at 18:30 (JST), November 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/20201120183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : record dining
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201120_04/

Japanese officials confirmed more than 2,300 cases of coronavirus infection across the country on Thursday, a new daily record.

The daily count first crossed the 2,000 threshold on Wednesday. The rising numbers have come with record tallies in several prefectures.

Tokyo confirmed 534 new cases on Thursday, the first time the figure has topped 500.

Experts say the virus is spreading rapidly in the capital, with the latest seven-day average at about 326 daily cases, up from 244 the week before.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government raised its alert level to the highest of four for the first time since September.

Businesses are not being asked to reduce operating hours. But Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko is calling on residents to use caution when eating in groups as people begin planning year-end get-togethers.

Koike said, "We advise people with pre-existing conditions not to dine in a group. Anyone who lives with family members who are at a higher risk of falling seriously ill are also advised to refrain from such outings."

The prefectures of Osaka, Aichi, Hokkaido and others reported record numbers of daily cases on Thursday.

The ongoing spike has prompted more people to get tested. Taguchi Masumi, a doctor at a clinic in Tokyo, says people with minor cold-like symptoms are asking for PCR tests just to be sure. She says she has noticed a trend among those who test positive.

Taguchi said, "Most often, they say they don't know when or how they contracted the virus. Most of those who do know say they were infected when eating out."

The recent surge comes as residents take advantage of government subsidies for dining, lodging and transportation. Some are concerned that the "Go To Travel" and "Go To Eat" campaigns could be raising the risks.

But leaders of the governing coalition say such programs to support the economy should continue with thorough anti-virus measures being taken.

Key words : protestors
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201118_04/

Tensions are growing in Thailand before lawmakers vote on proposals to revise the country's constitution on Wednesday.

The parliament on Tuesday began debating seven draft amendments in its two-day session.

Young demonstrators support a civil group's proposal seeking to revoke articles that give the military strong influence over politics as well as to reform the monarchy.

But some lawmakers including those of the ruling party are cautious about reforms to the monarchy.

Demonstrators attempted to march toward the parliament building in protest against the ruling party.

Police set up barricades of concrete and barbed wire, and sprayed the demonstrators with water cannons. A group of royalists wearing yellow shirts joined in and pelted the demonstrators with objects.

Local authorities say at least 41 people were injured in the clashes.

The parliament is set to take a vote on each of the seven proposals on Wednesday. Protestors have planned a mass rally.

Key words : international olympic
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Key words : novel prize
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201119_15/

Japan-based Korean writer Yu Miri has won the National Book Award, the most prestigious literary prize in the US.

Yu's "Tokyo Ueno Station," written originally in Japanese, was announced as the winner for best translated work in an online event Thursday morning, Japan time.

"Tokyo Ueno Station" is a story about an elderly homeless man from Fukushima Prefecture who spends his days in Tokyo's Ueno Park. It was published in Japan in 2014.

The man relocates to Tokyo to earn money for his family back home. The novel depicts in detail the life of the homeless and shows inequalities in Japanese society that were overlooked during the years of economic growth.

In 1997, Yu won the Akutagawa Prize, a prestigious Japanese literary award, for her novel "Family Cinema."

She moved to Fukushima Prefecture four years after it was hit by an earthquake, tsunami and nuclear accident in 2011.

Yu commented in an online news conference that it's significant that the translated novel was published amid the coronavirus pandemic, when many people have nowhere to go and are feeling hopeless. She said she thinks the depiction of marginalized people won the readers' empathy.

Another writer from Japan, Tawada Yoko, won the National Book Award for best translated work in 2018 for her novel "The Emissary."

A translation of Kawabata Yasunari's "The Sound of the Mountain" won the award in 1971.

Key words : south boy band
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at 18:30 (JST), November 19

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/20201119183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : metropolitan 534 new
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201119_25/

Tokyo Metropolitan Government officials confirmed more than 500 new cases of the coronavirus on Thursday, the most ever reported in a single day. Tokyo has raised its alert to the highest of four levels, for the first time since September.

Tokyo confirmed 534 new cases across the capital on Thursday.

Daily cases nationwide surpassed 2,000 this week, prompting concerns about a third wave.

Tokyo officials and infectious disease experts met Thursday to discuss the situation. Officials say the latest seven-day average is about 326 daily cases, up from 244 the week before.

Now that Tokyo has raised its alert, they are also looking at what measures should follow.

"We are in a phase where infection is spreading rapidly," said Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko. "The number of new cases among elderly people, in particular, is increasing and we need to address risks for the elderly."

Tokyo has a separate alert level for "medical care availability." It's staying at the second highest level of the four-point scale, for now.

But at least one expert wants something stronger, suggesting more medical oversight at facilities for people who are infected but have no symptoms.

Key words : dining lodging
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201119_10/

Wednesday marked another daily coronavirus record in Japan. Officials confirmed more than 2,200 new cases -- a continuation of a troubling upward trend.

Just last month, fewer than 1,000 cases were reported each day.

But the figure rose during the first two weeks of this month -- prompting concerns about a third wave.
Now the daily tally has risen above 2,000 - for the first time -- surpassing a record set on Saturday.

Of those, nearly 500 were confirmed in the capital. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government plans to raise the coronavirus alert to its highest level on Thursday.

The northern prefecture of Hokkaido has also seen numbers soar, reporting around 200 daily cases over the past ten days.

