Stories about East Asia from October, 2017
Japan's Largest Diwali Celebration Featured Food, Dancing and a Naan Flatbread Mascot
Thanks to increasing ties between the two countries, the number of Indians living in Japan has increased over the past two decades to at least 28,000.
Kyrgyz People of Central Asia Shocked to Be the Bad Guys in New Japanese ‘Tokusatsu’ Movie
In Japanese, the 'kyr' in 'Kyrgyz' sounds a lot like 'kill'.
Indonesian Law Makes It Easier to Disband Extremist Groups, but Could Undermine Civil Liberties
"There are many ways for the government to combat radicalism and defend social cohesion. Removing meaningful legal protections of freedom of association is not the way to do that."
A 21-Year-Old American Sings the Praises of President Xi's Chinese Dream—Literally
Dylan Walker sang the song “China Dream and My Dream” during the country's October 1 national holiday, leading some netizens to speculate he was a paid propagandist for the government.
Thai Historian Could Face 15 Years in Prison for ‘Insulting’ a 16th-Century King
"The military regime just wants to persecute me. They can do anything. So I achieve equanimity. I’m detached. In fact I pity them. I pity those who have power."
How One Verification Team Worked to Debunk Misleading Information About the Japanese Election
"Hey, non-Japanese are not prohibited from participating in Japanese elections, okay? I wonder why they do it. Does it feel good to spread such false rumors?"
‘Super Typhoon’ Threatens Japan, Japanese Elections
A "super typhoon"--equivalent to a category five hurricane--is threatening Japan and the country's general election.
Philippines: Human Rights Groups Ask Apple to Reject Games Glorifying President Duterte's War on Drugs
"It is unacceptable that Apple is tolerant to making profit out of people’s unjust deaths and misery".
Tightened Security in Beijing Means Windows Ordered Shut and Bans on Knife Sales
The security measures are in place ahead of the 19th National Chinese Communist Party Congress, where the country's leadership is chosen.
What's at Stake in Japan's Snap Election? The Country's ‘Peace Constitution’, for One
Japan votes on October 22. The campaign has seen the disintegration of one political party, and the birth of two new ones, plus plans to change the 'peace constitution.'
Was the Anti-Kleptocracy Rally That Gathered Thousands in Malaysia a Success or Failure?
"...the speakers were too heavy on condemnations of corruption, kleptocracy...instead of saying more about how a Pakatan government, if elected, will deal with issues..."
‘Are We Still in the Stone Age?’ Cambodians Express Disappointment as Government Bans ‘Kingsman’ Movie Sequel
"This is ludicrous, I can't believe these so-called experts could not distinguish between fiction and reality."
China's Sina Weibo Hires 1,000 Supervisors to Censor ‘Harmful Content'—Including Women's Legs
"Male users are less likely to be reported, while female users’ selfies, leg photos or waist photos that show off the success of their workouts are subjected to reduced scores."
Hong Kong Anti-Communist Magazines Cease Publication After Four Decades
"I wanted to write something but found myself speechless. In an era like this, what can I say?"
Malaysian Artist Paints ‘Mother Gaia’ to Call for Environmental Protection and Women’s Rights
"In the Mother GAIA series, breastfeeding is symbolic of how mother earth provides for us, feeds and sustains us."
To Fight Against Smog, China Bans Coal in 28 Cities
Could a ban on coal help improve China's pollution problem? Or could the hastiness of its implementation backfire?
Achieving Barrier-Free Access Proves a Hurdle in Japan's 2020 Paralympics Preparations
With only three years to go until the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, the Japanese government will have to work quickly to make the games truly barrier-free.
How People Hang Things Up to Dry In Japan
Some people have fun hanging clothes in Japan, while others appear to be indifferent to the task.
Malaysia Bans Books and Cartoons Deemed ‘Prejudicial to Public Order’
"By banning books that provoke the mind to think critically, this government of ours showed its true color of being an authority of bigotry and anti-intellectualism."
Is Free Speech an ‘Empty Promise’ in Singapore? Activists Bristle After Police Detain Performance Artist
Under Singapore’s strict Public Order Act, a single person can be held liable for participating in an illegal assembly.
Aoyagi Bisen's Beautiful Calligraphy Has Earned Her a Social Media Following in Japan
Aoyagi Bisen's video of her writing one of the most complicated Chinese characters went viral in September.
About our East Asia coverage
