Stories about East Asia from October, 2014
Myanmar Reporter Detained by the Military, then Killed
More than a thousand people gathered in Myanmar's capital to call for an investigation into the death of a journalist who supporters allege was tortured and killed by the army.
Comic Explains the ‘Cold War’ Between Hong Kong's Pro-Democracy Protesters and Their Parents
Jason Li has translated a letter written by a web user named Cherish to her parents, which was published on citizen media website inmediahk.net, and turned it into a comic. The letter addresses the generational conflict triggered by the Occupy Central protests in Hong Kong. Most of the pro-democracy protesters are under...
Thailand's High School Civic Activism in a Time of Martial Law
A group of high school students in Thailand is organizing a series of protests, demanding education reforms from the military-led government.
Understanding Southeast Asia in 19 Infographics
Global Voices looks at 19 infographics that help explain the promising future ahead for Southeast Asia, as well as the obstacles to greater regional prosperity.
Take a Photographic Tour of Hong Kong's Pro-Democracy ‘Umbrella Square’
The headquarters of the Occupy Central movement counts more than 1,600 tents, where protesters are camping out to demand free and fair elections from Hong Kong and Beijing authorities.
5 Muslim Countries Where Gays Are Not Prosecuted by the Law
The LGBT Muslims blog identified 5 Muslim nations where the legal system does not outlaw homosexuality. The 5 countries are : Mali, Jordan, Indonesia, Turkey and Albania. While the law in these countries does not criminalize gay lifestyles, the LGBT Muslims blog points out that LGBT communities still suffer from...
As Taiwan Considers Marriage Equality, Tens of Thousands Attend Pride Parade
Hope was in the air at the colorful 2014 LGBT Taiwan Pride Parade, where two participants in particular wrote on their T-shirts that the looked forward to getting married.
Taiwanese Facebook Users Are Tagging a Death Row Inmate in Their Travels to Demand Justice
Cheng Hsin-Tse was sentenced to death in 2002 for the murder of a police officer. Due to the lack of hard evidence, his supporters want a review of his sentence.
Japan’s Cabinet Members Are ‘Falling Like Dominoes’ to Corruption Scandals
The month of October has seen a tidal wave of allegations against members of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's cabinet. Has Abe lost control of the narrative?
‘Hunger Games’ Salute Gives Hope to Democracy Activists in Thailand
Attendees at a cremation of a former public official made a three-finger salute which was last used by activists denouncing the coup and loss of democracy in Thailand.
Thai Students to Hong Kong Protesters: ‘Do Not Give Up’
It is illegal in Thailand today to organize or join rallies, but a group of Thai students expressed their support for Hong Kong's protesters in a special Google Hangout discussion.
How Chinese President Xi Jinping and His Yellow Umbrella Became a Hong Kong Pro-Democracy Protest Meme
A propaganda photo of the Chinese leader on an official visit to the mainland's Hubei Province has been photoshopped into various pro-democracy protest scenes in Hong Kong.
Hirotan Forest, an Increasingly Rare ‘Satoyama’ School Connecting Rural Japanese Kids to Nature
As farming communities shrink because of Japan's ageing population, parents in one rural community has resurrected a "satoyama" school to put their children in touch with the land.
Learn Who's Who in Hong Kong's Umbrella Revolution With ‘Mr and Little Miss Hong Kong People’
Inspired by British cartoon "Mr Men and Little Miss," commercial artist Maxwell created illustrations of the important pro-democracy protesters and government workers caught up in the Occupy Central movement.
Fashion Week Turns World's Gaze on Tokyo
The six-day Mercedes Fashion Week kicked off in Tokyo on October 13 and culminated on October 19. Fashion Week is all about launching hot new 2015 fashions from the planet's biggest brands, with daily runway events and fashion exhibitions. For nearly 20 years Mercedes Benz has sponsored “fashion weeks” all over...
Why Talking About Pizza Can Land You in Trouble in Thailand
The Pizza Company hotline 1112 has become a code word to refer to Article 112, or the anti-royal insult provision in the criminal law.
Cambodia's Police Are in the Market for Water Cannon Trucks ‘to Be Used Against Demonstrations’
Human rights groups fear the water cannon trucks will be used to suppress the strike of garment workers.
Video Animation Explains How Principle of “Free Prior and Informed Consent” Can Empower Indigenous Peoples
The Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact has uploaded a video animation explaining the principle of “Free prior and informed consent” or how communities should have the right to decide for the development of their lands.
Hong Kong's Journalists Battle Self-Censorship, Intimidation and Police Violence to Report Umbrella Revolution
Four independent news sites issued a joint statement condemning police for intentionally attacking reporters. Reporters at other outlets have had to deal with management's self-censorship for fear of angering Beijing.
Outrage Over Transgender Woman's Suspected Murder by US Marine in the Philippines
The case has led some in the Philippines to call for the military agreements between their country and the United States to be scrapped.
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.
