at 14:00 (JST), September 19

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20210919200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : spacex
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210919_08/

A SpaceX Crew Dragon capsule carrying the first all-civilian crew launched into orbit has safely returned to Earth.

Jared Isaacman, founder of a US technology firm, planned the flight, dubbed Inspiration4, to raise funds for a children's hospital.

The capsule carrying Isaacman and three others blasted off atop a Falcon 9 rocket from Florida on Wednesday and orbited the Earth for about three days.

While in space, the crew gazed at the Earth through the capsule's observation window and chatted with patients of the children's hospital.

On Saturday, the capsule reentered Earth's atmosphere after firing the engine for the last time before it parachuted into the Atlantic off Florida's coast before sunset on Saturday.

A recovery ship retrieved the capsule. The crew of four exited through the hatch one by one to cheers from people on the ship.

This is the first all-civilian mission not crewed by astronauts from NASA, or the military, to orbit the Earth. The successful launch has heightened expectations for more civilian space travel to come.

Key words : white flags
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210919_07/

An exhibition of more than 600,000 white flags honoring Americans who have died of COVID-19 opened Friday at Washington's National Mall in the United States.

The tally by Johns Hopkins University shows that the US has the world's highest number of COVID-19 deaths. The number topped 672,000 on Friday.

Artist Suzanne Brennan Firstenberg created the installation. One flag represents one person in the US who had died from the disease.

The flags cover 80,000 square meters of green fields.

Visitors can write messages on the flags. One message said, "If we knew the last time we saw you would be the last time we would have hugged you longer."

One visitor said the field of flags looked like a sea of sorrow and that such a large number of people should not have died. She said two friends died of the disease and the loss has been very painful.

The highly transmissible Delta variant is spreading fast in the US where more than 2,000 daily deaths have been recorded in recent days. The vaccination rate is not happening fast enough to combat growing COVID-19 infections.

Key words : rally capitol
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210919_04/

Several hundred people have rallied near the US Capitol in support of those charged in connection with the deadly assault on the congressional building on January 6.

Heavy security was in place for the rally in Washington D.C. on Saturday. But the gathering ended without major confusion in about two-and-a-half hours.

The participants included supporters of former President Donald Trump. They called the defendants in the January riot "patriots" who merely exercised their constitutional rights to assembly.

One of them said most people who stormed the Capitol building were not involved in the violence, and that only a few were responsible.

About 600 people have been charged over the riot, staged by an agitated mob disputing Trump's election loss. Five people died, including a Capitol police officer.

Key words : kabul drone apology
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210919_03/

An Afghan man who lost family members in an erroneous US air strike has told an American media outlet that he wants those responsible to face punishment.

Emal Ahmadi said in an interview with Associated Press on Saturday that it was not enough for the US "to say sorry." His 3-year-old daughter was among the 10 civilians killed in the drone attack in Kabul on August 29.

A missile hit a car carrying Ahmadi's older brother. The US military had said it targeted a vehicle believed to be carrying a member of a local affiliate of the Islamic State militant group.

The head of the US Central Command offered an apology on Friday, acknowledging that the strike was a "tragic mistake."

Ahmadi said an apology won't bring back his family members, and called for an investigation.

He is quoted as saying that the US could "see that there were innocent children near the car and in the car." He said, "Whoever did this should be punished."

Ahmadi also urged the US government to compensate his family.

Key words : cup noodle
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210919_11/

Saturday marked the 50th anniversary of Nissin Foods' Cup Noodle.

On September 18, 1971, Japan's leading instant noodle maker launched a product that could be eaten three minutes after adding hot water. The ease of preparation invited competition from many other food companies.

Domestic production of cup-type instant noodles has become about 1,000 times larger over the past half century. The flavors have been changed over the years to meet the needs of the times.

New products have recently been put on the market as consumers become increasingly health conscious.

Noodles that are rich in protein and low in carbohydrates have been introduced.

There are also low-sodium noodles and others with as much dietary fiber as a whole lettuce.

More food manufacturers are switching from plastic to paper containers to respond to greater environmental awareness among consumers.

Nissin's brand manager, Shirakawa Tsutomu, says his company hopes to introduce new products that meet the demand created by changing lifestyles.

Key words : german election
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210919_06/

Voters in Germany will elect a new parliament next week. The result of the September 26 election will decide who succeeds Chancellor Angela Merkel, who has led the country for 16 years.

In addition to determining the next chancellor, the main issues in the election are economic policy dealing with the effects of the pandemic and measures against climate change.

According to the latest opinion poll by public broadcaster ZDF, the center-left Social Democratic Party, or SPD, leads the race with 25 percent support.

Its coalition partner, the center-right Christian Democratic Union and its Bavarian sister party the Christian Social Union, follows with 22 percent. Merkel was the head of the CDU/CSU alliance in the parliament.

The Greens have 16 percent, with support rising as the environment becomes an increasingly important issue for voters.

As for candidates to be the next chancellor, Finance Minister Olaf Scholz of the SPD is considered the favorite. Armin Laschet of the CDU/CSU alliance, who has Merkel's backing, and Annalena Baerbock of the Greens are also among the contenders.

