Japan PM Takaichi’s tote bag sparks buzz, 9-month waiting list as orders surge after it goes viral
The prime minister’s favored bag is the Grace Delight Tote (US$876), the top-selling model from 145-year-old bag manufacturer Hamano Inc. in Tokyo.
Fly before the baby comes: Behind the ‘babymoon’ craze in South Korea
Expectant couples hit the road for belly shots and more, but experts warn of potential risks.
Storm in a tumbler: A missing cup sparks debates about empathy in Indonesia
A commuter's missing Tuku tumbler, worth US$13.50, from a cooler bag on a Jakarta train sparked a social media storm after she blamed a station officer for the loss.
Bookstore inside 326-meter sinkhole in China becomes viral landmark
At night, lights illuminate more than 10,000 books arranged along the cliff, creating what operators refer to as a "knowledge canyon."
Tourism minister admits Thai YouTuber’s shirtless dance in Japan harms Thailand’s image
Thai YouTuber Jack Papho sparked a backlash after he filmed himself climbing onto the roof of a parked car, taking off his shirt, and dancing in front of a Lawson convenience…
Gen Z picks Zeta: Korean chatbot overtakes ChatGPT
The Seoul-based startup leads AI race with customisable virtual personas.
‘Epok-epok’ nation: When Indonesian politics turns into live streaming
A microphone caught "epok-epok keliling" during a Surabaya mayor's livestream, sparking debate about political staging and authenticity. The Javanese phrase means “pretending”…
How a car karaoke video transformed a Filipino single mother’s life
In the video, Ryssi Avila’s hair is down, her makeup minimal, and her expression calm. Sitting in her car, she softly sings “Come What May” by Air Supply. In February 2023,…
How banana pudding started trending in Singapore
Banana pudding – famous for its unadulterated layers of cream, sugar, and general decadence – has somehow found purchase among Singapore's community of self-professed…
Compact digital cameras snapping back to popularity in Japan
In addition to their high degree of user-friendliness, aspects of compact digital cameras, such as how easily inventive pictures can be taken for posting on social media, are…