Life & Arts

In "The Long Reckoning: A Story of War, Peace, and Redemption in Vietnam," author George Black has produced a groundbreaking work with a message of hope and reconciliation. (Nikkei montage/Source photos by George Black, Getty Images)
Books

Books: War and redemption in Vietnam, 60 years after Agent Orange

George Black's 'The Long Reckoning' charts the lasting impact of chemical use

18 May 2023
"HIDARI," a stop-motion samurai movie produced using wooden puppets, has amassed more than 2 million YouTube views since its release in March. (Courtesy of Dwarf/Whatever/Tecarat)
Arts

Japanese stop-motion film brings 'wooden' samurai to life

Crowdfunded pilot project carves out global success as 2m watch on YouTube

17 May 2023
A woman walks past vending machines selling canned coffee and other drinks in Tokyo. 
Tea Leaves

Japan's vending machine culture is ahead of the curve

In an insecure world, automatic dispensers may be our last hope

16 May 2023
Shuri Castle in Naha, Okinawa, in 2011. (Photo by Keiichiro Asahara)
Arts

Reconstruction of Okinawa's Shuri Castle gains pace

Prefecture hopes to partly open tourist site to public by end-2025

14 May 2023
A photo from Thweep Rittinaphakorn's book, "Unseen Burma: Early Photography 1862-1962." The caption in the book reads "Shan Boys at Novitiation Ceremony." (Courtesy of Thweep Rittinaphakorn)
Books

Connecting 'Unseen Burma' with picture postcards

Through painstaking sleuth work, Thai author recaptures a lost society

11 May 2023
Thailand's prime ministerial election has provided fodder for both policy wonks and fashion watchers. (Nikkei montage/Source photos by Ken Kobayashi; Bhumjaithai party, Move Forward party via Line)
Tea Leaves

In Thai elections, flaunting wealth is a winner

Candidates sport luxury watches and designer shoes to push populist policies on campaign trail

10 May 2023
A protester in Bangkok in late 2021 flashes the three-finger salute that has become a symbol of resistance in demonstrations across Asia. There are signs of a potential resurgence in protests in Thailand, especially if national election results are perceived to be undemocratic.
Thai election

Thai youth takes creative defiance into election

Protest movement gears up for May 14 poll, but many doubt its likely impact

9 May 2023
Recently deceased gay man Mao Mao, played by Austin Lin, left, and homophobic cop Wu Ming-han, played by Greg Hsu, in a scene from "Marry My Dead Body." (All photos supplied)
Arts

Hit Taiwan movie tackles Asian taboos

Comedy bromance between homophobic cop, gay ghost reflects increasingly liberal society

6 May 2023
Migrant workers replace a billboard without any safety equipment in Kuala Lumpur in 2017. "The Visible Invisibles: Stories of Migrant Workers in Asia" shines a light on the harsh working and living conditions that such laborers often have to endure.  
Books

Book review: Exploring the lives of Asia's 'visible invisibles'

Authors pay tribute to migrant workers who keep regional economies running

4 May 2023
Young people dressed in traditional Japanese attire distribute leaflets advertising a Japanese restaurant in Taipei's Ximending area. Japan's colonial legacy is still very visible in this part of the city. 
Tea Leaves

Reflections on Taiwan's 'Japan legacy'

Formers colonizers left behind a very Chinese place that still respects quietude

3 May 2023
A movie theater in Hanoi. Vietnamese movies have grown in popularity back home. (Photo by Yuji Nitta)
Media & Entertainment

Netflix provides 'Furies,' other Vietnamese films with newfound life

First dismissed at home, action thrillers ride wave of international popularity

3 May 2023
The golden mask of Pharaoh Tutankhamen is seen on display at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. It will be moved to the new Grand Egyptian Museum later this year.
Travel & Leisure

King Tut gets new home to help welcome Chinese tourists

Tomb relics to be center of attention at Grand Egyptian Museum

30 April 2023
Japanese sociologist Chizuko Ueno's book "Genkai kara Hajimaru" has become a sensation in China. (Photo by Shunsuke Tabeta)
Society

