分类： society

A devastating urban fire, described as the largest in Japan in decades, has ravaged the city of Oita on the island of Kyushu. The inferno consumed approximately 170 buildings, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Local media reports confirm that one individual lost their life in the catastrophic blaze. The fire, which broke out unexpectedly, quickly spread due to strong winds and densely packed structures, overwhelming emergency response teams. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the fire, while rescue operations continue to assess the full extent of the damage and ensure the safety of affected residents. This tragic event has drawn national attention, highlighting the vulnerabilities of urban areas to such disasters and prompting discussions on improving fire prevention and response strategies.

Shanghai has emerged as a global leader in waterfront renewal and urban innovation, showcasing its commitment to sustainable development and cultural exchange. The Jing’an central business district, encompassing the Suhewan and West Nanjing Road functional areas, recently joined the Global Business Districts Innovation Club. This prestigious alliance connects Shanghai with elite business districts across Europe, the United States, Asia, and Africa, fostering collaboration to enhance waterfront spaces and urban functionality. The announcement was made during the launch of the second season of the ‘Our Water’ event in Shanghai, which emphasized intercultural dialogue among world cities. The event, hosted by the Shanghai United Media Group and the Shanghai International Culture Association, introduced a global initiative to collect innovative waterfront case studies. This project aims to promote ecological resilience, climate response, and the integration of cultural and economic development, ensuring waterfronts become accessible and sustainable urban assets. Over 200 international and domestic guests attended the event, engaging in discussions on sustainable design, urban renewal, and the role of waterfronts in global cultural exchange. Ruan Cunfan, director of the Lonsen Group, highlighted how Suhewan’s development drew inspiration from global cities like Hong Kong, Tokyo, and London, emphasizing a people-centric approach. Jing’an district, known for its openness and professional services, continues to strengthen its position in the global urban network, with high-caliber institutions like Roland Berger and Morgan McKinley establishing a presence in Suhewan. This initiative underscores Shanghai’s role as a blueprint for waterfront renewal and urban innovation on the global stage.

In an extraordinary feat of endurance and dedication, 74-year-old Michael Cheng Chun-yim from Hong Kong has completed a year-long journey retracing the historic Long March of the Red Army. Starting from Yudu county in Jiangxi province on October 17, 2024, Cheng walked approximately 5,000 kilometers across eight provinces, culminating in Wuqi township, Shaanxi province, on October 19, 2025. This journey was not just a physical challenge but a profound pilgrimage to connect with the spirit of perseverance and unity that defined the Red Army’s legendary trek from 1934 to 1936. Cheng’s inspiration stemmed from Edgar Snow’s ‘Red Star Over China,’ a book he read as a university student in 1972, which ignited his lifelong fascination with the Long March. Despite the grueling conditions—scorching heat, freezing winds, and rugged terrains—Cheng remained steadfast, driven by the belief that if the Red Army could endure hunger and gunfire, he could overcome his own challenges. Along the way, he encountered the warmth and kindness of local people, who offered food, shelter, and encouragement, reinforcing his belief in the enduring spirit of unity. Cheng documented his journey in a diary, reflecting on the transformation of the landscapes and the lessons of the Long March. His story, now being considered for publication, aims to inspire younger generations, particularly in Hong Kong, to understand and embrace the values of faith, perseverance, and unity. For Cheng, the Long March is not just a historical event but a metaphor for life’s challenges, offering timeless guidance in navigating modern complexities.

In a remarkable fusion of art and resilience, a choir of deaf children has redefined the boundaries of poetry and performance. Under the guidance of primary-school teacher Li Bailin, these young artists have turned their unique perspectives into a moving narrative that transcends auditory limitations. The journey began in May 2025 when Li, a teacher from Huitong county, Hunan province, was invited by a Beijing-based musician to teach poetry to a choir of deaf children. The goal was to integrate their written verses into their stage performances, creating a multisensory experience. Despite initial communication challenges, Li found innovative ways to bridge the gap. She introduced the children to poetry through recordings and a published collection of poems from her students in Hunan, allowing them to connect with the art form and their peers. However, the children’s limited Chinese vocabulary posed a hurdle. Li devised a creative solution by writing individual lines from the book on slips of paper, enabling the children to assemble their own poems. The result was a series of short, heartfelt verses that reflected their inner worlds. One 13-year-old boy wrote: ‘Morning / I pluck a single blade of grass / Its roots entwined within my heart / My favorite — so lovely / So full of song.’ Another method involved blindfolding the children and having them feel potted flowers, then drawing and transferring the images onto cotton bags. This process heightened their other senses, compensating for their lack of hearing. Li observed that their writing mirrored the sequence of their sign language gestures, leading to a unique poetic rhythm. In September 2025, 15 of these children took the stage at Beijing’s Forbidden City Concert Hall. Their poems were displayed on a large screen as they performed through movement and expression, culminating in a recitation of ‘ahs’ and ‘ohs’ that resonated deeply with the audience. Among the poems, one by a 16-year-old girl stood out. Titled ‘In Truth,’ it poignantly expressed her complex relationship with sign language: ‘In truth, / I have never liked sign language — / not at all. / Yet it helps me when I want to say ‘thank you.’ This performance not only showcased their artistic talents but also highlighted the power of inclusivity and creativity in overcoming adversity.

In the quiet countryside of Huitong county, Hunan province, a unique initiative is transforming the lives of rural children. Li Bailin, a dedicated Chinese language teacher at Su Yu School of Hope, has been guiding her students in writing poetry for the past eight years. These children, often referred to as ‘left-behind’ due to their parents’ migration to cities for work, have found a powerful outlet for their emotions through poetry. Li’s innovative approach, known as ‘field poetry,’ encourages students to draw inspiration from nature and their personal experiences, resulting in a collection of poignant and imaginative works. One such poem, written by a 10-year-old girl, poignantly captures the loneliness of parental absence: ‘Dad is like a bird — he flies out to find food, but seldom returns to the nest.’ Li’s journey into teaching poetry began after a student’s heartfelt letter revealed the deep emotional struggles these children face. Realizing the limitations of focusing solely on academic performance, Li shifted her approach to nurture her students’ emotional well-being. Through poetry, these children have found a way to articulate their inner thoughts, fears, and hopes, offering a glimpse into their often-overlooked lives. The initiative has not only provided emotional relief but also fostered creativity and resilience among the students. Li’s efforts have garnered attention, with her students’ poems being published in ‘The Field Poetry Class,’ a collection that showcases their remarkable talent. As Li continues to inspire her students, she remains committed to helping them navigate the challenges of their circumstances, proving that poetry can be a powerful tool for healing and self-expression.

The iconic Malcolm Shabazz Mosque in Harlem was filled to capacity as hundreds gathered to pay their final respects to Imam Talib Abdur-Rashid, a revered social activist and spiritual leader. The funeral, held at 9 a.m. on a Monday morning, drew people from all walks of life, reflecting the profound impact Abdur-Rashid had on his community over his 50 years of service at the Mosque of Islamic Brotherhood (MIB).

Abdur-Rashid, who passed away on November 15, was remembered as a selfless leader who dedicated his life to serving others. His daughter, Hawwa Minnie Gilmore, delivered an emotional tribute, describing her father as a kind, loving, and caring man who was always there for his family and community. ‘He was everything to us,’ she said, highlighting his tireless efforts to uplift those around him.

The service also featured tributes from faith leaders, academics, and politicians, including co-founder of MIB Professor Halima Toure, Imam Zaid Shakir of Zaytuna College, and New York City council member Yusef Salaam. Attendees spoke of Abdur-Rashid’s unwavering commitment to interfaith dialogue, civil rights, and social justice. He was instrumental in advocating for the adhan (call to prayer) to be broadcast from the mosque, securing halal options in public schools, and adding Eid to the public school calendar.

Abdur-Rashid’s legacy extended beyond Harlem. As a prison chaplain, he provided spiritual guidance to inmates, including Luqman Yunus, who spoke of the imam’s compassion and support during his incarceration. Abdur-Rashid’s work in championing civil rights for individuals like Amadou Diallo and Yusef Salaam further cemented his reputation as a bridge-builder and advocate for justice.

Born Barry Lee Hicks in North Carolina in 1951, Abdur-Rashid converted to Sunni Islam in 1971 and quickly became a central figure in the Black Muslim community. His influence was felt in the arts, earning him the nickname ‘Hip Hop Imam,’ as he welcomed artists like Yasiin Bey (Mos Def) and Q-Tip to MIB. He also served in leadership roles within the Islamic Leadership Council of New York and the Muslim Alliance in North America.

