From Red to Gold in the Philippines
Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz is being revered as the Philippines’ first Olympic gold medalist, but it has only been two years since she found her name “red-tagged,” or blacklisted, by the Duterte regime.
Tag Archives: Covid
Anti-Vax Olympians Sending Unwelcome Message
For most of the world, the Olympic Games serve as a point for celebration and national unity. This time, however, many Japanese are gripped by worries about how the Games may serve to intensify the pandemic, and the fact that some of these athletes are promoting anti-vaccination ideology only deepens these concerns.
Visible Minorities: The Tokyo Olympics Trap
On the eve of the Tokyo Olympics, let’s talk about the mess, both its impact on our minorities and the International Olympic Committee’s responsibility for scamming Japan.
Hunger Killing More People Than Covid
As many as eleven people around the world are dying of hunger and malnutrition every minute—outpacing Covid deaths—according to a report published Friday by the international charity Oxfam.
Bicycle Delivery Service Workers Left Out In the Cold
While bicycle delivery services have become an integral part of Japan’s human infrastructure amidst the Covid pandemic, Japan’s estimated 90,000 bicycle delivery workers have been left with few labor protections while performing a sometimes dangerous job.
Japan Poised to Benefit From Restoration of Iran Nuclear Deal
Even during the Trump administration, when the United States withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal and reimposed sanctions, Japan has maintained cordial relations with the Persian Gulf nation. Should the nuclear agreement be reestablished in the coming weeks or months, Japanese firms are particularly well-positioned for investments and other economic links in the new era.
The Gender of Japanese Poverty
Japan is increasingly struggling with income inequality and poverty, but the burden is not shared equally between the genders; impoverished women suffer the most.
European Union Sets Standard for Vaccination Passports
The European Union (EU) is preparing to launch its own vaccination passport system on July 1, while many other nations are considering similar initiatives.
Playful Pup Prevents Pandemic Panic
Taiwan’s pandemic success is faltering, but the Health Ministry’s spokesdog can do no wrong.
Cash Incentives for Covid Tests
The government of Victoria, Australia, is offering a cash incentive of A$450 (US$348) for workers who undergo Covid testing. With my health and the money in mind, I went to get tested under this program.
