NHK WORLD English News Podcast Scripts for Shadowing & Listening Practice

NHK WORLD-JAPAN の英語ニュース音声をもとにしたポッドキャスト・スクリプトを掲載しています。英語シャドーイングやリスニング練習に最適で、TV版のクローズドキャプションより高精度な音声文字起こしを使用しています。最新ニュースを題材に、Jonathan Oh を含む難しい英語も効率的に学べるよう編集しています。英語学習者向けの実用的な素材として、毎日更新しています。

2022年11月19日土曜日

at 18:00 (JST), November 19

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20221119180000_english_1.mp3

Key words : forum declaration
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221119_15/

The leaders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, or APEC, have adopted a joint declaration at the close of their two-day summit in Thailand.

The statement released on Saturday, the final day of the first in-person APEC summit in four years, was announced by meeting chair Thailand.

The declaration says, "Most members strongly condemned the war in Ukraine." However, it acknowledges there were a range of opinions over Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The statement says there were "other views and different assessments of the situation and sanctions." The United States, Japan and some other members generally condemned Moscow's actions, in contrast to views expressed by Russia and other countries that are not participating in sanctions. The statement noted that APEC was not the forum to resolve security issues.

Key words : forum end
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221119_07/

Leaders and delegates from 21 countries and regions aim to release a joint statement after wrapping up two days of talks at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum on Saturday in Bangkok.

The attendees include Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, Chinese President Xi Jinping, US Vice President Kamala Harris, and Russian First Deputy Prime Minister Andrey Belousov.

Talks kicked off on Friday, when many participants expressed concern about surging energy and food prices amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Summit chair Thailand is pushing for consensus, but divisions remain. Sources say the joint statement will mention that some members condemn Russia's invasion, while also acknowledging the views of others.

Key words : Kishida after the apec
#N/A

Key words : emergency meeting
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221119_02/

Leaders from Japan, the US, South Korea, Canada, Australia and New Zealand have held an emergency meeting following North Korea's launch of a ballistic missile on Friday.

They met on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Bangkok.

US Vice President Kamala Harris said the launch "destabilizes security in the region and unnecessarily raises tensions. We strongly condemn these actions and we again call for North Korea to stop further unlawful destabilizing acts."

The six countries also reaffirmed that they will work together to realize the complete denuclearization of North Korea.

Key words : state-run new
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221119_14/

North Korea has declared its launch of a new intercontinental ballistic missile a success, and hailed the Hwasong-17 as the "strongest strategic weapon in the world."

State-run television reported on Saturday that the Hwasong-17 was test-fired Friday from an airport near Pyongyang.

The report said the missile reached an altitude of 6,040.9 kilometers. It said the missile flew for one hour, eight minutes, and 55 seconds over a distance of 999.2 kilometers before splashing down in a targeted area in the high seas east of the Korean Peninsula. It said the test-firing clearly proved the missile's "powerful combat performance."

The Hwasong-17 is the largest ballistic missile in North Korea's arsenal. Its range of more than 15,000 kilometers can reach the continental United States.

A photo of the missile shows it taking off from a 22-wheeled mobile launch pad, spewing flames through its four nozzles.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who oversaw the launch, has indicated his determination to press forward with nuclear and missile development.

He said, "The recent dangerous situation in which the US and other hostile forces' military threats get ever more undisguised around the DPRK more urgently requires it to substantially accelerate the bolstering of its overwhelming nuclear deterrence."

Key words : fighter jet video
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221118_46/

Japanese Defense Ministry officials have released video footage and photographs of what could be the smoke trail of an intercontinental ballistic missile launched on Friday by North Korea.

An Air Self-Defense Force fighter jet captured the images during a flight over the Sea of Japan, west of Hokkaido, at around 11:23 a.m.

The missile is believed to have fallen within Japan's exclusive economic zone.

Ministry officials also announced that the ASDF and US Air Force conducted joint exercises on Friday. They say the drills involved four F-15 fighters from Japan and four F-16s from the US.

The officials say the two countries confirmed their readiness to respond amid an increasingly unstable security situation around Japan.

Key words : defense minister shallower angle
#N/A

Key words : US mainland
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221119_06/

Attention is focused on North Korea following Friday's launch of a ballistic missile. Observers believe the regime may use state media on Saturday to boast about being able to strike the US mainland.

The missile was launched in the morning near Pyongyang. It appears to have landed in Japan's exclusive economic zone after reaching a maximum altitude of about 6,000 kilometers.

South Korea's Yonhap News Agency says it could have been North Korea's largest ballistic missile, the Hwasong-17, which is said to have a range of more than 15,000 kilometers.

The report says the weapon's rocket appears to have separated normally. Analysts are quoted as saying the North's ICBM program has progressed since what is believed to be a failed launch on November 3.

North Korea announced in March that it had successfully launched a Hwasong-17 for the first time. But South Korea's defense ministry said it was likely a Hwasong-15.

Key words : joint drill provocation
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221119_16/

The South Korean and US militaries have held a second joint air drill as a response to North Korea's launch on Friday of a new type intercontinental ballistic missile toward the Sea of Japan.

South Korea's Joint Chiefs of Staff announced the joint drill on Saturday.

A US B-1B bomber, which the North is closely watching out for, joined the drills held that day. South Korea's F-35A jets and US F-16 fighters escorted the bomber.

