China's third plenum kicks off: 5 things to know
SHANGHAI -- China's top Communist Party officials are gathering in Beijing for a meeting known as the third plenum, from Monday to Thursday.
Nikkei staff writer in asian news
U.S. VP Harris struggles to impress Asian American voters
PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania -- U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris sought to galvanize Asian American voters on Saturday to build support for President Joe Biden, amid growing doubts over the leader's re-election bid.
Toto, Panasonic highlight color toilet options with eye on design
OSAKA -- Japanese toilet makers like Toto, Panasonic and Lixil are focusing on models in colors other than white as consumers spend more time at home since the pandemic and reconsider what makes a comfortable space.
Singapore startup's stores and apps connect world's music fans
SINGAPORE -- The new Swee Lee music store in Singapore's Clarke Quay entertainment district is popular with young people and families on weekends. In addition to selling musical instruments and equipment plus fashion items, it also offers a cafe space where customers can enjoy coffee while playing guitar or listening to vinyl records of their choice.
Philippines-Japan troop pact 'launchpad' for more defense ties
MANILA -- The newly signed agreement allowing Japanese troops to visit the Philippines for joint drills and training is seen as a potential launchpad to develop a robust security partnership between the two countries, as tensions in the South China Sea, most of which is claimed by China, continue to simmer.
Wikipedia's Jimmy Wales warns of addictive nature of social media
TOKYO -- Wikipedia has become an essential online tool but as misinformation spreads rampantly on the internet, its founder Jimmy Wales tells Nikkei about the challenges the 23-year-old nonprofit encyclopedia faces in building a platform for the distribution of accurate information.
Vietnam auto sales slump as government weighs latest fee cut
HANOI -- As auto sales in Vietnam continue to fall, the government is once again moving to cut part of the cost of buying a car.
South Koreans head to Japan in record numbers, drawn by weak yen
SEOUL -- South Korean tourists are pouring into Japan in record numbers as a weak Japanese currency offers bargains and improved bilateral ties makes the country an attractive destination again.