A new emperor, a new era, a new relationship for NZ and Japan

Former New Zealand ambassador to Japan Ian Kennedy says New Zealand has the potential to build an even closer relationship with the country as it prepares to welcome a new emperor and usher in a new era this week.

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Thailand prepares for coronation of King Vajiralongkorn 

In other royal news, on May 4, Thailand’s King Vajiralongkorn will be officially enthroned. His coronation ceremony comes after a long mourning period for his father, the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who died in October 2016 aged 88.

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From bun festivals to Ramadan: What's happening in Asia in May?

Got a trip to Asia coming up? Want a heads up on major events taking place in the region? Here’s our handy guide to what’s happening in Asia next month.

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Got a story idea you want to cover in Asia? We're on the lookout for compelling proposals for stories that can help further New Zealanders' knowledge and understanding of Asia.

The Asia Media Centre is now welcoming applications for the Asia New Zealand Foundation's media travel grants programme. The deadline for the first of three funding rounds in 2019 is Monday 6 May at 5.30pm.

The travel grants offer New Zealand journalists the opportunity to travel independently to Asia to research and prepare stories. The grants cover most work-related costs, including return economy fares, insurance, daily allowances and visa and airport taxes.

FIND OUT MORE HERE

What has media in New Zealand been reporting about Asia? Here's a roundup of stories from the past week. 

• How can upcoming social media efforts be 'global' if they ignore Asia?
  STUFF
    
• International media drops the ball on Sri Lanka terror coverage
  NEWSROOM
    
• Sri Lanka blasts: Authorities wary over linking attacks to Christchurch and ISIS
  RADIO NZ
    
• Sri Lanka is burdened by a history of silencing 
  THE SPINOFF
   
• Inside the Sunwolves den: Why the Super Rugby atmosphere in Tokyo is hard to beat
  NZ HERALD  
   
• The birth of rugby in Japan: Conflicting claims
  RADIO NZ
   
• Photo essay: Sikhs in New Zealand debunking turban myths 
  STUFF 

World Press Freedom Day is observed on May 3. Here's a roundup of recent articles on press freedom issues in Asia.

• 2019 World Press Freedom Index 
  REPORTERS WITHOUT BORDERS
   
• Pacific 'bright spots' amid World Press Freedom Index Asian warnings
  PACIFIC MEDIA CENTRE | NEW ZEALAND
    
• Asian press freedom under threat
  ASIA NEWS NETWORK
   
• Singapore's "Fake News" Bill: The FAQ
  NEW NARATIF | SOUTHEAST ASIA

• Hong Kong's fugitive law could put press freedom at new low, says Reporters Without Borders
  SOUTH CHINA MORNING POST | HONG KONG 

• Manila Times managing editor resigns over 'Oust Duterte plot' matrix publication
  CNN PHILIPPINES | PHILIPPINES

• Maria Ressa wins Tully Award for Free Speech 
  RAPPLER | PHILIPPINES

• Families of Reuters reporters to petition President after Supreme Court rejects appeal 
  FRONTIER MYANMAR | MYANMAR

China: President Xi reveals he's a Game of Thrones fan

Chinese President Xi Jinping surprised a group of foreign visitors at a recent meeting in Beijing when he made a specific reference to Game of Thrones. The HBO epic is popular in China, even though it is subject to censorship.

Philippines: Video of rooftop pool during earthquake goes viral

An aftershock following a 6.1 magnitude earthquake in the Philippines caused one building to shake so much its rooftop pool became a waterfall. Dramatic footage shows water cascading down the side of the 48-storey building. 

Hong Kong: Avengers fans attack man who spoiled ending

A man in Hong Kong reportedly suffered a beating for ruining the ending of Avengers: Endgame. Directors of the three-hour film had earlier posted an open letter asking cinemagoers not to reveal spoilers for the eagerly anticipated epic.