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Asia Life
Sports, culture and the arts are a passion for billions in the Asia-Pacific, and offer unique insights into what makes countries here tick. From the latest cricket match to prize-winning novels and the latest art exhibitions, The Diplomat's bloggers cover it all, giving you a fresh perspective on the region.
The Politics of Hate and Artistic Expression in Japan
By Jeff Kingston
Organizers of the 2019 Aichi Triennale, a sprawling showcase of contemporary art, got more publicity than they bargained for.
Can the Philippines Contain African Swine Fever?
By Jim Gomez
The country has been working to battle infections in affected villages in recent weeks.
Elephant Roadkill: Thailand Grapples With Pachyderms on the Pavement
By Tyler Roney
Long-term solutions may require more severe measures than road signs, namely, wildlife corridors.
Two Wheels Good: Motorbike Diplomacy in Southeast Asia
By Preeti Jha
A recent heated debate is just the latest incident in the motorbike taxi scene in Southeast Asia.
The Development of K-Pop Without China
By Layne Vandenberg
China is one of the world’s largest markets; but K-pop continues to be a global phenomenon without it.
K-Pop Phenomenon BTS Takes a Break
By Layne Vandenberg
Who can replace the K-pop group that experienced six years of nonstop success?
What Can Nepal’s Pokhara Teach India’s Tourism Industry?
By Krzysztof Iwanek
Developing "tourist streets" could go a long way in boosting India's tourism industry.
Bollywood and India’s Evolving Representation of Kashmir
By Alexandra Delaney-Bhattacharya
Bollywood depictions of Kashmir intersect with both popular opinion and the government’s foreign policy outlook.
Taiwan’s New Power Party Faces Crisis After Departure of Heavyweights
By Nick Aspinwall
Two legislators and the party chairperson have quit the NPP, throwing the “third force” party into turmoil.
What Puts the K in K-pop?
By Jenna Gibson
Non-Korean singers raise questions about race and identity in Korean pop music.
The Kit Kat in Japan, a Transliteration Success
By Layne Vandenberg
Transliterating company names into Chinese and Japanese has contributed to the success of popular brands.
Boxing Association Stripped of Olympic Status, But Boxing Cleared for Tokyo Games
By Catherine Putz
The AIBA has been suspended and Rakhimov has resigned but boxing will still appear in the 2020 Tokyo Games.