Happy Indigenous Peoples' Day!

Today, we honor the rich histories, diverse cultures and enduring resilience of Indigenous communities throughout the Americas. Replacing Columbus Day in many localities, Indigenous Peoples' Day recognizes the original inhabitants of these lands and their ongoing struggles. While celebrated by over a dozen states and 100 cities, it is not yet a federal holiday, though legislation is pending. Some see this recognition as a crucial first step, while others believe it falls short, demanding a formal apology from the U.S. government for its historical treatment of Indigenous peoples. Regardless, Indigenous Peoples' Day serves to raise awareness of the significant challenges these communities continue to face, including discrimination, the impacts of climate change and threats to their land and sovereignty.

News

Japanese atomic bomb survivors win 2024 Nobel Peace Prize

Nihon Hidankyo, a grassroots Japanese organization of atomic bomb survivors, has been awarded this year’s Nobel Peace Prize for their decades-long activism against nuclear weapons. The Norwegian Nobel Committee recognized the group “for its efforts to achieve a world free of nuclear weapons and for demonstrating through witness testimony that nuclear weapons must never be used again.”

About the group: Formed in 1956, Nihon Hidankyo, also known as the Hibakusha, represents survivors of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki who have dedicated their lives to advocating for nuclear disarmament. Around 150,000 died in the bombings and countless more from the resulting radiationk in the years that followed. “The Hibakusha help us to describe the indescribable, to think the unthinkable, and to somehow grasp the incomprehensible pain and suffering caused by nuclear weapons,” the Norwegian Nobel Committee said on Friday. Hibakushi co-head Toshiyuki Mimaki, who recalled seeing Hiroshima’s survivors at age 3, warned, “It has been said that because of nuclear weapons, the world maintains peace. But nuclear weapons can be used by terrorists.”

Why this matters: Nihon Hidankyo’s recognition comes at a pivotal moment as nuclear threats loom large in global conflicts, particularly with Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Jørgen Watne Frydnes, chair of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, said the award was made as the “taboo against the use of nuclear weapons is under pressure.” In a congratulatory message, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described the Hibakusha as “soul-bearing witnesses of the horrific human cost of nuclear weapons,” which he called “devices of death that offer no safety, protection or security.” The prize, which carries a $1 million cash award, underscores the urgent need for disarmament amid increasing global stockpiles, with over 12,000 nuclear warheads estimated to remain. The recognition also highlights tensions in the Middle East, where concerns over Iran’s potential nuclear capability exacerbate fears of nuclear conflict.

Sports

WNBA now has its first-ever Asian American head coach

Natalie Nakase, former assistant coach of the Las Vegas Aces, has been appointed as the inaugural head coach of the Golden State Valkyries, an expansion team set to debut in the WNBA in 2025. The announcement on Thursday marks a historic moment as Nakase becomes the first Asian American head coach in the league's history.

About the coach: The 44-year-old Japanese American coach brings over 16 years of coaching experience, including a pivotal role in the Las Vegas Aces’ back-to-back championships in 2022 and 2023. She also served as a temporary head coach for the Las Vegas Aces in May last year, leading them to win against the Los Angeles Sparks while head coach Becky Hammon served a suspension. Her journey from walk-on player at UCLA to a prominent coaching career reflects her dedication and perseverance. "I’m living proof that when you work really, really hard, and you stay focused on your goal, big dreams do come true,” Nakase said during her introductory press conference.

Helming a new team: Valkyries General Manager Ohemaa Nyanin praised Nakase’s "grit and perseverance," adding that she exemplifies the values the team hopes to instill. According to Nakase, she intends to build a “winning culture of grit, hard work, and competitiveness. We will strive to improve, compete and ultimately bring home a championship for our fans and this organization." Owned by the Golden State Warriors, the Valkyries will see action at the Chase Center in San Francisco

News

Simu Liu voices cultural concerns over boba brand pitch on “Dragons’ Den”

During the third episode of “Dragons’ Den” Season 19, guest investor Simu Liu expressed reservations about investing in a Quebec-based boba company. Liu, known for his role in “Shang-Chi,” questioned the cultural impact of Bobba, a packaged bubble tea brand, which was seeking $1 million for an 18% stake in their business.

