Lifestyle & Culture
Singapore Swifties, enchanted after Eras Tour, turn to Taylor Sheesh for solace
Filipino Mac Coronel has been impersonating the US superstar since 2017 and performed for a 600-strong audience on the weekend.
In Gaza at Ramadan, starvation adds to deaths amid Israel-Hamas truce impasse
With ceasefire talks stalled, fears are growing that events will ‘spiral out of control’ in Gaza, where deaths from malnutrition and dehydration are adding to the tens of thousands of Palestinians killed by Israel’s months-long bombardment.
South Korean rights groups slam adult festival featuring Japanese porn stars
A 2017 government report showing more than half of South Korean men had paid for sex at least once in their lives, despite the nation’s anti-prostitution law.
Sakura bye bye? Popular Japan cherry blossom variety facing extinction
The news about the Somei-Yoshino variety from Japan’s weather agency comes as it releases its forecasts for the annual cherry blossoms.
More Japanese men resist buying White Day gifts: ‘it doesn’t mean anything’
Consumer disenchantment over ‘manufactured’ occasions designed to encourage spending and rising cost of chocolates and treats are putting people off gift-buying.
One and done: why more Singapore couples are saying ‘no thanks’ to big families
The trend means couples can ‘experience parenthood’ while maintaining a preferred lifestyle that includes work-life balance, holidays and date nights.
Cat falls into toxic chemical tank in Japan and escapes, sparking health scare
The cat was captured on security cameras entering the Nomura Plating factory, and could have climbed onto a sheet covering a tank of hexavalent chromium before falling in.
Urban sketchers showcase beauty of India’s cityscapes, 1 drawing at a time
The Urban Sketchers movement, started in 2007 in Seattle, has drawn a strong following in India, with more than 20 chapters across the country.
Japan’s Osaka weighs new visitor tax in bid to boost tourism sector
Osaka currently imposes an accommodation tax and plans to set up a panel to consider the new levy, which could be introduced in 2025.
How Asian women are challenging bias to carve out entrepreneurial success
Funding woes, work-life balance and prejudice remain hurdles for women entrepreneurs, who say having supportive business partners and spouses can be half the battle won.
Swiss man kicks Thai doctor on ‘his’ Phuket stairs; tourists flock to spot
Urs David Fehr was charged after he allegedly kicked Thandao Chandam and her friend, who were sitting outside a villa rented by him.
Rape of Spanish tourist sparks debate on prevalence of sexual violence in India
Women have come forth to share their experiences of rape and harassment in India, denouncing the culture they say continues to allow it.
Kyoto to ban visitors from geisha district area over ‘out-of-control’ incidents
Such incidents in Gion include tourists pulling kimonos worn by the geisha and forcing the traditional entertainers to pose for photos.
Singapore PM Lee shakes off Asean neighbours’ complaints over Taylor Swift deal
Lee Hsien Loong on Tuesday defended Singapore paying the US pop star to make his country the sole Southeast Asian stop on her world tour, following complaints from neighbouring nations about the deal.
As English skills decline in Philippines, will ban on media dubs fix the issue?
Philippine educators say more needs to be done as having strong English language skills is key to the country’s economic competitiveness.
‘MH370 isn’t history’ 10 years on, Nepalis fighting for Russia: 6 weekend reads
From Malaysia seeking a new search for the missing MH370 jet to Hong Kong’s cooked-food centres, here are stories you may have missed over the weekend.
Is chess India’s new cricket? Young talent dominates game amid popularity surge
Srihari Lakshminarasimhan is among a young crop of aspirants in India dominating the thriving chess landscape in recent years.
Across Asia, a new class of childless-by-choice couples emerges: meet the DINKs
Their reasons vary – and it’s not always to do with finances. But societal stigma persists, even in a world that’s increasingly overpopulated.
As ‘sushi terrorism’ grows, more Japanese firms scramble to protect themselves
Such incidents in Japan, ranging from staff wiping fingers in pizza dough to customers licking tea cups, have gone viral in the past year.
‘We need Swiftonomics’: Indonesia eyes hosting mega stars to boost tourism
Indonesia has the potential and infrastructure to host major events, but experts say logistics and organisation are still issues that need to be ‘ironed out’.