Japan

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.

On Friday, the largest regional command in the United States will get a new leader in Hawaiʻi. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is already in Hawaiʻi for that ceremony and some unusual meetings. HPR's Bill Dorman has more in today's Asia Minute.

The Japanese town of Fujikawaguchiko has had enough of tourists. Known for a number of scenic photo spots that offer a near-perfect shot of iconic Mount Fuji, the town on Tuesday began constructing a large black screen on a stretch of a sidewalk to block the view of the mountain.

To mark the occasion, students are performing "The Maiden Benten and the Bandits of the White Waves," a popular Kabuki production that centers on a band of five thieves based on real criminals from Japan's Edo period.

Tourism is hitting another record this spring — not in Hawaiʻi — but on the other side of the Pacific. HPR's Bill Dorman has more in today's Asia Minute.

The U.S. Army is introducing a joint battlefield training in the Philippines to improve combat readiness including by ensuring adequate supply of ammunition and other needs in difficult conditions in tropical jungles and on scattered islands.

This week, a high-profile Japanese visitor will be spending time in Washington, D.C. On Thursday, he'll become the second Japanese leader to address a joint session of Congress. HPR's Bill Dorman has more in today's Asia Minute.