Monthly Archive 19/10/2024

On October 6th, the Busan International Film Festival kicked off the Asian premiere of Jia Zhangke’s latest film, “A Generation of Excess,” starring Zhao Tao in the lead role. During a press conference that day, both Jia and Zhao shared their thoughts and experiences related to the film.

Looking back on the film’s evolution since its start in 2001, Jia noted, “We began filming without a specific direction, using digital cameras, and gradually honed our approach, ultimately crafting a love story that spans over two decades.” He discussed the film’s innovative creative process, saying, “We built the film’s structure from images, which brings me immense joy compared to the traditional script-based method. Film, at its core, has always been about visual storytelling.”

Jia also emphasized the importance of this era of production, pointing out that it exists at a key intersection of rapid technological advancement and the rise of artificial intelligence. “Completing this film feels like capturing a fascinating moment,” he stated. “We are straddling the past while stepping into a new era. This transitional period, though fleeting, is incredibly captivating.”

During the press conference, moderated by Park Do-sin, Vice Executive Chairman of the Busan International Film Festival, Zhao commented on the recurring female character “Qiaoqiao” in Jia’s works. “For me, each character with that name represents distinct stories and life experiences,” she explained. Zhao also identified the absence of dialogue as her biggest challenge in this film, stressing the need for subtlety in portraying the characters’ intricate emotions over two decades.

Additionally, Jia elaborated on Zhao’s character’s lack of dialogue throughout the film, noting that the significant societal changes over twenty years render words inadequate. “In this film, Qiaoqiao primarily engages with the world around her through her eyes, inviting the audience to experience the transformations of the past years. I want this to be an immersive way for viewers to navigate their understanding of our world,” he explained, urging audiences to pay attention to the film’s visuals and ambient sounds.

“A Generation of Excess” has been selected for the Gala Presentation section of this year’s Busan International Film Festival, marking Jia’s return to the festival since the premiere of his film “Swimming to Sea Change” in 2020. “Busan is where my film career began,” Jia reflected during the press conference, reminiscing about his first participation in the festival with his debut film, “Xiaowu,” in 1998.

During the National Day holiday, the news that the government cafeteria in Quzhou, Zhejiang province, opened its doors to the public quickly caught people’s attention. Utilizing a menu-ordering system, this cafeteria offers dishes that showcase the unique flavors of Quzhou’s famed “Hundred Counties and Thousand Bowls,” with the goal of providing safe and high-quality dining options for both citizens and tourists.

In recent years, Quzhou has emerged as a culinary hotspot in the Yangtze River Delta, drawing food enthusiasts eager to savor its spicy and delicious fare. However, the charm of Quzhou extends beyond its breathtaking landscapes and mouthwatering cuisine; it reflects the city’s hospitality and warm welcome to visitors—perfectly embodying the saying, “Isn’t it a joy to have friends come from afar?”

Many visitors chose Quzhou as their destination during the National Day holiday, making the government cafeteria a must-visit spot. Li Yiyi, a young woman from Jiaxing, shared her experience: “Just after 11 AM, the restaurant was packed. For only 18 yuan, we got a meat dish, a half-meat dish, and a vegetarian dish. I made sure to try the local specialties like ‘three heads and one palm’ and the Jiangshan Twenty-Eight DoFu, which were authentic and reasonably priced.”

Quzhou isn’t the only city pursuing this initiative. Many government cafeterias across China are opening their doors to the public. Cities like Yangzhou in Jiangsu, Jingdezhen in Jiangxi, and Yuhang in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, have experimented with similar programs during holidays, receiving positive feedback from their communities.

This shift from high-walled government buildings to the now trendy “internet celebrity cafeterias” reflects a desire to connect with the public. What does this change signify in terms of flavor?

First, there’s a taste of accessibility. Back in 2019, Quzhou launched the “Demolish Walls, Open Green Spaces” campaign to create shared areas and bring more greenery to the community. By removing physical barriers, they’ve also broken down the metaphorical “walls” between the government and its citizens, resulting in a stronger community and closer relationships.

