About this season
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.
Episodes (21)
1. From the Rubble to the Stage: Hualien County Taiwan
Aired 3 January 2025 • 28 min
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.
2. Ethnic Minorities Leading the Coffee Rush: Yunnan, China
Aired 24 January 2025 • 28 min
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.
3. Consequences of the Canal: Cambodia
Aired 31 January 2025 • 28 min
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.
4. Chinese Women Falling for Virtual Romance
Aired 7 February 2025 • 28 min
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.
5. Searching for "Stolen Children": East Timor
Aired 14 February 2025 • 28 min
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."
6. Women Entrepreneurs on the Rise: Cambodia
Aired 21 February 2025 • 28 min
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.
7. Women Forbidden from Divorce: The Philippines
Aired 28 February 2025 • 28 min
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.
8. The Battle of Journalists in Bangladesh
Aired 7 March 2025 • 28 min
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.
9. Sowing Sustainable Seeds: South Korea
Aired 21 March 2025 • 28 min
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.
10. A Life Continued with Slate: Nepal
Aired 28 March 2025 • 28 min
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.
11. Live Recruiters for Factories: Shenzhen, China
Aired 18 April 2025 • 28 min
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.
12. Our Home on Stage: The Philippines
Aired 23 May 2025 • 28 min
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.
13. Night Watch - Veterans Back on Duty: Vietnam
Aired 13 June 2025 • 28 min
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.
14. Chinese Clothing Factories Struggle with US Tariffs
Aired 27 June 2025 • 28 min
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.
15. Reintegration of Former Terrorists: Indonesia
Aired 11 July 2025 • 28 min
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.
16. The Missing People: Syria
Aired 25 July 2025 • 28 min
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.
17. Seizing A Dream Through Sumo: Mongolia
Aired 8 August 2025 • 28 min
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.
18. Innovating Sustainable Fashion: Indonesia
Aired 5 September 2025 • 28 min
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.
19. The Hui: Muslim Merchants Thriving in China
Aired 31 October 2025 • 28 min
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.
20. A Widening Gender Divide: South Korea
Aired 21 November 2025 • 28 min
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.
21. Searching for Cambodia's Lost Cuisine
Aired 19 December 2025 • 28 min
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.