The two militaries conducted an air drill on Friday just after North Korea launched its new ICBM. South Korean Air Force F-35A fighter jets attacked a mock mobile missile launch pads in the drill with laser-guided bombs.

The South Korean military says the two countries will work together closely to steadily improve their capabilities to respond to enemy provocations in the event of a contingency.

North Korea says on Friday morning it fired a Hwasong-17 from near the capital Pyongyang into the Sea of Japan.

The missile is believed to have reached a maximum altitude of around 6,000 kilometers and fallen into waters within Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone.

Key words : north children wife
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221119_10/

North Korean media has published a photograph of leader Kim Jong Un with a girl said to be his daughter. The pair are pictured observing the test-firing of a new intercontinental ballistic missile.

This is the first time North Korea has released an image of one of the leader's children.

Saturday's edition of the ruling Workers' Party newspaper, Rodong Sinmun, featured Friday's launch of a Hwasong-17 missile, with photos of Kim and his daughter at the test site.

The paper praised Kim, together with his "beloved" daughter and wife, for inspiring scientists and fighters.

One of the photographs shows Kim walking hand in hand with a young girl wearing a white coat and red shoes, with a missile in the background. Another image features the same girl standing between Kim and his wife, Ri Sol Ju.

South Korea's National Intelligence Service says Kim and his wife, who married in 2009, have three children, two girls and a boy.

Key words : sabotage
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221119_05/

Authorities in Sweden say they have confirmed that leaks sustained along the Nord Stream gas pipeline connecting Russia with Germany are acts of sabotage.

They made the announcement on Friday after finding traces of explosives at the damaged sections, located in the Baltic Sea.

The leaks were confirmed in September. Officials say they will continue working with other countries to identify who is responsible.

Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said on Friday that the findings confirm what Russia already knew. He also said it is important to find out who did it.

Shortly after the leaks were reported, Russian President Vladimir Putin accused "Anglo-Saxons" including the United States of sabotage.

Key words : panda
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221119_03/

A plan to transfer a popular giant panda from Japan to China at the end of the year has been rescheduled for next spring.

Five-year-old Xiang Xiang was born at Tokyo's Ueno Zoo. Her parents are on loan from China, and she will be transferred to the country as part of the agreement.

The plan was originally set for the end of 2020, but has since been pushed back multiple times due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Tokyo Metropolitan Government officials say Xiang Xiang will now go sometime between mid-February and early March next year.

Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko says people may feel sad that Xiang Xiang is leaving. But she also says there is still time to see her at Ueno Zoo.

2022年11月18日金曜日

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/20221118183000_english_1.mp3

Key words : Kishida concern activities
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221118_07/

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and Chinese President Xi Jinping have met in Bangkok. It marks the first bilateral in person summit for their countries in three years.

Kishida said, "It is important for both sides to accelerate efforts to build constructive and stable Japan-China relations."

Xi said, "We want to grasp the direction of bilateral ties from a strategic point of view and build relations that meet the demands of the new era."

The summit comes amid frequent incursions by Chinese government ships into Japanese territorial waters around the Senkaku islands.

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

China has also been increasing military pressure on Taiwan. During recent Chinese military drills near Taiwan, several missiles landed within Japan's Exclusive Economic Zone.

Kishida said, "I expressed serious concern about the situation in the East China Sea, including the Senkaku Islands, as well as China's ballistic missile launches and other military activities. I also reiterated the importance of peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait."

Kishida says he also raised the issue of human rights in China and the detention of Japanese citizens by Chinese authorities.

The leaders agreed to promote communications between the countries at all levels, including the resumption of ministerial dialogues. They agreed to arrange a visit by Japanese Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa to China.

Kishida expressed concern over North Korea's nuclear and missile programs, and urged Xi to play a role at the UN Security Council. They confirmed they would cooperate to solve the issue of abductions of Japanese nationals by North Korea decades ago.

Key words : japanese journalist back
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221117_45/

Myanmar's military has released a Japanese journalist from prison. The Japanese embassy in Myanmar confirmed Kubota Toru's flight has departed from the country.

Kubota had been facing a 10-year sentence for incitement and violating a telecommunications law after a military court found him guilty last month. He had been detained by security authorities in Yangon for filming protests against the junta while on a tourist visa.

The junta has arrested more than 16,000 people since seizing power, as part of its violent crackdown on dissent.

State-run media say thousands of prisoners are set to go free on Myanmar National Day. Video footage showed newly freed inmates emerging from a prison in the largest city of Yangon, where they were reunited with their families and friends who came to greet them.

Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu said on Thursday afternoon that Kubota was set to come back to Japan on Friday, and was in good health.

Matsuno said, "The Japanese government, including the Ambassador to Myanmar, has repeatedly and strongly demanded that Mr. Kubota be released as soon as possible. Myanmar explained that his release is because of a strong request from the Japanese government."

Kubota is one of four foreigners receiving amnesty. They include Australian economist Sean Turnell, who had served as an advisor to Myanmar's ousted leader Aung San Suu Kyi, and was accused of violating the state secrets law.

Former UK ambassador to Myanmar Vicky Bowman and her pro-democracy activist husband, Htein Lin, will also be pardoned.

Key words : ukraine suntory
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221117_19/

It is Beaujolais Nouveau time again, but this year the French wine may leave a bitter taste for Japanese consumers. Prices have surged due to the conflict in Ukraine and the weak yen.

The wine made with this year's harvest of grapes from the Beaujolais region traditionally goes on sale on the third Thursday of November.

