Stories about East Asia from July, 2015
Preserving Historic Thai Films
The Thai Film Archive has been uploading historic films and vintage news reports on YouTube. One of the films is Chok Song Chun (Double Luck), which is Thailand's first feature...
Court Fines the Taiwan Immigration Authority for the Denied Entry of a Foreign Visitor Ahead Anti-nuclear Protest
Two years ago in March 2013, Daniel Andres Helmdach was detained and deported from Taiwan because the immigration suspected that he visited the country to join the anti-nuclear protest. The...
How China's Online Civilization Army Turned a Youth Street Fight into a Patriotic Struggle
"They just pick quarrels and fights all day long. Today vow to execute this and tomorrow execute someone else. Such patriotism is not loving one's country but hating one's country."
Funny Cartoons Illustrate People's Concerns as Election Draws Near in Myanmar
Political cartoons about erroneous voters' lists, pre-election campaigning, military rule, and the president's desire to serve a second term have been widely shared on Facebook.
Eiffel Tower Plans? Beware of the ‘Paris Syndrome’
The City of Lights can be both appealing and anxiety-inducing. Here are how some visitors, notably the Japanese, have experienced the city and the feedback from Parisians.
Conspiracy Theory Blaming China's Stock Market Plunge on Foreign Forces Finds Online Support
Lin Zuoming, chairman of a state-owned aerospace and defense company called China Aviation Industry Corp., echoed the theory of foreign manipulation "aimed at breaking people’s faith in government."
Taiwanese High School Students Arrested After Protesting New Textbook Guidelines
Thirty high-school students and three reporters were arrested for entering the Ministry of Education to protest against new textbook guidelines that tell Taiwan's history from a greater Chinese perspective.
Unintentionally Amusing Illustrations Found in Japanese Textbooks
"Thanks to these illustrations, I'm unable to concentrate while studying, haha."
Malaysia Blocks News Website and Suspends Two Local Papers for Reporting on Government Corruption
"Our report is based on evidence corroborated by documents that include bank transfers and statements. How can the work we have done be deemed as a political conspiracy?"
How to Explore Japan By Train Without Ever Leaving Home
There are thousands of YouTube videos that can let you explore almost every part of Japan by train from your own computer.
Taiwan Will Most Likely Have a Woman President in 2016
"It is a breakthrough that the two main political parties endorsed women candidates."
Why Do Seniors in Singapore Still Collect Cardboard Boxes?
The plight of elderly cardboard-collectors has become a popular topic in Singapore over the past two weeks, following a government minister's not-so-amusing gaff.
New Video Shows How Japan's Urato Islands Are Bouncing Back Post-Tsunami
For the islands, everything changed on March 11, 2011, when a devastating tsunami swept away everything from houses to oyster beds.
Japanese Media Group's Purchase of the Financial Times Shocks China
Given the bad blood between China and Japan over Japanese war crimes during World War II as well as geo-political tensions in Asia, many Chinese didn't take the news well.
Myanmar’s Factories Warn of Economic Shutdown If Minimum Wage Hike Goes Ahead
"It is vital to ensure that the first ever minimum wage level doesn't lock workers from one sector into poverty."
Indonesians in Taiwan Find a More Welcoming Atmosphere on Eid al-Fitr Than in Years Past
Although Indonesians' public celebrations of Eid al-Fitr in the past were met with hostility, Taiwanese have learned to respect this Muslim holiday and help their Indonesian friends celebrate it.
China Blocks Telegram Messenger for ‘Aiding Rights Advocates’
Chinese state-run newspaper People's Daily accused Telegram of aiding human-rights lawyers and advocates, who allegedly used the app and its "Secret Chat" mode to engage in “anti-government" activity.
Why Do Activists and the European Parliament Oppose Cambodia’s NGO Law?
“The real purpose of this law is to exercise control over groups of citizens who want to speak out.”
Chinese Human Rights Lawyers Refuse to Be Silenced Despite Crackdown
"Punish by way of trampling all over the law is fundamentally destroying the legitimacy of the government...You get temporary peace, but sooner or later the volcano will erupt. "
Despite Protests, Japan's Ruling Coaltion Rams Through Controversial War Powers Legislation
"In front of the national Diet. On what path is this country now headed, I wonder? July 15, 2015: a day of dread."
Developer, President, Gamer: the World Says Goodbye to Nintendo President Satoru Iwata
Popular Nintendo President Satoru Iwata has died, leaving gaming fans around the world to mourn his loss.
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