Stories about East Asia from December, 2014
They Don't Speak Spanish in the Philippines?
Some Latin Americans tend to think, based on lessons in primary school, that Spanish is spoken in the Philippines. Find out why that's not the case.
What is Sinology?
Sinology is still unknown to many people, as Isma Ruiz writes after attending the I International Congress of Sinology in Spanish, last June at the University of Tamkang – Tamsui,...
Booted From Occupy Central, Hong Kong's Pro-Democracy Protesters Take on New Battlefields
Until the promise of genuine democracy is fulfilled, pro-democracy advocates say they won't back down.
Jailed Female Photo Journalist on Hunger Strike in Vietnam
Convicted of plotting to "overthrow" the Vietnamese government, Minh Man was sentenced to nine years in prison. Now she is on hunger strike.
What Does Japan’s State Secrecy Act Mean for Free Expression?
Japan’s controversial State Secrecy Act became law on Wednesday, December 10. The law imposes strict penalties on leakers of state secrets.
Southeast Asia's Tigers Are in Desperate Need of Saving
Forest loss and poaching have led to the decline in the number of wild tigers. Organizations are fighting to bring them back from the brink.
South Korea: Game Mocking the Airplane Nuts Fiasco
Korean Air Lines vice president has made numerous headlines, both locally and internationally, for her arrogant behavior on a recent flight out. She randomly accused a crew member of serving macadamia nuts ‘incorrectly’ and even she ordered a...
Why Going Viral Was a Source of Fear for One Hong Kong Citizen Journalist
Hung Lai Fong published an article under her real name about Hong Kong's pro-democracy protests, and when it became widely read, she began to fear retaliation from China.
Tokyo Marches in Solidarity With US Protesters #TOKYO4FERGUSON
On December 6th the African American Youth Travel Program (AAYTP) organised a protest against police brutality, racism and injustice in solidarity with the protests around the world.
How Social Media Helped an Independent Candidate Beat the Odds in Taiwan's Elections
Ko Wen-je won the race for mayor in Taiwan's capital city by a landslide. The island's political culture favors a two-party system, but Ko says social media helped him win.
Lawmakers Watching Porn, Playing Games, and Sleeping on the Job Is a Thing in Southeast Asia
Several politicians across Southeast Asia have been caught watching porn, sleeping, and playing a game on Ipad during Parliament or Congress sessions.
Spending Christmas Eve Alone? Japanese Has a Word for That
"At work a bunch of the junior staff were discussing their kuribotchi plans. 'And just what the heck is kuribotchi?' I asked with a laugh. There was an awkward silence."
Why ‘Maternity Harassment’ Was a Top Japanese Buzzword in 2014
Even as the status of women has slowly improved in Japanese society, maternity harassment remains a serious issue. Japan's Supreme Court recently ruled in favor of a harassment victim.
Everyone but South Koreans Can Watch South Korean TV on YouTube
South Korea's major TV networks are restricting Internet users in the country from watching their content on YouTube, but users with international IP addresses can still enjoy their videos.
China's Censorship Authorities Are Not Fans of Foreign TV
Two popular subtitling sites closed their doors at the behest of Chinese authorities. Netizens and TV fans are angry about the decision.
Japan's Long Winter Has Only Just Begun
Winter conditions normally seen in February are hitting Japan, making for hazardous driving conditions, excellent television of wind-driven storm surges, and snowy landscapes.
Baton-Happy Police Beat Back Pro-Democracy Protesters in Hong Kong
In response to the clearing of protesters from a sit-in site last week, two student activists groups attempted to occupy roads around government headquarters. Police stopped them with force.
Hong Kong's Pro-Democracy Movement Is Trading Umbrellas for Shopping Bags
After police aggressively cleared protesters from the Mong Kok protest site, activists encouraged supporters to go shopping there and symbolically reclaim the area.
Vietnamese David Beckham Fan Shows How Not to Ride a Scooter With a Child
The football star posted a Facebook photo of the woman not wearing a helmet while riding a scooter, snapping a photo of Beckham and holding a child on her lap.
Refugees in Malaysia Face Abuse and Stigma, UN Official Says
Speaking to Al Jazeera, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Malaysia representative Richard Towle exposed the poor conditions of refugees and asylum seekers, but some politicians disagreed with the portrayal.
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