Letter from Nikkei Asia's editor: Eat, drink and travel -- Let us enhance your holidays
I'm sure many of our readers are also enjoying some well-earned time off, so this week I'd like to share some Nikkei Asia content that's perfect for your break.
First up is our Footloose series. Found under the Destinations category in the Life & Arts dropdown menu, this is a collection of unique travel guides designed to help you make the most of your visit to cities across Asia, from Taipei and Bangkok to Bengaluru and beyond. They're also handy for squeezing in a little exploration during business trips.
Another highlight is our Eat & Drink section, which showcases Asia's rich culinary culture -- spanning Tokyo sushi bars, Singapore cocktail lounges, fine dining and local street food experiences you won't find anywhere else. On weekends, Nikkei Asia's homepage takes on a more laid-back look, with a bigger selection of Life & Arts stories like these.
We're also expanding beyond text with podcasts and videos to better serve your wide variety of interests. Whether you're on the road, relaxing at home or daydreaming about your next trip, we invite you to explore everything Nikkei Asia has to offer this summer.
My suggested reads
1. Rocket Lab got its start in New Zealand back in 2006. Now based and listed in the U.S., it is one of the most active launch service providers in the world, with a particular presence in Japan, and founder Peter Beck has even bigger ambitions for Asia.
2. Bandai Namco gets a slice of the action of franchises ranging from One Piece to Anpanman, but none mean as much to the Japanese games and toys company as Gundam. Bandai's control over the giant robots has given it the freedom to try out things like a live-action Hollywood movie and a themed trading card game.
3. Singapore may be a heavyweight in forex, commodities and startups, but its stock market has long been seen as "safe and vanilla" by investors and analysts. Now the city-state is rolling out a plan to give the stock market the clout to match its status as a global financial hub, our reporters write.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend!
Akito Tanaka
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Japan Today
an hour ago
- Japan Today
Is Japan the best country to teach English? Here's how it compares
By Whitney Hubbell Teaching English is a popular and relatively easy way for English speakers to move to Japan and many other countries. However, not just any native English speaker is qualified to teach English. Japan has its own requirements for prospective English teachers, and the salary, lifestyle and career prospects are different from those in other countries. Still, Japan is often considered the best country to teach English. Experiences as an English teacher in Japan and elsewhere vary based on the position, but there are some general differences between teaching in Japan and elsewhere. Let's look at the differences between teaching English in Japan and other countries. Looking for English teaching jobs in Japan? Check out GaijinPot Jobs for listings all over the country. Teaching in Japan Teaching English in Japan can be a great way to live and work abroad, but there are a few key requirements you'll need to meet before landing a job and getting a visa. Requirements English teachers in Japan first need to obtain an 'Instructor' visa, which your employer will sponsor after you have found an English teaching job. There are some basic requirements to land a job teaching English in Japan. Applicants should generally: Be a native English speaker Hold a bachelor's degree Have a clean criminal record A TEFL certificate isn't required, but it can help you stand out—especially if you're not from a native English-speaking country. Many schools and eikaiwa in Japan do not require applicants to have an English teaching certificate, teaching experience, or Japanese speaking ability, though these will certainly help their chances of landing a good English teaching job and will likely raise their earning potential. Average Salary Most entry-level English teachers earn ¥250,000 to ¥290,000/month, with higher pay for licensed or experienced teachers. University and international school positions can exceed ¥400,000/month, while the JET Program offers a competitive salary and benefits. Cost of Living According to Japan's Statistics Bureau, the average cost of living for one person is around ¥166,773/month, though this varies widely by location and lifestyle. In Tokyo, realistic monthly costs are often closer to ¥200,000-¥250,000, while in rural areas (inaka), rent and overall expenses can be much lower. Participants in the JET Program often benefit from free or subsidized housing and reimbursed flights, making it one of the more affordable entry paths to life in Japan. Career Prospects Whether you plan to teach long-term or just use it as a starting point, it's possible to build a stable life and career in Japan. Some English teachers move on to higher-paying roles in universities, international schools or education management, though these usually require experience and additional qualifications. Others transition into fields like IT, manufacturing or translation, where there's strong demand for foreign workers —especially those with Japanese language skills. If you stay in Japan long enough, you can apply for permanent residency or even citizenship. But for anyone thinking long-term, learning Japanese isn't optional — it's essential for career growth, daily life, and dealing with bureaucracy. East Asia Shanghai, China Image: iStock Japan's closest neighbors have somewhat similar requirements for English teachers. Applicants must hold a bachelor's degree and have a clean criminal record, and they do not need to know their native language. With constant demand for English teachers and good salaries, English teachers can build careers in these countries. However, if you want to stay long-term, you should invest time in learning the local language. South Korea South Korea is a good option for those looking to save money. Free housing, paid flights and solid public healthcare are standard