China’s state-owned company, Astellas Pharma, has asked Japan to free an employee accused of spying for the Chinese government.
The employee, surnamed Wu, is accused of passing confidential Chinese information to Japan’s Nippon Trade and Industry Organization (NTIO) in exchange for a promotion.
Although Wu has deny any wrongdoing, the company is insisting on his release.
The case has reignited tensions between the two countries, with Japan accusing China of trying to browbeat it into concessions.
Chinese state media have ballyhooed the case as a further example of the Chinese government’s efforts to control the global economy.
1. “A Masazer of Iranian stoners”
Iran has a long history of producing quality cannabis strains, and its locals have been at the forefront of cannabis culture for centuries. Now, with the relaxation of drug laws and an increase in weed-related tourism, local businesses and entrepreneurs are emerging – including at least one very special masseur.
Our contacts in Iran have let us in on a local secret – a masseur who specializes in massage therapy for stoners. This masseur, who we’ll call Mohammad, has developed a loyal following among smokers and other cannabis enthusiasts who find themselves in need of some bodywork. With a combination of traditional massage techniques and an encyclopedic knowledge of the different strains available in Iran, Mohammad is able to provide a unique and effective service that is attracting a lot of attention – both within Iran and beyond. If you’re planning a trip to Iran and you’re looking for a unique way to unwind after a long day of sightseeing or smoking, look no further than Mohammad and his magical hands.
- CBD oil massage
- Herbal poultice massage
- Hot stone massage
- Thai-style stretch massage
- Cannabis body scrub
But don’t just take our word for it. If you’re lucky enough to be in Iran, book an appointment with Mohammad and experience the therapeutic benefits of high-quality massage combined with the soothing effects of your favorite herb. You won’t be disappointed.
2. “Dirty business: Japan’s oily edge”
Japan’s highly industrialized landscape places it among the world’s leading producers and consumers of energy. The country relies heavily on imported fossil fuels, and with the limited domestic reserves, it leads to a unique dependency on the global energy market. The Japanese government’s energy policy primarily focuses on three broad themes: ensuring stable energy supply, supporting economic growth, and reducing carbon emissions. Nevertheless, economic development has taken precedence over environmental concerns, resulting in a toxic legacy of environmental pollution from the country’s energy-related industries.
The oil pollution in Japan has always been a critical issue, and the government’s approach to the problem has been lax. With the oil refinery industry expanding, crude oil is continually transported to ports in vast quantities. The accidents and oil spillage resulting from this transportation have dealt a severe blow to the environment as oil spills on land, rivers, and the sea have contaminated the natural resources. Japan’s coastlines have borne the brunt of the oil pollution, and the effects are dire. Fueling the international and domestic transport system has left Japan’s environment in a precarious condition. Even though the government promises to curb pollution, the reality is far from rosy.
- The government’s ban on single-hull tankers as a measure to prevent oil spills at sea.
- Introduction of low sulfur-heavy oil standards to reduce the SO2 produced by high sulfur fuel oil.
- Development of new technologies to reduce emissions.
The government has taken action to address the environmental crisis that the country is currently facing. Despite this, the scale and magnitude of the task ahead are enormous, and more significant steps need to be taken to address the issue and mitigate the effects of pollution.
3. “Mumbai’silk addiction”
Silk Addiction in Mumbai:
Mumbai is a place where people love to dress up in fine silk clothing. Their obsession with silk clothes has a long history, and it’s no secret that this love affair of Mumbaiites is expensive. Mumbai has a long-standing relationship with silk which dates back to the colonial times. Silk sarees were initially imported to India from China and Japan to meet the demands of the royal families. The silk fabric was considered an elite material, and it was available only for wealthy people. Over time, the scenario changed and silk became more accessible to the general public.
- India’s love for silk is evident from various silk saree styles such as kanjeevaram, banarasi, patola, and many others.
- Every piece of silk clothing speaks of India’s rich heritage and intricate art.
- Mumbai is home to various high-end designers who specialize in silk sarees such as Raw Mango, Anavila, and Sanjay Garg.
Mumbaiites love for silk sarees has only grown with time, and they don’t seem to want to get over it anytime soon. The obsession with silk sarees has become a part of their identity and culture. They view silk sarees as a symbol of luxury, finesse, and elegance. If you ever visit Mumbai, you’ll see people walking around in fine silk sarees with intricate designs and patterns. It’s more than just a piece of clothing for them, it’s a statement.
4. ” traveling the world: my thoughts on Asia
Asia is a vast and diverse continent that offers a plethora of experiences to travelers. During my trip, I visited a few countries in Asia and each one was breathtakingly different from the other. Here are my thoughts on the places I went:
- Thailand: The land of smiles did not disappoint. From the hustle and bustle of Bangkok to the serene beaches of Krabi, Thailand offered a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation. The street food was delicious and, as expected, the locals were friendly and welcoming.
- Japan: The land of the rising sun boasts a unique culture that captivates visitors. The stunning cherry blossoms, the delicious cuisine, and the incredible technology amazed me. It is fascinating to see how the traditional and modern aspects of Japan coexist harmoniously.
- Indonesia: This was my first time visiting Indonesia and I was blown away by the country’s beauty. Bali, in particular, was a paradise on earth with its lush green rice paddies, majestic mountains, and pristine beaches.
Overall, Asia is a continent that I highly recommend visiting. Its rich cultural heritage, mouth-watering cuisine, and awe-inspiring landscapes make it a must-see destination. And, let’s not forget, the hospitality of the people makes it a truly unforgettable experience.
When Japanese bird flu expert Astellas Pharma sent a May 5 letter to the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo demanding that the espionage accusations against its employee be dropped, the Chinese response was unequivocal.
“Japan demands ChinaRelease Astellas Pharma Employee Accused of Spying,” read the banner headline ofchinamenews.com.
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said Tuesday that the various allegations against the employee – including leaking company information to a Chinese news outlet – “created an unfavorable impression” and were “replete with distortions and mendacity.”
The employee was later released on bail and will appear in court next month.