Tokyo erupted in jubilation as the Los Angeles Dodgers secured their second consecutive World Series championship with a dramatic 5-4 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays in 11 innings. The game, a nail-biting showdown, saw Japanese stars Shohei Ohtani and Yoshinobu Yamamoto play pivotal roles, igniting national pride across Japan. Ohtani, a two-way sensation, contributed with both his bat and arm, while Yamamoto’s stellar pitching earned him the World Series MVP honors. The Dodgers overcame a 3-0 deficit, rallying with a game-tying homer by Miguel Rojas in the ninth and a walk-off homer by Will Smith in the 11th. In Tokyo, fans gathered at Hub, a popular fish-and-chips restaurant, to watch the game live on large screens. The atmosphere was electric, with fans donning Ohtani jerseys and breaking into dance after the victory. The game’s viewership in Japan was massive, with millions tuning in despite late-night hours. Ohtani, a national icon, has been celebrated not only for his on-field prowess but also for his humility and connection to his Japanese roots. Yamamoto, meanwhile, cemented his legacy with back-to-back heroic performances in Games 6 and 7. The Dodgers’ triumph resonated deeply in Japan, even reaching Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who watched the game with U.S. President Donald Trump. The victory underscored the global impact of baseball and the pride Japan takes in its homegrown talents.
标签： Asia
亚洲
-
Canada and Philippines to sign defense pact to boost combat drills and deter China’s aggression
In a significant move to counter China’s assertive actions in the South China Sea, Canada and the Philippines are set to sign a pivotal defense agreement on Sunday. The Status of Visiting Forces Agreement (SVFA) will facilitate joint military exercises and enhance security cooperation between the two nations, according to Philippine officials. This agreement underscores Canada’s broader strategy to bolster its military presence in the Indo-Pacific region, aligning with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s efforts to fortify the Philippines’ defense capabilities against China’s growing influence in the disputed waters. China, which claims nearly the entire South China Sea despite a 2016 international arbitration ruling rejecting its claims, has not yet commented on the development. The Philippines has faced repeated confrontations with Chinese vessels, including dangerous maneuvers and water cannon attacks, resulting in injuries to Filipino personnel. The SVFA, signed by Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and Canadian counterpart David McGuinty, will take effect after ratification. This marks the Philippines’ third such agreement under Marcos, following similar pacts with Japan and New Zealand. Talks are also underway with France, Singapore, the UK, Germany, and India for comparable defense collaborations. At a recent ASEAN defense ministers’ meeting, Teodoro condemned China’s plan to establish a ‘nature reserve’ in the Scarborough Shoal, calling it a veiled attempt to assert military dominance. Canada has consistently criticized China’s actions in the region, including its use of water cannons against Philippine vessels. Last year, Canada and the Philippines signed a defense cooperation agreement, granting the Philippines access to Canada’s advanced ‘Dark Vessel Detection System,’ which has been instrumental in tracking Chinese ships in the South China Sea.
-
Japan’s Mone Chiba wins Skate Canada, holding off Olympic hopeful Isabeau Levito of the U.S.
SASKATOON, Saskatchewan — Mone Chiba of Japan delivered a breathtaking performance to clinch the Skate Canada title on Saturday night, edging out American prodigy Isabeau Levito in a thrilling showdown. Chiba, a 20-year-old world bronze medalist, showcased her technical prowess and artistry with a near-perfect free skate set to the traditional Hungarian folk tune “Csárdás,” earning a season-best score of 217.23 points. This victory marked her first Grand Prix gold after finishing as the runner-up in both of her assignments last year. Levito, the 18-year-old reigning world silver medalist, had set the stage with a flawless free skate to the soundtrack of “Cinema Paradiso,” scoring 209.77 points. Despite her valiant effort, she had to settle for silver. Ami Nakai of Japan secured third place with 203.09 points. In the pairs competition, Canadian duo Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps thrilled the home crowd at SaskTel Centre by claiming their third consecutive Skate Canada gold with a score of 213.40 points, narrowly defeating German pair Minerva Fabienne Hase and Nikita Volodin, who scored 207.18. The men’s and ice dance events are set to conclude on Sunday, with two-time reigning world champion Ilia Malinin leading the men’s short program with a commanding score of 104.84. The competition for the final U.S. Olympic spot remains fierce, with Levito and Bradie Tennell vying for the coveted position.
-
Families separated, children killed as survivors flee Sudan’s ‘apocalyptic’ Al Fasher
The city of Al Fasher in Sudan has become a scene of devastation as the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) seized control following an 18-month siege, leading to widespread atrocities and a humanitarian crisis. Survivors fleeing the city recounted harrowing tales of families being forcibly separated, children executed in front of their parents, and mass killings. Germany’s top diplomat, Johann Wadephul, described the situation as ‘apocalyptic,’ while satellite imagery from Yale University’s Humanitarian Research Lab suggested ongoing mass killings. Reports of summary executions, sexual violence, looting, and abductions have emerged, with tens of thousands of civilians still trapped in the city. The UN estimates that over 65,000 people have fled Al Fasher since the RSF’s final assault, but around 260,000 residents remain in grave danger. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) highlighted the limited number of survivors reaching safer areas, with only 5,000 making it to Tawila, 70 kilometers west of Al Fasher. Eyewitnesses reported that groups attempting to flee were often killed or captured, with individuals separated based on gender, age, or ethnicity. The RSF, descended from the Janjaweed militias accused of genocide in Darfur two decades ago, now controls all five state capitals in the region, effectively dividing Sudan along an east-west axis. The conflict has displaced nearly 12 million people, creating the world’s largest displacement and hunger crises. UN officials warn that the violence is spreading to the neighboring Kordofan region, with reports of large-scale atrocities perpetrated by the RSF.
