Global Pulse

博客

  • Vietnamese caught in Japan’s illegal worker crackdown

    Vietnamese caught in Japan’s illegal worker crackdown

    Japan faces a complex immigration dilemma as it intensifies enforcement against undocumented foreign workers while simultaneously grappling with severe labor shortages exacerbated by its rapidly aging population and record-low birth rates. The situation particularly affects Vietnamese nationals, who constitute nearly half of Japan’s 450,000 technical interns and represent the largest segment of the country’s 2.3-million foreign workforce.

    The Technical Intern Training Program (TITP), originally designed to transfer skills to workers from developing nations, has drawn criticism for creating vulnerable labor conditions that sometimes lead to visa overstays. Many participants arrive burdened by substantial recruitment debts—often exceeding $7,500—compelling some to continue working illegally after their visas expire rather than return to limited opportunities in Vietnam.

    Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has pledged stricter visa management amid growing public resentment toward foreign workers, despite statistics showing non-Japanese commit only 5.5% of penal code offenses. Vietnamese nationals accounted for over 30% of foreign arrests in 2024 (excluding permanent residents), primarily for theft-related crimes—a figure partially explained by their dramatically increased presence, which has grown ninefold over the past decade.

    Support organizations reveal that challenging working conditions, including substandard housing, low wages, and occasional sexual harassment, drive approximately 6,500 trainees annually to abandon their designated workplaces. Some enter underground employment networks through Facebook communities known as ‘Bodoi’ (vernacular for ‘soldiers’), while others risk involvement in illicit activities.

    Japan plans to replace TITP with a new system in 2027 featuring enhanced job flexibility but stricter language requirements. However, experts note Japan’s attractiveness is diminishing due to the yen’s weakness reducing remittance value and increasing competition from South Korea’s labor market. Associate Professor Jotaro Kato of Meiji Gakuin University observes that the program now attracts Vietnamese applicants ‘with less motivation and educational qualifications than before.’

    Despite challenges, community advocates emphasize that technical interns make significant contributions to Japanese society. Vietnamese nun Thich Tam Tri, who operates a shelter north of Tokyo, acknowledges that while some workers make poor choices, ‘one bad headline can easily prejudice Japanese people against them,’ referencing a recent murder case involving a Vietnamese trainee that has intensified negative perceptions.

  • NSW Labor MP Anthony D’Adam accuses Israel of sureviling Australians, ‘foreign interference’

    NSW Labor MP Anthony D’Adam accuses Israel of sureviling Australians, ‘foreign interference’

    A New South Wales Labor parliamentarian has formally accused the Israeli government of potentially engaging in foreign interference activities on Australian soil. Anthony D’Adam, a member of the NSW Legislative Council, raised these concerns after discovering his inclusion in a controversial dossier compiled by Israel’s Ministry of Diaspora Affairs in September.

    The document, which purports to track ‘anti-Semitism and anti-Zionism’ within Australia, identified D’Adam as ‘an advocate of Palestinian rights’ within the Labor Party and referenced his parliamentary statements characterizing Israel’s war for independence as containing ‘acts of terrorism.’ In a January 5 correspondence to Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke, D’Adam urged an official investigation into whether the dossier’s creation and distribution might constitute foreign interference under Australian law.

    The situation has created diplomatic ripples as Israeli Minister for Diaspora Affairs Amichai Chikli has maintained an active presence in Australia following the Bondi Beach terror attack. Last week, Chikli sent his own letter to Minister Burke criticizing the Australian government’s response to security matters while offering counter-terrorism training for Australian police forces.

    The controversial dossier designates NSW, Victoria, and Queensland as primary hotspots for alleged anti-Semitic content, with Canberra reporting the highest per capita incidence. It further identifies several pro-Palestine organizations including the Palestine Action Group, BDS Australia, and Students for Palestine USYD as ‘anti-Semitic/anti-Israel generators and influencers.’ Multiple politicians across party lines were named, including Senators Fatima Payman and Mehreen Faruqi, alongside Lidia Thorpe and Adam Bandt.

    D’Adam vehemently denies any anti-Semitic rhetoric, asserting the document deliberately conflates legitimate criticism of Israeli policies with religious prejudice. ‘The dossier does not provide any examples of anti-Semitism or criticism of Jewish people generally based on racial, ethnic, or religious identity,’ he stated in his letter.