A bar in Tokyo's Shibuya Ward held the first in-person countdown event in three years to celebrate the wine's arrival.

Japanese beverage company Suntory says prices are 40-to-120 percent higher than last year.

Freight costs have risen because aircraft are taking longer routes from Europe to Japan to avoid Russian airspace.

The Japanese currency's steep depreciation has also made imports more expensive.

Suntory said it received fewer orders for this vintage and its imports of Beaujolais Nouveau have declined to around 40 percent of last year's volume.

Key words : xi economic challenges zero-covid
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/videos/20221104153038313/

As the pandemic rumbles on, Chinese President Xi Jinping is facing mounting economic challenges. The country has been opening up its markets to attract foreign investment for decades now. It's a policy that has driven growth... but Xi's so-called zero-COVID policy is being blamed by many for threatening that expansion.

2022年11月17日木曜日

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/20221117183000_english_1.mp3

Key words : Kishida set to in person
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221117_02/

Japan's Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and China's President Xi Jinping are set to hold talks face-to-face on the sidelines of the APEC summit -- the first time the countries' leaders have done so in about three years.

After the summit of the Group of 20 economies in Bali, Indonesia, wraps up, Kishida will head for Bangkok to take part in the summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum on Thursday.

He is scheduled to hold talks with Xi the same day.

Kishida on Wednesday told reporters there are various possibilities, as well as issues and challenges, in Japan-China relations. He expressed determination to hold discussions that will prove to be a starting point for promoting dialogue with the country.

Taking into account that this year marks the 50th anniversary since the two countries normalized diplomatic relations, Kishida aims to build constructive and stable relations with China.

He plans to convey Xi in person Japan's position regarding China's increased military pressure on Taiwan and repeated intrusions into Japanese territorial waters near the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture, southwestern Japan.

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

Kishida also seeks to pave the way for a thawing of Japan's chilled ties with its neighbor by inviting China to join hands in tackling common challenges such as climate change.

Meanwhile, Xi is expected to emphasize the importance of good bilateral relations in the hope of attracting investment from Japan.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning on Wednesday told reporters that China and Japan will properly handle differences and build a bilateral relationship that meets the demands of the new era.

At the same time, Beijing maintains its "One China Principle" is at the core of China's interests, while Xi has indicated he will not rule out the use of force to achieve what he calls the reunification of Taiwan.

Key words : chinese spokesperson 50th
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221117_02/

After the summit of the Group of 20 economies in Bali, Indonesia, wraps up, Kishida will head for Bangkok to take part in the summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum on Thursday.

He is scheduled to hold talks with Xi the same day.

Taking into account that this year marks the 50th anniversary since the two countries normalized diplomatic relations, Kishida aims to build constructive and stable relations with China.

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

Kishida also seeks to pave the way for a thawing of Japan's chilled ties with its neighbor by inviting China to join hands in tackling common challenges such as climate change.

Meanwhile, Xi is expected to emphasize the importance of good bilateral relations in the hope of attracting investment from Japan.

Key words : general assembly abducted
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221117_07/

A UN General Assembly committee has adopted a resolution urging North Korea to immediately return all the foreign nationals it has abducted. The resolution has now been passed for 18 consecutive years.

The resolution says the UN condemns in the strongest terms the long-standing, systematic violations of human rights by the North.

It also expresses serious concerns about the grave suffering inflicted on those who have involuntarily disappeared as well as on their families.

The document was submitted by the European Union and co-sponsored by more than 60 countries, including Japan and South Korea. It was adopted by consensus on Wednesday by the committee on human rights after no member requested a vote.

Japanese Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN Yamanaka Osamu said, "the families of the victims have well advanced in age and many of them have passed away without opportunities seeing their loved ones again." He added, "There is not a moment to lose."

China and Russia said they would not support the resolution.

North Korean Ambassador to the UN Kim Song rejected the resolution, describing it as a "political provocation" that's repeated every year. He then left the session before the resolution was adopted.

Key words : finance ministry trade deficit increase
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221117_11/

Japan's Finance Ministry said on Thursday that the country posted a trade deficit of 2.1623 trillion yen, or about 15.5 billion dollars, last month.

The figure is the largest for the month of October.

The depreciation of the yen and the surge in energy-related costs led to an increase in imports.

Key words : ministers from economy
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221117_03/

Ministers from 21 member economies of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum will open their meeting in Bangkok on Thursday amid a row over Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine.

Japan will be represented by Foreign Minister Hayashi Yoshimasa and Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Nishimura Yasutoshi.

This will be the first face-to-face gathering in four years. The ministers will discuss growth and sustainability in the region, free and open trade and facilitating investment in the post-pandemic era.

Japan plans to criticize Russia, saying peace and stability are vital for growth in the region. It is to also urge members to strengthen their supply chains for energy and food products.

As some nations in the bloc remain at odds with Russia over the situation in Ukraine, APEC ministers were unable to compile statements in previous meetings on topics that included open trade, finance and security.

The Group of 20 summit, which wrapped up on Wednesday, adopted a declaration. Whether APEC ministers can follow suit while reflecting differences in the participants' positions remains to be seen.

Ahead of the meeting, Nishimura expressed hopes to bring sustainable development to the region while maintaining free and fair trade and investment environment.

Key words : japan and thailand
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221116_34/

Japan and Thailand have inked a deal to improve skill levels in Thai manufacturing.