Next is the focus on convenience. Urban areas often struggle with parking, and in response, the Quzhou municipal government has opened idle parking lots for public use during weekends and holidays. This not only makes efficient use of resources but also fosters stronger connections with citizens and visitors.

Finally, there’s a strong emphasis on public benefit. By opening government cafeterias during holidays and serving affordable local dishes, Quzhou truly embodies the essence of public service. This commitment to its people illustrates that government institutions can also serve as cultural symbols, nurturing shared experiences and providing emotional value for both citizens and tourists, ultimately enhancing the city’s profile.

The phrase “my door is always open” stands as more than mere words; it symbolizes a city’s genuine goodwill and sincerity towards its community.

In a recent interview, we explored the ongoing legal issues faced by Ippei Mizuhara, formerly the personal interpreter for Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels. Mizuhara has been charged with bank fraud and other offenses, and his sentencing, which was originally scheduled for October 25, has now been pushed back to December.

Reports from NHK indicate that Mizuhara has struck a plea agreement with prosecutors, suggesting that his potential sentence may be less than the maximum of 33 years in prison. Since parting ways with Mizuhara, Ohtani has continued to set records with the Angels. In a recent match against the Colorado Rockies, he delivered an impressive performance with 5 hits in 4 at-bats, along with 2 stolen bases, boosting his season totals to “53 home runs and 55 stolen bases.”

Earlier this season, allegations emerged that Mizuhara had transferred nearly $17 million from Ohtani’s bank account to gambling syndicates, leading to charges of bank fraud and tax evasion from U.S. authorities.

During a plea hearing in June, Mizuhara admitted to the charges against him. However, court documents reveal that his defense team has requested a rescheduling of the sentencing to December 20, citing delays in securing a forensic psychiatric evaluation and report on his gambling behavior.

On October 7th, Fuji TV reported that former Empress Michiko of Japan experienced a fall at the Akasaka Imperial Estate in Tokyo, but details regarding her injuries remain unclear.

According to the report, the 89-year-old former empress, who now resides at the Sento Imperial Palace following her husband’s abdication, fell in the morning. She was taken to Tokyo University Hospital that afternoon for precautionary examinations. It’s worth noting that she had contracted COVID-19 in June, but fortunately, her symptoms were mild, and she has since made a full recovery. Former Emperor Akihito was not infected during that time.

During a recent interview at the “Thousand Forms, Hundred Recipes” Medical Institution Formulation Transformation Roadshow held in Jinhua, Pan’an, from September 29 to 30, we had the opportunity to speak with several key participants about the future of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in research and development.

Xu Xuqing, Deputy Director of the Zhejiang Provincial Health Commission, emphasized the benefits of TCM formulations, highlighting their broad efficacy, affordability, and enhanced safety. He pointed out that these formulations are becoming increasingly vital as supplements to commercial pharmaceuticals, especially in times of public health crises. “During emergencies, TCM formulations often take center stage because they are simple, convenient, effective, and economical. These characteristics have gained significant recognition and preference among the public,” Xu stated.

Launched in March 2022, the “Thousand Forms, Hundred Recipes” initiative aims to boost TCM formulation development and expertise at the grassroots level. This project unites various stakeholders, including the Zhejiang Provincial Drug Administration and the Technology Department, to establish policies that ease the registration and insurance pricing for TCM formulations. To date, 48 traditional process filings have received regulatory approval, and one medical institution has obtained a new license.

Dr. Gao Xiangfu, President of the Zhejiang Provincial Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, discussed the project’s role in fostering collaboration with private companies. “Our hospital recently entered into two transformation agreements with businesses totaling 11 million yuan. With research outputs expected to surpass 50 million yuan by 2024, it’s clear that the demand for innovative formulations—like the highly sought-after Ume Su 2.0—is driving this expansion,” he explained.

He noted the significance of translating research into concrete benefits for hospital staff, saying, “The strength of knowledge is evident in our research results. We encourage our employees to innovate by sharing 80% of the profits with the teams that generate those results.”

