Shenzhen: how a fishing village became the tech capital of the world
From special economic zone to innovation megacity: Shenzhen embodies China's tech revolution. Huaqiangbei, maker culture, startups and futuristic urbanism.
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China
Food7 min
Naicha: how bubble tea became a generational obsession in China
From Taiwanese milk tea to the naicha phenomenon in mainland China: Heytea, Nayuki, three-hour queues and the sociology of a drink turned lifestyle.
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China
Traditions9 min
Hanfu: the spectacular return of traditional Chinese clothing
The hanfu movement in China: how millions of young Chinese have revived Han traditional dress, between cultural pride, social media and the fashion industry.
Contemporary and traditional Japan. Language, animation, cinema, food, arts, society.
Japan
Pop Culture12 min
Visual novels: history of a genre
The full history of visual novels, from 1990s Japan to the global phenomenon. Origins, narrative mechanics, landmark works, and influence on gaming and animation.
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Japan
Food11 min
Ramune: the marble soda of Japan
The full history of ramune, Japan's iconic marble soda. Victorian origins, the Codd bottle, flavours, the opening ritual, and its enduring place in Japanese pop culture.
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Japan
Culture13 min
Yokai: The Supernatural Bestiary That Haunts Japan's Imagination
A complete guide to Japanese yokai: kitsune, tanuki, tengu, kappa, oni, and other supernatural creatures. Origins, cultural significance, from Toriyama Sekien to Pokemon and Ghibli.
South Korea and the peninsula. Language, cinema, series, music, food, society.
Korea
Society5 min
Suneung: The Day When Korea Holds Its Breath
The Suneung, South Korea's university entrance exam, is more than a test: it's a national event that determines destinies and reveals a society's obsessions.
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Korea
Society5 min
Hagwon: Inside Korea's Private Academy Phenomenon
Hagwon, the ubiquitous private academies in South Korea, shape the daily lives of millions of students. A deep dive into a parallel education system, between excellence and excess.
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Korea
Society5 min
Chaebols: The Family Empires That Rule South Korea
Samsung, Hyundai, LG, SK... Understanding the chaebols, these sprawling family conglomerates that shape the economy, politics, and daily life of South Korea.