Merkel is set to retire from politics after the election. She has steered Germany through various challenges, including an influx of migrants and the pandemic, and has assumed a leadership role in the European Union.

at 20:00 (JST), September 18

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20210918200000_english_1.mp3


Key words : debate
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210918_21/

The contenders in the leadership race for Japan's main ruling Liberal Democratic Party laid out their policies in a debate on Saturday, one day after the official campaigning began.

The winner is virtually assured to become the next prime minister.

The four contenders are: Regulatory Reform Minister Kono Taro, former LDP Policy Research Council Chairperson Kishida Fumio, former Internal Affairs and Communications Minister Takaichi Sanae, and LDP Executive Acting Secretary-General Noda Seiko.

The debate covered various issues from measures against the coronavirus pandemic, the economy and energy policies.
Here's what they had to say on policies relating to China.

Kono said, "It is necessary that the international community stands up to China. The?Japan-China relationship is not only about security, but also economics, and human exchanges. That's why we must engage in tough diplomacy. It is important for the two leaders to hold summit meetings on a regular basis and communicate with each other."

Kishida said, "Countries that share universal values with Japan must make sure that China understands how it should act as a major power. Related countries should make efforts so that the Taiwan issue can be resolved peacefully. If any contingency occurs, I will deal with it in accordance with the provisions of the legislation for peace and security."

Takaichi said, " We need to be prepared, assuming there is a high possibility of a contingency involving Taiwan. Japan is limited in what it can do especially in the military field. In reality, one option is for the country to possess the effective deterrence and response capabilities, and to complement it with the Japan-US alliance."

Noda said, "The key is whether Japan will take a realistic approach amid the tensions between the US and China. Japan has pledged not to engage in war under its pacifist constitution. It's time for the country's top leader to carry out solid diplomacy."

The LDP will elect its new president on September 29. The government plans to hold a session of the Diet the following week to choose the next prime minister.

Key words : france president
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210918_09/

France is recalling its ambassadors to the United States and Australia in protest over a new security framework that resulted in the termination of a France-Australia submarine deal.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian said on Friday that the rare decision made at the request of President Emmanuel Macron "is justified by the exceptional seriousness of the announcements" made by Australia and the United States.

On Wednesday, the US revealed a plan to form a new security framework with Australia and Britain called AUKUS, which will focus on maintaining peace and security in the Indo-Pacific region.

As part of the initiative, Australia said it is tearing up an agreement to buy submarines from France and will acquire nuclear-powered submarine technology from the United States instead.

Le Drian called Australia's decision "unacceptable behavior between allies and partners."

Key words : FDA booster shot
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210918_10/

Experts advising the US Food and Drug Administration have unanimously voted to recommend third doses of the Pfizer-BioNTech coronavirus vaccine to people aged 65 or older and individuals at high risk of serious symptoms.

The FDA advisors decided on Friday that benefits from booster shots would outweigh risks among this population.

Earlier in the day, the panel overwhelmingly rejected a proposal for giving third shots of the Pfizer vaccine to those aged 16 or above.

The government plans to launch a booster campaign, saying the efficacy of coronavirus vaccines may wane over time.

The panel also discussed data from Israel, which appear to suggest the risk of infection among people aged 60 or older who have received booster doses is below one-eleventh of those who have not. Scientists say the data raise no concerns about possible side effects of booster shots.

Following the panel's recommendation, the FDA is expected to issue an official authorization on the emergency use of the Pfizer vaccine for booster shots.

Third doses would become available for certain groups of people who received their second doses at least six months earlier.

The panel is also scheduled to study a plan to give third shots of the Moderna vaccine.

Key words : UK ease rule
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210918_13/

The British government says it will ease coronavirus restrictions for fully vaccinated international travelers to England next month.

The government made the announcement "in light of the success of the UK's domestic vaccine rollout."

It will adopt a two-tier list, instead of the current three-tier system, to categorize countries and territories into high-risk or low-risk groups based on their infection situations.

It will also expand the roster of countries and territories from which it will accept vaccination certificates.

Starting on October 4, fully vaccinated visitors to England from low-risk countries, such as Japan, will no longer need to take pre-departure tests or self-quarantine for 10 days upon arrival.

People who have been in countries or territories on the high-risk list in the preceding 10 days will only be allowed to enter the UK if they are British or Irish nationals or they have residence rights in the UK. The "red" list will continue to include Brazil and Indonesia.

The government's rigorous travel restrictions have dealt a significant blow to the airline and tourism sectors. Recent progress in the country's vaccination drive prompted calls from the industries to review the rules.

Key words : night vaccine
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210918_12/

A coronavirus vaccine site that operates only on Friday nights has opened in central Tokyo. Organizers say the aim is to boost inoculations among people who work or study during the day.

The site, set up by Minato Ward in a banquet hall of the Tokyo Grand Hotel, is available from 7 p.m. through midnight every Friday. Advance reservations are required.

Officials set the number of reserved doses on the first day of operation at 400. They say more than 230 people made bookings.

A company employee in his 30s said he had wanted to receive a shot as early as possible for the safety of his wife and child. He said the site is handy because he could come after work.

A senior official of Minato Ward said in order to raise vaccination rates, it's necessary to devise ways to provide shots to those who cannot access them.

Key words : chanthu low pressure thunder
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210918_17/

Japanese weather officials say Tropical Storm Chanthu turned into a low pressure system on Saturday afternoon.

