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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.
Man-Eating Tigers Terrorize Northern India, Leaving 10 Dead
By J.T. Quigley
The six-week rampage may, albeit grimly, highlight the success of conservation efforts.
South Korea Tightens Rules on International Marriages
By Angela Erika Kubo
The new measures are designed to crack down on mail order bride services.
As Olympic Ban Ends, India Reflects On Its Lack of Medals
By Samuel Chi
Despite being the world’s second most populous country, India has seen little Olympic glory.
Vietnam’s Flappy Bird Developer: It Was ‘An Addictive Product’
By J.T. Quigley
Dong Nguyen removed the top-ranked game on Sunday, provoking death threats.
Convicted Drug Trafficker Schapelle Corby Released from Indonesian Prison
By J.T. Quigley
Corby was paroled after serving nine years of a 20-year sentence for smuggling marijuana.
Japan’s Beethoven Used Ghostwriter and Isn’t Deaf
By J.T. Quigley
The scandal surrounding Mamoru Samuragochi grows as his ghostwriter emerges.
New Law Puts Afghan Women at Risk for Domestic Violence
By Angela Erika Kubo
New legislation bans relatives of the accused from testifying against them.
Ueno Zookeepers Catch “Escaped Gorilla” During Safety Drill
By J.T. Quigley
The “gorilla” was actually a zookeeper in an unimposing costume.
Have You Eaten These Six “Unusual” Asian Dishes?
By J.T. Quigley
What may be typical fare for a local could be horrifying – or delicious – to an outsider.
Viktor Ahn: South Korean Speed Skater “Defects” to Russia
By Samuel Chi
After being shunned by his native South Korean team, Ahn could win gold for Russia.
Mamoru Samuragochi: “Japan’s Beethoven” Confesses to Using Ghost Composer
By J.T. Quigley
Samuragochi hired someone to write songs used in popular video games and an iconic Hiroshima tribute
Hong Kong Brothers Plead Not Guilty to Transformers 4 Extortion Attempt, Assault
By J.T. Quigley
The two men stormed the film set last October, demanding money and attacking director Michael Bay.