Kaga, Ishikawa Prefecture — On a gray December morning, far from Tokyo’s neon-lit streets, Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi found himself outside an aging municipal building in Kaga, a modest hot-spring town along Japan’s Sea of Japan coast. The moment was symbolic: instead of launching a bold new service in a major metropolis, Uber’s latest push… Continue reading Uber’s Long Road Into Japan Runs Through a Quiet Hot-Spring Town
Category: Sports
Thailand’s Cannabis Experiment Faces Backlash as Youth Use Raises Alarm
Thailand’s bold move to decriminalize cannabis was once promoted as a key driver of economic recovery after the pandemic. Just a few years later, that same policy is fueling mounting public concern — particularly over rising cannabis use among children — and could soon be reversed following next month’s national election. In 2022, Thailand made… Continue reading Thailand’s Cannabis Experiment Faces Backlash as Youth Use Raises Alarm
Korean Art Presence Grows Across Singapore Art Week 2026
From resort ballrooms to repurposed port warehouses, Korean artists and curators are taking part in a wide range of exhibitions during Singapore Art Week (SAW) 2026, signaling a deeper engagement with Southeast Asia’s expanding contemporary art ecosystem. Hosted annually by Singapore’s National Arts Council, SAW is among the region’s largest art events, unfolding each January… Continue reading Korean Art Presence Grows Across Singapore Art Week 2026
Japan Issues Heavy Snow Alerts Along the Sea of Japan Coast
Severe winter weather is tightening its grip on parts of Japan, prompting authorities to issue high-level snow warnings in several regions bordering the Sea of Japan. Meteorologists cautioned that snowfall is intensifying rapidly in certain areas, raising the risk of transportation disruptions and other weather-related incidents. As of Thursday, Ishikawa and Shiga prefectures were placed… Continue reading Japan Issues Heavy Snow Alerts Along the Sea of Japan Coast
Japan’s World Cup Momentum Builds — Even as Doubts Linger
Japan’s men’s national soccer team closed out 2025 with a surge of confidence, stringing together a series of impressive results that have energized fans and raised expectations ahead of the World Cup in North America this summer. The year ended on a particularly high note with a dramatic comeback victory against Brazil, a performance that… Continue reading Japan’s World Cup Momentum Builds — Even as Doubts Linger
Korea and Italy Move to Strengthen Strategic and Industrial Partnership at Seoul Summit
South Korea and Italy agreed to significantly deepen cooperation across advanced industries and strategic sectors during a high-level summit in Seoul, signaling a renewed commitment to closer bilateral ties amid growing global economic and security challenges. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met with President Lee Jae Myung on Monday, marking a milestone visit that carried… Continue reading Korea and Italy Move to Strengthen Strategic and Industrial Partnership at Seoul Summit
Why Japan Is Reassessing Its Immigration Strategy
Global interest in Japan has never been stronger. Tourists are arriving in record numbers, foreign workers are filling labor gaps, and international investors continue to eye the country with growing enthusiasm. Yet inside Japan, the rapid pace of this influx is prompting a political and public reckoning over how open the country should be —… Continue reading Why Japan Is Reassessing Its Immigration Strategy
Japan and South Korea Seek Closer Partnership as Regional Tensions Reshape Diplomacy
Nara, Japan — Against the backdrop of rising friction between Japan and China, Tokyo and Seoul are signaling a renewed commitment to deepen bilateral cooperation. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung met in Nara on Tuesday, where they emphasized the “strategic importance” of strengthening ties and agreed to advance… Continue reading Japan and South Korea Seek Closer Partnership as Regional Tensions Reshape Diplomacy
Dark Horses or Long Shots? Australian Open Field Lacks Clear-Cut Challengers
As the Australian Open unfolds at Melbourne Park, the men’s draw tells a familiar story—one dominated by a small elite at the very top, with limited room for genuine surprises. While the tournament could once again belong to Jannik Sinner, who is chasing a third consecutive title, or deliver a historic milestone for Carlos Alcaraz… Continue reading Dark Horses or Long Shots? Australian Open Field Lacks Clear-Cut Challengers
U.S. Convening Allies on Rare Earths as China–Japan Frictions Highlight Supply Risks
The United States is set to host high-level talks this week on the future of rare earth supplies, bringing together finance and economic officials from the Group of Seven and key partner economies. The meeting reflects growing concern among advanced economies about their dependence on China for materials that are essential to modern industry —… Continue reading U.S. Convening Allies on Rare Earths as China–Japan Frictions Highlight Supply Risks