But they are urging people in the rain-soaked east of the country to stay on guard while the risk of floods and mudslides remains.

Authorities in Mihama Town, Wakayama Prefecture, say they have received dozens of reports of wind damage.
But they say no one has been injured.

Meteorological Agency officials are forecasting localized thunderstorms in eastern Japan until Sunday morning.

They say there is a continuing risk of mudslides, overflowing rivers, floods in low-lying areas, big swells along the coast, and powerful gusts.

at 18:30 (JST), September 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/20210917183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : race winner re-election
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210917_05/

The race to lead Japan's main ruling Liberal Democratic Party -- and effectively the country -- is about to begin. Lawmakers need to file their candidacy papers Friday if they want to succeed Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide who is not seeking re-election.

Several have already said they intend to run. Kishida Fumio is a former LDP Policy Research Council chair. Kono Taro is the current Regulatory Reform Minister. Takaichi Sanae is a former internal affairs minister. And Noda Seiko is the LDP Executive Acting Secretary-General.

Campaigning will likely focus on anti-coronavirus measures, and how to get the country's economy and health care system back in shape. Defense and foreign policy could also be on the agenda.

Both sitting representatives and rank-and-file party members will have a say.

A total of 383 LDP lawmakers will each get a vote.

Party members and supporters across the country will decide on another 383 votes, which officials at LDP headquarters will distribute according to proportional representation. If no one wins a majority, a runoff between the two top candidates will determine the winner.

The election is scheduled for September 29.

Key words : china free trade
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210917_03/

The Chinese government says it has officially applied to join the 11-member Asia-Pacific free trade pact, known as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, or CPTPP.

Beijing said on Thursday that Commerce Minister Wang Wentao submitted the application to New Zealand's trade minister Damien O'Connor.

The CPTPP took effect in December 2018. It brings together New Zealand, Japan, Canada, Singapore and seven other countries.

Chinese President Xi Jinping said in November last year that his country would favorably consider joining the agreement.

China is seeking to enter the CPTPP in an apparent attempt to increase its influence in the Asia-Pacific region. The United States is not a party to the pact.

US President Donald Trump pulled his country out of the pact's precursor, the Trans-Pacific Partnership, in 2017. His successor, Joe Biden, appears cautious on returning to the grouping anytime soon.

China is locked in trade disputes with some CPTPP countries, such as Australia, making it unclear whether Beijing will be able to obtain approval from all CPTPP countries, a necessary step to joining.

The CPTPP also includes rules on excessive preferential treatment for state-owned firms and protection of intellectual property rights that could present obstacles to China's entry.

The 11 CPTPP signatory nations have a total of more than 500 million people and account for over 10 percent of global gross domestic product. Britain applied in February to join.

China signed another Asia-Pacific free trade agreement, known as the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, or RCEP, in November last year. The pact has 15 signatories, including Japan and the 10 countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. The US is not a member.

Key words : taiwan approved
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210917_01/

Taiwan's Cabinet has approved a draft defense bill that would authorize additional spending on deterrence capabilities amid growing Chinese military activity around Taiwan.

The Cabinet endorsed the draft legislation on Thursday for a special budget allocation of up to 240 billion New Taiwan dollars, or roughly 8.65 billion US dollars, over the next five years. The draft bill needs to be passed by parliament.

The money would be in addition to Taiwan's planned record defense expenditure of about 17 billion US dollars compiled last month for fiscal 2022.

Taiwan would use the extra funds to buy equipment, such as anti-ship missiles, air defense systems and small warships. The first of the newest Tuo Chiang-class corvette was commissioned last week.

In 2019, Taiwan adopted legislation for a special budget to acquire dozens of the latest model F-16 fighter jet from the United States.

But Taiwan says the latest draft bill would also provide business opportunities to domestic companies by allowing purchases of domestically developed equipment. The Taiwanese authorities are asking the legislature to prioritize the draft legislation in its deliberations.

Analysts say Taiwan is set to ramp up efforts to deploy long-range missiles and other equipment, noting that its four-year defense program review in March stressed improving long-range strike capabilities.

Key words : MYANMAR JAPON situation Nagasugi Yutaka
#N/A

at 18:30 (JST), September 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/20210916183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : government landing point
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210916_10/

The Japanese government has corrected its estimate about the landing points of the missiles that North Korea launched on Wednesday. It now says the two missiles likely fell inside Japan's exclusive economic zone.

The Japanese government had earlier announced the two projectiles appeared to have fallen outside the EEZ, based on information it obtained right after the launches.

But follow-up analysis revealed they landed in waters about 300 kilometers north of Hegurajima, an island off the Noto Peninsula.

The last time a North Korean ballistic missile fell inside Japan's EEZ was in October 2019.

Japan's Defense Minister Kishi Nobuo told reporters on Wednesday night that the missiles flew about 750 kilometers with irregular trajectories at an altitude of about 50 kilometers. Japan's defense ministry says that made it difficult to determine where they landed.

The ministry says its analysis shows that two of the three types of short-range ballistic missile that North has launched since 2019 can be maneuvered while they are in flight.

Koda Yoji, a retired Maritime Self-Defense Force vice admiral, told NHK that North Korea may use its newly developed technology with longer range missiles. He says Japan's missile interception system faces the challenge of responding to this new threat.

