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.
Asian Owners Show Their Presence in US Pro Sports
By Samuel Chi
Each of the four US major sports leagues now has an Asia-born owner, albeit with varying levels of success.
Strike Shut Down in China Before May Day
By Han Zhang
Rural immigrant workers confront their employers. Is this the beginning of the end for the Made-in-China era?
Are Western Pop Artists Embracing or Exploiting Eastern Culture?
By Clare Hubbard
Recent examples of Western pop incorporating Asian elements have met with a mixed reaction.
A Touch of Sin: Grim and Compelling
By Gautham Ashok
Jia Zhangke’s brilliant film has been banned in China, which is darkly ironic.
Indian Cricket Authorities Try to Crack Down on Match Fixing
By Samuel Chi
One of the richest leagues in the world, the Indian Premier League has fallen prey to corrupt gamblers.
Tokyo Rainbow Pride Parade: Celebrating Diversity
By Han Zhang
The first lady, drag queens, lovers and volunteers march around Shibuya in support of Japan’s LGBT community.
Climate Change and the Pacific Islands
By Eileen Natuzzi
How Solomon Islands could serve as a model for protecting small Pacific Island nations from the effects of climate change.
Running a Marathon in North Korea
By Han Zhang
The Hermit Kingdom invites amateur runners to take part in a marathon in Pyongyang for the first time.
Is Communist China Christianity’s Future?
By Zachary Keck
New estimates predict China will soon be home to the world’s largest Christian community.
Masahiro Tanaka: An Impressive Start with the Yankees
By Samuel Chi
Over on the other side of the Pacific, the Japanese pitcher is still undefeated.
Justin Bieber Visits Japan’s Yasukuni War Shrine
By Zachary Keck
The pop star’s visit was highly controversial and won him criticism from China’s Foreign Ministry.
Bangladesh: One Year After Rana Plaza, Problems Linger
By Han Zhang
Fashions change, life moves on, but the problems with the apparel industry endure.