    The controversy emerges against a backdrop of internal Labor Party tensions regarding Palestinian solidarity. D’Adam previously claimed he was silenced during party conference debates on Palestine and faced significant backlash after criticizing Premier Chris Minns’ handling of related issues, including the Sydney Harbour Bridge protest. While Minns acknowledged ‘tough debates’ occur within party rooms, he denied allegations of bullying behavior.

    Minister Burke’s office confirmed that correspondence containing allegations of unlawful conduct would be forwarded to appropriate agencies per standard procedure. The Israeli government has yet to provide official comment on these allegations.

  • Chris Mason: Greenland and Ukraine point to Trump’s head-spinning unpredictability

    Chris Mason: Greenland and Ukraine point to Trump’s head-spinning unpredictability

    Europe finds itself navigating two simultaneous diplomatic challenges with the United States, testing the continent’s ability to anchor Washington to its strategic priorities amid profound policy unpredictability from the Trump administration.

    The dual focus on Ukraine’s security and Greenland’s sovereignty emerges against a backdrop of growing skepticism in Washington about Europe’s geopolitical significance and defense commitments. These parallel developments illustrate what European officials describe as the ‘mesmerizing unpredictability’ of President Trump’s foreign policy approach.

    This week revealed particularly contradictory signals. Seven European leaders, including Britain’s Sir Keir Starmer, issued a joint statement diplomatically but firmly rejecting U.S. interest in Greenland as “absurd and counterproductive.” Their message emphasized that Greenland’s future belongs solely to its people, marking a rare unified European front against American ambitions.

    Simultaneously, European diplomats express cautious optimism about securing American commitment to Ukraine’s long-term security. The unprecedented presence of Trump envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner at Paris meetings of the ‘Coalition of the Willing’ signaled potential Washington alignment with European peace efforts.

    The emerging framework envisions a “US-led ceasefire monitoring and verification mechanism” leveraging advanced American intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities—including drones and satellites. This represents a significant evolution from Washington’s previous resistance to formal security guarantees for Kyiv.

    However, substantial uncertainties remain. Critical questions persist about Ukraine’s willingness to compromise on territory and the feasibility of securing sustainable peace. For European nations, including the UK, the commitment implies potential ground troop deployments raising questions about duration, public support, and defense budget implications.

    Whitehall sources characterize these developments as defining Europe’s security architecture for decades ahead, transcending current political leadership. As one official noted: “A secure Ukraine is a secure Europe and a secure Europe is a secure UK.”

    The fundamental question European capitals now confront is whether Trump’s unconventional approach represents a temporary deviation or a permanent transformation of transatlantic relations—with implications reaching far beyond this week’s headlines on Greenland and Ukraine.

  • Gen Z revolters are angry at the government they installed after Nepal’s protests

    Gen Z revolters are angry at the government they installed after Nepal’s protests

    KATHMANDU, Nepal — What began as a day of promise for 22-year-old Mukesh Awasti transformed into permanent sacrifice when he joined Nepal’s youth uprising against systemic corruption. Instead of boarding a flight to Australia to pursue civil engineering studies last September, Awasti now lies in a Kathmandu hospital bed, his leg amputated after being shot by security forces during violent demonstrations.

    The September protests, spearheaded by Nepal’s ‘Gen Z’ activists, resulted in 76 fatalities and over 2,300 injuries before achieving their immediate objective: the appointment of Sushila Karki as Nepal’s first female prime minister on September 12. The retired Supreme Court justice pledged to conduct fresh parliamentary elections by March and address systemic corruption.

    Three months later, mounting disillusionment grips the protest movement as the interim government faces criticism for failing to deliver meaningful reforms. Dozens of demonstrators, including those injured in September’s clashes, have returned to the streets expressing frustration over unfulfilled promises.

    “I regret my decision to participate because the new government we brought to power has achieved nothing,” Awasti stated from his hospital bed. “Corruption continues unchecked, and those responsible for opening fire on demonstrators remain free.”

