Stories about East Asia from October, 2010
Japan: Photography Project ‘Yamanote Loop’
Steve from the Fwdmovement site has kicked off a photography project called Yamanote Loop. The project will cover each of the 29 stations in Tokyo's JR Yamanote Line, starting with Mejiro Station.
Vietnam: Analysis on blog arrests
Saigonnezumi from Vietnam provides some background to the “crackdown’ of bloggers in Vietnam in the past year.
‘Bloggers for Malaysia’ group
The ‘Bloggers for Malaysia’ group was formed this month to protect the welfare of bloggers in Malaysia in light of the recent cases filed by the police against online critics of the government.
Malaysia: Universal Service Provision fund
Bloggers from Malaysia demand an accounting of the Universal Service Provision fund which is being collected from telecommunication companies in order to improve internet connectivity in the rural areas.
Malaysia: Questionable overseas trips of tourism minister
Wee Choo Keong, a blogger-parliamentarian from Malaysia questions the cost of the 16 overseas trips made by the tourism minister last year.
China: Debate on Rare Earths Export
With the rise of nationalistic sentiment in China, a majority of mainland Chinese support the government's policy in restricting the export of rare earths to Japan and other western countries.
China and the U.S: Fuss about rare earth
Adam Minter from Shanghai Scrap looks into the data of China agricultural trade and points out that the recent intimations of a ban on the rare earth elements has been overstated. On the other hand, the Chinese experts have underestimated the importance of low-cost soy beans and wheat to social...
China’s image in posters
Annie Lee from China Hush translates a feature article [cn] which looks into China's image in political posters in the past 61 years.
China: Why I Support Liu Xiaobo’s Nobel Peace Prize
Wang Chaohua, a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at the Institute of Modern History at Academica Sinica in Taiwan, explains in China Beat why she supports Liu Xiaobo's Nobel Peace Prize.
Japan: Speaking Beatles to communicate
An American blogger at InsideHalton.com said [en] she used Beatles’ lyrics to communicate with Japanese people and teach English. [via japundit.com]
Indonesia: Earthquake, Tsunami, Volcanic Eruption in 48 hours
Indonesia was caught unprepared this week when an earthquake, tsunami and volcanic eruption battered the islands in less than 48 hours. Casualties are expected to exceed 500 and thousands of families need immediate relief.
Global: Rarefying of Rare Earth Metals?
The economy-focused blog Le regard à Lupus explains [fr] that there are increasing concerns over the shrinking access to rare earth metals. These strategical mining resources are indispensable to the high-tech industry and green energy solutions.
South Korea: Few Christians’ ‘Spiritual Mapping’ Enraged Korean Public
A handful of Christians’ “spiritual mapping” to the largest Buddhist temple in southern Seoul has enraged Korean public. A Youtube video shows (the original video had been removed) a church worship team sings Gospel songs and prays in the temple. Criticism is unlikely to subdue despite an apology from the...
China: Mapping violent evictions for homebuyer awareness
The many forceful evictions in China and their tragic victims are widely reported upon and discussed online, but what can be said about housing that goes on the market after the rubble is cleared and the people buying it up?
China: The social and political implication of “Car Accident Gate”
ESWN translates a blog post explaining the social and political implications of the public rage instigated by the catchphrase: “My father is Li Gang” in the recent “Car Accident Gate”.
China: Blood house map
A google map that marks social conflicts related with force demolition and land acquisition.
Myanmar: “Boycott elections” campaign
The Myanmar elections will push through on November 7 despite the non-participation of opposition parties. Global Voices translates the statement of Myanmar citizens who will boycott the coming elections
Video: One Minute Jr video nominees for 2010 Awards
The nominees for each of the 3 categories in the One Minutes Jr project competition 2010 have been selected. In each of the categories of (Self)-portrait, Inside-Out and One Minute of Freedom there will be one winner who will be awarded a JVC Piscio HD Hand-Camera. The nominees are all...
China: A Mistress Denounced The Maoming Vice-Mayor
The Internet provides new space for citizen to uncover corruption. The latest case is a mistress denouncing the vice-mayor of Maoming city for corruption and debauchery by posting his nude photos online. (ESWN has translated the story.)
China: Professional test-takers
China Geeks translates a journal article from Southern Weekend on the business of professional test-takers and how foreign institutions struggle to combat Chinese cheaters.
Myanmar's new flag and new name
Myanmar's new flag was unveiled for the first time last week. It also has a new name: it is now known as the Republic of the Union of Myanmar. Myanmar netizens are criticizing the design of the new flag. Some bloggers insist the flag represents only the army and not the people of Myanmar
About our East Asia coverage
Oiwan Lam is the North East Asia editor. Email her story ideas or volunteer to write.
Nevin Thompson is the Japan editor. Email him story ideas or volunteer to write.
