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April 29th, 2021

Within reach?

Japan is a minority -- a rich nation that lacks marriage equality. That may be changing

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The Big Story

Marriage equality in Japan: finally within reach?

In the only G-7 nation to prohibit same-sex unions, the mood is changing

A recent ruling by a district court in Sapporo, in Japan's northern prefecture of Hokkaido, has emboldened supporters of gay marriage and set a landmark precedent. (Photo by Yuki Kohara) 
Companies such as Reliance, Udaan and Amazon are racing to bring millions of India's mom-and-pop stores, known as kiranas, into their supply chains.
Business Spotlight

Mom-and-pop stores at center of India's $850bn retail evolution

Reliance, Amazon and others race to attract kiranas to expand supply chains

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has trumpeted ambitious climate goals, but some see a need for a more "intense energy transition" by the government.
Asia Insight

Cars, homes and steel: Japan industries wary of Suga carbon vows

Toyota chief leads warnings of hollowing-out without more clean energy

Alibaba Group Holding, founded by Jack Ma, has accumulated a range of media assets including Hong Kong-based newspaper the South China Morning Post. (Source photos by AP and Reuters) 
China tech

Jack Ma and Alibaba's media power touches nerve in Beijing

Attempts to sway public opinion provoke regulatory backlash

Cityscapes of Hong Kong, left, and Singapore. (Source photos by Reuters) 
Coronavirus

Hong Kong-Singapore travel bubble to be relaunched in one month

Travelers from Hong Kong need to be fully vaccinated 14 days before departure

Activists protest to support the anti-coup movement and democracy in Myanmar, near the ASEAN secretariat building in Jakarta.
Interview

Myanmar anti-coup leader says ASEAN summit falls short of goals

Rejection of proposals leave bleak prospects for dialogue

A notice at a Delhi hospital on April 22 relays the grim news that oxygen supplies at the facility are exhausted, despite government pledges to divert the gas from industry. 
Coronavirus

'Storm of COVID cases' has India gasping for oxygen

Nation diverts crucial gas from industrial use to meet surging demand in hospitals

Lawrence Wong, who has been serving as Singapore's education minister, will take over the key role of finance minister.
Politics

Singapore PM picks Lawrence Wong to take ex-heir Heng's portfolio

Hitherto education minister will assume finance post vacated by Heng Swee Keat

World leaders appear on a video screen during a virtual Climate Summit with world leaders in the East Room at the White House in Washington, April 23, 2021. 
Environment

Asia shares a patchwork of climate goals: 5 things to know

Countries unite to reduce emissions but targets are difficult to compare

Southeast Asian leaders meet at the ASEAN Secretariat in Jakarta on April 24. Myanmar junta chief Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing is seated in the foreground at right. © Indonesian presidential office via AP
The Nikkei View

ASEAN must quickly launch Myanmar envoy mission to halt violence

Group's decision to mediate conflict is a welcome change in noninterference principle

Smoke rises from a coal processing plant in Hejin, China: immediate action to remove the dirtiest fossil fuel offers our world a fighting chance.
Opinion

UN Secretary-General: Time for climate action for people and planet

Phasing out coal from electricity sector the single most important step

Joe Biden holds up a silicon wafer during a virtual meeting with CEOs to discuss supply chain issues at the White House on Apr. 12: redefining the word "infrastructure" is critical.
Opinion

Biden's chip 'arms race' with China will add to global uncertainty

$50 billion plan will diversify production but complicate supply chains

Tax Bar, which opened in Bangkok in November, mocks Thailand's draconian alcohol regulations by incorporating house-made drinking vinegars in its signature drinks. Vinegar is not subject to the taxes levied on alcohol. (Photo by Chris Schalkx)
Life

Bangkok bar fights lockdowns with cocktail of creativity

Vinegar on the menu as entrepreneur battles alcohol sales restrictions

At a post office in Tokyo, Kanpokun plush toys, the mascots of Japan Post’s insurance-services department, remind customers of social-distancing rules in the waiting area. (All photos by Edward M. Gomez)
Tea Leaves

Japan proves that 'cute' can be soothing

In unsettling times, national passion for 'kawaii' offers peace of mind