benefits. The lifestyle is fast-paced, especially in Seoul, but there's a strong expat community and lots of opportunities for travel and entertainment. Requirements To teach English in South Korea, you must obtain an E-2 teaching visa, which requires a bachelor's degree and a clean national-level criminal record. After that, specific requirements vary depending on whether you're applying to public schools or hagwons (private language schools). The EPIK program, funded by the Korean government, is the public school equivalent of Japan's JET Program. Salary and Cost of Living English teachers earn around 2 to 2.5 million KRW per month (roughly ¥220,000 to ¥275,000), and up to 2.8 million KRW (about ¥308,000) for those with experience. South Korea is considered affordable, and salaries are high enough to live comfortably—even in major cities like Seoul and Busan. Many teachers also receive free housing, flight reimbursement and national health insurance. China China offers some of the highest salaries in the region. While stricter visa rules and internet censorship can be hurdles, many teachers still find it rewarding. Requirements China has one of the highest demands for English teachers. Most schools require a TEFL certificate, and native English speakers from the U.S., Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa are preferred. However, qualified non-native speakers with fluent English and a TEFL certificate can also find opportunities. To teach legally, you'll need a Z visa (not an X visa, which is for students). Salary and Cost of Living Teachers earn about 9,000 to 19,000 RMB per month (approximately ¥189,000 to ¥399,000), depending on experience and location. The salary is usually enough to live comfortably, even in cities like Shanghai and Beijing. Many schools also offer flight and housing reimbursement, and some even provide free Mandarin lessons. Taiwan Taiwan is often described as a balance between Japan and China. It's modern, friendly, and relaxed, with subtropical weather and a lower cost of living. Requirements Most English teaching jobs in Taiwan prefer applicants from native English-speaking countries like the U.S., Canada, UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. A TEFL certificate is not required for a visa, but some schools, especially international schools, may require one or expect teaching experience. Your employer will help you obtain a work visa and Alien Resident Certificate (ARC). Salary and Cost of Living English teachers in Taiwan earn an average of TWD 65,000 to 75,000 per month (about ¥293,000 to ¥338,000). The pay is generally high compared to the cost of living, though prices in Taipei are higher than in other parts of the country. Some jobs may offer bonuses or paid vacation, but housing allowances are less common than in Korea or China. Southeast Asia Click here to read more. External Link © GaijinPot
Asahi Shimbun
13 hours ago
- Asahi Shimbun
Noted manga artist finally opens up about war experience
Having spent part of his childhood in northern China, manga maestro Tetsuya Chiba knew firsthand about the horrors of war and its aftermath. Yet, he ignored the subject for many years. 'I never thought my memory of war would become material for my manga,' said the creator of 'Ashita no Joe' (Tomorrow's Joe). 'War is nothing but sadness as well as ghastly and barbaric. I considered manga to be something that would energize the reader and allow them to lead a good life from tomorrow like the protagonist.' But Chiba, 86, now firmly believes that manga has the power to build peace. It took him decades to reach that point. For years after making his debut as a manga artist at age 17, Chiba did not dip into his wartime memories despite his experiences in what was then Manchuria. But his thinking changed around the mid-1960s when war manga became all the rage. 'All the works depicted the protagonist as a hero,' said Chiba, the first manga artist to be awarded the Order of Culture. 'They shot down enemy fighters, sank battleships and returned to base with a sense of fulfillment. That really caught me by surprise.' He recalled thinking that if children read violent manga, they would get the mistaken impression that war was cool. Between 1963 and 1965, he serialized 'Shiden Kai no Taka' (The hawk of Shiden Kai fighters). The protagonist, Jotaro Taki, was a pilot of the Shiden Kai fighter of the Imperial Japanese Navy. NEW REALISM What made Chiba's works stand out was the way he depicted not only the successes and heartaches encountered by the Japanese pilots, but also the American families who lost loved ones due to the bombings by the Japanese planes. He wanted to show that war is a tragedy for all sides. 'Even if I say I know about war, it was only a little since I was a child,' the artist said. Before drawing the manga, Chiba made a point of doing extensive research, visiting bases around Japan and reading the accounts of soldiers who survived as well as those who died while still young. He said it was a heartbreaking experience. When writing the war manga 'Shiden Kai no Taka,' Chiba decided the protagonist, Taki, needed to have a girlfriend as well as a mother he cherished dearly. 'I thought about what kind of life he would lead,' Chiba said. 'I thought he would likely become a good elementary school teacher. But it became difficult when I kept thinking about it, and there were nights when I could not get to sleep.' In the end, Taki is ordered on a suicide kamikaze mission. 