Sake has long been synonymous with Japan, shaped by centuries of tradition, climate and craftsmanship. Yet today, the iconic rice-based drink is quietly establishing roots far from its birthplace. From Southeast Asia to South Asia, a growing number of brewers and chefs are experimenting with sake production, adapting it to local ingredients, cuisines and drinking… Continue reading Sakemaking Finds New Soil Beyond Japan, From India to Southeast Asia
Japan Reaches a Milestone as Self-Driving Bus Debuts on Public Roads in Greater Tokyo
Japan has taken a significant step toward the future of autonomous transportation, with a self-driving bus operating on public roads in the greater Tokyo area for the first time. The trial, launched on Tuesday by a research team from the University of Tokyo, marks a major advance in the country’s efforts to bring highly automated… Continue reading Japan Reaches a Milestone as Self-Driving Bus Debuts on Public Roads in Greater Tokyo
Korea’s Winter Cod Is Disappearing — And So Is a Seasonal Tradition
For generations, winter in Korea has been inseparable from cod. As temperatures dropped, the cold-loving fish would migrate south through the East Sea, filling coastal waters and markets with one of the season’s most cherished ingredients. From home kitchens to neighborhood soup houses, cod signaled the arrival of winter meals meant to warm the body… Continue reading Korea’s Winter Cod Is Disappearing — And So Is a Seasonal Tradition
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
North Korea Unlikely to Join Probe Into Alleged Drone Incident
North Korea is not expected to cooperate with South Korea’s proposal for a joint investigation into an alleged drone intrusion, according to analysts, dampening hopes that the incident could reopen stalled inter-Korean dialogue. Pyongyang has accused South Korea of sending drones into its airspace on two occasions — once last September and again in early… Continue reading North Korea Unlikely to Join Probe Into Alleged Drone Incident
The Korean flavour winning over New York
“I became interested after seeing actor Lee Kwang-soo on a variety show. In Japan it is even introduced as a must-try course,” Haru, a 26-year-old visitor from Okayama, said as she picked out two palm-sized glass bottles from a narrow alley shop in central Seoul on Jan. 2. The store was not selling K-pop merchandise… Continue reading The Korean flavour winning over New York
South Korea denies North Korea’s drone infiltration claims
South Korea’s defense chief on Saturday denied North Korea’s claims that its drones infiltrated into the North in September last year and earlier this week, saying the drones in question were not models operated by the South Korean military. North Korea claimed earlier in the day that South Korea infringed on its sovereignty with drone… Continue reading South Korea denies North Korea’s drone infiltration claims
Race to Become Japan’s Secondary Capital Gains Momentum
The idea of establishing a secondary capital in Japan is once again moving from theory to political action, with momentum building ahead of the next parliamentary session. At the center of the renewed push is the Japan Innovation Party, which has made legislation on a backup capital a priority under its coalition agreement with the… Continue reading Race to Become Japan’s Secondary Capital Gains Momentum