Key words : north mountainous
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210916_06/

A North Korean newspaper says the country's military test-fired a missile from a train early Wednesday.

Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the ruling Workers' Party, said the newly formed Rapid Missile Regiment held a launch drill.

Photos accompanying the report show a missile rising from a train on a railway track with a large exhaust plume. The newspaper didn't mention what type of missile was fired.

The newspaper says the drill took place in a mountainous area in central North Korea. It says the missile accurately hit a target in the Sea of Japan 800 kilometers away.

The newspaper didn't say whether North Korean leader Kim Jong Un attended the drill.

Key words : south submarine underwater
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210915_32/

South Korea has announced its first successful test-firing of a submarine-launched ballistic missile.

The presidential office and the Ministry of National Defense say the test-firing was conducted at a test center of the Agency for Defense Development on Wednesday, and President Moon Jae-in and Defense Minister Suh Wook attended the test-firing.

They say the missile, loaded on a 3,000-ton-class submarine, was fired from underwater, flew as planned and accurately hit the target.

The announcement said South Korea is the seventh country to succeed in test-firing an SLBM, following the United States, Russia, China and other countries. Officials say the missile is planned to be deployed to South Korea's military in the future.

Moon said the test had been planned in advance and was not in response to North Korea's provocations, referring to Wednesday's latest ballistic missile firings by North Korea.

Moon stressed that bolstering South Korea's missile capability can defer to North Korea's provocations and called on the military to do its best to boost defense capabilities to counter and overwhelm North Korea's military power.

North Korea also has an SLBM development program. It displayed what appeared to be a new type of SLBM during military parades in January and last October.

Key words : sister kim partner
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210916_12/

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's sister has denounced South Korea's president for attending the test-firing of a submarine-launched ballistic missile by his country.

Kim Yo Jong, vice department director of the Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea, lashed out at South Korean President Moon Jae-in in a statement carried by the state-run Korean Central News Agency late Wednesday.

Moon had said earlier, after witnessing the SLBM test the same day, that by reinforcing its missile capabilities South Korea can present a clear deterrent to the North's provocations.

Kim's statement criticized South Korea's stance as an "illogical and stupid habit."

The statement said, "If even the 'president' supports the act of faulting and hurting the dialogue partner, it will naturally result in a corresponding action and then north-south relations will end up in a total deadlock."

Referring to the missiles test-fired by Pyongyang this week, Kim called the launches a "part of normal and self-defensive action to carry out the key task for the first year of the five-year plan" and "it is nothing different from the 'mid-term defence plan' of south Korea."

At the same time, Kim denied any intention to sour inter-Korean ties further, saying, "We don't want this."

Key words : taliban caretaker interview
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210916_03/

The Taliban have described their caretaker government as a temporary one and pledged to establish an inclusive administration in the future.

Taliban spokesperson Zabihullah Mujahid gave the view in an exclusive interview with NHK in Kabul on Wednesday.

He called on the international community to lift the freeze on the Afghan government's overseas assets and recognize the caretaker government.

Mujahid brushed aside concerns by the international community that the provisional government is made up only of senior Taliban members.

He stressed that discussions are in place to include many other people with the aim of forming an inclusive government.

He also expressed determination to build good ties with the international community through diplomacy. He said when Afghanistan benefits, so will the world, and stability in the country is of importance to the rest of the world.

In regard to Japan, he said bilateral relations have been positive, historically, and the Taliban wish to further promote ties, as Afghanistan is in need of assistance from Japan.

Referring to Japanese doctor and aid worker Nakamura Tetsu, who was fatally shot by an armed group in 2019, Mujahid said Nakamura was a kind person who was devoted to improving the lives of the Afghan people.

He said to the best of the Taliban's knowledge the gunmen were paid to shoot him. He expressed resolve to look into the murder, saying once the Taliban are ready, they will track down the perpetrators and hold them responsible for their action.

Key words : hong kong loyalty oath
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210916_01/

The Hong Kong government has declared invalid the loyalty oaths of seven Hong Kong pro-democracy district councillors, a decision that will unseat them from office.

The Hong Kong government now requires district councillors to take a mandatory oath of allegiance to the territory and China's Basic Law.

The measure was introduced after the mainland leadership revised Hong Kong's electoral law, citing the need that territory should be "governed by patriots."

Anyone violating the oath will be disqualified and subject to criminal punishment.

The seven councillors in question were among the 24 members of the council who became the first to take the oath last Friday.

The Hong Kong government has not explained why their oaths were deemed invalid.

But among the seven are two councillors, including Clarisse Yeung Suet-ying, who have been indicted in connection with an unofficial vote to choose candidates for a Legislative Council election last year.

They are accused of violating Beijing's national security law, which was introduced in 2020.

About 270 pro-democracy councillors who are opposed to the government have resigned since June.

The pro-democracy camp accounted for more than 80 percent of the district council seats. But more than half of them have stepped down.

Key words : singapore booster vaccination
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210915_22/

Singapore has kicked off a booster vaccination program against the coronavirus amid the spread of the highly transmissible Delta variant.

Health officials say among the eligible recipients are seniors aged 60 and older who were double vaccinated at least six months ago, and people with suppressed immune systems.

The city state is one of the most inoculated countries in the world with more than 80 percent of its residents fully vaccinated. But community infections have been on the rise. Authorities reported 832 such cases on Tuesday.
The figure was below 50 in mid-August.

