Blog
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.
September 15, 2019
Hánna: An Artist Sings of Love in All Its Forms
By James Pach
With her latest album, Japanese-Filipino singer-songwriter Hánna writes of love, foster relationships…and earthquakes.
September 14, 2019
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.
September 09, 2019
Can the Philippines Contain African Swine Fever?
By Jim Gomez
The country has been working to battle infections in affected villages in recent weeks.
September 06, 2019
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.
September 05, 2019
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.
August 30, 2019
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.
August 29, 2019
K-Pop Phenomenon BTS Takes a Break
By Layne Vandenberg
Who can replace the K-pop group that experienced six years of nonstop success?
August 26, 2019
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.
August 20, 2019
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.
August 17, 2019
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.
August 15, 2019
What Puts the K in K-pop?
By Jenna Gibson
Non-Korean singers raise questions about race and identity in Korean pop music.
August 05, 2019
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.