Residents are being urged to avoid traveling to or from the prefectural capital of Sapporo. Officials are also asking Sapporo residents to avoid non-essential outings.

Experts are concerned about the spread of cluster infections outside of entertainment districts and workplaces.

They say grouped infections are now being identified in rural areas, medical institutions, and elderly care homes.

Toho University Professor Tateda Kazuhiro said, "In the second wave, the targets were clear, so officials could respond with more ease. Now that cluster infections are diversifying, it's becoming more difficult to take action."

The recent spike comes as the Japanese government tries to boost the economy through campaigns that offer subsidies on dining, lodging and transportation.

It has no immediate plans to halt its campaign. But it's asking local governments to consider placing restrictions on restaurant coupons -- to limit group dining.

The head of the central government's expert panel is calling for tougher preventive measures. Omi Shigeru said, "We are on the verge of a situation where we will be forced to more strictly limit economic and social activities. To avoid that, we need to raise our guard once again."

Experts warn that the virus could be more easily transmitted in the dry and cold winter weather, especially if people stay in closed, heated rooms.

Key words : thailand protestor
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201118_04/

Tensions are growing in Thailand before lawmakers vote on proposals to revise the country's constitution on Wednesday.

The parliament on Tuesday began debating seven draft amendments in its two-day session.

Young demonstrators support a civil group's proposal seeking to revoke articles that give the military strong influence over politics as well as to reform the monarchy.

But some lawmakers including those of the ruling party are cautious about reforms to the monarchy.

Demonstrators attempted to march toward the parliament building in protest against the ruling party.

Police set up barricades of concrete and barbed wire, and sprayed the demonstrators with water cannons. A group of royalists wearing yellow shirts joined in and pelted the demonstrators with objects.

Local authorities say at least 41 people were injured in the clashes.

The parliament is set to take a vote on each of the seven proposals on Wednesday. Protestors have planned a mass rally.

Key words : social media user hong kong police
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201119_08/

Social media users are criticizing Hong Kong police over their anti-fraud campaign mascot, which resembles a character from the popular Japanese anime "Kimetsu no Yaiba," or "Demon Slayer."

The Hong Kong police department posted an image of its mascot called "The Little Grape" on Facebook earlier this month. It wears a checked outfit and carries a black sword. And part of its name uses the same Chinese characters as Kamado Tanjiro, the hero of the anime whose film version has become a record-breaking hit.

Social media users have commented on the mascot's resemblance to the anime star. Some have described it as a near-complete copy of Tanjiro except that it's a grape. Others have accused the police of copyright infringement.

Hong Kong's pro-democracy activist Agnes Chow tweeted, "Kimetsu no Yaiba becoming a tool for Hong Kong police makes me sad."

Hong Kong media reports say the police insist "The Little Grape" is their original creation.

Key words : southeast asia dispute
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201118_31/

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations has expressed concern over territorial disputes between some of its members and China in the South China Sea. It called for a peaceful resolution to the matter.

Vietnam chaired the four-day virtual ASEAN summit meeting, which wrapped up on Sunday. The chairperson released a statement on Wednesday.

The statement said, "We discussed the situation in the South China Sea, during which concerns were raised by some Leaders on the developments, including land reclamations, activities and serious incidents in the area."

It was apparently referring to China, which set up administrative districts on islands in the area earlier this year.

The statement went on to say, "We further reaffirmed the need to pursue peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with the universally recognized principles of international law."

The statement also referred to North Korea's denuclearization and urged all concerned parties to resume dialogue.

Key words : UN general
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201119_05/

The UN General Assembly has adopted a resolution expressing international concern over North Korea's human rights abuses and urging the country to resolve the issue of its abductions of foreign nationals.

The resolution submitted by Japan, the European Union, the United States and others won overwhelming support in a vote at the General Assembly on Wednesday, overriding opposition from a handful of nations, including China and North Korea.

It has been adopted 16 years in a row.

The resolution "condemns in the strongest terms the long-standing and ongoing systematic, widespread and gross violations of human rights" in and by North Korea.

It urges the North " to address all allegations of enforced disappearances, provide accurate and detailed information to the families of the victims on the fates and whereabouts of their missing relatives and resolve all issues related to abductees at the earliest possible date."

The resolution in particular called for the immediate return of all abductees of Japan and South Korea.

Prior to the vote, Japan's deputy permanent representative, Ambassador Kimura Tetsuya, noted the deaths this year of the parents of two Japanese abductees, Yokota Shigeru, the father of Yokota Megumi, and Arimoto Kayoko, the mother of Arimoto Keiko.

Kimura said, "It is heartbreaking to imagine the pain of the family members who passed away after working so hard for over 40 years to rescue their dearest children in vain. There is no time to lose."
North Korea's ambassador to the United Nations, Kim Song, slammed the resolution, calling it a political plot and saying it has nothing to do with the promotion and protection of human rights.

Key words : taiwan broadcast
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201119_06/

Taiwan's agency in charge of broadcasting has decided not to renew the license of a cable news channel controlled by a businessperson widely seen as pro-China.

The National Communications Commission on Wednesday rejected an application filed by CTiTV to renew its license, which is due to expire on December 11.

The Commission says, since the previous renewal of the license in 2014, the news channel has failed to make improvements despite more than 20 punitive actions taken against it for inaccurate reporting without confirming the facts and other irregularities.

