lae astra
Self - Narrator (voice)
Asia Insight (2012)
Season 14
An in-depth portrait of Asia today, covering its dynamism as a center of growth as well as its traditions tossed around by the advance of globalization.
Released April 6, 2012
Episode 28 min
10+
S14E1 - From the Rubble to the Stage: Hualien County Taiwan
The indigenous Taroko people are taking the stage to perform traditional songs and dances to entice visitors back to their famed Taroko Gorge after being impacted by a major earthquake in April 2024.
Jan. 3, 2025, midnight
S14E2 - Ethnic Minorities Leading the Coffee Rush: Yunnan, China
As the coffee market in China rapidly grows, ethnic minorities in Yunnan Province, which makes 98% of all Chinese coffee, are developing a unique specialty coffee brand using their local customs.
Jan. 24, 2025, midnight
S14E3 - Consequences of the Canal: Cambodia
Cambodia has set out to build a historic new canal. While some have high hopes of business opportunities and economic stimulation, concerns remain about the displacement of around 1.6 million people.
Jan. 31, 2025, midnight
S14E4 - Chinese Women Falling for Virtual Romance
Recently popular in China are "otome games" allowing female gamers to experience romance with male characters. Services providing costumed dates have emerged as a related business for fans.
Feb. 7, 2025, midnight
S14E5 - Searching for "Stolen Children": East Timor
During Indonesia's occupation of East Timor, thousands of children were separated from their families and taken to Indonesia. One project seeks to reunite these "Stolen Children."
Feb. 14, 2025, midnight
S14E6 - Women Entrepreneurs on the Rise: Cambodia
Cambodia has witnessed remarkable economic growth, and women are on track to be the next driving force. With government support, more women are opting to launch their own businesses.
Feb. 21, 2025, midnight
S14E7 - Women Forbidden from Divorce: The Philippines
Divorce is illegal in the largely Catholic Philippines, but as a bill for legalization is to be deliberated by the senate, women enduring domestic violence advocate the controversial bill.
Feb. 28, 2025, midnight
S14E8 - The Battle of Journalists in Bangladesh
Following 15 years of strict censorship under the former administration, Bangladeshi journalists are now seeking the truth and freedom of press in order to regain the trust of the people.
March 7, 2025, midnight
S14E9 - Sowing Sustainable Seeds: South Korea
Climate change has seen vegetable harvests fall in South Korea. One group of women is embracing hardy organic techniques, while the government is training a new generation of farmers with technology.
March 21, 2025, midnight
S14E10 - A Life Continued with Slate: Nepal
Alampu Village, located high among Nepal's Himalayas, had long been a location of handmade slate production by the Thami people, but modernization has changed life there over the last 20 years.
March 28, 2025, midnight
S14E11 - Live Recruiters for Factories: Shenzhen, China
In Shenzhen, factories rely on recruiters using streaming to attract temporary workers to suit the workload. Many young people attempt recruiting to earn a good living among the changing times.
April 18, 2025, midnight
S14E12 - Our Home on Stage: The Philippines
In the Philippines, a lengthy COVID-19 lockdown sparked unemployment that broke families apart. One theater troupe offers sanctuary to kids who support each other through life's hardships.
May 23, 2025, midnight
S14E13 - Night Watch - Veterans Back on Duty: Vietnam
50 years after the Vietnam War ended, some veterans are still on duty - not as fighters, but as volunteer guardians of their hometowns. We go on night patrol in Canh Thuy Ward.
June 13, 2025, midnight
S14E14 - Chinese Clothing Factories Struggle with US Tariffs
After US President Trump announced raised tariffs on products from China, among unsteady demand and falling rates, Chinese clothing factories seek solutions such as business with other countries.
June 27, 2025, midnight
S14E15 - Reintegration of Former Terrorists: Indonesia
Attacks by Islamic extremists had caused chaos in Indonesia, but social programs designed to reeducate prisoners are underway, and now the former terrorists attempt to reintegrate into society.
July 11, 2025, midnight
S14E16 - The Missing People: Syria
During Syria's 13-year civil war, more than 100,000 people are thought to have disappeared. In the aftermath of conflict, families are seeking truth, justice, and hope for the future.
July 25, 2025, midnight
S14E17 - Seizing A Dream Through Sumo: Mongolia
Many Mongolian children dream of changing their family's lives by becoming a pro sumo wrestler in Japan. We meet the members of a school sumo club as they prepare for a national tournament.
Aug. 8, 2025, midnight
S14E18 - Innovating Sustainable Fashion: Indonesia
The fashion industry has faced criticism for its impact on the environment. Meet the Indonesian innovators who are using natural materials and traditional techniques to help save the planet.
Sept. 5, 2025, midnight
S14E19 - The Hui: Muslim Merchants Thriving in China
In Yiwu, China, the Muslim Hui people expand trade with Arab countries using their Arabic language skills. They are becoming an essential presence as China shifts away from US trade and diversifies.
Oct. 31, 2025, midnight
S14E20 - A Widening Gender Divide: South Korea
South Korea is facing a growing gender divide, fueled by a stark wage gap and cases of discrimination. This has sparked a movement of women opting out of marriage. We explore the social impact.
Nov. 21, 2025, midnight
S14E21 - Searching for Cambodia's Lost Cuisine
In Cambodia, the purge of intellectuals under Pol Pot and years of war caused traditional Khmer dishes to vanish from home kitchens. Today, chefs are working to bring them back.
Dec. 19, 2025, midnight
Network: NHK
Episode Runtime: 28 min.
Season Runtime: 12852 min.
Released: April 6, 2012
Last Air Date: Dec. 19, 2025, midnight
Status: Returning Series
Certification: TV-PG / 10+
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