Asia

Washington, D.C., is getting help replacing some of its much loved cherry trees

7:43am April 11, 2024

Japan is donating 250 trees to replace the ones being removed due to a seawall repair project around the Tidal Basin. Washington's first cherry trees were also gifts from Japan — planted in 1912.

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How can the U.S. counter China's expanding influence in Asia? Court its neighbors

5:06am April 11, 2024

President Biden is hosting a meeting with the leaders of Japan and the Philippines. It's an effort by the U.S. to build a network of alliances in the region, partly to compete with China.

Education

Morning news brief

5:06am April 11, 2024

President Biden hosts the leaders of Japan and the Philippines. EU lawmakers approve overhaul of the bloc's migration laws. High school seniors aren't filling out a federal student aid application.

Marines of the 12th Marine Littoral Regiment practice with .50-caliber machine guns on a firing range on Okinawa.

World News

Okinawa feels impact of U.S. and Japan military shifts

10:56am April 10, 2024

by Anthony Kuhn

Okinawa, which sits closer to China than to Japan's main islands, is the focus of U.S. and Japanese efforts to beef up defenses in Japan's southwest islands.

All eyes were on Yellen during China trip. People noticed she's good with chopsticks

8:23am April 10, 2024

by Emily Feng

U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen wrapped up a trip to China to mend bilateral ties, but Chinese citizens cared far more about what she ate — and how.

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President Biden hosts Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida for a state visit

5:16am April 10, 2024

They'll discuss how to deepen cooperation on global security issues, including on China. Shared interests may be overshadowed by a crack in the economic relationship — a takeover bid for U.S. Steel.

Morning news brief

5:16am April 10, 2024

Arizona Supreme Court allows a near-total abortion ban to take effect soon. EPA limits the amount of PFAS in drinking water. President Biden will welcome Japan's prime minister to the White House.

Women are shown at a rally to celebrate International Women's Day on March 8, 2024 in Seoul, South Korea. Participants of the rally advocated for a society free from institutional discrimination, one where women can enjoy equal rights with men.

World News

Elections reveal a growing gender divide across South Korea

3:33am April 10, 2024

by Se Eun Gong

While many other developed countries are observing a similar phenomenon, experts say South Korea's fast social development and politicization of gender issues make its case particularly intense.

Okinawa's peace movement struggles as military presence on the islands grows

4:55pm April 09, 2024

by Anthony Kuhn

As the U.S. and Japan tighten their alliance and strengthen their military presence in the country's southwest Okinawan islands near China, Okinawa's long-running peace movement is in difficulty.

How Indonesia's revolution paved the way for decolonization worldwide

4:55pm April 09, 2024

NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks with David Van Reybrouck about Revolusi, his new book about how Indonesia gained independence and paved the way for the global decolonization movement.

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