Stories about East Asia from March, 2015
Five Young Feminists Still Missing in China
The Chinese feminists arrested on the eve of International Women's Day have yet to resurface, sparking massive online campaigns for their release.
Myanmar Student Protesters Attacked by Police Gain Global Sympathy
Myanmar student protesters - marching for education reforms since January - were violently attacked by police on March 5 and March 10.
Look What Large-Scale Mining Did to These Four Beautiful Philippine Islands
"We cannot remain deaf and blind to the excesses of mining while our people suffer the consequences of actions not of their own making.”
Cleaning Up the Coastal Areas of Singapore
Since 1992, the International Coastal Cleanup Singapore has been organizing activities to remove garbage from the beaches and mangroves of Singapore. Every year, about 1,500 volunteers are joining the cleanup events that are able to collect 60,000 pieces of litter.
Film Captures Cramped Lives of Japan's ‘Net Cafe Refugees’
In the mid-2000s, some Japanese who do not earn enough to rent their own apartments began living in Internet cafe booths, considered a step above living on the street.
Is Catchy Song ‘China Is My Home’ Meant to Brainwash Hong Kong's Children?
A Catholic school played the song twice at weekly assemblies. Some parents worry it's a sign that Hong Kong will try to introduce "patriotic education" in the school curriculum.
Political Pollution Polarizes Public Opinion Over China's Environmental Crisis
Within more politicized circles of online opinion leaders, there has also been a myriad of criticism heaped on Chai Jing’s air pollution documentary "Under the Dome".
Katsuo Ningen, the Humanoid Severed Fish Head That Won Japan's Heart
In a country used to mascots, even Japanese people are surprised by "Bonito Man," better known as Katsuo Ningen, who represents one of Japan's most isolated prefectures.
Internet Doodles as a Gauge of Women's Status in China Today
"But the boss rejected our idea and changed the image. The new caption says, 'You deserve special care.' I saw Google's today, and I just feel sad."
Cartoons Condemn State Brutality in Myanmar After ‘Police Thugs’ Attack Student Rally
-"In our country, we train dogs to take care of violent acts." -"In our country, we train people to conduct violence."
A Candy-Powered Rocket in Japan? Challenge Accepted!
People from all over Japan participated in the Candy Rocket Project, embarking on a mission to launch a rocket. Candy maker UHA Mikakuto uploaded the results in cool YouTube video.
Worst Drought In A Decade Hits Taiwan
As a subtropical/tropical island, Taiwan usually covers with wetness and green. However, last year, there were only two typhoons, the island is now facing the worst drought in a decade. Independent reporter Chu Shu Chuan reported that the storage of 12 major reservoirs is reduced to less than 50%, according...
Denying Japan’s Responsibility for WWII Sex Slaves Only Makes Japan Look Worse
"The more you argue 'No problem, because they were prostitutes. And it was private contractors who brought them, not the Japanese army,' the worse you look."
#KitaLawan: Thousands Join March to Call for the Release of Malaysia's Opposition Leader
GV interviews MP Nurul Izzah Anwar, daughter of jailed opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, and captures reactions to a massive protest against his incarceration.
Singapore Blogger Who Criticized Court Case of Anti-Gay Sex Law Fined for ‘Scandalizing the Judiciary’
"The prosecution of Alex Au for speaking out is just one more example of Singapore’s willingness to misuse law to gag its critics."
China Harasses Women Activists on the Eve of International Women's Day
Women protesting sexual harassment on public transport ahead of International Women's Day fell victim to a different type of harassment: police harassment.
A Week in the Life of a Tokyo ‘Salary Man’
A recent video by prolific YouTube vlogger has gone viral, reaching more than half a million views. The video highlights Japan's working hours, and government effort to address the issue.
More than 200 Academics Sign Statement Supporting Anti-Junta Professor in Thailand
More than 200 academics from all over the world have signed a statement expressing support to historian and college professor Dr Somsak Jeamteerasakul who was recently fired by Thammasat University. The Thai scholar, who has been teaching for two decades, is critical of the junta government which grabbed power last...
Buddhist Villagers Protest Construction of Mosque in Northern Thailand
Thailand is a Buddhist-majority country while Muslims constitute about 5 percent of the population. Some Thais are unhappy with the intolerance demonstrated by the protesters.
“No Blood For Vanity!” Hong Kong Animal Right Activists Protest the Fur Fair
Hong Kong is a "premier global fur trade center" because of the demand from mainland China. At the same time, cheap fur products also flooded the local market.
A Move to Recognize Same-Sex Marriage in Japan Reveals Hidden Prejudices
If the statute is passed it will be the first time same-sex unions will be recognized by Japanese law.