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Washington Post
5 days ago
- Business
- Washington Post
U.S.-China trade war is a battle to build walls
The Trump administration wants to enlist Southeast Asian countries to build a giant wall around China. The idea is to reduce the countries' reliance on Chinese supply chains, ween them off Chinese exports, and get them to stop letting China transship goods through their ports to evade U.S. tariffs. This was a major point in President Donald Trump's recent trade deal with Vietnam, which imposes a 40 percent tariff on transshipped goods, almost all of which come from China. The Asian countries themselves, meanwhile, are talking about building a different kind of wall — a wall of self-reliance to insulate themselves from the unpredictable trade moves emanating from Washington. Asian leaders now talk incessantly about the need to increase intra-Asian trade as a counterweight to their overreliance on the American market. In April, President Xi Jinping spoke in favor of uniting the 'Asian family.' Chinese officials call this expanding the country's 'circle of friends.' And many Asians outside China seem to agree. 'We need to fortify our internal foundations,' Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim told a meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations earlier this month. 'Trade more among ourselves, invest more in one another, and advance integration across sectors with resolve.' So whose wall is more likely to be built? China is clearly expanding its Asian trade. For more than a decade, it has been Southeast Asia's largest trading partner. China is right next door, after all, and has 1.4 billion consumers. And its long-standing trade ties appear to be deepening. In the first five months of this year, trade with Southeast Asia jumped more than 9 percent. In June, China's Southeast Asian exports surged by 16.8 percent year-over-year. Also, anecdotal evidence suggests that intra-Asian trade is growing. In Bangkok, anyone who calls for a GrabCar — the regional equivalent of Uber — is likely to get picked up in a new Chinese-made BYD or Aion electric car, rather than a Tesla. Japanese retail stores like Uniqlo, Isetan, Sogo and Muji dominate regional shopping malls. South Korean LG and Samsung, and Chinese Haier are the top-selling appliance brands. Sales of Chinese Xiaomi and Huawei smartphones now rival those of Apple iPhone. Of course, trade flows in both directions. Southeast Asian textiles, durian, frozen shrimp, rice, coconuts and other delicacies are finding their way onto a growing number of Chinese dinner tables, including in the hinterlands, thanks to China's new 21st century 'Maritime Silk Road.' Then there's Asia's undeniable cultural 'wall.' K-pop, Korean dramas and Korean beauty products are winning fans across the region. 'Squid Game' topped Netflix charts across Asia. But this is not to say that Asia might succeed in walling itself off from America. Steven Okun, an expert on international trade who is the CEO of APAC Advisors, a Singapore-based consultancy, explained the reality to me. 'First,' he said, 'the larger economies' — meaning South Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia — 'are too exposed to the U.S. market and there is no replacing it.' 'Second, the countries are at least as afraid, if not more, of China coming in and dumping all their excess capacity into their markets — just as China has done to the U.S.,' Okun said. 'If any walls get built, it will be to keep the Chinese out.' In other words, the United States remains the global behemoth, a veritable vacuum for consumer products. American household spending hit an eye-popping $19 trillion in 2023 — double the figure for the European Union and nearly triple that of China. What's more, for many in Asia, the risk of becoming overly dependent on Beijing looms large. Indonesia has been actively strengthening its various antidumping laws, and recently even banned e-commerce giant Temu over fears it would destroy local businesses. Thailand is eyeing anti-circumvention duties on a host of imported products, mostly from China. Asians want to benefit from China's growth but avoid being crushed by its economic might. Trump's wall relies on rallying allies who are deeply dependent on the global economy and wary of China. China's wall relies on promoting regional self-sufficiency as a counterweight to Washington's unpredictability. Look for regional economic integration to increase. Two-way trade numbers will go up. There will be more Chinese smartphones, appliances and electric vehicles in Asian cities. But America's market dominance looks set to persist for years to come. Asian countries won't be able to wall themselves off anytime soon.
