Japan enters energy-saving period for 1st time in 7 yrs amid heatwave

Japan entered a three-moth energy-saving period on Friday in a bid to avert a power crunch amid a record-breaking heatwave. It's the first time in seven years that the government has issued such a request.

Phoebe Amoroso reports from Tokyo.

 

IN: Temperatures have topped...

OUT: SOC

DUR: 52 secs

CLIP: http://fsnradionews.com/feeds/0701-Japan-energy-saving.mp3

North Korea blames South for COVID-19 outbreak

North Korea says it has identified the culprit behind its explosive COVID-19 outbreak.

South Korea.

Despite Pyongyang's claims that its COVID outbreak is subsiding, international concern over its millions of sick remain.

Dave Yin reports.

IN: North Korea has
OUT: since late April.
DUR: 44 sec
LINK: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0701-NKBlamesSKCOVID-DY.mp3

North Korea accuses U.S. and allies of forming an 'Asian NATO'

North Korea is accusing the United States, South Korea and Japan of creating an "Asian version of NATO" with a "sinister aim."

The statement was announced on Wednesday, the same day South Korea and Japan are attending NATO's annual summit as observers for the first time.

They are also meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden to discuss North Korea.

Nora Weinek reports from Tokyo.

IN: "North Korea condemned"
OUT: SOC
DUR:47 sec
CLIP:  http://fsnradionews.com/feeds/220629-nk-condems-joined-drills-NBW.mp3

North Korea accuses U.S. and allies of forming an 'Asian NATO'

North Korea is accusing the United States, South Korea and Japan of creating an "Asian version of NATO" with a "sinister aim."

The statement was announced on Wednesday, the same day South Korea and Japan are attending NATO's annual summit as observers for the first time.

They are also meeting with U.S. President Joe Biden to discuss North Korea.

Nora Weinek reports from Tokyo.

IN: "North Korea condemned"
OUT: SOC
DUR:47 sec
CLIP:  http://fsnradionews.com/feeds/220629-nk-condems-joined drills-NBW.mp3

South Korea expects highest inflation since global financial crisis

In South Korea, soaring prices of everything from food to services are expected to push inflation to the highest point in a decade.

That's according to June's Consumer Survey released by the Bank of Korea on Wednesday.

Dave Yin reports.

IN: South Korea's latest
OUT: data in 2008.
DUR: 45 sec
LINK: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0629-SK-ExpectedInflation-DY.mp3

Japan continues energy crunch warning amid soaring temperatures

The Japanese government is continuing its request for households and companies to save electricity amid fears over a power crunch.

Temperatures are soaring across the country, after a record-breaking early end to the rainy season.

Phoebe Amoroso reports from Tokyo. 

IN: Japan's Meteorological Agency
OUT:  SOC
DUR: 42 secs

CLIP: http://fsnradionews.com/feeds/0628-japan-power-crunch-warning.mp3

Beijing Official Says Zero-Covid Policy May Last Five Years

Authorities in Beijing have sparked alarm after announcing that the zero-COVID policy, including mass testing and travel curbs, could stay in place for the next five years.

It's caused anger and confusion among people in the Chinese capital online.

Patrick Fok reports.

IN: Many commentators
OUT: Sign off
DUR: 00:45
LINK: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0628_covid5years.mp3

China Industrial Profits Fall at Slower Pace in May

In China, profits at industrial firms shrank at a slower pace last month compared to April's big slump.

That's as easing COVID restrictions allowed companies to resume activity in major manufacturing hubs.

Patrick Fok reports.

IN: Data from
OUT: signoff
DUR: 00:48
LINK: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0627_cnindustr_pfok.mp3

North Korea calls for army to 'go all out'

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un wrapped up a key military summit in Pyongyang this week by calling for a strengthening of the country's defence capabilities against so-called "hostile forces."

This comes amid concerns about a potential nuclear test that the country may be planning.

Dave Yin reports.

IN: North Korean leader
OUT: threatened or provoked.
DUR: 47 sec
LINK: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0624NKMilitaryMeeting-DY.mp3

Campaigning kicks off for Japan’s upper house election

Campaigning for Japan's Upper House election kicked off Wednesday with ruling and opposition parties rushing to address concerns over inflation and regional security. 

The race is considered a key test of voter confidence of Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's government 9 months after he assumed office. 

Phoebe Amoroso reports from Tokyo.

IN: 125 seats are up for grabs
OUT:  SOC
DUR: 52 secs

CLIP: http://fsnradionews.com/feeds/0622-japan-upper-house-election-kicks-off.mp3

South Korea, Singapore report first cases of monkeypox

South Korea and Singapore have both reported cases of monkeypox, health authorities said on Tuesday.