    The government’s anti-corruption agency has filed just one significant case that excludes key political figures. Politicians accused of corruption are preparing to contest upcoming elections, with no legal action taken against former leaders in power during September’s violence.

    Suman Bohara, who walks with crutches due to a shattered right foot, articulated the collective frustration: “We returned to the streets because the government failed its promises. Many families lost loved ones, many were injured, but what has the government done? Nothing.”

    The original protests erupted on September 8 against widespread corruption, limited opportunities, unemployment, and poor governance—triggered initially by a social media ban. Demonstrators broke through police barricades attempting to enter parliament, meeting lethal force from security personnel. The movement rapidly spread nationwide, with angry mobs burning government offices and politicians’ homes, forcing leaders to flee via military helicopters.

    Analysts note the movement’s lack of clarity continues to hinder progress. Abeeral Thapa, principal of Polygon College of Journalism and Mass Communications in Kathmandu, observed: “The confusion stems from unclear demands among Gen Z groups. The protests began targeting corruption and social media restrictions but ultimately collapsed the government—like hunting deer but killing a tiger.”

    Divergent demands now emerge from various youth factions: some seek direct prime ministerial elections and constitutional overhaul, others demand immediate corruption prosecutions, while some support March elections to bring reform-minded lawmakers. The interim government’s limited mandate—primarily to conduct elections—restricts its ability to address all protester demands.

    Prime Minister Karki maintains her administration will deliver March 5 elections: “The world anticipates peaceful transition through elections. Our preparations are nearly complete, and security conditions have significantly improved.”

    Yet skepticism persists regarding whether elections will occur and whether they can address the systemic issues that sparked September’s uprising, leaving Nepal’s political future uncertain and its youth activists confronting the gap between revolutionary aspirations and political reality.

  • Reality TV star Brynne Edelsten charged with drug trafficking after police raid

    Reality TV star Brynne Edelsten charged with drug trafficking after police raid

    Melbourne socialite and television personality Brynne Edelsten has secured her release on bail amid serious drug trafficking allegations, with her mother providing a $5,000 guarantee. The 42-year-old former reality star appeared before Melbourne Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday as authorities proceed with multiple controlled substance charges.

    The case stems from a December 29 police raid on her Fitzroy residence, where investigators allegedly discovered a commercial quantity of methylamphetamine alongside other prohibited substances. Court documents reveal nine separate charges including drug possession, trafficking methylamphetamine, and possession of schedule 4 poisons without authorization.

    According to evidence presented to Magistrate Brett Sonnet, the search uncovered significant quantities of ketamine and 1.4-Butanediol in addition to various anabolic steroids including testosterone, nandrolone phenylpropionate, and trenbolone vials.

    Defense attorney Marco Man facilitated the bail arrangement requiring Edelsten to surrender her passport to authorities and maintain regular reporting obligations at a police station three times weekly while awaiting trial. The American-born celebrity, who gained fame through appearances on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ and ‘SAS Australia’ following her high-profile marriage to late billionaire Geoffrey Edelsten, declined to comment outside the courtroom.

    The case has been adjourned until April for further proceedings, with Edelsten maintaining her right to silence regarding the allegations against her.

  • Two charged with murder after notorious pedophile Shannon Norgate dies in jail

    Two charged with murder after notorious pedophile Shannon Norgate dies in jail

    Queensland authorities have formally charged two incarcerated individuals with murder following the death of convicted pedophile Shannon Norgate, who succumbed to injuries sustained during an alleged prison altercation. The 28-year-old sex offender, who had an extensive history of child sexual offenses, was found unresponsive at Maryborough Correctional Centre on November 26, 2025, and later died at Hervey Bay Hospital on December 1 after five days of medical treatment.

    Detectives from both the Corrective Services Investigation Unit and Maryborough Criminal Investigation Branch have pursued murder charges against two male inmates, aged 29 and 31, following a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding Norgate’s death. The accused are scheduled for arraignment at Brisbane Magistrates Court to face formal charges.

    Norgate’s criminal history reveals a pattern of predatory behavior toward children. Initially incarcerated in March 2020 after convictions on five child offense charges, including the sexual assault of two boys in a Gladstone school bathroom while impersonating a security guard in 2019, he served merely 14 months of his original four-year sentence before receiving suspension. His subsequent legal troubles included failures to comply with offender reporting requirements, possession of drug paraphernalia, and violations of prohibition orders. Most recently, in 2023, he received a two-year prison term for grooming a 12-year-old child.

