Stories about East Asia from December, 2016
Malaysians Can Have Their Cake and Eat It Too Inside McDonald's — But Only If It's Halal
"Has halal political correctness gone overboard? Will we one day see moral police invading houses to ensure that we are eating only halal food? When will common sense prevail?"
A Satellite Launch Lights Up the Night Sky Over Japan
"A beautiful glow in the nighttime sky." "It was really impressive."
There Were Many Bright Spots to Be Found Amid the Doom and Gloom of 2016
Here's a list of 41 Global Voices stories about the strength and creativity of the human spirit, proving that 2016 wasn't an annus horribilis through and through.
In 2016, a Toxic Political Smog Spread Over China and Hong Kong
What's worse? Environmental smog or political smog?
Japanese Prime Minister Observes Pearl Harbor Anniversary
When Prime Minister Abe Shinzo didn't really mention the war when he visited Pearl Harbor for the 75th anniversary of Japan's surprise attack against the United States.
Classic Christmas Carols, Satirically Reimagined as Songs About Hong Kong Politics
To the tune of Twelve Days of Christmas: "Causeway Bay’s boss bought a banned book. He was then arrested, convicted, forced to apologize and escorted to the Shenzhen police station."
Vietnamese Mother Goddesses Religion Receives UN Recognition
"The worshipping of the Mother Goddesses also contributes to the appreciation of women and their roles in society.”
Myanmar's Most Memorable Moments in 2016
As 2016 comes to an end, The Irrawaddy showcases the best photographs that capture Myanmar’s most iconic moments.
China's Glass Tycoon Cao Dewang ‘Escapes’ to the US for Cheaper Taxes
"Who dares to invest when investment costs are so high and profit isn't guaranteed?"
Transportation Showdown: Japanese Mascots’ Big Butts Vs. Train Doors
Japanese mascots often have a hard time boarding trains. It's because of their butts.
Thailand’s New Computer Crimes Law Threatens Free Speech and Encryption
"The law's most serious shortcoming is in its giving too much power for authorities to make their own judgement whether certain actions may be deemed in violation of the law."
Lives Without Dignity in Thailand’s Female Prisons
"Prisons in Thailand still fail to recognize the basic rights of female prisoners, depriving women of essential health services and goods from sanitary pads to bras."
Chinese Authorities Are Burying Their Heads Not in Sand, But in Smog
"The problem of the smog has been solved!...We have deleted all posts about the smog, banned people from wearing masks and arrested those who wrote about the smog!”
Masaki C. Matsumoto: English-Speaking, LGBT, Queer and Feminist in Japan
Masaki C. Matsumoto writes in both Japanese and English about LGBTQ+ issues in Japan. He was recently interviewed by Anime Feminist about the portrayal of LGBTQ in manga and anime.
Taiwanese Wonder If They're Just a Chip for Donald Trump in Negotiating With China
"What Trump is doing now might be a maneuver...He tries to make China nervous by befriending Taiwan, and then he can get a better deal with China."
Japan's ‘Kanji of the Year’ Choice Refers to the Olympics, Political Scandal and Trump
The kanji for "gold" was selected by the Japanese Kanji Proficiency Society based on the results of a nationwide poll. And now people are having fun with it.
Little Dolls From a Vietnamese Prison Carry a Big Message
"What the authorities didn’t realize was the messages the dolls bear were right in front of their faces–they just couldn’t comprehend them."
Taiwanese Are Disappointed With the Foreign Media’s Response to Donald Trump’s Tweet
Donald Trump, the next president of the United States, shocked the people of Taiwan on Dec. 2, when he tweeted about a congratulatory phone call he'd received from Taiwan's president.
These Short Films by Young Cambodian Men Aim to Stop Sexual Harassment
Why stop sexual harassment? Young amateur filmmakers from Cambodia explored this question to encourage the public -- especially men -- to understand the impact of sexual harassment.
Hong Kong's Pro-Beijing Chief Executive Is Leaving. But There Are Plenty More Where He Came From
"[Leung] follows the recent stability control principle of mainland China, magnifying small conflicts into national security threats and tearing society apart."
Macau Casinos’ Show of Communist Patriotism Leaves Many Scratching Their Heads
"Casinos are the product of corrupt capitalism and against the spirit of the communist revolution."
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