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.

If you start your mornings with coffee—or even if you don’t—you may have an opinion about Starbucks. The coffee chain tends to generate strong feelings—both among fans and detractors. But love it or hate it, Starbucks latest expansion is opening up in a new corner of Asia. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

Before President Obama left Hawaii this past weekend, he signed a wide-ranging bill into law called the Defense Authorization Act. One of the provisions of the law concerns sensitive export technology—and it’s already sparked a reaction from China. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute…