteractions."


Key words : foreign ministers reaffirm
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230219_12/

Foreign ministers of Japan, the United States and South Korea have reaffirmed cooperation in diplomatic efforts to achieve North Korea's complete denuclearization.

Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and South Korean Foreign Minister Park Jin met in Munich, Germany, on Saturday in response to North Korea's firing of a ballistic missile.

The ministers strongly condemned North Korea's latest launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile, which is believed to have fallen into Japan's exclusive economic zone.

Hayashi told reporters that the latest missile's range could cover the entire continental United States. He called the launch an "outrageous act" with which North Korea escalated its provocations against the international community. He denounced it as "absolutely unacceptable."

Blinken called on other countries "to condemn the action, to take appropriate steps, including the effective enforcement of sanctions."

Park also denounced the latest launch, saying "Pyongyang will gain nothing from its provocation." He also urged Pyongyang to immediately return to denuclearization talks.

The three ministers reaffirmed their recognition that North Korea's firing of ballistic and other missiles at an unprecedented frequency is a serious and imminent threat to the security in the region. They also acknowledged the missile launches pose a clear and serious challenge to the international community.


Key words : foreign ministers group of invited
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230219_01/

The foreign ministers of the Group of Seven nations have agreed to continue to support Ukraine and to impose more sanctions on Russia. This comes as fighting in Ukraine approaches the one-year mark.

Japan hosted the G7 meeting in Munich, Germany on Saturday. The talks were held on the sidelines of the international security conference.

Japan is this year's G7 chair, and the meeting was the first foreign ministerial conference hosted by Tokyo in that capacity. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba was also invited.

The ministers confirmed that they will call on countries supporting Russia to stop doing so. They also said that they will actively work with Ukraine.

They condemned Russia for continuing to attack civilians and key infrastructure facilities in Ukraine. The ministers also confirmed that they will hold Moscow accountable in accordance with international law.

The top diplomats said they share the view that it is important to maintain international order based on the rule of law.

Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa brought up the issue of North Korea's missile launches.

Hayashi said the unprecedented rate of Pyongyang's ballistic missile test-firings poses an imminent threat to the safety of Japan and a serious challenge to international peace and security.

He described the North's actions as totally unacceptable, and he said he will work closely with the other G7 members to respond to the threats.

Hayashi also expressed a willingness to work with the G7 nations to address other matters, such as the situation in the Indo-Pacific region. Japan is scheduled to host a G7 summit in Hiroshima in May.


Key words : arrangement india
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230219_05/

Japan's government has begun arrangements to invite the leaders of India and Australia to the G7 summit in May.

Officials in Tokyo say Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese are to be invited to the gathering.

Some officials are also considering asking Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to join the talks.

The G7 summit is scheduled to be held in Hiroshima between May 19 and 21.

Japan's government hopes world leaders will discuss a wide range of global issues, including the fighting in Ukraine, nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation, and climate change.


Key words : 46,000 people
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230219_19/

More than 46,000 people are confirmed to have been killed in the powerful earthquakes that struck Turkey and Syria earlier this month.

The death tolls from the magnitude-7.8 quake on February 6 and the tremors that followed have reached 40,642 in Turkey and 5,814 in Syria.

Rescuers continue to search for survivors.

Reuters news agency and other media outlets say a couple was pulled alive from rubble in the hard-hit southern Turkish province of Hatay on Saturday, 296 hours after the quake.

Their son was also found but was later confirmed dead.

Rescuers say two other children were found dead.


Key words : aid convoy
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230219_03/

UN aid convoys are entering northwestern Syria from Turkey to deliver relief supplies to earthquake victims.

As relief efforts gain traction, President Bashar al-Assad has agreed to open two additional border crossings for three months.

Kirsten Mildren, the spokesperson for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, expressed hope that the UN will expand as much as possible its delivery of aid through the three crossings.

On Saturday, more than a dozen trucks loaded with supplies such as medicines, blankets and tents, left the UN aid hub in the southern Turkish province of Hatay.

UN officials say nearly 200 trucks have so far transported humanitarian aid for 5 million Syrians in the northwest of the country since the devastating earthquakes struck on February 6.

The UN is now considering providing cash handouts to help those who have lost their homes in the disaster.


Key words : soccer association found dead
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230219_02/

Ghana's soccer association has announced that Christian Atsu, a former national team player, was found dead under the rubble of a collapsed building in southern Turkey after the February 6 earthquake.

The association says the 31-year-old was confirmed dead on Saturday in Hatay where his Turkish soccer club Hatayspor is located.

Atsu played in 65 games as a member of Ghana's national team, and was a member of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.


Key words : farewell panda
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20230219_15/

Visitors to a theme park in western Japan are bidding farewell to three giant pandas ahead of their scheduled return to China.

The three are among the seven pandas kept at Adventure World in the town of Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture.

Eimei, fondly nicknamed "Super Papa" for fathering 16 cubs at the facility, is 30 years old, the human equivalent of 90. Female twins Ouhin and Touhin are eight years old. They will leave for China on Wednesday.

Many fans visited the park on Sunday to take photos of Eimei and Touhin munching on bamboo.

A woman in her 70s who visited from Mie Prefecture said that she came to say good-bye to the pandas. She also said they are all adorable, and she will really miss them after they return to China.

A man in his 30s who came with his family from Nara Prefecture said that he is a big fan of Eimei, and wanted to thank him.

The park plans to hold a farewell ceremony for the pandas on Tuesday.