'Even if he had a goal in life, he must perish by becoming a human bomb at the order of his superior, even if it was for the good of the nation,' Chiba said. Even after drawing that manga, Chiba never touched upon his own wartime experience. He remembered being thrown into the chaos of the war when it ended on Aug. 15, 1945, as local Chinese began rioting with the approach of Soviet forces. It was also bitterly cold. He felt close to death all the time. Chiba recalled playing with a friend only to find he had died during a sudden attack while right next to him and that flies had gathered over the body. He managed to board a ship taking Japanese home and noted that many passengers died on the voyage to Japan. The bodies were wrapped in cloth and dumped overboard. Those images remained etched in Chiba's mind, even when he was busy drawing several serialized manga simultaneously. The depiction in 'Ashita no Joe' of a boxer trying to make his weight before a fight coincided with Chiba's own feelings of hunger aboard the ship that brought him back to Japan. Childhood memories of the war returned when Chiba drew scenes for his manga about the Korean War. He said his experiences in Manchuria prior to returning to Japan gave him the footing to flourish as a manga artist. A Chinese friend of his father's allowed Chiba and his siblings to live secretly in an attic. Chiba came up with stories and drawings to entertain his younger brothers. 'That experience created the foundation for me as a manga artist,' Chiba said. 'I realized then that everything was connected. By that I mean during and after the war.' In his current serialization 'Hinemosunotari Nikki' (Diary at a languid pace), Chiba has drawn upon those war experiences. Due to failing eyesight, Chiba said he needed a magnifying glass to draw. With every deadline, he thought it might be the last manga he ever drew. But he took satisfaction in knowing that noted manga artists such as Shigeru Mizuki and Takashi Yanase drew well into their 90s. So, he reckons he has a few more years left. Chiba is also impressed by the works of younger manga artists who have created works based on the wartime experiences of their parents and grandparents. 'It is very difficult for those with no direct knowledge of war to research and draw in detail,' Chiba said. 'I am heartened and grateful that there are younger artists willing to take on that difficult task.' In his view, manga can contribute to a better world. 'If manga artists around the world drew works about what they thought about war, and if children who did not know about war read those manga, I am hopeful that when they grow up, they will share good ideas,' he said.
The Mainichi
16 hours ago
- The Mainichi
Air Canada suspends operations as flight attendants go on strike
TORONTO (AP) -- Air Canada suspended all operations as more than 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants went on strike early Saturday after a deadline to reach a deal passed, leaving travelers around the world stranded and scrambling during the peak summer travel season. Canadian Union of Public Employees spokesman Hugh Pouliot confirmed the strike has started after no deal was reached, and the airline said shortly after that it would halt operations. A bitter contract fight between Canada's largest airline and the union representing 10,000 of its flight attendants escalated Friday as the union turned down the airline's request to enter into government-directed arbitration, which would eliminate its right to strike and allow a third-party mediator to decide the terms of a new contract. Flight attendants walk off the job Flight attendants walked off the job around 1 a.m. EDT on Saturday. Around the same time, Air Canada said it would begin locking flight attendants out of airports. Federal Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu met with both the airline and union on Friday night and urged them to work harder to them to reach a deal "once and for all." "It is unacceptable that such little progress has been made. Canadians are counting on both parties to put forward their best efforts," Hajdu said in a statement posted on social media. Pouliot, the spokesman for the union, earlier said the union had a meeting with Hajdu and representatives from Air Canada earlier Friday evening. "CUPE has engaged with the mediator to relay our willingness to continue bargaining -- despite the fact that Air Canada has not countered our last two offers since Tuesday," he said in a email. "We're here to bargain a deal, not to go on strike." Travelers are in limbo A complete shutdown will impact about 130,000 people a day, and some 25,000 Canadians a day may be stranded abroad. Air Canada operates around 700 flights per day. Montreal resident Alex Laroche, 21, and his girlfriend had been saving since Christmas for their European vacation. Now their $8,000 trip with nonrefundable lodging is on the line as they wait to hear from Air Canada about the fate of their Saturday night flight to Nice, France. How long the airline's planes will be grounded remains to be seen, but Air Canada Chief Operating Officer Mark Nasr has said it could take up to a week to fully restart operations once a tentative deal is reached. Passengers whose travel is impacted will be eligible to request a full refund on the airline's website or mobile app, according to Air Canada. The airline said it would also offer alternative travel options through other Canadian and foreign airlines when possible. But it warned that it could not guarantee immediate rebooking because flights on other airlines are already full "due to the summer travel peak." Laroche said he considered booking new flights with a different carrier, but he said most of them are nearly full and cost more than double the $3,000 they paid for their original tickets. "At this point, it's just a waiting game," he said. Laroche said he was initially upset over the union's decision to go on strike, but that he had a change of heart after reading about the key issues at the center of the contract negotiations, including the issue of wages. "Their wage is barely livable," Laroche said. Sides say they're far apart on pay Air Canada and the Canadian Union of Public Employees have been in contract talks for about eight months, but they have yet to reach a tentative deal. Both sides say they remain far apart on the issue of pay and the unpaid work flight attendants do when planes aren't in the air. The airline's latest offer included a 38% increase in total compensation, including benefits and pensions over four years, that it said "would have made our flight attendants the best compensated in Canada." But the union pushed back, saying the proposed 8% raise in the first year didn't go far enough because of inflation.