Government officials say the booster is necessary to maintain a high level of protection as the immune systems of elderly people may weaken over time and they could become seriously ill.

Key words : china second real estate
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210916_18/

China's second largest real estate developer is at risk of defaulting on billions of dollars of debt. There are concerns the firm's financial difficulties could destabilize the country's entire economy.

Evergrande Group has racked up nearly 89 billion dollars in interest-bearing liabilities after investing in a range of construction projects.

But its real estate profits have declined in the past year after the Chinese government tightened restrictions on the industry.

Individual investors crowded into the firm's headquarters in the southern city of Shenzhen on Monday, demanding repayment on financial products and loans.

Later that day, the company said rumors it was on the brink of bankruptcy were untrue, but admitted it was facing unprecedented difficulties.

On Tuesday, Evergrande announced it may have to default on debt payments as sales continue to decline. The company says it plans to reconstruct its business by selling assets, such as its electric car division.

There are worries Evergrande's financial troubles will spread throughout the Chinese economy. And these risks could affect the rest of the world, as the company has also issued billions of dollars' worth of dollar-denominated bonds.

Key words : three japanese
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210916_04/

The US magazine Time has included baseball sensation Ohtani Shohei, tennis star Osaka Naomi and leading architect Kuma Kengo in its list of the 100 most influential people.

The annual list was released on Wednesday.

Major League Baseball's two-way sensation Ohtani, who was chosen for the first time, was placed under the category of Icon.

Former New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez wrote, "He's the modern-day Bambino, and yet even Babe Ruth wasn't stealing 20-plus bases, hitting 40-plus homers and throwing 100 m.p.h. in the same season. Only Shohei can."

Of the three Japanese nationals chosen, Osaka made the list for the third straight year.

Russell Wilson, a National Football League player, praised Osaka for fighting for justice by wearing masks honoring seven Black Americans killed in recent years.

He also wrote, "Naomi Osaka's humility and dedication to others have been spectacular to watch. It's incredibly meaningful that she has been able to talk honestly about struggling with her mental health and share with us her vulnerability."

Kuma was chosen in the Innovators category. The world-renowned architect designed the new National Stadium in Japan, the main venue for the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Others include Britain's Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan, who expressed their wish to stop being senior members of the royal family.

Among the Leaders list were US President Joe Biden, US Vice President Kamala Harris and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

at 18:30 (JST), September 15

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/20210915183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : north two projectile
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210915_18/

South Korea's military says North Korea may have launched two ballistic missiles on Wednesday.

The South Korean officials say they were launched from a central area of North Korea in the direction of the Sea of Japan.

Meanwhile, the Japan Coast Guard says the two projectiles seem to have fallen into the ocean outside Japan's exclusive economic zone.

Japan's Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide said, "The action is threatening the peace and security of our country and the region. They are also violating UN Security Council resolutions. We will strongly protest and condemn the launches. We will do our utmost to analyze the information and provide it to people swiftly and accurately."

North Korea most recently launched ballistic missiles in March.

On Monday, the country said it had launched a new type of long-range cruise missile.

Key words : japanese government north outside
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210915_19/

The South Korean government says North Korea fired two ballistic missiles on Wednesday afternoon. The Japanese government says two projectiles have apparently fallen into the Sea of Japan, outside Japan's exclusive economic zone.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff says North Korea fired two ballistic missiles on Wednesday afternoon from its central inland areas. It says Seoul is analyzing the details with the US military in an effort to identify the type and flight distance of the two missiles.

South Korea's presidential office says President Moon Jae-in will convene his national security council to discuss the situation.

The Japanese government is also reacting sharply to the matter.
Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide said North Korea's latest launches are outrageous, as they threaten the peace and security of Japan and the region. Suga said they also violate UN Security Council resolutions. He added that Japan strongly protests and condemns the acts.

In March, North Korea launched what were believed to be two cruise missiles. Four days later, it fired two short-range ballistic missiles from South Hamgyong Province.

Pyongyang announced on Monday that it had successfully test-fired newly developed long-range cruise missiles during the weekend. It said the missiles hit targets 1,500 kilometers away, after traveling for about two hours over North Korea and the country's territorial waters.

On Tuesday, senior officials from Japan, South Korea and the United States met in Tokyo to discuss the latest issues regarding North Korea. They say that they agreed to continue working closely with one another to respond to the North.

Key words : reopen two-month
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210915_01/

A court in Myanmar has reopened court proceedings for Aung San Suu Kyi after a two-month suspension due to the pandemic.

In late July, the military suspended administrative services and company operations, as coronavirus infections spread. All court procedures were suspended.

The military lifted the measures this week, as the pandemic situation improved.

Aung San Suu Kyi's court hearings also reopened on Tuesday. The ousted de facto leader is facing about 10 charges, including illegally importing walkie-talkies.

Her lawyers said they had not seen her for two months, but she has no major health problems.

On September 7, pro-democracy forces called for a revolt against military rule, triggering assaults on the military and police posts. The military retaliated, causing many casualties.

Her lawyers said she was aware of the situation, but that she did not clearly express her opinion about the matter.

More charges were filed against her before the court was closed. Her detention is expected to be prolonged.