The viral disease causes symptoms typically ranging from fever to muscle ache and skin rash, and has been confirmed in at least 41 countries.

Dave Yin reports.

IN: South Korea reported
OUT: now exceed 3,000.
DUR: 40 sec
LINK: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0622MonkeypoxSKSG-DY.mp3

Japan holds first inflation task force meeting as government support dips

Japan has set up a task force to tackle inflation as rising prices and low wages put pressure on consumers.

Support for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party is starting to dip ahead of a key election. 

Phoebe Amoroso reports from Tokyo. 

IN: Prime Minister Fumio Kishida...
OUT:  SOC
DUR: 45 secs

CLIP: http://fsnradionews.com/feeds/0621-japan-inflation-taskforce.mp3

South Korea set to test domestically built rocket

South Korea is set for a second test launch of a domestically produced space rocket.

It comes eight months after the first test successfully blasted off but failed to place a dummy satellite in orbit.

Dave Yin reports.

IN: South Korean officials
OUT: even lunar probes.
DUR: 40 sec
LINK: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0621SKRocketLaunch-DY.mp3

Japan's ruling party has highest pre-election support rate

Polls show Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party is far ahead of opposition rivals ahead of the country's Upper House election.

The current government led by Prime Minister Fumio Kishida remains relatively popular even as it faces criticism over its monetary policy and the rising cost of living.

Nora Weinek reports from Tokyo.

IN: "Polls showed around"
OUT: SOC
DUR: 49 sec
CLIP: http://fsnradionews.com/feeds/0620-japan-upper-house-election-nbw.mp3

Japan keeps ultra low interest rates, in contrast with the world

The Bank of Japan is maintaining its ultra low interest rate policy.

Its dovish approach stands in sharp contrast with other global central banks amid surging inflation.

Nora Weinek reports from Tokyo.

IN: "Japan's main stock index"
OUT: SOC
DUR: 42 sec
CLIP: http://fsnradionews.com/feeds/0617-BOJ-continues-nbw.mp3

North Korea Reports Unidentified Infectious Disease Outbreak

North Korea is reporting an outbreak of another infectious disease.

The country is already battling with an unprecedented COVID-19 wave, and there are fears this will add pressure on its strained healthcare system.

Nora Weinek reports from Tokyo.

IN: "According to North Korean state media..."
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DUR: 46 sec

CLIP: http://fsnradionews.com/feeds/0616-nk-epidemic-nbw.mp3

Depositors Say Authorities Turned Chinese Health Apps Red to Block Planned Protest

Reports say authorities China thwarted a protest planned by hundreds of bank depositors by turning their COVID-19 health code apps red.

It's raised fears over the use of the country's vast surveillance infrastructure to stifle dissent.

IN: It was intended
OUT: requests for comments.
DUR: 00:45
LINK: http://fsnradionews.com/feeds/0615_blockedapps.mp3

South Korea, Japan want to revive intelligence pact

Both South Korea and Japan say that they would like to start sharing military intelligence amid signs that icy relations between the two US allies are thawing.

It comes as fears grow over a North Korean nuclear test, which would follow more than a dozen missile launches this year alone.

Dave Yin reports.

IN: South Korea's foreign
OUT: test since 2017.
DUR: 52 SEC
LINK: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0615-SKJPIntelligence-DY.mp3

Korean pop band BTS announces break

BTS, the South Korean band that spearheaded a global K-pop craze, is taking a break.

The singers announced they will be focusing on solo projects.

Nora Weinek reports.

IN: "According to the official statement..."

OUT: SOC

DUR: 48 sec

CLIP: http://fsnradionews.com/feeds/0615-bts-break-nbw.mp3

North Korea finished preparations for nuclear test: South Korea

South Korea says that the North has finished preparations for a new nuclear test and that it could go ahead with just a word from the top.

The South said that the test could happen in the next few days, and warned the North would pay the price.

Dave Yin reports.

IN: Only a political
OUT: missiles this year.
DUR: 42 sec
LINK: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0614NKNuclearTestReady-DY.mp3

Japanese stocks continue to tumble on US inflation fears

Japanese stocks continued to tumble on Tuesday morning, opening more than 2% lower. Investors are concerned that persistent inflation in the US could see more aggressive rate hikes - leaving Japan as an outlier.

Phoebe Amoroso reports from Tokyo.

IN: The Nikkei Average
OUT:  SOC
DUR: 36 secs

CLIP: http://fsnradionews.com/feeds/0614-japan-markets-tumble.mp3

Beijing Racing To Contain "Explosive" COVID-19 outbreak

China's capital is racing to contain a growing outbreak of COVID-19 described by authorities as explosive.