Luan Jianlong, Party Secretary of Nanjing District Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, expressed pride in the new TCM formulations rolled out in the past year. “Our hospital has introduced eight new internal preparations, including Ke Ping Granules and Gout Capsules. These popular remedies not only benefit our patients but also made a substantial impact when we presented them at the inaugural Traditional Chinese Medicine Cultural Night Market in Nanjing Ancient Town.”

Currently, over 60 types of TCM formulations are in active use at more than 40 grassroots healthcare facilities in Zhejiang, with a total trading volume surpassing 20 million yuan in 2023.

As the conversation wrapped up, Xu Xuqing shared a forward-thinking vision for TCM, urging the development of a system for innovative TCM scientific research and transformation that aligns with clinical needs, ultimately leading to novel TCM drugs. “We need to enhance the application of our research findings and establish a robust framework for transforming TCM scientific achievements and formulations to facilitate clinical applications of innovative TCM solutions,” he concluded.

The event also featured the unveiling of the “2023 Zhejiang Province Medical Institutions TCM Formulation Development Report,” along with various rankings related to TCM formulation metrics.

Recent reports from South Korean media have brought to light North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s striking declaration that China is now regarded as a “mortal enemy.” According to these reports, Kim has instructed North Korean diplomats stationed in China to “not be beholden to China’s whims.” This sudden shift may be linked to China’s recent crackdown on North Korean smuggling, which has even included the confiscation of items personally utilized by Kim.

An exclusive piece published on September 20 by the South Korean newspaper Joongang Ilbo revealed signs of heightened tension between North Korea and China. Several insiders from North Korea conveyed that Kim Jong-un has amplified his criticisms of China, clearly labeling it as a “mortal enemy.”

Interestingly, back in July, Kim had already directed North Korean diplomats to dismiss China’s opinions. While the exact reasons behind Kim’s harsh designation of “mortal enemy” remain somewhat ambiguous, it seems to reflect a growing dissatisfaction with China. Reports suggest that China has intensified its efforts to tackle North Korean smuggling, including seizing items owned by Kim and refusing to return them.

The coverage has noted that North Korea has been vocally expressing its displeasure with China, which was made apparent by its absence of diplomatic representation at official Chinese events attended by South Korea and other significant countries. For instance, a source revealed that North Korea’s military attaché was absent from a July 31 celebration in Beijing hosted by the Chinese Ministry of Defense in honor of the 97th anniversary of the People’s Liberation Army.

As per Joongang Ilbo’s findings, the Chinese government had extended invitations to North Korea as well as military attachés from other nations, including South Korea. Yet, despite being an ally, North Korea opted not to send any representatives.

Moreover, it has been reported that North Korean diplomatic staff were also barred from participating in anniversary celebrations for the Chinese military held at various Chinese embassies abroad.

Historically, Kim Jong-un has had a complex view of China as a “mortal enemy.” Han Gi-beom, a guest research fellow at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies and former chief of South Korea’s National Intelligence Service, highlighted in a report earlier this year that while Kim sees the U.S. and Japan as long-standing adversaries, he views China as a foe for over 5,000 years.

Sources indicate that Kim has emphasized North Korea’s ability to survive independently from China, asserting that “we won’t make any concessions, even on small matters.” Han noted that since Xi Jinping assumed the presidency in 2012, he made a state visit to South Korea before visiting North Korea—a move that Kim interpreted as a betrayal.

On the morning of October 7th, at 6 AM, Silida, a 30-year-old vendor, was already at her stall in Phnom Penh’s Russian Market, carefully arranging her goods in preparation for the market’s 7 AM opening.

Recognized as the largest tourist market in Phnom Penh, the Russian Market draws a significant crowd of foreign visitors. Silida, who has been part of the market since she was 15, recalls working alongside her parents selling local souvenirs. “Many foreign tourists love coming here to shop for travel items,” she explained. “The largest group of visitors is from China.”

