Japan

Tourism arrivals are hitting a new record for the second month in a row. In fact, the summer travel season may be headed toward unprecedented numbers. But this is not a story about Hawaiʻi — it's about Japan. HPR's Bill Dorman has more in today's Asia Minute.

The last several weekdays have been a volatile period for financial markets around the world. But some markets have been affected more than others — and that includes in the Asia Pacific. HPR's Bill Dorman has more in today's Asia Minute.

In many parts of the world, it's been a hotter season than usual. That's definitely the case in Northeast Asia, where people in South Korea and Japan make different choices when it comes to what to eat in hot weather. HPR's Bill Dorman has more in today's Asia Minute.

Operations at Hilo International Airport were halted when security screeners spotted two items that looked like grenades in a bag belonging to a man from Japan. Police say officers evacuated the terminal area Tuesday morning.

Tokyo's governor won re-election this weekend in a race that turned out a bit differently than the polls suggested — and it's leaving some uncertainty about a different election coming soon in Japan. HPR's Bill Dorman has more in today's Asia Minute.

Later this summer, mayoral races will be on the primary ballot for voters on Oʻahu and in Hawaiʻi County. But across the Pacific, another race for mayor is drawing more immediate attention. HPR's Bill Dorman has more in today's Asia Minute.

Auto safety is getting a closer look this week in a surprising place. A growing scandal in Japan involves some of the world's biggest automakers and reports of false information used in safety tests. HPR's Bill Dorman has more in today's Asia Minute.

Late last week, China staged a series of military drills in the skies and waters around Taiwan. Earlier this month, the United States led extensive exercises with the Philippines and other allies and partners. And more military exercises are coming soon in the Pacific — including some touching Hawaiʻi.

You may not know that the creative duo behind the popular new miniseries "Shōgun" has Hawaiʻi ties. Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo said most of their lives for the last five years have centered on creating the historic drama, especially regarding accuracy and authenticity. They spoke to The Conversation's Russell Subiono about bringing the epic novel to the screen.

Defense chiefs from Australia, Japan, the Philippines and the United States have vowed to deepen their cooperation as they gather in Hawaiʻi for their second-ever joint meeting amid concerns about China’s operations in the South China Sea.