Asia

Asia covers news and developments across the world's largest and most populous continent, where billion-dollar industries, geopolitical tensions and technological innovation shape global markets and international relations. The region encompasses many of the world's fastest-growing economies and most influential technology sectors, making Asian affairs consequential for businesses, policymakers and consumers worldwide.

Stories from across Asia reflect the region's complexity: from energy markets and trade relations to corporate accountability, data security and competition in emerging industries like electric vehicles. Whether driven by government policy, corporate behaviour or market forces, developments in Asia often ripple through global supply chains, financial markets and international diplomacy, making regional news essential context for understanding world affairs.

Taylor Sheridan Meets ‘Ex Machina’ in New Trailer for Netflix’s Sci-Fi Western

October 14, 2026

Netflix has released a trailer for *Bass X Machina*, a steampunk animated Western that reimagines historical lawman Bass Reeves in a science-fiction setting. The series puts Reeves in a conflict involving a Confederate scientist and advanced machines, while he tries to protect his family and uphold justice. Voiced by Brian Tyree Henry, Bass is portrayed…
Microsoft and Japan took down a cybercrime network behind over a billion scam messages

October 14, 2026

Microsoft and Japan’s National Police Agency disrupted a marketplace and two phishing services linked to more than a billion scam messages since January 2026. The operation matters because it targeted tools that enabled fraud across borders and against consumers, businesses and essential services. Microsoft says the services targeted more than 75,000 organisations in over 150…
Every WNBA network’s biggest regular-season audience in 2026 featured Caitlin Clark’s Fever

October 14, 2026

The Indiana Fever, led by Caitlin Clark, had the most-watched regular-season game on all seven platforms highlighted in the WNBA’s 2026 season report. The figures underline Clark’s role in attracting audiences and give broadcasters a strong reason to feature Indiana, while the league is also seeking to turn interest in the Fever into lasting support…
KO1KEYZ’s Debut Single ‘KO1KEYZ’ Tops Japan Hot 100, Vaundy’s Film Theme ‘Shiwaawase’ Enters Top 10

October 14, 2026

KO1KEYZ topped the Billboard Japan Hot 100 with their debut single’s title track, “KO1KEYZ”, after the 12-member group launched in Japan and South Korea on 7 October. The result shows a strong cross-format debut, led by physical sales and supported by radio, downloads and video views. The song sold 525,248 copies in its first week,…
YOSHIKI Reflects on Music, Life, Legacy & His New Collaboration ‘Forever Love (Live)’ With Josh Groban: Interview

October 14, 2026

YOSHIKI and Josh Groban have released a live collaboration on “Forever Love”, recorded after they performed it together in Los Angeles. The new version marks 30 years since the song’s 1996 release and brings English lyrics into its verse, aiming to connect with listeners in both Japanese and English. YOSHIKI said he first met Groban…
Manchester City representative joins government-backed trade mission to India

October 14, 2026

A Manchester City representative joined a government-backed trade delegation to India, where northern mayors promoted British trade and tourism. The invitation has drawn scrutiny because City has been found guilty of 114 Premier League rule breaches, which the club denies and has appealed. Mayor Bev Craig defended the decision, citing the club’s contribution to local…
OpenAI alleges former employee shared over 100 product files with Apple

October 14, 2026

OpenAI alleges that a former employee took more than 100 files about its product plans before joining Apple, then presented the material to Apple leaders. The claims add a new front to a legal dispute over trade secrets between the companies, with OpenAI warning that Apple could use its confidential information to shape future products.…
China approves Alibaba AI models for Apple Intelligence rollout

October 14, 2026

China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology has approved Alibaba’s Qwen language models and Tongyi Wanxiang image and video tool, clearing a key regulatory step for Apple Intelligence to launch in mainland China. The move matters because Apple’s AI features have been absent from a major market since their US debut nearly two years ago,…
Review: Tales of Eternia Remastered (PS5) – Classic PlayStation RPG Shows Its Age

October 14, 2026

Bandai Namco’s remaster brings the 26-year-old Japanese role-playing game Tales of Eternia to PS5, revisiting its story of Reid and his friends as they investigate a mysterious newcomer and a threat to their world. The review finds that the tale of friendship and the party’s lively interactions remain appealing, while the game’s older design shows…
A dominatrix and her tightly bound client: Giada Ripa’s best photograph

October 14, 2026

Italian photographer Giada Ripa’s portrait of Karen, a Japanese dominatrix and rope artist, is part of a project exploring how Japan has been represented across 150 years. Ripa connects contemporary subjects with photographs made by Felice Beato in 19th-century Japan, asking how people present themselves and how images shape perceptions of a culture. The project…