Market manager Soklim shared some insights on the market’s history. Established in the 1960s and 70s, the Russian Market now hosts over 1,300 vendors and attracts a considerable number of local shoppers alongside international tourists each day. “Most Asian tourists come from China, Vietnam, South Korea, and Japan, while European and American visitors mainly come from France, the USA, and Russia,” Soklim noted.

Soklim emphasized the market’s appeal to foreign tourists, highlighting its rich history and diverse range of souvenirs. “Visitors can find a variety of products here, including handmade silver items, silk textiles, fabric crafts, and exquisite sculptures and paintings. Cambodian traditional handicrafts are particularly popular among both local and foreign customers.”

He also pointed out that the majority of vendors at the Russian Market are Cambodians, with about 80% coming from Phnom Penh and the rest from nearby provinces. Most stalls are compact, typically less than 10 square meters, yet vendors work hard to display a wide assortment of goods within the limited space.

The Russian Market has become a favorite “check-in” spot for both short-term tourists and expatriates living and studying in Phnom Penh. It not only caters to the shopping needs of visitors from around the world but also allows them to immerse themselves in the unique charm of Cambodian culture. The market, significantly reliant on tourism, is usually buzzing with activity.

Among the shoppers was Han Fei, a tourist from China, who was spotted buying several clothing items with his family. “The vendors here are very friendly towards Chinese people, and the prices are quite reasonable,” he remarked. Locals often refer to the Russian Market as a hub for “factory goods,” where many local clothing factories offer high-quality apparel at very competitive prices.

Chinese university student Guo Yiming frequently visits the Russian Market to pick up souvenirs for her family and friends back home. This past weekend, she and her classmates explored Silida’s shop and were captivated by the Cambodian handicrafts, buying several items.

Daniel, a tourist from the UK, arrived in Cambodia on October 5th, and after doing some research online about the Russian Market, made it a priority to visit. He proudly showed off a ring he purchased there, a cherished keepsake from his Cambodian adventure.

In today’s digital age, social media has shifted from a simple platform for entertainment and connection to a powerful tool for achieving financial independence. Globally, the monetization of online content is gaining momentum, and Nigeria is no exception. An increasing number of young Nigerians are turning their creative talents into sustainable income streams, with many students relying on social media earnings to support their education.

One company at the forefront of this movement is GSMNS Global, a leading social media management firm. Since its establishment in 2018, it has quickly grown into one of Africa’s most innovative players in social media monetization. What started with one content creator has evolved into a network empowering hundreds of young Nigerians, providing them with the skills to enhance their creativity and optimize their social media presence for financial success.

Samuel Ijaola, the founder and CEO of GSMNS Global, shared insights on the company’s journey: “When we first entered the social media monetization landscape, very few Nigerians saw these platforms as viable income sources. We worked tirelessly to reach out to content creators about the opportunities we could offer, and eventually someone as prominent as Mark Angel came on board.”

He elaborated, “Currently, we manage nearly a thousand creators. We provide consultations, advice, and strategies on how to maximize social media content. Creating engaging material that resonates with audiences can be challenging. Many of our creators are students, and while I cannot pinpoint an exact number, we’ve seen numerous individuals successfully fund their education and graduate through their earnings. Our primary mission is to support these creators in their growth, and we are committed to achieving that.”

The company’s impressive growth is no coincidence; it has been propelled by strategic partnerships with major players like Meta and YouTube. Christian Bassey, the firm’s COO, underscored the importance of these collaborations in empowering creators. “Our official partnership with Meta and our role as a YouTube MCN give us access to resources that creators might not have otherwise. We handle complex tasks like navigating algorithms and monetization, allowing them to focus on their creative passions,” he explained.

Bassey also remarked, “We have creators from some of Nigeria’s top universities, and it’s incredibly rewarding to watch their development. Many start out looking for additional income, but as they learn to navigate the monetization landscape, they often discover they can cover their tuition and living expenses through their efforts. It’s deeply inspiring.”