Millions of people face mandatory testing while thousands others have been placed under targeted lockdowns, less than two weeks since Beijing relaxed curbs in the city.

Patrick Fok reports.

IN: Nearly 200
OUT: largest economy.
DUR: 44
LINK: https://fsnradionews.com/feeds/0613_bjheaven.mp3

Yen falls to record 20 year low vs. dollar

The Japanese Yen hit a new 20-year low on Monday, falling to 135 versus the greenback.

The gap between the two currencies has continued to widen as the countries pursue contrasting monetary policy approaches.

Nora Weinek reports from Tokyo.

IN: "The yen sank..."

OUT: SOC

DUR: 50 sec

CLIP: http://fsnradionews.com/feeds/0612-low-yen-record-NBW.mp3

Beijing, Ant Group, deny plans to revive scrapped IPO

Chinese regulators and Ant Group, an affiliate of Alibaba, have denied reports that they are in early stage discussions to revive the company's scrapped IPO.

The news has sent Chinese tech stocks tumbling.

Dave Yin reports.

IN: It would have
OUT: Beijing's ire.
DUR: 48 sec
LINK: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0610AntFinancialDY.mp3

Japan's cabinet faces no-confidence motions ahead of election

The Japanese government is facing mounting pressure over inflation and allegations of sexual harassment.

The ruling coalition is facing two motions of no-confidence from the country's main opposition party.

Nora Weinek reports from Tokyo.

IN: "Japan's main opposition"
OUT: SOC
DUR: 50 sec
CLIP: http://fsnradionews.com/feeds/0609-japan-motion-nbw.mp3

Japan calls for discussions after Russia suspends fishing agreement

Japan has said it will push for discussions after Russia suspended an agreement that allowed fishing near a group of islands disputed by both countries.

Moscow has accused Tokyo of failing to make the required payments under the deal.

Phoebe Amoroso reports from Tokyo.

IN: Japan said Wednesday 
OUT:  SOC
DUR: 39 secs

CLIP: http://fsnradionews.com/feeds/0608-japan-russia-fishing-dispute.mp3

South Korea, US, step up joint air exercises following North’s launches

South Korea and the United States are stepping up joint air force exercises this week amid signs that North Korea may soon test nuclear weapons.

The training was held off the western coast of South Korea in response to the North's launch on Sunday of eight ballistic missiles.

Dave Yin reports.

IN: In a show of
OUT: could be imminent.
DUR: 40 sec
LINK: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0608SKUSJointAirDY.mp3

China to Wrap Probe Into Ride-Hailing Giant Didi: WSJ

The Wall Street Journal has reported that Chinese regulators are preparing to wrap up their investigation into ride-hailing giant Didi Chuxing.

They will also reportedly restore the company's apps to mobile stores as soon as this week in the latest sign that China's tech crackdown may be easing.

Dave Yin reports.

IN: For Didi Chuxing
OUT: Beijing's objections.
DUR: 43 sec

LINK: http://www.fsnradionews.com/feeds/0607DidiCybersecurityDY.mp3

Japanese yen tumbles to fresh 20-year low against the dollar

The Japanese yen tumbled to a fresh 20-year low against the US dollar, on speculation that the gap between the two countries' interest rates could widen further.

The weak currency - combined with surging energy prices - is inflating Japan's trade deficit.

Phoebe Amoroso reports from Tokyo.

IN: The yen was 
OUT:  SOC
DUR: 53 secs

CLIP: http://fsnradionews.com/feeds/0607-japanese-yen-hits-fresh-20-year-low.mp3

South Korea and US fire missiles in response to North Korea missile launch

South Korea and the United States launched eight missiles early on Monday after North Korea fired a barrage of short-range ballistic missiles on Sunday.

Seoul and Washington have vowed to strengthen their military cooperation amid growing concerns over Pyongyang's weapons programme… and that it's preparing for a nuclear test.

Phoebe Amoroso reports.

IN: South Korea and the US
OUT:  SOC
DUR: 45 secs

CLIP: http://fsnradionews.com/feeds/0603-south-korea-the-us-fire-missiles.mp3

Authorities OK nuclear power plant restart in western Japan

Authorities in Japan's western prefecture of Shimane have approved a plan to restart a nuclear reactor.  It has been idled since the 2011 Fukushima disaster, along with other plants. But the country is pushing to increase energy from nuclear power amid soaring oil and coal prices.

Phoebe Amoroso reports from Tokyo.

IN: Shimane's governor
OUT:  SOC
DUR: 45 secs

CLIP: http://fs5radionews.com/feeds/0602-japan-restarts-nuclear-plant.mp3