Abdur-Rashid’s passing coincided with the installation of signage for the Malcolm X Plaza in Harlem, a project he had championed. His daughter described the timing as symbolic, saying, ‘It’s like Allah saying, ‘Your mission is complete.’’ Abdur-Rashid was buried in Rosedale Cemetery in Linden, New Jersey, leaving behind a legacy of service, compassion, and unity.

A devastating wildfire erupted in the city of Oita, located on Japan’s southern island of Kyushu, on Tuesday evening, rapidly engulfing a residential neighborhood and forcing over 170 people to evacuate. The blaze, which began near a fishing port amid strong winds, quickly spread to nearby forests and homes, causing widespread destruction. According to Japan’s Fire and Disaster Management Agency, at least 170 homes have been damaged, and a man in his 70s remains missing. Local residents described the fire as spreading uncontrollably, with one evacuee telling Kyodo News Agency that she fled in haste, leaving most of her belongings behind. Firefighters are still battling the flames, which remain uncontained as of Wednesday morning. The incident highlights the vulnerability of communities to natural disasters exacerbated by extreme weather conditions.

In 2016, Bihar, India’s poorest state, implemented a statewide alcohol ban to combat addiction, domestic violence, and financial distress among its most vulnerable families. Nine years later, the policy’s effectiveness remains a contentious issue, with enforcement gaps and a thriving black market undermining its intended goals. A recent BBC investigation highlighted these challenges during a raid on an illegal distillery near Patna, where officials discovered a makeshift setup fermenting jaggery into country liquor. Despite the raid, the perpetrators had fled, underscoring the persistent issue of tip-offs and collusion. Since the ban’s inception, 1.1 million cases have been registered, with 650,000 convictions, but over 99% of these are for consumption rather than production or distribution. The black market continues to flourish, with illicit alcohol worth over 522 million rupees seized in the six weeks leading up to the recent state elections. Enforcement is further complicated by Bihar’s geography, bordering states where alcohol is legal and a porous 726km border with Nepal, a key conduit for smuggling. Despite these challenges, many women, including Lalmunni Devi, who lost her husband to toxic liquor in 2022, advocate for the ban’s continuation, citing its positive impact on household finances and family well-being. However, critics argue that the policy has merely driven the problem underground, with unintended consequences such as bootlegging and deaths from illicit brews. As Bihar’s outgoing government prepares to return to power, the alcohol ban remains a paradox—hailed as a social reform by some and criticized as ineffective by others. The question of whether it has succeeded or merely shifted the problem persists, leaving the state grappling with its complex legacy.

The 17th Cross-Strait Tea Industry Expo, held in Wuyishan, Fujian Province, has become a platform for fostering connections between Taiwanese and mainland tea industries. Li Ya-chun, a fourth-generation tea maker from Taiwan, showcased his family’s renowned Tung-ting Oolong tea at the event, which ran for five days and concluded on Thursday. This marked Li’s first participation in the expo, where he engaged with mainland business professionals to explore collaboration opportunities and gain insights into local market trends. The expo, hosted in the birthplace of black and oolong teas, highlighted the deepening cultural and economic ties across the Taiwan Strait. This year’s Taiwan pavilion featured a record 200 booths, a 14.3% increase from the previous session. Li hails from Lugu, a major tea-growing region in Nantou, Taiwan, where the origins of Tung-ting Oolong tea trace back to Wuyi Mountain in Fujian. The tea’s history dates to the Qing Dynasty when Lin Feng-chi, a scholar from Lugu, brought Qingxin Oolong saplings from Wuyi Mountain to Taiwan. These saplings flourished in the Tung-ting area, evolving into the celebrated tea variety known today. Li emphasized the shared heritage of tea culture, noting that his family frequently exchanges knowledge with Fujian tea farmers. The expo also celebrated the 20th anniversary of cooperation between Wuyi Mountain and Taiwan’s Ali Mountain. Lai Yueh-tchien, a cross-Strait commentator, highlighted tea’s role as a cultural bridge, carrying shared memories and emotions. The event concluded with a cultural gala integrating tea heritage and modern technology, attended by 80 young tea professionals from both sides of the Strait.