The price of rice in Japan has more than doubled since 2024, while in neighbouring South Korea the grain is practically being given away for free. Teresa Tang speaks to correspondents Michiyo Ishida and Lim Yun Suk about what's behind the disparity.

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Food vendors are a fixture on the streets of the Thai capital, often crowding pedestrian pathways. Officials now want to tidy things up by moving the stands to central, open-air food courts. But not everyone agrees with the idea. Teresa Tang speaks to CNA correspondent Jack Board to find out why.

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Journeys that once took hours now take only half the time. Bullet trains and high-tech infrastructure have changed the way we think about time and distance. And the evolution continues, as Beijing and Tokyo move forward with their visions of the future. CNA's Tan Si Hui and Michiyo Ishida join Teresa Tang in this episode.

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Busan is South Korea's second-largest city and biggest port. But despite its reputation as a vibrant metropolis, it's facing the threat of extinction. As the population ages and young people leave for better opportunities, city officials are doing all they can to prevent it from turning into a ghost town. CNA's Lim Yun Suk sits down with Teresa Tang in this episode.

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Tensions, absences and quiet chats at Asia’s premier security summit. The US sent Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth but China left its defence minister at home for this year’s summit.

CNA’s Olivia Siong and Leong Wai Kit tell Arnold Gay whether Dong Jun’s absence affected Beijing’s messaging and why the summit is similar to speed dating, with defence officials meeting and mingling to seal alliances and agreements.

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Host Canada and world leaders put on a brave face after US President Donald Trump left the G7 Summit early to attend to the Israel-Iran conflict. But his premature departure leaves questions on tariffs, Ukraine and NATO unanswered. Nick Harper explains what happens next.

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The definition of "pet" has taken on a whole new meaning in China with some youths adopting mango seeds and even jars of yeast for companionship. It’s an unconventional pastime aimed at helping to cope with societal pressures and loneliness. CNA's Melody Chan speaks to Teresa Tang about the trend.

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Millions of migrants leave their native countries each year in search of opportunity. But the psychological and social price is immense. Teresa Tang speaks with CNA's Nivell Rayda about the challenges facing migrant workers in Southeast Asia.

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