Key words : ngo afghan
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210914_26/

Four non-governmental organizations in Japan have called on the Japanese government to offer help to Afghans who assisted in aid activities and now wish to evacuate.

The government is working to evacuate about 500 people still stranded in Afghanistan, including local staffers of the Japanese Embassy. Foreign Ministry officials in neighboring countries continue to make efforts to get them out.

Officials from Pathways Japan and three other NGOs held an online news conference on Tuesday. They noted that the government's evacuation efforts thus far have been focused on people related to the embassy or the government.

They said that they lodged a request with the government on Thursday to widen the scope of their efforts. The NGOs called on the government to offer support to Afghans who helped private entities and those who have some connection to Japan, including those who have studied in Japan, and their family members.

They also asked the government to create a liaison office to foster communications between the government and private organizations with an interest in Afghanistan.

The Foreign Ministry says it will help to facilitate the evacuation of Afghans with people who can vouch for them in Japan.

Orii Norimasa from Pathways Japan said that many individuals and organizations have received requests for help from Afghans with a connection to Japan. He has called for immediate action to deal with the matter.

Key words : china life style Tang Ping
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/videos/20210903142543030/

Dramatic economic growth in China has caused huge social change and triggered a culture of fierce competition to succeed. But the long work hours and stress are becoming serious problems. Now, some young people are choosing a lifestyle with less pressure and more time for themselves.

at 18:30 (JST), September 14

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/20210914183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : NHK approval
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210913_28/

NHK's latest poll shows the approval rate for Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide's Cabinet at 30 percent, up 1 percentage point from last month. The disapproval rate dropped by 2 points to 50 percent.

NHK conducted the telephone survey over the weekend. More than 1,200 people provided answers.

Asked about the government's response to the coronavirus pandemic, a total of 44 percent expressed a positive view, while 53 percent gave a negative assessment.

The government has decided to ease coronavirus restrictions on certain conditions, based on the progress of the country's vaccination program.

As for the timing of the decision, 18 percent said it was appropriate, 37 percent said it was too early, and 36 percent said it was too late.

Prime Minister Suga says the government plans to finish inoculating all citizens who want to receive shots by October or early November.

Asked about the current status of the vaccination campaign, 29 percent said the rollout is proceeding smoothly, while 63 percent said it is slow.

Key words : international legal myanmar
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210914_06/

An international team of legal experts is warning that serious crimes and violations of international law continue to be committed in Myanmar.

The Independent Investigative Mechanism for Myanmar, or IIMM, reported to a meeting of the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva on Monday.

The IIMM was set up by the human rights council in 2018. Its members have been investigating human rights abuses in Myanmar, including oppression imposed on citizens by security forces.

IIMM head Nicholas Koumjian said the team has collected "over 219,000" information items since the military coup in February.

Koumjian said that "the evidence shows security forces acting in a coordinated manner across different regions, systematically targeting specific categories of persons, such as journalists and medical professionals." He said many thousands have been detained without due process of law.

Koumjian also said the team has used open-source information as well as pictures and movies collected from the public. He added that the IIMM will continue to do all it can to collect evidence of the most serious international crimes.

The IIMM chief told NHK that "there are people inside Myanmar who provided information and I'm sure they have more information that they can give us, but they are not safe now inside Myanmar." He said that the IIMM needs to try to find ways to keep those people safe.

Key words : pro-democracy macao
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210913_27/

Pro-democracy members of Macao's Legislative Assembly have lost their seats after an election in which they were not allowed to run for being "disloyal" to the government.

Voter turnout in the ballot held on Sunday was 42 percent, the lowest since Macao was returned to China from Portugal in 1999.

Electoral officials said in July that 21 would-be candidates, including pro-democracy members of the assembly, had failed to uphold the Basic Law, which is effectively Macao's constitution. This barred them from running in Sunday's election.

Democracy advocates previously had limited influence, holding a maximum of about four seats. Their absence from the roster of candidates in the poll highlights the hardline stance of the leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping with regard to dissidents.

The Legislative Assembly consists of 33 seats. Fourteen members are directly elected by the public, and the remaining 19 are chosen by indirect vote by various professional blocs and appointed by Macao's chief executive.

In Hong Kong, which is under the same "one country, two systems" framework as Macao, the electoral system has been revised in line with orders from Beijing. A committee now determines whether potential candidates will be allowed to run for seats in the Legislative Council there based on the territory's national security law.

The next Legislative Council election in Hong Kong is scheduled for December.

Key words : qatar afghanistan reconciliation
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210913_20/

Qatar sent a delegation to Kabul at the weekend. Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani is thought to be the first foreign diplomat to visit Afghanistan since the Taliban regained power.

Qatar has longstanding ties with the Taliban. The group has a political office in the capital, Doha.

Sheikh Mohammed held talks on Sunday with the Taliban's acting prime minister, Mullah Hasan Akhund.

The Taliban say the two sides discussed humanitarian aid and economic reconstruction.

Qatar's Foreign Ministry says Sheikh Mohammed urged the interim authority to work with all Afghan parties for national reconciliation.

The Taliban are believed to be aiming to win support from Qatar for their provisional government. But the international community is concerned that the administration consists exclusively of members of the Taliban.

Key words : international community pledge
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210914_04/

The United Nations has held a conference on humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan. Participating countries have collectively pledged a total of more than 1 billion dollars.

