Expert views: Why is Japan so persistent about whaling?

On July 1, a fleet of vessels set off on Japan's first commercial whaling expedition since 1988. Why is Japan so persistent on such an unpopular issue? The Asia Media Centre put the question to three Japan experts.

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On its 22nd handover anniversary, what does the future hold for Hong Kong?

July 1 marked the 22nd anniversary of Hong Kong's handover to China. The city's future is even more uncertain now than it was back then, writes Professor Will Hayward, who moved from New Zealand to Hong Kong 20 years ago.

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Alek Sigley case: 'We should not stop pursuing knowledge of North Korea'

An Australian student who has gone missing in North Korea should be admired for his work shining a light on the secretive country, writes Shin Takahashi, who studied with Alek Sigley at Australian National University. 

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

• Fonterra tries again in India, launches 'Dreamery' yoghurt and milks
  STUFF
     
• A tale of two murder extraditions
  NEWSROOM
   
• Nelson's tiny Zomi community at home among the mountains 
  THE NELSON MAIL
   
• Indonesia to make major Pacific pitch at NZ expo
  RADIO NZ
   
• New All Black jersey ‘brings together Māori and Japanese cultures’
  TE AO - MĀORI NEWS

• Kiwi scientists working with Vietnamese partners on new dragon fruit
  RADIO NZ 
   

Shin Takahashi, Victoria University

Looking for someone who can comment on Japan? Get to know Shin Takahashi, a lecturer in Japanese Studies at Victoria University of Wellington.

What are you working on right now?

I am writing a book based on my doctoral thesis about the rise of transnationalism within the local peace movement in Okinawa. At the same time, I have started my next project, which is, broadly speaking, civil society in regional Japan in the era of “creativity”. In this project, I plan to explore the local impact of today’s advanced capitalism and deepening globalisation on social and political communities in regional parts of Japan.

Tell us a fun fact about you:

I grew up on the eastern side of Kanagawa Prefecture in the vicinity of Tokyo. Since I left Japan at the age of 20, I’ve met quite a few people in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and even here in Wellington, who came from the same hometown. All of them used to live walking distance from my parents’ house.

What’s your favourite film about Asia?

My recommendations are all films made by Yamada Yoji. Yamada is very good at portraying very ordinary people’s lives and intimate human relationships as warm, comic, and often hopeful. One of his most well-known movies is The Twilight Samurai, which was nominated for an Oscar.

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Japan: Kim Kardashian's latest product is a #KimOhNo

Kim Kardashian has abandoned plans to name her new shapewear brand 'Kimono Intimates' following a social media backlash. Even the mayor of Kyoto got involved, urging Kardashian to learn more about the traditional garment.

Thailand: Mariam the sea cow becomes an internet sensation

Ever seen a dugong? Now's your chance. Thailand's marine authorities plan to livestream the daily life of an orphaned sea cow they rescued after it became beached. Photos of baby Mariam being cuddled by her carers have gone viral.

World: Asian cities in the top 5 most expensive for expats

Four Asian cities have taken out the top spots in an annual ranking of the world's most expensive cities for expats. Hong Kong topped the list for the second year, followed by notoriously spendy spots Tokyo, Singapore, and Seoul.