Message of Japanese feminist Chizuko Ueno resonates in China

Books fly off shelves as fame grew after University of Tokyo speech

30 April 2023
"Welcome Me to the Kingdom," Thai American author Mai Nardone's debut story collection, portrays the lives of a handful of recurring characters. (Nikkei montage/Photos courtesy of Mai Nardone) 
Books

Book review: Fiction debut exposes dark side of Thailand

Mai Nardone's short story collection gives a nuanced view of the country

28 April 2023
Interest in the majestic Brihadeeswara Temple and others like it has surged in the wake of a movie that some have called the "Indian Game of Thrones." (Photos by Kalpana Sunder unless specified otherwise)
Life

Epic movie rekindles interest in ancient south Indian empire

Cultural legacy of Chola dynasty draws tourists to region

27 April 2023
A passenger takes in the evening view from the deck of a yakatabune pleasure boat sailing on Tokyo's Sumida River.
Tea Leaves

Touring Tokyo by water, from past to future

A boat trip provides fresh views and thoughts on the changing Japanese metropolis

26 April 2023
Maia Shibutani, left, and older brother Alex live in Los Angeles, where they are involved in a number of creative projects. (Photo by Suzu Takahashi)
Life

Bronze medalist Shibutani siblings rack up post-Olympic successes

Alex and Maia 'ShibSibs' turn to books, photography, even cultural diplomacy

23 April 2023
Xiao Ming "Bernard" Chang, the protagonist in the Disney movie "Chang Can Dunk." (Photo courtesy of Disney)
Arts

'Chang Can Dunk': More than a Disney teen film

Director draws on childhood to tell Asian American story of trying to fit in

22 April 2023
Nasi pecel, a traditional Javanese salad with peanut sauce. (All photos by Ian Neubauer)
Life

Unearthing curious culinary secrets of Java

Indonesia's most populous island boasts a vibrant but underrated food culture

22 April 2023
Artist and “Art for Air” founder Kamin Lertchaipraset speaks at the “Air That We Breathe” talk organized by Studio 88 Artist Residency and Dream Space Gallery on March 12. (Courtesy of Studio 88 Artist Residency)
Arts

Thai artists bring creativity to fight against pollution

Northern Thailand's 'Art for Air 2' extravaganza paints sobering picture of life without clean air

21 April 2023
A newlywed wears wedding couture from Indian designer Anita Dongre, all of whose collections are available in plus sizes up to U.K. size 20. (Nikkei montage/Photos from Instagram, Anita Dongre) 
Life

Indian fashion industry weighs the cost of 'fat-shaming'

Shift in public attitudes helps drive surge in 'plus-size' clothes sales

20 April 2023
Quintessentially Thai: Pad kaprao, left, a stir-fry with a distinct aroma and a flavor of Thai holy basil, and the spicy, sour gaeng som, widely considered the hottest soup on the Thai menu. (All photos by Ken Kobayashi)
Tea Leaves

Thais hone taste for gastro-nationalism

In multilayered culinary culture, dishes are more than just meals

19 April 2023
Art collector Joe Price helped draw renewed attention to Edo master Ito Jakuchu. (Photo by Wataru Ito)
Obituaries

Joe Price, American collector of Edo-era Japan paintings, dies at 93

His love of Japanese art led to a rediscovery of painter Ito Jakuchu

18 April 2023
Oscar winner Michelle Yeoh says in an interview in Kuala Lumpur that there are lots of Asian stories to be told. (Photo by Hakimie Amrie)
Arts

Michelle Yeoh says Malaysia's diversity made her 'open, accepting'

Oscar winner wants to help Asians tell their stories

18 April 2023
 Pearl Lam Galleries’ booth at Art SG. (All photos by Juliana Tan)
Arts

Art SG propels Singapore to creative big leagues

New art fair puts city-state on map for galleries and collectors alike

15 April 2023