It’s been nearly a year since a deadly tsunami swept over northern Japan. While residents in parts of the north are rebuilding, the overall recovery plan includes a role for alternative energy. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

Several hundred visitors to Hawaii had an unexpected change in travel plans last week when an Australian budget airline suddenly collapsed. But what happened to Air Australia---and what does that mean for Hawaii’s visitor market? HPR’s Bill Dorman has some answers in today’s Asia Minute.

The Academy Awards will be presented this coming weekend in Hollywood. And as The Descendants and other films compete for Oscars, there’s word they should soon have some wider exposure---in China. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

Hawaii’s biggest-spending visitors will be getting some help from the U.S. government next week. U.S. embassy officials in China are starting a program aimed at streamlining the visa process for tourists. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.

Global art auction sales set a new record last year --- $11.5 billion. And for the second year in a row, China led the way. But a number of other Asian markets showed dramatic growth, along with an increasing number of millionaires. HPR’s Bill Dorman has more in today’s Asia Minute.