It also cites interference in the program production of the channel by a major shareholder.

The accusations include reporting the commission saw as being biased to Taiwan's main opposition Nationalist Party and affecting the fairness of Taiwan's elections.

The operator of the channel reacted harshly, calling it a political decision.

The Nationalist Party also criticized the decision, saying it will greatly undermine freedom of the press.

Taiwan's administration, led by the Democratic Progressive Party, says it honors the decision by the independent commission, whose members are selected in accordance with the approval of the Taiwanese parliament.

Key words : leading japanese
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201118_35/

A leading Japanese maker of airplane parts is exploring new opportunities in the field of surgical robots. The move by Kawasaki Heavy Industries comes amid falling demand for aircraft components, due to COVID-19.

Kawasaki's new surgical assistant, named the "hinotori", has four arms fitted with various instruments and an endoscopic camera. The arms can be operated like human fingers. The robot was developed together with a medical device maker.

Japan's health ministry says Kawasaki is the first domestic maker to win government approval to produce and sell a surgical assistant robot.

Kawasaki officials aim to strengthen the firm's presence in high-precision robots in a bid to turn around its finances. The company posted a net loss in the first half of the current fiscal year.

at 18:30 (JST), November 18

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/20201118183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : Australia met key role
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Key words : senior chinese
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201117_28/

A senior Chinese government official has indicated that criteria laid out in Beijing that have disqualified several Hong Kong lawmakers will also apply to candidates in elections and civil servants.

The deputy director of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office, Zhang Xiaoming, sent a video message to a symposium in Hong Kong on Tuesday.

Zhang explained how several members of Hong Kong's Legislative Council were disqualified under new criteria presented by the Standing Committee of China's National People's Congress. He pointed out that those involved in the administration of Hong Kong must uphold the Basic Law and pledge allegiance to China and the government of the territory.

He explained that the Standing Committee aimed to clarify the rules for correcting similar activities and suggested the new criteria would also apply to those running for office as well as public servants.

This is likely to boost the Hong Kong government's efforts to quash opposition views.

Zhang stressed that China would not accept foreign interference in Hong Kong, which he described as a domestic matter.

Key words : protestor police
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201118_04/

Tensions are growing in Thailand before lawmakers vote on proposals to revise the country's constitution on Wednesday.

The parliament on Tuesday began debating seven draft amendments in its two-day session.

Young demonstrators support a civil group's proposal seeking to revoke articles that give the military strong influence over politics as well as to reform the monarchy.

But some lawmakers including those of the ruling party are cautious about reforms to the monarchy.

Demonstrators attempted to march toward the parliament building in protest against the ruling party.

Police set up barricades of concrete and barbed wire, and sprayed the demonstrators with water cannons. A group of royalists wearing yellow shirts joined in and pelted the demonstrators with objects.

Local authorities say at least 41 people were injured in the clashes.

The parliament is set to take a vote on each of the seven proposals on Wednesday. Protestors have planned a mass rally.

Key words : suicide female Yasuyuki SHIMIZU NPO LIFELINK

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at 18:30 (JST), November 17

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/20201117183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : olympic work together closely
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201116_27/

Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide and International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach say they will work together closely to hold the Tokyo Olympics next year.

The two met at the prime minister's office on Monday. Bach is visiting Japan for the first time since the decision was made in March to postpone the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games until next year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Suga said he is determined to realize the Olympics and Paralympics as proof that humans have overcome the virus and also as events that will show Japan's reconstruction from the 2011 earthquake and tsunami .

Bach thanked the prime minister for showing his strong commitment to the Tokyo Games, and said he shares that resolve. Bach said the Tokyo Games will contribute to the whole world, and stressed that he will make sure the Games will be successfully held.

Bach said the Games will be "a symbol of solidarity and unity of humanity in this world, which by then hopefully will be a post-coronavirus world."

Bach added that humankind are in the middle of a tunnel now but that the Olympic flame will be seen at the end of the tunnel.

Suga briefed Bach on measures against infections ahead of the Tokyo Games. He said Japan has started a framework to allow foreign athletes to take part in competitions even during a 14-day quarantine period after entering Japan.

He also said more spectators than the current cap have been allowed for Japanese professional baseball games just to examine how anti-infection measures would work in large venues.

The prime minister added that the government is studying the limit on spectators numbers and anti-virus measures based on the assumption that spectators will attend the Games.

Key words : south airline
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201116_28/

South Korea's largest airline, Korean Air, said on Monday it plans to buy the country's second-largest carrier, Asiana Airlines.

Korean Air says the acquisition will be worth 1.8 trillion won, or about 1.6 billion dollars.

The South Korean government took the lead in shaping the deal. The Korea Development Bank will inject about 720 million dollars into the Korean Air group to finance it.

Asiana has been strapped for cash. Talks were already underway to sell it to a South Korean construction giant before the coronavirus pandemic. But negotiations collapsed as the health crisis worsened Asiana's troubles.

Korean Air says it decided to buy its rival to bring stability to the domestic airline industry. It says the acquisition will create a carrier that ranks in the world's top 10.

The combined entity would have a huge share of the domestic market. The plan will therefore likely face scrutiny from the country's anti-monopoly watchdog.

Key words : authorities india
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201116_40/

Authorities in India are taking countermeasures after coronavirus infections surged in New Delhi. Over 1,000 people died in the capital this month amid the Diwali festival.