The two countries will develop human resources capable of using digital technologies to tackle issues such as production inefficiencies.

Japanese Industry Minister Nishimura Yasutoshi and his Thai counterpart Suriya Jungrungreangkit exchanged documents at a jointly hosted manufacturing seminar in Bangkok.

Nishimura said, "It's essential to bring in facilities and machinery, then train people to use them to achieve full digitalization."

About 6,000 Japanese companies, mainly manufacturers, currently do business in Thailand.

Problems with the country's supply chains are driving the push to cultivate the human resources needed to improve manufacturing there.

Key words : hotel
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221116_21/

Izumo Grand Shrine in western Japan's Shimane Prefecture is one of the country's oldest Shinto shrines. It regularly saw more than 6 million visitors a year, but that number was hit hard by the pandemic.

Now, with an eye on winning back big-spending travelers, a major resort operator has opened a hot spring hotel just a few minutes from the attraction.

The new facility, which debuted on Wednesday, is a 15-minute drive from the shrine. It draws couples hoping for good luck in their marriage.

The hotel has 39 guest rooms, starting at about 25,000 yen, or 180 dollars, per person per night. Its operator says all rooms are fully booked until the end of the year.

A company official says: "Izumo Grand Shrine is the most powerful spiritual place in Japan. We think we can combine it with a traditional hot spring experience to create a unique attraction."

The local community hopes the new facility can put the worst days of the pandemic in the past, and help tourism recover.

Key words : maeda
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221117_01/

NHK President Maeda Terunobu, host of this year's international forum for public broadcasters, expressed determination to use the event as an opportunity to reaffirm the significance of public broadcasting.

Public Broadcasters International, or PBI, is a gathering of public broadcast service representatives, including NHK, the BBC and South Korea's KBS. This year's meeting brings together some 60 representatives from 26 countries and regions.

Maeda addressed the participants at an opening ceremony held at Tokyo National Museum on Wednesday.

Referring to the situation in Ukraine and other factors, Maeda noted that the digital information space is filled with unsourced misinformation. He asked how public service media can play a "public" role.

He expressed hopes to exchange views on what action public service media must take to fulfill its role in the face of the "overwhelming" presence of giant so-called platformers.

Participants were later introduced to the "8K Cultural Properties" project, in which NHK's latest technology is being put to use to reproduce cultural properties at the museum.

The three-day meeting comes as the BBC celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. BBC Director-General Tim Davie will give a keynote speech marking the occasion, while top officials from public service media, including experts of various fields, will share their views.

2022年11月16日水曜日

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/20221116183000_english_1.mp3

Key words : japan and china in person
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221116_01/

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio is scheduled to hold summit talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Thailand, after a Group of 20 summit wraps up on Wednesday.

Kishida will visit Thailand on Thursday, the last leg of his Southeast Asian tour, to attend a summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.

It will be the first time in three years for the leaders of Japan and China to meet in person. The last such meeting was December 2019, when Abe Shinzo was prime minister.

Japan-China ties remain at a low ebb over the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea and other matters.

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

Attention is focused on whether the talks will help improve the bilateral relationship, as the two countries marked the 50th anniversary of normalizing their diplomatic ties this year.

Key words : japanese nationals return home
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221115_14/

Japan's top government spokesperson has stressed again that the government is doing its utmost to enable Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea to return home as soon as possible.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno Hirokazu spoke to reporters on Tuesday, the 45th anniversary of Yokota Megumi's abduction. Yokota was kidnapped while she was on her way home from her junior high school. The incident occurred in the city of Niigata, which lies on the Sea of Japan coast.

Matsuno is in charge of the abduction issue. He said it is deeply regrettable that Yokota and some of the other victims are still in North Korea.

Matsuno said that the government has repeatedly contacted Yokota's mother, Sakie. He said the issue should be settled immediately, as the family members of the victims are growing older.

The chief cabinet secretary stressed that the government has been doing everything that it can to resolve the matter. He added that the government will work with the United States and other countries to bring the victims back home soon.

Key words : kawasaki peace prize
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221115_28/

Japanese teenager Kawasaki Rena has won the prestigious International Children's Peace Prize for her pioneering work to get more young people to participate in politics and society.

KidsRights Foundation, an international children's rights organization based in the Netherlands, presents the prize every year to youngsters for contributions in protecting children's rights. Swedish environmental activist Greta Thunberg won the prize in 2019.

Kawasaki, who is 17 and attends an international school in Osaka, western Japan, was chosen out of over 175 candidates from 46 nations. She received the prize in a ceremony at The Hague on Monday. She is the first Japanese person to win the prize.

Kawasaki was 8 years old when she read a book in which she learned that there were children who could not go to school due to the political situation in their countries, and became determined to take action.

When she was 14, she started her organization to create an online platform to connect young people with local political representatives. She has been working to encourage young people to become more involved in politics and society.

Kawasaki said at the ceremony that she believes the award "is an important sign for Japanese youth, highlighting that our voices are considered significant on the world stage." She said winning it gives her "the further strength to fight until every voice is heard and valued."

Key words : abduct teacher make sure
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/videos/20221027113747193/

The abduction of Japanese citizens in the 1970s and 80s is still an unresolved problem. Twenty years have passed since North Korea finally admitted at least some responsibility. Only five abductees have been able to return. Japan says at least 12 more are unaccounted for. Aspiring schoolteachers are learning what happened so they can teach their future students.