-
Devastation on repeat: How climate change is worsening Pakistan’s deadly floods
Pakistan has been ravaged by catastrophic floods, affecting both urban and rural areas, including the capital of Punjab, Lahore. The monsoon season, which began in late June, has claimed over 1,000 lives and impacted at least 6.9 million people, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The floods have highlighted the severe consequences of climate change in a country that contributes just 1% of global greenhouse gas emissions.
-
UAE official calls out ‘fake Emirati identities’ on social media
A senior UAE official has raised concerns over the proliferation of ‘fake Emirati identities’ on social media platforms, urging the public to remain vigilant. Afra Al Hameli, Director of Strategic Communications at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, criticized individuals who masquerade as experts under fabricated names, accusing them of spreading misinformation and tarnishing the nation’s reputation. Al Hameli emphasized that the UAE remains steadfast in its commitment to truth, hope, and benevolence, stating, ‘No lies can conceal the truth, and no clamour can drown out facts.’ She further reiterated that the UAE focuses on constructive actions rather than engaging with baseless rumors. Al Hameli shared a video originally posted by X user Abdulkhaleq Abdulla, which exposed a fraudulent account allegedly misusing regional crises to defame the UAE. The account in question employed a fake profile picture and aimed to mislead the public. The UAE continues to prioritize transparency and integrity in its communications, reinforcing its dedication to fostering goodwill and combating false narratives.
-
300 million tourists just visited China’s stunning Xinjiang region. There’s a side they didn’t see
In 2024, Xinjiang, China’s northwestern region, witnessed a remarkable surge in tourism, welcoming over 300 million visitors—more than double the figure recorded in 2018. This influx comes despite the region’s controversial past, marked by allegations of human rights abuses and cultural suppression. The Chinese government has invested heavily in infrastructure and promotional campaigns, rebranding Xinjiang as a must-visit destination for both domestic and international tourists.
-
Shein accused of selling childlike sex dolls in France
French authorities have launched an investigation into the Asian fast fashion retailer Shein following allegations of selling ‘sex dolls with a childlike appearance’ on its platform. The Directorate General for Competition, Consumer Affairs, and Fraud Control (DGCCRF) flagged the products, stating that their online descriptions and categorizations ‘make it difficult to doubt the child pornography nature of the content.’ The DGCCRF has escalated the matter to French prosecutors and Arcom, the nation’s online and broadcasting regulator. Shein responded swiftly, telling the BBC that the controversial products were ‘immediately delisted’ upon discovery. The company also emphasized that its team is ‘investigating how these listings bypassed our screening measures’ and is conducting a ‘comprehensive review to identify and remove any similar items’ listed by third-party vendors. This controversy arises just days before Shein is scheduled to open its first permanent physical store worldwide, located in a Parisian department store. The incident has sparked widespread concern and scrutiny over the platform’s content moderation practices.
-
Full list of Israel’s ceasefire violations in Gaza
Since the Gaza ceasefire agreement was signed last month, Israel has been accused of repeatedly violating its terms. Reports indicate a series of unprovoked actions, including air strikes, shootings, arrests, and incursions beyond agreed deployment lines. Israel has justified these actions by citing alleged breaches by Hamas and other Palestinian groups, but Hamas has denied these claims, asserting full compliance with the ceasefire terms. Many of these violations have targeted civilians without clear justification. According to the Gaza-based Government Media Office, as of October 28, Israeli forces had carried out 52 shootings and 55 shellings across the Gaza Strip, resulting in 226 deaths, including 97 children, and 594 injuries. Additionally, at least 11 civilian homes have been demolished, and Israeli forces have deployed explosive-laden robots to destroy buildings. The Rafah crossing, crucial for humanitarian aid, remains closed, preventing critically wounded individuals from seeking treatment abroad. Only a fraction of the agreed-upon aid has been delivered, with essential medical supplies and heavy machinery for clearing rubble still blocked. Hamas has also accused Israel of breaching the prisoner exchange agreement, failing to provide a complete list of detainees and delaying the release of women and children. Despite these violations, Hamas has returned 20 living captives and 17 bodies under the agreement, with 11 more believed to remain buried in Gaza. The ongoing violations and humanitarian crisis highlight the fragility of the ceasefire and the urgent need for international intervention.
-
O’Brien’s dominate opening day at Breeders’ Cup as Godolphin eye Saturday glory
The 2025 Breeders’ Cup World Championships kicked off with a spectacular display of horsemanship at Del Mar, California, as the O’Brien family dominated the opening day. Aidan O’Brien, already a legend in the sport, secured his record-breaking 21st Breeders’ Cup victory with Ireland-bred Gstaad in the $1 million Juvenile Turf. His son, Donnacha O’Brien, followed suit, claiming his first Breeders’ Cup triumph as a trainer with Balantina’s thrilling victory in the $1 million Juvenile Fillies. The O’Brien dynasty’s success underscored their enduring influence in global horse racing. Meanwhile, Godolphin, the Dubai-owned racing powerhouse, faced setbacks on Friday but remains a formidable contender for Saturday’s championship races. Rebel’s Romance, aiming for a historic third consecutive win in the Longines Breeders’ Cup Turf, leads Godolphin’s charge. The absence of Kentucky Derby champion Sovereignty, withdrawn due to illness, cast a shadow over the $7 million Breeders’ Cup Classic, but the event still promises high-stakes drama with the world’s top Thoroughbreds competing for racing immortality.