    The case highlights ongoing concerns regarding prison safety and the treatment of high-profile offenders within correctional facilities. Queensland Police and Queensland Corrective Services have maintained coordinated oversight of the investigation while emphasizing their commitment to procedural justice regardless of the victim’s criminal background.

  • ‘Unfinished business’: Broncos legend Ali Brigginshaw prepares for her final NRLW season, identifies next star to carry the team into the future

    ‘Unfinished business’: Broncos legend Ali Brigginshaw prepares for her final NRLW season, identifies next star to carry the team into the future

    In a sport where the retirement of a superstar often triggers a period of decline, Brisbane Broncos icon Ali Brigginshaw is defying that narrative. As she prepares for her ninth and final season in the NRLW, the legendary playmaker has endorsed high-profile recruit Jesse Southwell as the heir apparent capable of sustaining the club’s dominance long into the future.

    Brigginshaw’s career stands as a testament to her transformative impact on women’s rugby league. The four-time NRLW champion, who recently became one of the first players to reach 50 games in the competition, has been instrumental in elevating the sport’s profile and professionalism. Her influence extends beyond club football, having helped Queensland and Australia maintain supremacy at representative levels.

    The veteran’s confidence in the Broncos’ continued success remains unshaken despite her impending retirement. ‘Some people suggested last year would have been the perfect time to retire on a high, but I see this team being successful every year,’ Brigginshaw stated. ‘The squad we have, the coaches we have – I definitely think we can do it again.’

    Central to this confidence is the acquisition of 20-year-old halfback sensation Jesse Southwell, whose move to Brisbane represents a significant coup for the club. Brigginshaw recognizes Southwell’s exceptional talent, noting: ‘You’re always looking for quality halves in the women’s game, and she’s definitely one of the best. Seeing her combination with winger Julia Robinson at the Jillaroos level was awesome.’

    The transition planning demonstrates remarkable foresight in women’s rugby league. Brigginshaw emphasized the importance of securing the club’s future: ‘I wanted to make sure the club was in a great place before I hung up the boots. Having Jesse there to take over the team is exactly what you need – a seven who will control the team.’

    While broadcasting and coaching opportunities await post-retirement, Brigginshaw remains focused on her final campaign, determined to mentor emerging talents and pursue ‘unfinished business’ before passing the torch to the next generation of NRLW stars.

  • Opposition leader Machado says she should be in charge of Venezuela

    Opposition leader Machado says she should be in charge of Venezuela

    Venezuelan opposition figure María Corina Machado has asserted her legitimate right to govern the nation following the U.S.-orchestrated removal of President Nicolás Maduro. In an exclusive interview with CBS News, the Nobel Peace Prize laureate declared her readiness to lead, stating her movement possesses a popular mandate from the disputed 2024 elections.

    Machado expressed profound gratitude toward U.S. President Donald Trump for demonstrating ‘leadership and courage’ in authorizing military operations that resulted in Maduro’s capture. She characterized the intervention as a pivotal advancement toward reestablishing democratic governance, prosperity, and legal order in Venezuela.

    Despite her appreciation for Trump’s actions, the opposition leader faces skepticism from the White House. President Trump publicly questioned Machado’s viability as a successor, noting her apparent lack of domestic support and respect, despite acknowledging her personal qualities.

    Machado simultaneously dismissed the legitimacy of interim President Delcy Rodríguez, Maduro’s former vice-president. She accused Rodríguez of being a principal architect of state repression against Venezuelan civilians, asserting that both domestic and international observers recognize her controversial legacy.

    Rodríguez, who assumed office following Maduro’s detention, has confronted these allegations while denying U.S. hegemony over Venezuelan sovereignty. In a nationally televised address, she emphasized that ‘no external agent governs Venezuela,’ directly countering claims of American control.

    The political landscape remains fraught with tension as competing factions vie for authority, international forces weigh in, and the population awaits resolution to the prolonged power struggle.