Moreover, this burgeoning realm of content creation is addressing the pressing issue of youth unemployment in Nigeria. With traditional job opportunities shrinking, many young individuals are finding alternative paths to financial independence online. “Content creation provides youth with an alternative to the conventional corporate job track. Instead of waiting for government or private sector positions to emerge, these students are taking control of their financial futures. This transformation has a positive ripple effect, enhancing productivity and steering them away from negative influences,” Bassey noted.

“It’s having a beneficial impact on society as a whole. When young people focus on building something meaningful, the chances of engaging in criminal behavior diminish. It’s all about channeling their energy into constructive endeavors,” he concluded.

In a recent interview, a representative from China Railway Shanghai Group shed light on travel trends during the National Day holiday from October 1 to 7. The representative noted a remarkable surge in passenger volume, driven by family visits, tourism, and student travel in the Yangtze River Delta.

According to their data, over 25.45 million passengers traveled by rail in the Yangtze River Delta during this holiday, averaging more than 3.63 million passengers daily—a 5.1% increase compared to last year. Notably, October 1 set a record with a single-day passenger count of 3.89 million.

The representative highlighted some of the most sought-after destinations, including direct routes to key cities such as Beijing, Qingdao, Guangzhou, Zhengzhou, Fuzhou, Xiamen, Changsha, Nanchang, and Xi’an. There was also robust demand for travel within the region, particularly between cities like Shanghai, Nanjing, Hangzhou, and Hefei, along with frequent connections to Suzhou, Yangzhou, Yancheng, Nantong, Ningbo, Jinhua, Huangshan, and Wuhu.

To effectively handle the influx of travelers, the railway department ramped up its capacity by adding 1,914 passenger trains, organizing 2,303 multiple-unit trains, and attaching an additional 1,376 coaches to regular trains.

Meanwhile, the Jiangsu Provincial Transportation Department reported significant traffic numbers, revealing that from October 1 to 7, approximately 29.34 million vehicles exited highways, averaging about 4.19 million vehicles per day. This represents a 3.89% increase from last year and a notable 24.72% rise compared to 2019. The average daily traffic flow on provincial roads was around 14,800 vehicles, marking a 7.1% increase from this year and an 18.4% increase from 2019. Furthermore, around 7.986 million passengers utilized road and water transport during the holiday, reflecting a 1.5% increase from last year.

In addition, the Eastern Airport Group reported impressive statistics, managing about 8,000 flights during the holiday and nearly 1.1 million passengers. The peak travel day was October 1, while October 6 saw the start of the return travel rush, with a daily passenger volume of approximately 165,000. At Nanjing Lukou International Airport, the average daily passenger traffic reached around 100,000 during this busy period.

In a post-game interview, Yankees starting pitcher Carlos Rodón reflected on his performance, which was marked by an impressive showing of strikeouts but ultimately overshadowed by a rough inning. The game saw the Kansas City Royals capitalize on Rodón’s struggles in the fourth inning, scoring four crucial runs that led them to a 4-2 victory, evening the series at one game apiece.

Rodón started the game strong with a commanding three consecutive strikeouts in the first inning. The Yankees opened the scoring thanks to Giancarlo Stanton’s hitting in the third inning, but the tide turned decisively in the fourth.

“It all fell apart in that inning,” Rodón explained. “The first batter, Salvador Perez, hit a homer to tie the game. After that, it just spiraled. Yuli Gurriel got on base with a single, and then things got messy with walks and hits. Before I knew it, we were down four runs.”

By the end of his outing, Rodón pitched 3.2 innings, allowing seven hits and four runs, striking out seven batters along the way.

The Royals’ starter, Cole Ragans, managed a solid performance himself, working through four innings and only giving up one run despite walking four batters. He was lifted early due to increasing pitch counts but effectively controlled the Yankees’ lineup. The only blip was Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s solo home run in the ninth inning, which added a fleeting moment of brightness for the Yankees.

Rodón expressed his disappointment but remained focused on bouncing back in the next game. “I need to put this behind me and come out stronger next time,” he stated.