Health officials announced the measures during an emergency meeting on Sunday. The central government will increase the number of ICU beds in New Delhi and deploy doctors and paramedics from other regions to deal with a manpower shortage.

Officials have also instructed local authorities to conduct home-to-home surveys and to double daily testing to 125,000 people.

India has more than 8.8 million coronavirus infections. That's the second-highest tally in the world after the United States.
Daily infections nationwide have been decreasing, but there are fears of another spike in the coming winter.

Key words : recover from
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201116_30/

Key data from China for October show that the economy is continuing to recover from the impact of COVID-19.

The National Bureau of Statistics said on Monday that industrial output rose 6.9 percent last month from a year earlier. That was due mainly to higher production of automobiles and industrial robots.

Retail sales were up 4.3 percent from a year earlier.
Restaurant industry sales rose 0.8 percent, the first increase this year.

The solid economic data are spurring optimism for the remainder of the year, even though risks remain.

A spokesperson for the statistics bureau said the fourth quarter could see greater economic growth than in the third quarter. But he added that a resurgence in coronavirus infections in Europe and the US is casting a shadow over the global economic recovery.

China's GDP for the July-to-September period expanded 4.9 percent on year, the second straight quarter of growth. But the official says the economy has not yet fully recovered, and some businesses and industries still face headwinds.

Key words : heavy toll southeast asia
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201117_17/

The pandemic has been taking a heavy toll on major economies in Southeast Asia where gross domestic product shrank again in the latest quarter.

Indonesia's GDP contracted 3.4 percent in the July-to-September period from a year earlier.

That's the second-straight quarter of downturn in the region's largest economy.

Consumption fell as the government ramped up restrictions amid surging infections.

The Philippines' GDP plunged 11.5 percent year-on-year. Singapore reported a 7-percent fall, and Thailand saw a 6.4-percent drop.

That's the third-straight quarter of decline for all three countries.

Singapore and Thailand have been hit hard as the pandemic batters global tourism.

There was one potential ray of light: the pace of decline in GDP in all these nations slowed from the previous quarter.

But things are expected to remain tough for businesses operating in the region including many Japanese firms.

Key words : north state-run
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201116_14/

A North Korean state-run media outlet says the country's leader Kim Jong Un has instructed senior officials to further strengthen anti-coronavirus measures.

Korean Central Television has reported that Kim attended a politburo meeting of the Workers' Party on Sunday.

North Korea claims that there have been no confirmed cases of the coronavirus in the country.

But participants at the meeting discussed the need to step up anti-virus measures, as the pandemic has become worse in some countries.

Kim reportedly instructed those at the politburo meeting to remain vigilant and to make the country's anti-epidemic measures as strong as iron.

The media outlet also reported that Pyongyang University of Medicine was sharply criticized at the meeting for a serious crime that was committed. But details about the crime were not provided. The move is being seen as an attempt to improve discipline among the state organizations.

North Korean media outlets have not mentioned US President-elect Joe Biden's declaration of victory.

Pyongyang appears to be closely watching President Donald Trump, who has established favorable relations with Kim. Trump is still trying to contest the election results in court.

North Korea also appears to be paying close attention to Biden's actions toward the country.

Key words : top abductee radio
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201117_09/

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Kato Katsunobu has recorded a radio message for Japanese abductees in North Korea. He pledged that the government will spare no effort to bring them home as soon as possible.

Kato, who also serves as abductions issue minister, recorded the message on Monday. It will be aired by a group investigating the whereabouts of hundreds of missing people possibly abducted by North Korea.

Kato said the abductions issue remains a top priority even under the new cabinet of Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide. He said he and Suga met with the families of the abductees and shared their earnest desire to achieve concrete results.

Kato said the government remains determined to overcome mutual distrust with North Korea and to settle the two countries' unfortunate past and normalize relations.

In his message, Kato urged the abductees to keep believing that they will once again set foot on their homeland and embrace their long-awaiting families. He asked them to take care of themselves and survive until that day comes.

The Japanese government says North Korean agents abducted at least 17 Japanese citizens in the 1970s and 80s. Five were repatriated after a bilateral summit in 2002. But the rest remain unaccounted for.

at 18:30 (JST), November 16

Asian View

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

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20201116183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : GDP jump
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201116_11/

Japanese government officials say the country's GDP made its biggest jump in 40 years in the latest quarter.
The rebound follows a massive contraction due to the pandemic.

Japan's government says GDP surged by an annualized 21.4 percent in the July-to-September period.

That's the largest increase since comparable data became available in 1980. But it follows a historic plunge in the previous quarter amid fallout from the coronavirus.

The overall economy has yet to get fully back on track, however, and is still far from pre-pandemic levels.

Key words : leaders of 15
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201115_02/

Leaders of 15 Asia-Pacific nations are set to agree on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, or RCEP, on Sunday, without the participation of India.

Ten ASEAN countries, Japan, China, South Korea, India, Australia, and New Zealand have been negotiating on the free-trade zone since 2012. But India is not signing the pact, out of concern about a possible negative impact of low tariffs on domestic industries.

The leaders of the 15 other countries are to agree on the pact at an online summit on Sunday. Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide is expected to call for cooperation in Japan's efforts to expand a free and fair economic zone, including India's participation in the future.

