As Hawaii’s legislature begins its 2013 session later today, lawmakers are preparing to introduce a number of bills. It’s a similar story on a national scale in South Korea, where a new parliament is considering several new measures. One early focus is the status of women in Korean companies. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

The air pollution in Beijing has gotten so bad in recent days that it’s dominating the news in all official Chinese media. The state-run China Daily says production has been suspended at nearly 60 factories, and residents are still being warned not to spend too much time outside. HPR’s Bill Dorman has details in today’s Asia Minute.

A high-level U.S. government delegation is traveling to Japan and South Korea this week. The trip follows recent elections in both countries—and marks an opportunity to improve what’s become a difficult relationship. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

Honolulu’s city council has a number of items to take up in its new session. One is a proposed ban on smoking at certain beaches. While smoking restrictions have become common here, some parts of Asia have been slower to adjust. Now that’s starting to change. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

There are new economic developments this week for one of Hawaii’s most important sources of tourism. Japan’s Prime Minister is expected to announce details of a new expanded budget package tomorrow. And the spending is not just aimed at improving the domestic economy. HPR’s Bill Dorman explains in today’s Asia Minute.