2022年11月15日火曜日

at 18:30 (JST), November 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/20221115183000_english_1.mp3

Key words : xi face-to-face blinken
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221115_02/

The leaders of the United States and China met face-to-face ahead of the G20 summit in Bali. It was the first in-person encounter between the two since US President Joe Biden took office last year.

Biden held a news conference after the meeting, and said they agreed to have their top officials meet to discuss details of every issue they raised.

Biden said, "We're going to compete vigorously. But I'm not looking for conflict, I'm looking to manage this competition responsibly. And I want to make sure, make sure that every country abides by the international rules of the road. We discussed that."

At the start of their meeting on Monday, Biden said he's committed to keeping lines of communication open between Washington and Beijing.

A statement issued by the White House said the two agreed on a plan for US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to visit China to follow up on their discussion.

Biden said, "As leaders of our two nations, we share a responsibility, in my view, to show that China and the United States can manage our differences."

Xi said, "We, as leaders of the two major economies, must decide the direction. We have to follow the right path."

US-China ties have deteriorated over various issues, such as security and the economy. They became even more strained when US House Speaker Nancy Pelosi visited Taipei in August. Beijing responded with massive military drills around Taiwan.

China's state-run Xinhua news agency quoted Xi as saying "The Taiwan question is at the very core of China's core interests, the bedrock of the political foundation of China-US relations, and the first red line that must not be crossed in China-US relations."

In the White House statement, Biden laid out in detail that the "One China" policy has not changed, and the US opposes any unilateral changes to the status quo by either side.

Key words : frozen
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221115_N02/

Leaders of the Group of 20 nations set out in Bali, Indonesia on Tuesday to take up some challenges with global scope: the surge in prices of food and energy. But they were divided even before they began by the invasion of Ukraine.

Many leaders pressured their hosts to withdraw an invitation to Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Indonesians resisted but, in the end, Putin decided not to attend. His foreign minister, Sergey Lavrov, went in his place.

Western leaders say the invasion of Ukraine drove up prices worldwide. The Russians blame foreign sanctions on their economy.

Leaders from the European Union, Japan, and South Korea are among those who have restricted trade and frozen the assets of Putin's allies. Those from Indonesia, China, India, Brazil, and Turkey have decided not to introduce any economic penalties.

The Russians refuse to describe their invasion as a "war." So, many leaders have lowered expectations of emerging from their summit with a joint statement.

Key words : japanese GDP
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221115_12/

Japan's economy shrank in the July-September period, according to the latest GDP figures released on Tuesday. It was the first contraction in four quarters.

The Cabinet Office says the economy contracted in the latest quarter from the previous one at an annualized rate of 1.2 percent in real terms.

Consumer spending, which accounts for more than half of Japan's GDP, grew only 0.3 percent.

Consumers held back out of renewed concerns about the coronavirus. That led to only a small uptick in demand for travel and other services. Rising energy and food prices also put a damper on sentiment.

Exports expanded 1.9 percent during the period. But soaring energy prices and the weak Japanese yen drove up the cost of imports by 5.2 percent.

However, capital spending was fairly strong, growing 1.5 percent. Investments that had been put off due to the pandemic appear to be moving forward as economic activity recovers.

Key words : gas project
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221115_03/

Russia's government has reportedly approved a Japanese consortium to retain a 30-percent stake in the Sakhalin-1 oil and natural gas project in the Far East.

Media outlets, including state-run TASS news agency, on Monday said Moscow authorized the transfer of a 30-percent interest in the new Sakhalin-1 operator to Japan's Sakhalin Oil and Gas Development Company.

The move comes after US oil giant Exxon Mobil withdrew from the Sakhalin-1 project in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The consortium, whose owners include the Japanese government and trading houses, had owned 30 percent of the project. But in October, the Russian government placed management of the project under the new entity.

Earlier this month, the Japanese consortium decided to participate in a Sakhalin-1 project led by the new operator.

Two other Japanese trading houses have also retained their stakes in another oil and gas project in the region, Sakhalin-2. After British oil giant Shell announced its withdrawal from that project, Moscow similarly launched a new operator for the project.

Key words : learned sri lankan woman
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221114_28/

NHK has learned that the Japanese government will enter into evidence in court video footage of a Sri Lankan woman before she died in detention.

Wishma Sandamali died at an immigration detention facility in Nagoya City, central Japan, in March of last year. She had complained of feeling ill before her death.

Her family filed a damages lawsuit, demanding the government pay over 150 million yen, or more than 1 million dollars, in compensation.

They argue that their loved one was illegally detained without a provisional release and did not get necessary medical care when her health deteriorated.

The Nagoya District Court asked the government in September to present an approximately 5-hour section of two weeks' worth of footage taken of Wishma during her detention. The relatives were shown that section of footage during the evidentiary phase.

Sources say the government told the court on Monday that it will present the footage as evidence after some images are concealed for security reasons.

The relatives say they want to get the footage and release it to the public.

Ibusuki Shoichi, a lawyer representing the relatives, says the footage is quite significant for the court case.

A sister of Wishma, Wayomi, tearfully said she is pleased that even a portion of the video will be presented, and that she hopes Japanese people will see it.

Key words : team of experts
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221114_19/

A team of experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency has arrived in Japan to inspect the project to release treated water from the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the sea.

The IAEA has been asked by the Japanese government to assess the safety of the release. This is the agency's second mission following one in February.