The RCEP agreement is forecast to allow Japan to maintain its tariffs on five items it regards as domestically important, including rice, beef, pork, and dairy products. Japan is predicted to phase out its levies on such imports as frozen processed vegetables from China.

China is expected to abolish in phases its tariffs on Japanese scallops, sake, and distilled spirits. South Korea's duties on Japanese sake and distilled spirits are also forecast to go away in phases.

Under the agreement, tariffs on industrial products are also expected to be abolished or decreased.

Key words : anti-government
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201115_09/

Anti-government protesters in Thailand have turned their backs on a motorcade carrying King Maha Vajiralongkorn.

Demonstrators gathered in central Bangkok on Saturday in the latest of a series of mass protests that began in July. They are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and reforms of the monarchy.

Protesters turned their backs as the king's motorcade drove by. They also gave a three-finger salute, a symbol of resistance to autocratic politics.

Last month, protesters flashed the hand sign at a motorcade carrying people connected with the monarchy. But it is very rare for them to use the gesture toward the king's motorcade.

Criticizing the monarchy has long been considered taboo in Thailand.

A 26-year-old protester said she wants the king to know that people are frustrated. She said the government has done nothing despite the long-running demonstrations and the protests will continue until their demands are met.

Supporters of the king have also been rallying, fueling concerns that the divisions between the protesters and supporters of the monarchy will deepen even further.

Key words : abducted fresh appeal
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201115_16/

Members of the family of a Japanese woman abducted to North Korea 43 years ago have made a fresh appeal for the return of all abductees.

The family of Yokota Megumi spoke at an event in the city of Niigata, on the Japan Sea coast, on Sunday.

Yokota was abducted by North Korean agents on November 15, 1977 at age 13 while on her way home from junior high school. Her 56th birthday was last month.

Participants observed a minute of silence in memory of her father, Shigeru, who died in June.

A video message from Yokota's mother, Sakie, was then played. She said her husband deeply regretted that he couldn't see his daughter.
She urged the government to make a serious commitment to dialogue between the leaders of Japan and North Korea to bring the abductees home. She added that she was having difficulty moving around and expressing her voice because of age, but will continue fighting.

Yokota's younger brother, Tetsuya, said he always hears his sister's voice asking the family for help. He said he wants to see his mother and sister holding each other. He noted that they want to get all the abduction victims back immediately at a time.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Kato Katsunobu said it was extremely regrettable that Megumi's father could not see his daughter while he was alive.

Kato noted that Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide last week asked US President-elect Joe Biden for cooperation in resolving the abductions issue, one of the Suga administration's top priorities.

Kato said the government will do all it can to have the abductees returned, while working closely with the United States and other countries.

After the event, Yokota Tetsuya urged the government to show results, saying it is the main entity responsible for tackling the issue. He said he wants to tell his sister to persevere as they will rescue her, no matter what.

Japan's government says North Korean agents abducted at least 17 Japanese citizens in the 1970s and 1980s. Five were repatriated after a bilateral summit in 2002. But the rest, including Yokota Megumi, remain unaccounted for.

Key words : myanmar
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201115_03/

Myanmar's governing party, led by the country's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi, has been confirmed to have won a landslide victory in a general election held on November 8.

According to final results released by the Election Commission on Saturday, the National League for Democracy won 396 of the 476 contested seats in parliament.

The leading opposition Union Solidarity and Development Party took 33 seats. It has close ties to the former military junta.

Other parties representing ethnic minorities won a total of 47 seats.

Aung San Suu Kyi's NLD won 83 percent of the seats up for grabs. That's more than the seats it secured in the previous election five years ago, putting an end to a military-led government that had lasted for more than half a century.

Aung San Suu Kyi has thanked supporters in a message, but has not yet declared an election victory.

The new government is expected to be formed in March of next year. The NLD is calling for support from parties representing ethnic minorities.

Over the last five years, the government has given priority to fostering ethnic reconciliation and revising the Constitution that guarantees the military's influence on politics. But it has been criticized for producing few results.

Key words : india celebrate
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201115_06/

People in India celebrated Diwali, or festival of lights, on Saturday amid concern over a surge in the number of coronavirus cases.

The Hindu festival is typically celebrated with fireworks and firecrackers. People also enjoy shopping during the holiday season.

Markets in New Delhi were as crowded as in the usual year with shoppers wearing face masks. A woman said she was scared of the virus just like others, but she added she cannot help but go shopping on Diwali.

India has reported more than 8.7 million coronavirus cases -- the second highest figure after the United States. In New Delhi, the number of daily new cases topped 8,000 earlier this month.

Key words : reduce plastic waste
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201114_16/

A growing number of companies in Japan are adopting label-less plastic bottles in an effort to reduce plastic waste.

A drink manufacturer, Ito En, will begin selling some of its green tea products in label-free bottles starting Monday.

The bottles will come in 24-bottle cases which will be sold online and in supermarkets. Mandatory ingredients labeling will be printed on the packaging.

The company says it plans to do the same with other products after studying feedback from consumers.

Online retailer Askul started selling a 2-liter bottle of water in label-less containers on Wednesday. The bottles are lighter as less plastic is used to make them.

The company says a growing number of companies are also selling label-less coffee and tea drinks on its website.

Askul official Suno Jun said people are consuming more bottled drinks at home amid the coronavirus pandemic, leading to an increase in plastic waste. He said his company hopes to respond to the needs of environmentally-conscious consumers.

at 20:00 (JST), November 15

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20201115200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : leaders of 15
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201115_02/

Leaders of 15 Asia-Pacific nations are set to agree on the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, or RCEP, on Sunday, without the participation of India.