“New” kind of boba: With Bobba, entrepreneurs Sebastien Fiset and Jessica Frenette were seeking to "disrupt" with purported new innovations like alcoholic bubble tea and bottled popping boba. The brand’s financial success, with $4.6 million in sales last year and plans for rapid expansion attracted the attention and interest of the other dragons. Liu, however, raised questions about the company's branding and whether it adequately acknowledged the Taiwanese origins of bubble tea. "I am studying your can, and I am looking for anything that tells me where boba came from, and where boba came from is Taiwan," Liu stated.

Not his cup of boba: As the other dragons made their offers, Liu emphasized his desire to support minority entrepreneurs and expressed discomfort with potentially "uplifting a business that is profiting off of something that feels so dear to my cultural heritage." Declining to invest, Liu emphasized the importance of respecting cultural heritage in business, saying, “I want to be a part of bringing boba to the masses, but not like this. So for that reason, I'm out.”

News

Young Chinese couples are now saying “I do” at McDonald’s

A growing number of young couples in China are reportedly choosing fast food chains like McDonald’s as wedding venues. The trend reflects broader shifts in wedding preferences, particularly among Gen Z who are embracing simplicity and affordability over traditional and lavish ceremonies.

Driving the news: In one wedding in Wuhan in May, a couple exchanged vows under the golden arches, received rings in a box of fries and saw their guests enjoy Happy Meals together, Sixth Tone reported. For many, these “McWeddings” are affordable alternatives to traditional banquets, costing a fraction of the 330,000 yuan ($45,000) average for a 2023 Chinese wedding. The trend also reflects a desire for simplicity — rejecting traditional rituals like bridal hazing — and a preference for venues that don’t serve alcohol, reducing the likelihood of drunken misbehavior. The appeal extends beyond mainland China, with McDonald’s weddings in Hong Kong starting at $385 and featuring unique touches like a McNugget bouquet.

The big picture: Fast-food weddings apparently began in Hong Kong as early as 2011, when McDonald’s introduced its “McWedding” service. “In the U.S. and other places, middle-class or upper-middle-class people look down on McDonald’s,” anthropologist Gordon Mathews of the Chinese University of Hong Kong told The New York Times at the time. “But Hong Kong is different. A McDonald’s wedding wouldn’t be seen as tacky here.” Today, in China, where wedding costs far exceed the monthly incomes of many couples, McDonald’s and other chains like Hey Tea and Haidilao have found a niche by offering budget-friendly wedding packages. The minimalist ceremonies reflect a broader cultural shift as younger generations seek meaningful celebrations that align with their personal values.

News

A TikToker went viral for claiming to eat Costco salmon raw — is it safe?

A TikTok video featuring a user eating raw Costco salmon like sashimi raised concerns among netizens about the safety of consuming non-sushi-grade fish. In the video, user Sara (@madeinkorea____) claimed she and her husband have been eating raw Costco salmon for years without incident.

Still alive: Sara, who identifies as Korean, expressed confidence in the salmon’s safety, stating, “My husband doesn’t believe in ‘sushi grade.’ We’ve been doing this for years and we’re still alive.” One commenter claimed to be “Korean too” but stated their family “would never eat raw fish if it wasn’t sushi-grade.” Other commenters highlighted the potential for contamination during processing and packaging, even if the fish is initially frozen.

What FDA recommends: While the term “sushi-grade” lacks a formal regulatory definition and relies on the seller’s assessment of the fish’s safety for raw consumption, the FDA provides guidelines for parasite destruction in fish. Fish for raw consumption is recommended to be frozen at -4°F (-20°C) or below for 7 days, or at -31°F (-35°C) or below for 15 hours, a step that is unclear if Costco’s freezing process fully meets. We reached out to Costco for comment on their salmon handling and freezing processes but we have yet to receive a reply as of this writing.

