Asia Rising

During World War II (and the wider Pacific War) women from many Asian countries were kept in 'comfort stations' for the use of Japanese soldiers.

While Japan has now given ¥1 billion in compensation there is little acknowledgement of the issue, and it has caused tension in particular with neighbouring South Korea.

Dr Nicola Henry (Social Inquiry, La Trobe University) speaks to Professor Nick Bisley (Executive Director, La Trobe Asia) discuss the issue of comfort women, whether the recognition offered is sufficient, and the extent of the political issues.

Copyright 2016 La Trobe University, all rights reserved. Please contact for permissions.

Suicide is a significant public health problem. With a highly populated and urbanised environment, Hong Kong in particular has taken a proactive approach to suicide prevention, such as restricting means, improving the data record, and media engagement.

Professor Paul Yip (Director for the Centre for Suicide Research and Prevention) dicusses suicide prevention practices in Hong Kong, as well as cultural differences in attitudes between the east and the west.

Copyright 2016 La Trobe University, all rights reserved. Please contact for permissions.

India is a country that can overload the senses. One of the most striking features a visitor can notice is the country's seemingly endemic problem with rubbish and pollution.

Professor Robin Jeffrey (Emeritus, La Trobe University) talks to Professor Nick Bisley (Executive Director, La Trobe Asia) about the extent of India's problem with waste, the cultural attitude towards sanitation, and Modi's plan to clean up India.

Follow Nick Bisley on Twitter: www.twitter.com/nickbisley

Copyright 2016 La Trobe University, all rights reserved. Please contact for permissions.

The South China Sea is a critical commercial gateway for a significant portion of the world’s merchant shipping, and much of the territory is disputed by neighbouring countries.

China's recent land reclamation projects in disputed areas leave many to fear it could escalate into full-scale conflict. Dr Euan Graham (Director, International Security. Lowy Institute for International Policy) joins Professor Nick Bisley (Executive Director, La Trobe Asia) to discuss the dispute and explain what's at stake.

Follow Euan Graham on Twitter: www.twitter.com/graham_euan

Copyright 2016 La Trobe University, all rights reserved. Please contact for permissions.

The recent arrest of Jawaharlal Nehru University student leader Kanhaiya Kumar on the charges of sedition have shaken India, the world's biggest democracy.

Dr Ian Woolford (Hindi Program, La Trobe University) talks to Professor Nick Bisley (Executive Director, La Trobe Asia) about the Modi government reaction and what this crisis means for freedom of speech in India.

Follow Ian Woolford on Twitter: www.twitter.com/iawoolford

Copyright 2016 La Trobe University, all rights reserved. Please contact for permissions.

Australia's Turnbull government has released a new defence white paper containing the affirmation of the purchase of 12 new submarines. There have been previous indications that these would come from Japan, but much has changed in both domestic and international politics in this time.

Professor Nick Bisley (Executive Director, La Trobe Asia) tells Matt Smith why Japan will be the provider of Australia's submarines and the ripples it could make in international diplomacy.

Follow Nick Bisley on Twitter: www.twitter.com/nickbisley

Copyright 2016 La Trobe University, all rights reserved. Please contact for permissions.

Chinatown was established in Melbourne in 1854, 20 years after the city started. It is located in Little Bourke St, and has a long history of supporting the local Chinese community.

Dr Sophie Couchman (Curator at the Chinese Museum (Melbourne), Honorary Research Fellow, History, La Trobe University) talks about history, culture, and influences of Melbourne's Chinatown.

Follow Sophie Couchman on Twitter: https://twitter.com/sophiecouchman

Copyright 2016 La Trobe University, all rights reserved. Please contact for permissions.

Art therapy is a theraputic mental health inititiative from the western world, but it has now been incorporated into mental health initiatives in the Pacific Island nation of Samoa.

Dr Patricia Fenner (Public Health, La Trobe University) talks about the program success and the strong influence Samoan community and culture has played in it.

Follow Jasmine-Kim Westendorf on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Jasminekimw

Copyright 2016 La Trobe University, all rights reserved. Please contact for permissions.

It's been 15 years since the United Nations Security Council resolution on women, peace and security. Despite all the efforts there is still a lot of disappointment that women are still so excluded from peace processes.

Dr Meenakshi Gopinath (Founder and Honorary Director of WISCOMP) talks to Dr Jasmine-Kim Westendorf (International Relations, La Trobe University) about how and why women should be included and encouraged in conflict resolution.

Follow Jasmine-Kim Westendorf on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Jasminekimw

Copyright 2016 La Trobe University, all rights reserved. Please contact for permissions.

At the end of World War II, Japan adopted Article 9 into their constitution, aspiring to international peace and not having a standing army. Pacifism became part of the Japanese identity, but this could change with recent legislation.

Professor Nick Bisley (Executive Director, La Trobe Asia) and Matt Smith discuss the recent constitution changes and what it could mean for Japanese society.

Follow Nick Bisley on Twitter: www.twitter.com/nickbisley

Copyright 2015 La Trobe University, all rights reserved. Please contact for permissions.