Global Voices · Citizen media stories about East Asia

21 July 2017

Between Worlds: The Complicated Life of a Young Japanese Returnee

'We said "sorry" in Japanese, to which she replied, “Oh, you're Japanese? Then always speak Japanese, you foreigner!”'

Thai Academics to Be Summoned by Military for Raising ‘Anti-Junta Placards’ at an International Conference

The Thai Academic Network for Civil Rights reminded authorities that the country's constitution does not forbid people from holding up placards.

20 July 2017

Netizen Report: Authorities in China and Indonesia Threaten Whatsapp, Telegram Over Political Content

Written by Netizen Report Team · China

Global Voices Advocacy's Netizen Report offers an international snapshot of challenges, victories, and emerging trends in Internet rights around the world.

A Look Back at Japan's Transformative ‘Showa Era’

Written by Nevin Thompson · Japan

One Twitter account combs encyclopedias, photo magazines, guidebooks and other sources for nostalgic images from Japan's postwar recovery.

16 July 2017

15 Movies That Speak to the Complex Relationship Between Taiwan and Japan

Written by I-fan Lin · Japan

Only since the late 1980s have filmmakers begun to examine the two countries' history, from colonial rule and World War II to present day.

14 July 2017

The Unusual, Sometimes Mysterious Bookmarks Found in Used Books in Japan

Written by Airi Sugihara · Japan

"This handmade bookmark in my second-hand book is so cool."

12 July 2017

Myanmar’s Challenging Media Landscape, in Cartoons

Written by The Irrawaddy · Myanmar (Burma)

Cartoons published by The Irrawaddy over the course of four years— from 2014 to 2017—reflecting the media milestones and hardships experienced in Myanmar.

Japan Celebrates Day Devoted to Sticky, Aromatic Cultured Soy Beans

Written by Nevin Thompson · Japan

On Monday, July 10, Japan feted its favorite food made from cultured soy beans: natto.

A Hong Kong Businessman Sparks Backlash After Blaming Muslims for His Restaurant's Failure in Malaysia

Written by Chinese Border-crossing Question and Answer · Hong Kong (China)

"How come [a nearby dim sum restaurant] has not been suffered from a lack of customers because of Muslim pork-less food culture?" one citizen journalist questioned.

10 July 2017

Nine Responses From the International Community to China’s Treatment of Nobel-Winning Dissident Liu Xiaobo

Written by Hong Kong Free Press · China

"They must be able to meet and receive visits from whomever they desire, and be able to freely communicate with the outside world."

7 July 2017

In Effort to Stop Anti-Korean Hate Speech, Osaka Mayor Wants to Loosen Internet Privacy Laws

Written by Nevin Thompson · Japan

For more than a decade, Osaka and other communities with large populations of ethnic Korean residents have struggled to deal with far-right organizations that target ethnic Koreans and other minorities.

Netizen Report: Working in the Public Interest Can Get You Arrested

Written by Netizen Report Team · Middle East & North Africa

Global Voices Advocacy's Netizen Report offers an international snapshot of challenges, victories, and emerging trends in Internet rights around the world.

Philippine Senator Moves to Criminalize ‘Fake News’ — Could This Lead to Censorship?

Written by Mong Palatino · Philippines

"How does one distinguish between a false report based on an honest mistake and one maliciously spread through print, broadcasting and online?"

Early Typhoon Brings Torrential Rains and Deadly Flooding to Japan

Written by Nevin Thompson · Japan

"It's become apparent there has been massive destruction."

Scenes From Market Day in Shan State’s Thandaung Village in Myanmar

Written by The Irrawaddy · Myanmar (Burma)

It offers an authentic chance to see how locals trade. Sellers arrive at the marker before dawn to prepare for the day, and the market usually lasts until around noon.

6 July 2017

In China's Ideological Battle, ‘King of Glory’ Game is a Top Target

Written by Oiwan Lam · China

Chinese Communist Party media are concerned about the game's storyline, which they say "subverts Chinese history."

3 July 2017

Myanmar Military Cracks Down on Independent Media, Arrests Three Journalists

Written by Mong Palatino · Myanmar (Burma)

"It is absurd that security forces are using outdated laws to silence and punish journalists who have committed no crime," wrote the editor of The Irrawaddy.