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July 23rd, 2020

FADING FLAME

Tokyo struggles to keep its Olympic dreams alive

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The Big Story

Olympics postponement leaves Tokyo 2020 sponsors in the dark

Uncertainty over how or if the games will be held leaves partners in limbo

Tokyo Olympic unease is spreading as hoteliers go unpaid and official sponsors wonder if there is any benefit to paying to extend their deals for another year.
The STAR market has bolstered Chinese financial market reforms by giving companies an easier route to a public listing. (Nikkei Montage/Source photo by AP/Reuters) 
Business Spotlight

Shanghai's STAR market brings in new dawn for Chinese tech

Surging debuts on 'domestic Nasdaq' lure investors and bolster China's strategic aims

With prices that undercut those of its competitors, Huawei has been expanding in Southeast Asia's 5G market.
Huawei crackdown

Huawei 5G dominance threatened in Southeast Asia

Region becomes battlefield as Singapore, Vietnam choose European rivals

TSMC has faced a number of challenges in recent months, including a crackdown on key customer Huawei.
Huawei crackdown

TSMC plans to halt chip supplies to Huawei in 2 months

Chip titan says 5G demand will fuel growth despite US export ban and pandemic

A 7-Eleven store in Kawasaki features multiple cases for frozen food. (Photo by Takuya Imai)
Retail

7-Eleven rethinks 'convenience' in Japan's new normal

More frozen food, less rice balls just part of revamped layout -- the first in 50 years

An Aoyama Trading outlet in Tokyo displays men's clothing promoted as suitable for teleworking and even reducing stress associated with it. (Photo by Shumpei Sakai)
Retail

Japanese men's business wear industry revamps to fit 'new normal'

As suits lose favor, Aoyama and others push telework-easy casual look and masks

A hotel worker wearing a protective face mask and goggles is seen through a plastic partition at the reception desk of Mitsui Garden Hotel Nihonbashi Premier in Tokyo on June 26.
Asia Insight

Japan's Go To Travel plan spurs fears of 'man-made' COVID disaster

As Thailand and Taiwan seek to boost tourism, Tokyo residents barred from scheme

U.S. Navy Cmdr. Joseph "CAPS" Hubley conducts a passing exercise in an F/A-18E Super Hornet in the South China Sea on July 7. (U.S. Navy photo via Reuters)
South China Sea

Asia greets US shift on South China Sea with hope and doubt

Skepticism lingers regarding Washington's commitment to the region

 TikTok has come under fire in the U.S. due to concerns about user privacy.
Trade war

As US scrutiny mounts, is TikTok set to be the next Huawei?

Washington weighs adding social media app to same trade blacklist as tech titan

It is noteworthy that Colin Huang, pictured in July 2018, says his new focus will be corporate governance.
Opinion

Pinduoduo and Luckin Coffee show China's corporate governance dilemmas

CEOs acting as chairmen and fake sales highlight weaknesses in system

Huangzeshan oil storage and transportation base, pictured on May 12: China does not seem likely to share details of its strategic stockpiles.
Opinion

Asia should prepare for the next energy crisis

Continent-wide stockpile would prevent oil shortage when geopolitics cut off supply

The World Bank has broached the issue of China, the world's largest creditor to developing countries, not fully upholding the agreement on suspending debt payments by low-income countries. 
The Nikkei View

China must fulfill its duties under debt forbearance plan

G-20 falls short in helping virus-stricken emerging nations

A durian party in Singapore in 2018. The spiky fruit is a celebrated summer delicacy in parts of Southeast Asia, with flavors that can range from creamy custard to bitter, boozy liquor. (Courtesy of 99 Old Trees)
Life

Southeast Asia celebrates durian at parties, festivals and buffets

Despite poor reputation in Western media, fruit pleases palates across region

People enjoy some tea at a restaurant in Darjeeling in India's Himalayan foothills.
Tea Leaves

Trouble brews for India's 'royal' tea

Pandemic fallout hits Darjeeling and millions of devotees around the world