Final Bites

📰North Carolina’s Hmong families seek Asian food items, language access after Helene: In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Hmong American families in North Carolina are seeking urgent assistance, particularly with Asian food items and language access. Helene, which made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane and killed at least 230 people across six states — including over 100 in North Carolina — has left tens of thousands of North Carolinians without power, including Hmong communities. With Helene destroying farms, Hmong families also struggle with accessing Asian food staples such as rice and noodles. “At the end of the day, getting through this disaster, having that comfort food is so important,” Sendra Yang of the N.C. Hmong Women Association, which is organizing food donation drives, told WUNC. Additionally, limited English proficiency has made applying for FEMA assistance a daunting task for older Hmong refugees, prompting calls for more interpreters. The Hmong Women Association is holding FEMA assistance events until Oct. 15 to help community members fill out forms. Others may apply for FEMA aid by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), registering online at DisasterAssistance.gov or using the FEMA App.

🗳️Why Minnesota’s Hmong voters are supporting Tim Walz: Hmong Americans in Minnesota are rallying behind Gov. Tim Walz, praising his long-standing support for their community and hoping to sway other Hmong voters in key battleground states like Wisconsin and Michigan. The Democratic vice presidential candidate has a positive reputation within Minnesota’s largest Asian ethnic group, thanks to his engagement with its farmers and veterans. In 2020, Walz opposed the Trump administration’s proposed deportation of Hmong and Lao refugees, further solidifying his bond with the community. Speaking to AP News, Janssen Hang, co-founder of the Hmong American Farmers Association, noted Walz's genuine connection with the people, saying he “speaks from the heart.” However, critics like May Lor Xiong, a Republican candidate for Congress, argue that Walz’s leadership during crises like the COVID-19 pandemic fell short. Despite differing opinions, supporters believe that his positive history with the community could inspire crucial votes. As a fast-growing and tightly-knit community, Hmong voters, like other Asian American groups, could be pivotal in shaping the outcome of the 2024 election.

🗞️Suspect arrested in connection to slurs painted on CA state senator campaign signs: Kevin William Walker, 62, of Fountain Valley, was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of vandalism of property worth $400 or more, after several campaign signs for Dave Min, a Democratic candidate for Congress, were found vandalized in Huntington Beach, California. However, it is unclear if he is tied to all incidents. The Huntington Beach Police Department is investigating the incident as a potential hate crime as some signs were spray-painted with anti-Asian slurs. Min, the son of Korean immigrants, is running for the 47th Congressional District seat. He linked the vandalism to a rise in anti-Asian sentiment following a recent Donald Trump rally, attributing it to the xenophobia fueled by the MAGA movement. Min's opponent, Republican Scott Baugh, condemned the vandalism, while Huntington Beach Mayor Gracey Van Der Mark accused Min of “race baiting.”

🎙️Nobuyo Oyama, voice of Doraemon, dies months after “Nobita”: Nobuyo Oyama, the iconic voice of Doraemon in the beloved Japanese anime series, died on Sept. 29 at the age of 90 due to old age. Oyama voiced the titular robotic cat from 1979 to 2005, becoming synonymous with the character for a generation of children across Asia. Her distinctive voice brought to life Doraemon's adventures with Nobita, a boy "terrible at everything," as they navigated everyday life with the help of gadgets from the future. Oyama's legacy extends beyond "Doraemon," with roles in other shows like NHK's puppet show "Boo Foo Woo." Her death follows closely behind the death of Noriko Ohara, the voice of Nobita, in July.

🌊Meet South Korea’s senior “mermaids” fighting to protect the ocean: In Apple TV’s new documentary “The Last of the Sea Women,” on which Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai is a producer, filmmaker Sue Kim shines a light on the “haenyeo,” South Korea's legendary women divers who have long defied societal norms. Known as real-life “mermaids” of Jeju Island, these grandmothers, now dwindling in numbers, dive into the depths of the ocean to harvest seafood, all while grappling with the looming threats of pollution and climate change. Navigating their role as protectors of the sea, these women showcase their strength, autonomy and unbreakable sisterhood. Through their stories, Kim not only honors the haenyeo's rich heritage — she also raises urgent questions about the future of their culture and the marine ecosystems they cherish. “When I heard that our job is going to be filmed, I was really happy because this is the opportunity for us to tell the world about our job. This is the kind of thing that we can pass onto the next generation,” haenyeo Lee Hee Soon tells NextShark.