The Mainichi
22-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- The Mainichi
'Randoseru' backpacks a rite of passage for Japan's 1st graders, and options are growing
TOKYO -- Getting a "randoseru" school backpack just before entering grade one is a major childhood milestone in Japan, and choosing just the right one to last the entire six-year span of elementary school is a weighty decision. In recent years, that decision has been getting earlier and earlier, the peak now stretching back all the way to May -- almost a full year before the child sets foot in their new school for the first time in April. Or put another way, the most frenzied randoseru-hunting season for the 2026 school year just ended last month. However, while the randoseru-purchasing wave has already crested, there remain diverse options beyond summer, even including backpack subscription services. Peak during Golden Week holiday period First, let's revisit what this year's randoseru-hunting looked like during its peak. From May 2 to 7, during Japan's Golden Week holiday period and the height of the school backpack shopping season, the "Isetan Randoseru Festival 2026" was held at the Isetan department store in Tokyo's Shinjuku Ward. While the store offers up to about 120 randoseru year-round, during the festival, the display expanded to about 900 backpacks. Previously, August was the peak time for purchases, including grandparents buying randoseru during the mid-month Bon holiday period. Though Isetan used to hold a backpack sales event that season, the "festival" has been moved up to Golden Week over the past eight years, following the early buying trend. A Tokyo woman in her 30s, who visited the Isetan festival on the first day with her husband and 6-year-old son after dropping her infant son at day care, explained, "A mom with a child older than mine told me to start looking early because popular colors sell out quickly. I started searching online in February, and some people I know bought theirs in March." Clearance sales, online shopping and flea market apps Traditionally, boys' randoseru were black and girls' were red, but now a variety of colors are available. Handmade limited editions known as "workshop" models are also popular. The early start of backpack hunting is said to be driven by parents' desire to secure popular ones before they sell out. A randoseru industry association survey targeting 1,500 people with children entering elementary school in April 2025 found that May 2024 was the most common purchase month at 20.3%, with nearly half (47.1%) buying between December 2023 and June 2024. For the remaining half, what does randoseru hunting look like? Many still purchase in August, the previous peak, accounting for 13.9% in 2024. Many manufacturers and supermarkets offer "early purchase discounts" into August and September. Some stores hold clearance sales in winter, also attracting buyers. However, popular colors are scarce by this time, and there may not be any sales. Other options include online shopping and acquiring unused backpacks cheaply on flea market apps. When those with children entering elementary school in April 2025 were asked where they had gone to look for a randoseru before making a final decision, the most common response was "general merchandise stores, large supermarkets or malls" at 40.3%. This was followed by "department stores" at 17.9%, "manufacturers or wholesale websites" at 17.7%, "shopping websites" at 14.5%, "specialty bag stores" at 13.1% and "sales corners at exhibitions or other occasions" at 12.9%. Alternatives to purchasing There are also alternatives to purchasing. In February 2023, Osaka-based Rands launched a subscription service, delivering user-selected backpacks from about 250 types to homes. The service offers two plans: "subscription standard" for 2,970 yen (around $20) per month, allowing exchanges every four months, and "subscription plus" for 4,950 yen ($34) per month, allowing monthly exchanges. After two years of using the same backpack, users can pay a 3,300-yen ($23) fee to keep it. Additionally, there are rental plans without exchanges, such as 8,800 yen ($60) for 60 days or 11,000 yen ($76) for 90 days. According to the randoseru association, the average purchase price for children entering elementary school in April 2025 was 60,746 yen ($419). While using the subscription standard plan for only two years costs 71,280 yen ($492), which is higher than the average purchase price, Rands public relations head Akira Shoyama said, "You can try various randoseru while keeping initial costs low, and easily exchange them if your child's preferences change as they grow up." The rental plan also serves families with children temporarily returning to Japan from overseas. Attachment to subscription backpacks A woman in her 30s living in Osaka Prefecture learned about the subscription service two years ago through a magazine. Her eldest daughter, now in fifth grade, expressed interest in trying a backpack with a white ribbon after seeing the website. Her daughter had been using a pink one bought by her grandmother. Initially hesitant about the subscription, fearing that having two randoseru might lessen her daughter's appreciation for her belongings, the woman ultimately agreed to her request. Her daughter has since tried backpacks in white, light purple, burgundy and mint green among other colors, but the mother's initial concern was unfounded. "She seems to develop an attachment to the subscription randoseru, just like the one given by her grandmother, and she looks sad when returning them. As she takes care of them with a cleaning cloth, I think she's learned to value her belongings." The daughter continues to use both her grandmother's backpack and subscription ones, choosing based on her outfit and mood. Lightweight, affordable ordinary-looking backpack options Concerns about the weight of randoseru, typically made of leather, have led to the rise of lighter models. According to multiple manufacturers, leather randoseru typically weigh 900 to 1,500 grams, while nylon backpacks weigh 650 to 1,200 grams and the cheaper models cost less than 10,000 yen ($70). Apparel giant Beams has offered nonleather backpacks as part of its "Kodomo Beams" line since 2022. Director Asami Namura, noted, "Some start with them from the beginning, while others come to our stores to switch as they rise through the school grades." A common reason for switching is the weight of leather randoseru. Namura's eldest daughter switched from her randoseru to one that looks like an ordinary backpack in third grade due to weight concerns. "Initially, it apparently piqued her friends' curiosity, asking, 'What is it?' but they soon got used to it, and she loves it," Namura explained. Namura added, "I feel society is increasingly open to alternatives to traditional randoseru. I don't think randoseru will disappear, but recently there are various options such as subscriptions, second-hand ones and ordinary backpacks. In the future, more families might take their time to carefully consider their choice year-round."
