The success of artists like Yoasobi and Fujii Kaze has prompted the government to approve a bill that also recognises royalties for singers, musicians, and producers. This change aligns Tokyo with international standards and could generate billions of yen for artists. Concerns remain about the costs to venues, while a three-year preparatory phase is planned.
Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te responded to US President Donald Trump's statement that he is “not looking to have somebody go independent”, made after the summit with Xi Jinping in Beijing. Concerns are growing in Taiwan about Washington’s possible "transactional" approach, with Beijing leveraging these concerns to promote political reunification.
The activist is currently held at a detention centre over her visa. The UNHCR office in the Thai capital had granted her protection status. Hong Kong authorities accuse her of "subversion" under the territory’s national security law. Her "crime" is membership in the Hong Kong Parliament group of exiles.
The Seoul Welfare Foundation is launching a digital transformation programme in six facilities, introducing artificial intelligence and robotic assistance to reduce staff workload and improve elderly safety. The initiative is part of South Korea's broader effort to address its aging population and growing shortage of caregivers.
Malaysian activists criticise what they describe as the country’s “selective” approach to humanitarian issues. Support for Muslims in the Middle East is counterbalanced by silence regarding violations committed in Myanmar and by China. The call to maintain “moral consistency” in the fight for causes and freedoms.
In a joint appeal, the bishops of Nagasaki, Hiroshima, Seattle, and Santa Fe talk about the fate of the treaty, which they see as “frayed” and at risk of collapse. While the UN review conference is currently underway, the world seems to be moving in the opposite direction. The prelate speak out against the lack of commitment to disarmament. Citing Leo XIV, they say that deterrence “is based on the irrationality of relations between nations.”