Representatives from governments around the world took part in the ministerial-level conference in Geneva on Monday.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Afghans are facing "perhaps their most perilous hour" after decades of war and suffering.

He said, "this conference is not simply about what we will give to the people of Afghanistan. It is about what we owe."

The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, spoke to participants online from Kabul to warn of a "much greater displacement" of Afghans. He said, "this may happen very soon."

During the meeting, the United States pledged nearly 64 million dollars in new humanitarian aid. But the country expressed its misgivings about the Taliban's control of Afghanistan, with its representative saying there were reports of the group blocking the delivery of aid.

A Chinese delegate insisted that the international community can play a role in the peaceful reconstruction of Afghanistan by respecting the country's sovereignty. Beijing pledged to send food, vaccines and other supplies.

Japan announced that it is ready to provide 65 million dollars in new assistance.

Key words : hitachi
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210914_13/

Japanese electronics giant Hitachi says it wants its entire supply chain to be carbon neutral by fiscal 2050.

Hitachi says it released about 72 million tons of carbon dioxide in fiscal 2020, through sourcing raw materials and manufacturing its products.

The company says over 90 percent of those emissions came from suppliers and other business partners.

Hitachi had already announced it was targeting carbon neutrality in its own factories and offices by the end of fiscal 2030.

Group-wide, Hitachi has one of the biggest supply chains in Japan. It does business with about 30,000 companies.

Hitachi says it will first compile a strategy with roughly 800 firms that make up 70 percent of its transactions in value terms.

The group also plans to use advanced energy management systems to hit its targets.

Hitachi is following the lead of financial groups Sumitomo Mitsui and Mitsubishi UFJ, both of which are aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050 in the firms they invest in or lend to.

Key words : south partially
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210913_26/

South Korea's Supreme Court has partially rejected an appeal put forward by Japan's Mitsubishi Heavy Industries against the seizure of its assets in a wartime labor lawsuit.

A ruling by the Supreme Court in 2018 ordered Mitsubishi Heavy to compensate South Korean women who say they or their relatives were forced to work for the company under harsh conditions during World War Two.

Following the order, the plaintiffs filed requests that the patents and trademarks Mitsubishi has in South Korea be seized. A district court accepted the requests.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries filed appeals against the decisions given to each of the plaintiffs.

The Supreme Court sent papers to the company on Monday to notify its decision to partially turn down its appeal. Legal proceedings to sell the assets are continuing.

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

The government argues that the compensation orders to Japanese firms and the legal proceedings are in breach of international law, and is urging South Korea to rectify the situation.

Key words : oldest respect
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210914_02/

A 118-year-old Japanese woman was celebrated ahead of Respect for the Aged Day in Japan. She is recognized as the world's oldest living person by Guinness World Records.

Tanaka Kane was born in 1903. She lives in an elderly care facility in the city of Fukuoka in southwestern Japan.

Tanaka received flowers and a message card from the governor of Fukuoka Prefecture, Hattori Seitaro, on Monday, ahead of Respect for the Aged Day on September 20th.

Staff at the facility say Tanaka hasn't been able to meet with her family because of the pandemic. They also say Tanaka hopes to stay healthy until the age of 120.

at 18:30 (JST), September 13

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/20210913183000_english_1.mp3


Key words : north launch fulfillment
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210913_23/

North Korean media say the country has successfully launched a new type of cruise missile that potentially puts Japan within its range.

The ruling party newspaper says the two tests took place on Saturday and Sunday.

It doesn't reveal where the long-range missiles fell. But it says they flew for more than two hours over North Korean territory and hit their targets 1,500 kilometers away.

It adds the Academy of Defense Science developed the cruise missiles. It says the academy also conducted dozens of engine tests ahead of the launches.

A close aide to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un observed the launches, calling them the fulfillment "of the Workers' Party's policy of prioritizing defense science and technology."

The official stressed the need for national defense science to do all it can to increase the country's capabilities and deterrence.

Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Kato Katsunobu responded to the news on Monday. He said if the missiles' 1,500 kilometer range is confirmed, it would be a concern for Japan.

Key words : four evacuees
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210913_02/

Four evacuees from Afghanistan have landed in Japan. They are the first group among the roughly 500 people the Japanese government has been seeking to help evacuate from Afghanistan.

An aircraft carrying the four touched down at Narita Airport near Tokyo on Sunday night after a stopover in Qatar. Upon landing, they were taken to the airport's coronavirus testing section.

The evacuees were among 10 people who made their way to neighboring Pakistan by land last week. They're Afghan staffers of the Japan International Cooperation Agency and their family members.

Six others are expected to arrive in Japan on Monday.

The 10 people are the first of those on Japan's list who are known to have escaped Afghanistan since the withdrawal of Japanese Self-Defense Force planes sent to evacuate such people.

Last month, the SDF mission airlifted one Japanese national and 14 Afghans to Pakistan. But about 500 others, including Afghan staffers of the Japanese Embassy, are still trying to flee Afghanistan.

The Japanese government plans to call on the Taliban to cooperate in securing the safe passage of people wanting to leave Afghanistan.

Key words : taliban continue to study
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210913_04/

The acting minister of higher education in the Taliban's caretaker government says women in Afghanistan can continue to study in universities but students will be divided by gender when taking classes.