Hype Malaysia
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Hype Malaysia
Narciso Rodriguez Drops for her Eau De Parfum Intense & It's Definitely For Her & Us!
It's olfactorily orgasmic! Narciso Rodriguez introduces for her Eau de Parfum Intense, which is more than a fragrance – it's an expression of empowered femininity. Bold yet graceful, it speaks to the woman who owns her presence and radiates from within. Each spritz is an invitation to feel deeply, glow unapologetically, and embrace the strength in softness. This scent doesn't whisper – it lingers, leaving behind a trail of quiet confidence and magnetic allure. For the modern woman who dares to be both delicate and intense, this is her signature. This alluring fragrance opens with luminous top notes of peach and Calabrian bergamot, melting into a floral heart of white blooms and red spider lily. At its core lies an amplified, intensified heart of musc – the iconic DNA of the for her collection – deeper, more magnetic, and more powerful than ever. The scent lingers with a seductive trail of vetiver, moss accord, warm amber, and vanilla, creating a luxurious second-skin effect that captivates long after it's worn. for her Eau De Parfum Intense is captivating on its own, but when layered with for her PURE MUSC, it creates a deeper, more seductive fusion – rich in mystery, sensuality, and personal expression. Renowned perfumer Sonia Constant captured the essence of for her after four hours of wear – bottling the purest, most radiant expression of its musc signature. This breakthrough allowed her to amplify the scent's trail, delivering a new level of sensuality and lasting intensity. Narciso Rodriguez for her Eau De Parfum Intense Narciso Rodriguez for her Eau De Parfum Intense is available in two sizes – 50ml (RM545) and 100ml (RM725). The iconic bottle stays true to its sleek, architectural form but is reimagined in a bold fuchsia hue, offering a deeper, more vibrant twist on the signature blush pink. This striking design mirrors the fragrance itself – intensely rich, emotionally deep, and effortlessly elegant with a modern, minimal edge. Narciso Rodriguez counters are available in Parkson, Isetan, and AEON. What's your Reaction? +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0
Fashion United
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Fashion United
Romanian Fashion Week: parisian buyers on a scouting mission
A delegation of six Paris-based buyers, representing renowned department stores, concept boutiques, and consulting firms, travelled to Iași, Romania, for the 25th edition of Romanian Fashion Week. Their mission: to explore the country's creative potential. Invited by the festival's organisers, the buyers – Asano Miyazaki and Akane Tsuchihashi (Isetan), Alex Duarte and Sébastien Gibert (Agora & The Hideout Clothing), Mongue Din Harold Lloyd (Isho Concept), Alan Avenelv (Distelle Paris), and Song Pham (10 Lines Consulting) – discovered a burgeoning fashion scene full of promise, from young design graduates to more established names. All made the trip to the Moldavian region (Romania), invited by Romanian Fashion Week, to discover what local fashion could offer them. They knew nothing about the country and were expectant about what might appeal to them. Parisian buyers unite in Romania to discover creative brands The visitors were well taken care of, as Romanian Fashion Week – celebrating its 25th anniversary – placed a strong focus on the country's emerging talent. To spotlight this new generation, organisers dedicated the programme to showcasing recent fashion school graduates. The shows unfolded on an impressive open-air runway set in the heart of Iași, Romania's cultural and spiritual capital. From Friday, May 23 to Saturday, May 24, 2025, the Paris-based buyers attended presentations featuring graduate collections. On Sunday, May 25, the spotlight shifted to more established Romanian brands. What were their impressions? Did any designers stand out as future collaborators? FashionUnited asked these questions in a series of exclusive interviews. Raluc, Isetan favourite Credits: Romanian Fashion Week Asano Miyazaki for Isetan I went to Kyiv in 2019, as well as to Tbilisi, but this was my first time in Romania. We order from a few Ukrainian brands, such as Litkovska, and are influenced by what Demna Gvasalia, a Georgian designer, has brought to Western fashion. The standard, both of the organisation and the collections, was higher than I imagined. This is