  • Ahead of election, Uganda’s security forces are accused of using violence against the opposition

    Ahead of election, Uganda’s security forces are accused of using violence against the opposition

    In Uganda’s increasingly volatile political landscape, presidential challenger Bobi Wine campaigns under constant threat of state-sponsored violence. The opposition leader, whose legal name is Kyagulanyi Ssentamu, navigates the campaign trail wearing protective gear against potential gunfire while facing relentless tear gas attacks from security forces. His challenge against President Yoweri Museveni—who has maintained power since 1986 through constitutional manipulations and suppression of rivals—has triggered what human rights organizations describe as a systematic campaign of brutal repression.

    Museveni, Africa’s third-longest serving leader, has openly endorsed the deployment of tear gas against opposition gatherings, characterizing them as ‘criminal’ assemblies in his New Year’s address. While the president defends these measures as ‘legal and non-lethal’ alternatives to live ammunition, Wine reports at least three supporter fatalities during campaign events, including shootings and military vehicle incidents. Security forces routinely disrupt opposition rallies with military precision, while Museveni campaigns without obstruction.

    The political environment has further deteriorated with the recent arrest of government critic Sarah Bireete, director of the Center for Constitutional Governance, on charges related to allegedly sharing voter registry data. Her detention until January 21 has been widely condemned as politically motivated silencing ahead of elections.

    Academic and political analyst Gerald Bareebe notes that even members of Museveni’s ruling party have expressed outrage at the security forces’ brutal tactics against civilians. The situation is compounded by the prominent role of Museveni’s son, army chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba, who has openly aspired to succeed his father and previously threatened violence against Wine.

    This election represents a critical juncture for a nation that hasn’t witnessed peaceful presidential transition since independence six decades ago. With Museveni seeking to extend his rule into a fifth decade and establishing what critics describe as military dictatorship, the January 15 vote faces serious questions about its legitimacy and potential for democratic change.

  • Nostalgia and new fans as Tamagotchi turns 30

    Nostalgia and new fans as Tamagotchi turns 30

    Three decades after its initial launch, the iconic Tamagotchi virtual pet continues to captivate audiences across generations, with manufacturer Bandai Namco reporting over 100 million units sold worldwide. What began as a 1990s playground phenomenon has evolved into a cultural mainstay, now embraced by retro-loving Gen Z consumers and nostalgic millennials alike.

    The digital companion, whose name combines the Japanese words for “egg” and “watch,” has undergone significant technological transformation since its debut. Bandai Namco’s special 30th anniversary exhibition in Tokyo showcases this evolution from basic black-and-white pixelated characters to contemporary models featuring color displays and wifi connectivity.

    Surprisingly, the Tamagotchi has experienced a remarkable resurgence as a fashion accessory. According to company data, merchandise sales (excluding video games) increased approximately sevenfold between 2019 and 2024, with the device becoming a popular keychain accessory among style-conscious youth in Tokyo’s Harajuku district and beyond.

    Fifteen-year-old Brazilian tourist Rafaela Miranda Freire expressed the device’s appeal to younger generations: “It’s really nostalgic and cute. Like some 2000s cute aesthetic.” While acknowledging that some peers consider the toy “childish,” Freire highlighted its value as a healthy alternative to social media consumption: “You just get off the phone and appreciate the small things in life.”

    The cultural impact of Tamagotchi was further validated when British retailer Hamleys included it in their list of the top 100 toys of all time, placing it alongside legendary playthings like Lego and the Rubik’s Cube. The exhibition itself offers an immersive experience, allowing visitors to enter through a giant white egg and explore interactive displays while learning about the device’s history through dozens of different models.

    Bandai Namco’s sales data reveals interesting geographical distribution patterns, with nearly half of all units sold in Japan, 33 percent in the Americas, and just two percent across other Asia-Pacific countries.

    The intergenerational appeal remains strong, as evidenced by 25-year-old Yumeho Akita’s childhood memories: “I really wanted one, and I finally got one, so I cherished it and raised the character very carefully.” This sentiment extends to parents like American screenwriter Justin Piasecki, who recently purchased Tamagotchis for his young daughters. “They basically have a computer science degree in Tamagotchi at this point,” the 41-year-old remarked. “I thought I would need to show them how to do it, but now they’re showing me.”