Ten ASEAN countries, Japan, China, South Korea, India, Australia, and New Zealand have been negotiating on the free-trade zone since 2012. But India is not signing the pact, out of concern about a possible negative impact of low tariffs on domestic industries.

The leaders of the 15 other countries are to agree on the pact at an online summit on Sunday. Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide is expected to call for cooperation in Japan's efforts to expand a free and fair economic zone, including India's participation in the future.

The RCEP agreement is forecast to allow Japan to maintain its tariffs on five items it regards as domestically important, including rice, beef, pork, and dairy products. Japan is predicted to phase out its levies on such imports as frozen processed vegetables from China.

China is expected to abolish in phases its tariffs on Japanese scallops, sake, and distilled spirits. South Korea's duties on Japanese sake and distilled spirits are also forecast to go away in phases.

Under the agreement, tariffs on industrial products are also expected to be abolished or decreased.

Key words : rcep negotiation
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201115_08/

NHK has learned that the ministers of 15 Asia-Pacific countries have compiled a declaration that says they will be open to India's participation after an economic partnership agreement comes into force.

The 10 ASEAN nations, along with Japan, China, South Korea, India, Australia, and New Zealand, have been negotiating the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement since 2012. They are to agree on the pact at an online summit on Sunday to create a huge free-trade zone in the Asia-Pacific region.

But India is not signing the agreement as it has a large trade deficit with China and is concerned about the possible negative impact of low tariffs on its domestic industries.

A copy of the declaration obtained by NHK recognizes the strategic importance of India's participation to create deeper and expanded value chains in the region and to contribute to the development of the global economy.

It also says that the signatory states will start negotiations once India requests to take part after the agreement is signed.

The declaration also says that India may participate in RCEP meetings as an observer.

Key words : rcep trade and
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201115_13/

Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Kajiyama Hiroshi says the government will work to put the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, or RCEP into effect promptly.

Kajiyama spoke to reporters after an online summit and signing ceremony he attended with Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide.

He said the signing followed a joint statement that concluded eight years of negotiations.

Kajiyama said he is convinced the pact will contribute to expanding Japan's exports of industrial and agricultural products to other Asian countries, and also to the establishment of free and fair economic rules in the region.

Referring to India, which did not sign, Kajiyama said he still wants the country to join RCEP given its geopolitical significance and the size of its economy.

He said Japan will do its best to have India sign up as soon as possible.

Key words : more than 10,000 clashed
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201115_14/

More than 10,000 supporters of US President Donald Trump rallied at a square in central Washington, D.C., on Saturday, echoing his claim that there was fraud in the presidential election.

Anti-Trump protesters also gathered nearby, criticizing him for refusing to concede.

The two groups later clashed. A man was stabbed in the back with a knife. Two police officers were also injured.

A video was posted online of fireworks thrown into an outdoor restaurant where Trump supporters were gathering. Another showed scuffles involving members of the far-right Proud Boys group backing Trump.

At least 20 people were arrested.

Trump appeared to add fuel to the standoff on Twitter, referencing a video of a supporter falling after being beaten with the comment, "Human Radical Left garbage did this."

The clashes have heightened tensions as the rift over the presidential election deepens.

Key words : high united states daily tally
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201114_21/

The number of new cases of coronavirus in the United States has jumped sharply with the daily tally on Friday topping a record 180,000.

Johns Hopkins University says it is the eleventh straight day that the figure has exceeded 100,000 in the United States.

Residents in the western states of California, Oregon and Washington have been called upon to avoid "non-essential out-of-state travel" and asked to self-quarantine for 14-days after arriving from another state or country.

The state of Massachusetts said it will reopen a coronavirus field hospital from early December that can house 240 patients.

Europe has also seen a sharp increase in the daily tally. In Italy, the figure topped 40,000 on Friday, the highest-ever. Health Minister Roberto Speranza has added Campania, which includes Naples, and Tuscany, which includes Florence, to the "red zone" regions where the pandemic is deemed severest.

Citizens in a red zone are not allowed to freely go out either during the day or night. Restaurants and shops, except those handling daily necessities are, in principle, barred from operating.

Seven regions in Italy have been designated as red zones including the latest two.

Key words : Italy
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201114_21/

The number of new cases of coronavirus in the United States has jumped sharply with the daily tally on Friday topping a record 180,000.

Johns Hopkins University says it is the eleventh straight day that the figure has exceeded 100,000 in the United States.

Residents in the western states of California, Oregon and Washington have been called upon to avoid "non-essential out-of-state travel" and asked to self-quarantine for 14-days after arriving from another state or country.

The state of Massachusetts said it will reopen a coronavirus field hospital from early December that can house 240 patients.

Europe has also seen a sharp increase in the daily tally. In Italy, the figure topped 40,000 on Friday, the highest-ever. Health Minister Roberto Speranza has added Campania, which includes Naples, and Tuscany, which includes Florence, to the "red zone" regions where the pandemic is deemed severest.

Citizens in a red zone are not allowed to freely go out either during the day or night. Restaurants and shops, except those handling daily necessities are, in principle, barred from operating.

Seven regions in Italy have been designated as red zones including the latest two.