probably due to the fact that it is a country of manufacturers. Manufacturing is important to us, as is the choice of materials and the style. Irina Schrotter, Isetan favourite Credits: Romanian Fashion Week We focused our attention on the third day, which wasn't reserved for students. Three brands caught our attention: Raluc, Irina Schrotter and Axente. Axente, Isetan favourite Credits: Romanian Fashion Week Alex Duarte and Sébastien Gibert for Agora Duarte: We are curious. We like to be inspired, to discover new cultures, to understand how things work. This desire to share motivated us to come. We thought: why not bring Romanian brands to the French market? Their autonomy is remarkable. Many produce locally, so they have overall control of the work process, from design to manufacturing. Gibert: I wasn't at all familiar with Eastern European brands. I imagined a rudimentary fashion scene, but I discovered a more accomplished world than I had imagined, in terms of manufacturing and technical expertise. The embroidery work is simply impressive, I had never seen anything like it before. The experience was a pleasant surprise.' I really fell in love with Andrea Tincu and Lenca. Their sense of mix appealed to me: the colour combinations, the composition. It's bold and controlled. The materials give an impression of luxury, with a lot of personality. That's what I like. Andrea Tincu, Agora favourite Credits: Romanian Fashion Week Lenca, Agora favourite Credits: Romanian Fashion Week Duarte: I felt a real connection with Scapadona. The designs seem simple at first glance, but the details – the cuts, the materials, the looks – reveal real craftsmanship. At the moment, I'm drawn to everything that revolves around nature, bohemian style and meadows. I think there will be a real bohemian trend for SS26. From a commercial point of view, it's an easy aesthetic to sell. I also liked Daniel Radu.' This article was translated to English using an AI tool. FashionUnited uses AI language tools to speed up translating (news) articles and proofread the translations to improve the end result. This saves our human journalists time they can spend doing research and writing original articles. Articles translated with the help of AI are checked and edited by a human desk editor prior to going online. If you have questions or comments about this process email us at info@
Hype Malaysia
04-06-2025
- Business
- Hype Malaysia
Smell Sea-sational With Issey Miyake's New Ocean-Inspired L'Eau D'Issey Fragrances
This is THE drop, perfume aficionados! Issey Miyake is making a splash this year with not one, but two new fragrances inspired by the raw beauty and rhythm of the ocean. Say hello to L'Eau D'Issey Eau De Parfum Intense and L'Eau D'Issey Pour Homme Eau De Parfum – bold, elegant, and irresistibly fresh, these scents invite you to dive into a whole new world of aquatic luxury. 'I wanted perfumers to see beneath the surface of the water, to feel what I feel,' says ocean explorer Alexis Rosenfeld, whose underwater adventures helped inspire this olfactory voyage. L'Eau D'Issey Eau De Parfum Intense Inspired by the ocean's beauty and movement, this luxurious fragrance by Amandine Clerc-Marie captures the hypnotic rhythm of the sea. Centred around a unique Posidonia (Neptune grass) accord, it blends aquatic, herbaceous, and floral notes. Rich ylang-ylang and damascena rose add depth, while natural vanilla infuses a warm, sensual finish – creating a scent that's both refreshing and deeply evocative. L'Eau D'Issey Pour Homme Eau De Parfum This ocean-inspired fragrance by Sophie Labbé is a luxurious blend of contrasts – fresh and warm, fluid and textured. It opens with vibrant Sichuan pepper and lemon essence, unveiling an aquatic heart, and settles into a deep, elegant base of balsam fir and sustainably sourced cedarwood. A powerful, enigmatic scent that captures the essence of the sea. Clean Beauty, Conscious Luxury Both L'Eau D'Issey Pour Homme Eau De Parfum and Eau D'Issey Eau De Parfum Intense crafted by Amandine Clerc-Marie and Sophie Labbé are 91% naturally derived ingredients, blending purity with sophistication. The fragrance is elevated by 100% natural alcohol, sourced exclusively from French beetroot, for a clean, refined essence that's as chic as it is conscious. The Issey Miyake fragrances are available in Parkson, Isetan, and AEON, Issey Miyake Lazada, and Zalora Official Store. What's your Reaction? +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0 +1 0