The visiting team is made up of experts from 11 countries, including China, South Korea and the United States, as well as IAEA officials.

The members exchanged views with officials of the industry ministry and the plant's operator, Tokyo Electric Power Company, on Monday morning.

They include the IAEA director and coordinator for nuclear safety and security, Gustavo Caruso.

Caruso said it is the Japanese government's responsibility to ensure the safety of the Fukushima treated water, but the IAEA will also make an objective and scientific assessment.

Water is used to cool molten nuclear fuel at the plant. It mixed with groundwater and rainwater that flows into damaged reactor buildings.

The plant operator is treating the water by filtering out most of the radioactive substances. But treated water still contains radioactive tritium and some other radioactive substances.

The government and Tokyo Electric hope to start releasing treated water around next spring after diluting the tritium levels to below national regulations.

But concerns about its safety have been voiced at home and abroad.

The IAEA mission is to stay in Japan through Friday. The experts will visit the Fukushima plant on Wednesday to inspect the construction of an undersea tunnel to be used for releasing the water about 1 kilometer offshore.

They also plan to confirm the types of radioactive substances other than tritium that are to be removed before the release.

The IAEA plans to issue a report on its inspections at an early date in 2023.

Key words : Kishida approval
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221114_34/

NHK's latest poll suggests public approval for Japan's Cabinet has fallen to 33 percent. That's the lowest since Prime Minister Kishida Fumio took office in October last year.

More than 1,200 people responded to the survey conducted from Friday through Sunday.

It showed the Cabinet's approval rate was on the decline for the fourth straight month. It fell by 5 points since last month.

The disapproval rate rose by 3 points to 46 percent.

Pollsters asked about Kishida's response to problems involving a controversial religious group formerly known as the Unification Church. More than 60 percent said they don't approve.

The survey also asked about legislation related to the issue. One bill would regulate malicious solicitations of donations. Revisions to existing law would combat dubious practices known as spiritual sales.

Among respondents, 55 percent said the Diet should pass new legislation during the current session.

The government's economic package aims to tame the impact of rising consumer prices.

It includes a plan to reduce household electricity bills by about 20 percent. Over 60 percent of people surveyed said they appreciate the plan.

Key words : seafood lover snow crab
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221114_26/

Seafood lovers have been flocking to a market in Fukui Prefecture in central Japan that specializes in fresh snow crab.

The annual market in Echizen Town started on Saturday.

Many shoppers come in search of bargains. A local fisheries cooperative says the crabs can be had for prices as much as 40 percent lower than those at supermarkets.

A local government research station predicts that this season's catch of the winter delicacy will be bigger than the last one.

Crab soup is also sold there.

A woman who visited with her family said they were looking forward to buying fresh crab. She said with smile that they were planning a "crab party."

The market is open on weekends this month from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

2022年11月14日月曜日

at 18:30 (JST), November 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/20221114183000_english_1.mp3

Key words : east asia summit attendee
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221113_15/

The East Asia Summit capped a series of ASEAN meetings in Cambodia's capital, Phnom Penh, on Sunday, at which leaders discussed situations in North Korea and Ukraine.

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, US President Joe Biden, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov were among the attendees.

Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen opened the meeting by saying social development and people's lives have been made difficult by tensions brought about by the recent international situation.

He said he believed productive discussions were possible despite differences in the participants' positions.

Details of the closed meeting were not disclosed. Participants are believed to have discussed North Korea's repeated ballistic missile launches, the situation in Ukraine where Russia's military aggression continues, and China's maritime activities in the South China Sea.

The White House says Biden raised concerns regarding the threat posed by North Korea, and criticized Russia's invasion of Ukraine in the strongest terms.

A draft of the chairperson's statement obtained by NHK says it strongly condemns North Korea and urges it to observe the UN Security Council's resolutions. It also calls for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine.

As Russia attended the summit, the focus is on how the chair country Cambodia will finalize the statement.

Key words : discuss myanmar minority
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221114_01/

Leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations as well as Japan, the United States, China and other nations have ended a series of summit meetings.

Cambodia hosted the meetings in the capital, Phnom Penh, from Friday through Sunday. They took place in person for the first time in three years.

The ASEAN leaders were joined by Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, US President Joe Biden, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and other delegates.

On the first day, the ASEAN leaders discussed Myanmar, where the military continues to crack down on pro-democracy activists and fight against ethnic minority militias following the coup in February of last year.

The leaders confirmed their commitment to the Five-Point Consensus, on which ASEAN and Myanmar's military agreed in April of last year to bring peace to the country. It includes a call for an immediate end to violence.

But the leaders said "little progress" has been achieved in its implementation, urging Myanmar's military to comply with its commitments.

They decided to develop a plan "that outlines concrete, practical and measurable indicators" with a specific timeline to support the five-point peace plan.

Myanmar's military spokesperson issued a statement, strongly criticizing the decision made without the country's representation.

Myanmar's military did not send a delegation to the summit. Its members are barred from ASEAN summits, with only its non-political representatives allowed to attend.

The White House says Biden "raised concern regarding the deteriorating crisis" in Myanmar at the East Asia Summit, which was also held in Phnom Penh on Sunday.

It adds that the president also "highlighted the importance of taking further action to increase pressure" on Myanmar's military to implement the Five-Point Consensus.