Key words : second lockdown
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201115_07/

Austria will introduce a second national lockdown from Tuesday to tackle a surge in coronavirus cases.

A nighttime curfew has been in place since November 3 and indoor dining is banned at restaurants. But a record number of over 9,000 new daily infections was reported this week.

Chancellor Sebastian Kurz announced the new measures on Saturday. The restrictions on daytime activities will be in place from Tuesday to December 6.
Kurz said this is the only way to avoid strain on the medical system.

Under the new rules, people will be allowed to go out to work, or for medical needs. They will also be allowed to leave home for mental and physical relaxation.

Supermarkets, pharmacies and banks can stay open, but stores selling non-essential items will be closed.

Schools will basically switch to distance learning.

Austria imposed its first national lockdown in March.

Key words : people in india
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201115_06/

People in India celebrated Diwali, or festival of lights, on Saturday amid concern over a surge in the number of coronavirus cases.

The Hindu festival is typically celebrated with fireworks and firecrackers. People also enjoy shopping during the holiday season.

Markets in New Delhi were as crowded as in the usual year with shoppers wearing face masks. A woman said she was scared of the virus just like others, but she added she cannot help but go shopping on Diwali.

India has reported more than 8.7 million coronavirus cases -- the second highest figure after the United States. In New Delhi, the number of daily new cases topped 8,000 earlier this month.

Key words : johns hopkins
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201115_15/

Data tallied by a US university shows the number of confirmed cases of coronavirus infections worldwide has reached nearly 54 million.

Johns Hopkins University says global infections totaled 53,927,158 as of 06:00 UTC on Sunday.

It says the global death toll grew to 1,311,192.

The United States has the most cases at 10,903,890, followed by India at 8,814,579, Brazil at 5,848,959, France at 1,915,713, and Russia at 1,887,836.

The US has the most deaths at 245,598, followed by Brazil at 165,658, India at 129,635, Mexico at 98,259, and the United Kingdom at 51,858.

Key words : shinto
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201115_10/

A rite of passage for children has been performed at a Shinto shrine in central Japan with measures in place to prevent coronavirus infection.

Shiroyama-Hachimangu in the city of Nagoya held the ceremony on Sunday. Kimono-clad children aged three, five, and seven took part, accompanied by their parents.

The shrine asked parents to make reservations to prevent overcrowding.

Those attending were allowed access to a hall. Transparent plastic barriers were used to prevent dispersal of droplets expelled by participants.

Grandparents and other visitors who were not allowed to enter the hall waited in tents.

The parents of a five-year-old boy said the barriers and maintaining a distance between benches allowed them not to worry about being infected.

Key words : myanmar landslide
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201115_03/

Myanmar's governing party, led by the country's de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi, has been confirmed to have won a landslide victory in a general election held on November 8.

According to final results released by the Election Commission on Saturday, the National League for Democracy won 396 of the 476 contested seats in parliament.

The leading opposition Union Solidarity and Development Party took 33 seats. It has close ties to the former military junta.

Other parties representing ethnic minorities won a total of 47 seats.

Aung San Suu Kyi's NLD won 83 percent of the seats up for grabs. That's more than the seats it secured in the previous election five years ago, putting an end to a military-led government that had lasted for more than half a century.

Aung San Suu Kyi has thanked supporters in a message, but has not yet declared an election victory.

The new government is expected to be formed in March of next year. The NLD is calling for support from parties representing ethnic minorities.

Over the last five years, the government has given priority to fostering ethnic reconciliation and revising the Constitution that guarantees the military's influence on politics. But it has been criticized for producing few results.

Key words : anti-government
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201115_09/

Anti-government protesters in Thailand have turned their backs on a motorcade carrying King Maha Vajiralongkorn.

Demonstrators gathered in central Bangkok on Saturday in the latest of a series of mass protests that began in July. They are demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and reforms of the monarchy.

Protesters turned their backs as the king's motorcade drove by. They also gave a three-finger salute, a symbol of resistance to autocratic politics.

Last month, protesters flashed the hand sign at a motorcade carrying people connected with the monarchy. But it is very rare for them to use the gesture toward the king's motorcade.

Criticizing the monarchy has long been considered taboo in Thailand.

A 26-year-old protester said she wants the king to know that people are frustrated. She said the government has done nothing despite the long-running demonstrations and the protests will continue until their demands are met.

Supporters of the king have also been rallying, fueling concerns that the divisions between the protesters and supporters of the monarchy will deepen even further.

at 20:00 (JST), November 14

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20201114200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : defense Senkaku
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201114_12/

Japanese Defense Minister Kishi Nobuo and US Acting Secretary of Defense Christopher Miller reaffirmed that Article Five of the Japan-US Security Treaty applies to the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea.

Article Five obliges the United States to defend territories under Japan's administrative control.

Kishi and Miller spoke by phone for about 35 minutes on Saturday morning, Japan time. Kishi told Miller of Japan's opposition to unilateral attempts to change the status quo by coercion. His remark comes as China continues to increase its maritime activities in the East and South China seas.

The call follows President Donald Trump's firing of Secretary of Defense Mark Esper.

Japan controls the Senkaku Islands. China and Taiwan claim them. The Japanese government maintains the islands are an inherent part of Japan's territory, in terms of history and international law. It says there is no issue of sovereignty to be resolved over them.

