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Belarusian Leader in Pyongyang as Lukashenko and Kim Jong Un Seal New Pact
16 days ago•Source: France 24
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Takaichi Leaves DC With a Tightrope Walk Between US Alliance, China, and Iran War
Japanese PM Sanae Takaichi’s DC visit with Trump blended warmth with strategy: she sought reassurances on the US-Japan security‑economic partnership while navigating Tokyo’s limits and China tensions, and Trump pressed for Japan’s help in the Hormuz crisis. With widespread domestic opposition to any Iran war and Japan’s legal constraints, deployment is unlikely, pushing Tokyo toward diplomacy. The piece argues she should push for a quicker end to the Iran conflict and pursue proactive engagement with China (including Taiwan policy clarity) ahead of the 2026 APEC summit to elevate Japan’s global stature without triggering an arms race.
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Japan to deploy missiles on Yonaguni by 2031 amid Taiwan security tensions
The Guardian•1 month ago
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Kim Jong Un Extends Grip as North Korea Re-Elects Party General Secretary
France 24•1 month ago
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Kim Jong Un Re-Elected NK Party General Secretary as Nuclear Deterrence Strengthens
North Korea's ruling Workers' Party re-elected Kim Jong Un as general secretary during its congress, praising him for boosting the country's prestige and strengthening its military with nuclear deterrence, while electing Central Committee members and revising party rules with details not disclosed.
Sons of Imran Khan press for visas to visit jailed father amid health concerns
Imran Khan's sons Kasim and Sulaiman, based in London, say their father’s health in a Pakistani jail is deteriorating and have applied for visas to visit him, though no approvals have come. Khan’s lawyers have alleged significant vision loss in his right eye, while a medical board said swelling eased and vision improved. The brothers, who last saw him in late 2022 after living in Britain, urge authorities to grant access to medical care, while Pakistan says procedures are underway and rejects neglect claims; the Supreme Court has asked for treatment details.
China kicks off Lunar New Year travel rush as nine-day holiday begins
China’s 40‑day Spring Festival travel rush began on Monday ahead of an extended Lunar New Year holiday from February 15–23, the longest break in years. The government expects a record 9.5 billion passenger trips during the period, surpassing last year’s 9.02 billion, as consumers balance spending with economic caution. Domestic bookings are strong (Flight Master data shows about 4.13 million flights booked by mid‑January, up ~21% year‑over‑year), with outbound travel focused on Southeast Asia (Thailand among the top destinations) while routes to Japan have fallen by more than 40% after a recent spat. Internally, heritage towns like Huangshan, Jingdezhen, Quanzhou, Foshan, and Zigong are popular, and ticket prices can be volatile with early purchases advised.
Kim Signals Expanded Nuclear Deterrent Ahead of Party Congress
North Korea’s Kim Jong Un said the Workers’ Party congress will unveil next-stage plans to strengthen the country’s nuclear deterrent, following a test of a large-caliber rocket system; Seoul and Tokyo condemned the missiles as Pyongyang defies UN bans, with the congress date not yet announced.
Philippines ferry tragedy: 18 dead, 24 still missing after sinking off Mindanao
Eighteen people died and about 24 remain missing after the MV Trisha Kerstin 3 ferry, carrying more than 350 aboard, sank off the southern coast of the Philippines while en route from Mindanao to Jolo. Some 317 passengers and crew were rescued, and authorities are investigating the cause amid rough seas and concerns about maintenance and overloading, a recurring factor in Philippine ferry disasters.
Takaichi's popularity falters as Japan heads to snap election
Polls show Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's approval slipping ahead of the February 8 snap election, with Nikkei at 67% (down from 75%), Kyodo 63% and Mainichi 57%. Analysts say concerns over her stimulus plan, debt-financed budget and perceived political opportunism have weakened the LDP's grip, especially after losing Komeito support, making the vote highly unpredictable and hinging on whether her personal popularity can translate into party strength.
Two Australia Day narratives: Indigenous rallies and anti-immigration protests
Thousands marked Australia Day with Indigenous-led “Invasion Day” rallies calling for unity, land rights and accountability for police matters, while separate anti-immigration protests drew hundreds; Prime Minister Albanese urged unity as the nation debates the date amid high immigration and cost-of-living pressures, with public opinion split on keeping the traditional date.
Philippines ferry disaster: death toll rises to 15, hundreds rescued
The passenger ferry MV Trisha Kerstin 3 capsized early Monday in southern Philippines en route to Jolo from Zamboanga; at least 15 people died and 316 were rescued, with 28 still missing, as search-and-rescue operations – aided by military aircraft and ships – continue and authorities investigate the cause and cross-check passenger manifests amid ongoing maritime-safety concerns.
Bangladesh Shuts Universities Amid Deadly Job Quota Protests
Bangladesh has deployed a paramilitary force to quell violent student protests over government job quotas, which have resulted in at least five deaths and hundreds of injuries. The protests, originating from the University of Dhaka, have spread nationwide, leading to school closures and partial social media blackouts.
"The Cultural Significance of Japan's Iconic School Bags"
In Japan, cultural norms and peer pressure play a significant role in societal behavior, exemplified by the widespread use of the randoseru backpack among schoolchildren. This tradition, not mandated by any authority, reflects the deep-rooted cultural expectations that help maintain social order and cohesion.