Key words : Kishida yoon resolutely
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221114_09/

The leaders of Japan, the United States and South Korea say they strongly condemn North Korea's ballistic missile launches and will respond resolutely should Pyongyang conduct a nuclear test.

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio, US President Joe Biden and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol issued a joint statement after meeting on the sidelines of an ASEAN summit on Sunday.

The statement says North Korea's unprecedented number of ballistic missile launches this year poses "a grave threat to the peace and security on the Korean Peninsula and beyond."

It says the three leaders urge the North to comply with United Nations Security Council resolutions.

The statement goes on to say Pyongyang's nuclear test "would be met with a strong and resolute response from the international community."

It says Japan, US and South Korea will coordinate in ensuring that "all relevant sanctions are fully enforced."

The statement underscores the US commitment to reinforce extended deterrence to Japan and South Korea "backed by the full range of capabilities, including nuclear."

It also says the leaders intend to share North Korea's "missile warning data in real time to improve each country's ability to detect and assess the threat posed by incoming missiles, a major step for deterrence, peace and stability."

In addition, it says the three leaders call on North Korea to return to negotiations, saying, "The path to dialogue remains open toward peaceful and diplomatic resolution."

The statement also says the leaders reaffirm their commitment to an immediate resolution of the abduction issue.

Key words : Kishida one-on-one yoon
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221113_17/

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio and South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol are believed to have discussed bilateral issues during their talks in Cambodia.

Kishida and Yoon met on Sunday on the sidelines of ASEAN-related summits. These were the first official talks in almost three years between leaders of the two countries.

Bilateral relations soured over wartime labor and other issues during the term of Yoon's predecessor.

But the president, who took office in May this year, has expressed his willingness to improve ties.

Earlier on Sunday, Kishida held a three-way summit with Yoon and US President Joe Biden.

Kishida said the pace and manner of North Korea's provocations are unprecedented, and it is expected to make further provocations.

He expressed hope to strengthen collaboration with Seoul and Washington to respond resolutely.

Kishida and Biden also had a one-on-one meeting.

They are believed to have discussed ways to boost the deterrence and responsiveness of the Japan-US alliance amid the tougher security situation in East Asia due to China's assertiveness and North Korea's nuclear and missile activities.

Kishida and Biden are also likely to have reaffirmed that they and the other Group of Seven members need to work together in responding to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Key words : taiwan rally election
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221113_03/

Taiwan's ruling and opposition parties staged major rallies on Saturday. They are trying to gather support ahead of the local elections on November 26. The contests are being viewed as a precursor to the 2024 presidential race.

The ruling Democratic Progressive Party is led by President Tsai Ing-wen. It held a rally near the presidential office in Taipei.

Tsai said the upcoming local elections are going to be watched closely by the whole world. The elections will be the first in Taiwan since the wrap-up last month of the Chinese Communist Party's five-yearly National Congress.

Tsai said that people in Taiwan should send out the right message to the world on November 26.

The president said that Taiwan needs to protect democracy and gain international support.

Kuomintang, or KMT, is the largest opposition party. It held a rally in New Taipei City, which has the most voters. KMT candidates running for mayor in six major cities were present.

Party leader Eric Chu said that Taiwan will be better off, if those six cities prosper.

Chu backs the "One China" principle advocated by Beijing. He has been trying to prevent cross-strait relations from becoming a contentious election issue.

Chu stressed that the KMT loves Taiwan more than any other political party does. He added that the party's most important mission is to protect democracy and freedom.

Key words : marcos
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221113_12/

Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will make his first visit to China as president early next year.

The president's office announced on Friday that Marcos will start the trip on January 3 at the invitation of Chinese President Xi Jinping.

China is the largest trade partner for the Philippines, but their relationship has been strained by territorial disputes in the South China Sea. China's increasing maritime activities there are undermining their security relationship.

Since taking office in June, Marcos has maintained that he will not compromise on the territorial issue. He says the 2016 ruling by an international court of arbitration rejected China's claims on the disputed waters.

Marcos has repeatedly called for dialogue to resolve the issue. He is suggesting a restart of talks with China for joint oil and natural gas exploration in the South China Sea.

The question is how the two leaders will address the territorial issue when they meet.

Key words : afghanistan amusement
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221113_01/

The Taliban have banned women from entering amusement parks in Kabul. This is the latest move by the group to restrict women's rights.

A Ministry for the Propagation of Virtue and Prevention of Vice spokesperson discussed the matter with NHK on Saturday. The ministry monitors the activities of people in Afghanistan to make sure they are following the group's interpretation of Islamic laws.

The spokesperson said the ban took effect this month. The individual explained that women cannot enter amusement parks, even if they are with their children or other family members.

The spokesperson cited as a reason recent cases in which women were seen improperly wearing "hijab" scarves at amusement parks. Muslim women are supposed to cover their hair with the scarves in public places.

The number of visitors to one amusement park in central Kabul has plunged. The park was deserted on Saturday, and most of the rides were not working.

A female resident said she is not happy with the ban. She said she believes that, like men, women have the right to visit amusement parks. She also said she wants the ban to be lifted.

The Taliban have been tightening restrictions on women's rights since the group retook power in the country in August of 2021. Girls are currently prohibited from attending secondary schools.

Key words : rally niigata
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221112_20/

A rally calling for an early resolution of the abduction issue was held in Niigata City on the Sea of Japan coast on Saturday, ahead of the 45th anniversary of the abduction of Yokota Megumi.