Kishi and Miller also discussed sanctions violations by North Korea, including repeated test launches of ballistic missiles and ship-to-ship transfers of goods. The officials agreed Japan and the US will continue to work for peace and stability in the region.

Key words : group of 20
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201114_04/

The Group of 20 major economies has agreed to provide more support to developing countries hit by the coronavirus pandemic.

The finance ministers and central bank governors of member nations held a video conference on Friday. Japan's Finance Minister Aso Taro took part, as did Bank of Japan Governor Kuroda Haruhiko.

In light of the pandemic, the G20 agreed last month on a moratorium that gives developing nations six more months to repay debts initially due by the end of this year.

At Friday's meeting, the participants agreed to a new framework that would make credit information more transparent, and also more debt relief measures, including partial reductions.

In a final communique, the G20 urges all official creditors to act transparently. It also urges private lenders to engage in debt relief.

Some advanced nations have criticized China for not fully participating in debt relief.

After the conference, Aso described the G20's agreement as historic. He said debt transparency is extremely important, and all relevant parties should adhere to the joint framework.

Key words : Trump lockdown
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201114_08/

US President Donald Trump says his administration will not go through a lockdown under any circumstances as a measure to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Trump was speaking at the White House on Friday in what was his first news conference since Democrat Joe Biden declared victory in the presidential election.

Trump did not mention whether he will continue his legal battles over the vote or concede defeat.

On the possibility of there being a new administration, he said "who knows" and "I guess time will tell."

Key words : Trump abc
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201114_01/

ABC News says US President-elect Joe Biden has added to his victory in the presidential election by winning the western state of Arizona.

The Democratic candidate was projected to win 11 more electoral votes, bringing his total to 290. It takes 270 to win the presidency.

Trump has received 217 electoral votes, with a few states still outstanding.

Key words : 352 tally
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201114_15/

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government says officials confirmed 352 new coronavirus cases in the Japanese capital on Saturday.

It is the fourth straight day that the daily tally has exceeded 300.

The number of patients in serious condition increased by two to 41, the highest such figure since the government lifted a state of emergency in May.

Officials say the ages of the newly-infected vary from below ten to over 90.

The total number of confirmed cases in Tokyo now stands at 34,496.

Key words : Osaka 285
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Key words : Sendai
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Key words : pushing campaign
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Key words : south 90
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201113_33/

South Korean authorities have begun to fine people who do not wear masks in public.

The punitive measure was introduced on Friday. It is based on the revised Infectious Disease Control and Prevention Act.

People will face a fine of up to 100,000 won, or about 90 dollars, if they do not wear masks in public places.

Operators of department stores and other facilities will be fined up to about 2,700 dollars if they do not make sure that customers are wearing masks.

The South Korean government says people will be exempt from the fines when they are at swimming pools and public baths, or when they make TV appearances.

Children under 14, people with mental disabilities, and individuals with respiratory diseases will also be exempt.

Seoul City employees distributed leaflets on the streets and called on people to wear masks.

A woman in her 20s said the fine is necessary because some people would otherwise not wear masks.

A man in his 50s said it should be up to individuals to decide whether to wear a mask or not. He also said the fine is too high.

A Seoul City official said that wearing masks will become even more important as winter approaches. He called on people to wear face coverings to protect their family members and people around them.

South Korea confirmed 191 new coronavirus infections on Thursday. That was the highest number since early September.

Key words : group of researcher
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201114_02/

A group of researchers says present-day hurricanes tend to weaken more slowly after making landfall due to global warming.

Hurricanes were previously thought to lose power immediately after hitting land.

The study was led by Professor Pinaki Chakraborty at the Okinawa Institute of Science and Technology Graduate University in Japan.

The researchers studied 71 hurricanes that landed in North America from 1967 to 2018.

The time it took for the maximum wind speed to weaken to 40 percent after landfall nearly doubled during the period. It took about 17 hours half a century ago, but takes about 33 hours in the present day.

The researchers used a computer simulation to confirm a link to warmer sea surface temperatures in the North Atlantic.

They concluded that hurricanes tend to maintain their strength for longer because higher sea temperatures increase moisture in the air.

Professor Chakraborty pointed out that typhoons have exactly the same structure as hurricanes. He said the warming climate means those that make landfall in Japan could cause greater damage, not just in coastal areas but also inland with torrential rain and strong winds.

Chakraborty is calling for measures to fight climate change.

Key words : French teacher
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20201114_10/

An artwork by the French teacher of the man who changed the course of Japanese modern painting has gone on display for the first time in 120 years.

French painter Raphael Collin taught Kuroda Seiki, who is regarded as Japan's father of modern Western-style painting, when Kuroda studied in France in the late 19th century.

Collin's painting, called "The Sleeping," was shown at the 1900 Paris Exposition. But following the exposition it went missing. It was located by a Japanese curator in France four years ago.

"The Sleeping" shows a naked woman lying on the grass. Kuroda produced a similar work, titled "The Fields."

The two pieces share almost the same composition, with one major difference. The woman in Collin's work is shown sound asleep, positioning the viewer as if looking into a private space. Kuroda painted his woman with her eyes open, gazing at flowers in one hand.

Nude paintings were considered immoral in Japan when Kuroda created his work. Experts say the work demonstrates his efforts to find expressions acceptable in his home country.

The new exhibition shows the paintings by Collin and Kuroda together. It opens on Saturday at the Pola Museum of Art in Kanagawa Prefecture, near Tokyo.