Abdul Baqi Haqqani made the comment at a news conference on Sunday in the capital Kabul. He outlined a policy on education, which the Taliban had denied to girls and women when they were last in power.

Haqqani said the Taliban will start building on "what exists today." But he added they will change any practices that contradict Islamic teachings and Afghan culture.

The acting minister indicated male students will take classes in different buildings from women, classrooms will be split between male and female students, or that classes will be staggered by gender.

Haqqani also suggested students will be taught in principle by teachers of the same gender as them. He added that female students must wear hijabs.

The acting minister expressed his intention to reopen national universities, calling on teachers to return to their workplaces.

A female student of Kabul University told NHK that teachers she knows have quit their jobs and students have also fled Afghanistan. She added that she wants to go abroad as she cannot have hope for the future in Afghanistan.

Key words : emergency has been extended
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210913_01/

Japan's coronavirus state of emergency has been extended in many parts of the country, including Tokyo and Osaka, through the end of this month.

The extension came into force on Monday, in 19 out of the nation's 47 prefectures.

Miyagi and Okayama prefectures emerged from the state of emergency and joined six other prefectures in implementing quasi-emergency measures that will also continue through September 30.

The government plans to bolster the medical system through such steps as securing more hospital beds for coronavirus patients. It also aims to set up more facilities where COVID-19 patients can receive treatments, including oxygen administration.

The government will urge people to refrain from travel across prefectural borders as the next week has two national holidays.

Economic Revitalization Minister Nishimura Yasutoshi, who is in charge of the coronavirus response, appeared on Sunday in NHK's TV program.

He said daily counts of new infections have been falling, but the number of patients with serious symptoms remains above 2,000, which continues to put significant strain on the medical system.

Nishimura added more than 50 percent of Japan's population has received two shots of a coronavirus vaccine.

The central government plans to continue pushing vaccine rollouts and other anti-infection measures in cooperation with local governments, so it can lift the state of emergency at the end of this month as scheduled.

Key words : myanmar
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210912_16/

People from Myanmar have rallied around the world. They are urging the international community to take action against military rule in their country, ahead of the United Nations General Assembly, due to start on Tuesday.

Rallies took place in more than a dozen countries over the weekend. Protesters are calling on the international community to reject the military junta and recognize the National Unity Government. The NUG is made up of pro-democracy groups and supports ousted State Counsellor Aung San Suu Kyi.

The military seized power in a coup in February. Crackdowns have continued over the past 7 months against opponents nationwide. A human rights group says more than 1,000 civilians have been killed, including children. Over 8,000 people have been arrested.

About 1,400 people joined the rally in Tokyo. They were chanting "free Myanmar," and giving the three-finger salute associated with the protest against the military rule. The protesters in Tokyo were mainly young people from Myanmar and Japanese people who support them.

People observed a moment of silence in a ceremony in front of the United Nations University for those killed in the violence.

Representatives of the protesters handed a letter to the university staff requesting that the UN recognize the National Unity Government.

NUG Acting President Duwa Lashi La posted a speech online last week calling on the People's Defence Force and ethnic minority fighters to resist military rule. The force is made up of armed citizens.

Key words : defense minister vietnam relationship
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210912_06/

China and Vietnam have confirmed that they should expand their relationship.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met Communist Party leader General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong of Vietnam on Saturday during his visit to the Southeast Asian country.

China's foreign ministry says that during the meeting, Wang described China-Vietnam relations as having particular strategic importance.

He added that in the face of a complex international situation, the two countries should deepen political trust and strengthen unity and cooperation.

Trong noted that no one can undermine the unity and cooperation between the two countries.
Meanwhile, Japan's Defense Minister Kishi Nobuo has held talks with Vietnamese Defense Minister Phan Van Giang in Hanoi.

The two ministers agreed to uphold the existing international order based on the rule of law. They are believed to have China's maritime activities in mind.

Kishi expressed serious concerns over China's Coast Guard Law, which allows the use of weapons.

He stated strong opposition to any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by coercion.

The two countries signed an agreement to transfer defense equipment and technology.

The ministers confirmed that their countries will promote defense cooperation and consult with each other on the transfer of specific equipment, including vessels.

The meeting lasted more than 90 minutes.

Vietnam was also the destination of two senior US officials. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visited in July and Vice President Kamala Harris was there in August.

Key words : hoshide spacewalk
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210913_10/

Japanese astronaut Hoshide Akihiko has completed a spacewalk out of the International Space Station, his first in the current mission and fourth overall. He currently serves as commander of the ISS.

Wearing a spacesuit, Hoshide went outside the ISS with Thomas Pesquet of France for nearly seven hours of extravehicular activities on Sunday UTC.

The two astronauts successfully attached a support bracket for installing new solar panels for the station and replaced an old measuring device.

Hoshide's spacewalks now total 28 hours and 17 minutes, surpassing the record for a Japanese astronaut previously held by Noguchi Soichi by more than an hour.

The spacewalk was originally scheduled for August. It was postponed on grounds of a health issue involving a US astronaut, who was to have been Hoshide's partner in the activities.

Hoshide has been staying in the ISS since April. It is his third mission in space. The ISS is orbiting at 400 kilometers above Earth.

He is scheduled to carry out scientific experiments and other activities before flying back to Earth in early November.