The 13-year-old junior high school girl was kidnapped by North Korean agents while on her way home from school on November 15, 1977.

While Pyongyang has admitted to her kidnapping, no progress has been made leading to her return.

Megumi's father Shigeru died two years ago without ever seeing her daughter again.

Her 86-year-old mother, Sakie, who took part in the rally online, said she only feels irritation and a sense of emptiness while she wonders why the issue has not been resolved.

Megumi's 54-year-old brother, Takuya, said he visited the site where his sister was abducted before the rally.

He said words are the only means the family has and that he wants Prime Minister Kishida Fumio to convey to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un that both countries can benefit by resolving the human rights issue.

He asked the participants to call on the government to act.

2022年11月13日日曜日

at 18:00 (JST), November 13

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/upld/medias/en/radio/news/20221113180000_english_1.mp3

Key words : midterm maintain hispanic
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221113_11/

ABC News is projecting Democrats will maintain control of the US Senate. The question is which party will win a majority in Congress.

Voters are waiting to see who will be in control of Congress after midterm elections in the United States.

ABC News predicts Democrat Senator Catherine Cortez Masto is certain to beat her Republican challenger, Adam Laxalt in Nevada.

Cortez Masto is the first Hispanic woman in the Senate. In her campaign she stressed the revitalization of employment and the economy in a state where the coronavirus pandemic dealt a heavy blow to its core industries of tourism and entertainment.

It projects Democrats will have at least half of the 100 seats in the Senate, including those that were not up for reelection this year. The Vice President holds the tie-breaking vote if the Senate is evenly split.

The Democrats have held the Senate majority by a thin margin for two years.

The control of the Senate has been called before the result of the Georgia runoff. It is the last remaining seat to be decided on December 6.

The victory for the Democrats is especially significant as historically the ruling party tends to lose badly in mid-term elections.

Biden has narrowly escaped losing control of both chambers despite his low approval ratings because of record high inflation in the country.

Meanwhile, the future of the House of Representatives remains unclear as vote counting continues. The Associated Press has reported the Democrats have won 203 seats and the Republicans 211, but neither has reached a majority of 218.

Pre-election polls suggested a Republican advantage over the Democrats, but the Democrats are apparently putting up a good fight.

Former President Donald Trump is making claims of election fraud in states where candidates he endorsed are projected to lose. Some fear post-election turmoil.

Key words : Biden election result summit
#N/A

Key words : world war two-era
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221113_13/

Two World War Two-era military aircraft have collided mid-air and crashed during an air show in the southern US state of Texas.

It is yet to be known how many were on board and if there are casualties in the crash.

A B-17 bomber and a P-63 fighter collided and crashed on Saturday during an air show at a Dallas airport in the state.

Eyewitnesses say P-63 was approaching B-17 from behind before the collision. They say both airplanes were destroyed and went up in flames on the ground.

A B-17 typically has a crew of four or five whereas a P-63 has a single pilot.

But there has been no report of how many people were actually on the aircraft when they collided.

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have launched an investigation.

Dallas Mayor Eric Johnson tweeted that the videos are heartbreaking.

He says the number of casualties in the crash is still not confirmed but said that there has been no report of injury among people on the ground.

Key words : russian troop destroyed
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221113_07/

Ukraine and Russia are blaming each other for damaging infrastructure, as Russian troops retreat from the southern strategic city of Kherson.

Russia's defense ministry announced on Friday that its troops had withdrawn from the western bank of Dnipro River, including Kherson.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukrainian forces were advancing toward Kherson and special units were already in the city.

In a video message released on Saturday, Zelenskyy says that armed forces had won back control of more than 60 settlements in the Kherson region.

He says that before the Russians withdrew from Kherson, they destroyed all critical infrastructure for communication, electricity, water supply and other services.

He adds that everything will be restored, although it will take time.

A pro-government Russian newspaper released a video showing a large explosion on its website on Saturday.

The Izvestia alleges that the video was taken when a hydroelectric plant in the Kherson region was blasted.

The monochrome video has no sound. The newspaper does not report details, such as the extent of damage.

Ukraine has warned that Russia could be planning to attack the dam to flood areas downstream and cause significant damage.

Russia, in turn, has claimed that Ukraine was attacking the dam.

Meanwhile, Zelenskyy said that Ukrainian troops are enduring "extremely brutal battles" every day in the eastern region of Donetsk.

He said their strong defense is allowing Ukrainian forces to conduct offensive operations elsewhere.

Key words : officials from
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221113_05/

Officials from developed countries and emerging economies are struggling to reach an agreement at the ongoing UN climate change conference in Egypt. They are at odds over efforts to cut greenhouse gas emissions.

Working-level negotiations continued at the COP27 on Saturday, one week after the meeting began.

Attendees at last year's conference agreed to make efforts to limit a global average temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

But the latest UN analysis suggests that reduction targets set by each country are not enough to achieve the goal, and that further reduction is needed by 2030.

Delegates at this year's conference aim to draw up a plan to accelerate each nation's emissions reduction by 2030.

Officials engaged in the negotiations say developed nations want emerging economies to do more to reduce emissions.

They say emerging economies are reluctant to cut further, and argue that developed countries should first strengthen their reduction plans.

The question now is whether ministerial-level talks that start on Monday can move the negotiations forward and lead to an agreement on an effective plan.

Key words : afghanistan
https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20221113_01/