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Asia Specific

BBC World Service
China
South Korea
Japan
United States
Taiwan
North Korea
Indonesia
Yoon Suk Yeol
Singapore
Corruption
Thailand
Tourism
Myanmar
Beijing
Aung San Suu Kyi
Martial Law
Democracy
Iran
Asia Pacific
Xi Jinping

Asia Pacific, unpacked by those who know it best. Bringing you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends.

Hear Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people. Whether it is the latest on trade b... more

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes73Founded9 months ago
Number of ListenersCategory
News

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Artwork for Asia Specific

Latest Episodes

Multiple families in Singapore are facing an unimaginable possibility that the children they legally adopted from Indonesia may have been victims of an alleged baby trafficking network.

A major trial is underway in Indonesia involving 19 defendants ... more

On July 2, separatist rebels released a video saying that they had shot dead a US pilot and set his plane on fire in Indonesia's far eastern Papua region.

The West Papua National Liberation Army (TPNPB) said they killed 29-year-old Nicholas F Gosse... more

The Japanese imperial family is running out of members — with only 16 royals remaining, questions are growing about the future of the world's oldest hereditary monarchy. So what is the Japanese government's plan to safeguard the imperial line, and wh... more

The murder of a 17-year-old girl in the coastal city of Pattaya, allegedly by a 45-year-old Australian man has sparked a discussion about whether legalising sex work in Thailand could make it safer.

Tunchanok Donhomla’s body was found stuffed in a ... more

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Recent Guests

Johnny Blades
Pacific reporter for Radio New Zealand
Radio New Zealand
Episode: Why armed men killed a US pilot in Indonesia
Abraham Utama
Investigative reporter for the BBC's Indonesian Language Service
BBC Indonesia
Episode: Why armed men killed a US pilot in Indonesia
Mayu Yoshida
Journalist who has covered the topic extensively; former Reuters and NHK World correspondent; host at J-Wave
J-Wave (radio)
Episode: Why can’t Japan have a female emperor?
David McNeill
Professor of communications; journalist for The Economist and The Independent
University of Sacred Heart (Japan)
Episode: Why can’t Japan have a female emperor?
Siromas Akrapongpanich
Child safety advocate
Human Help Network Foundation Thailand
Episode: Thailand’s sex worker legal limbo
David Kwok
Founder and CEO, Tiny Island Productions
Tiny Island Productions
Episode: Are microdramas the future of entertainment?
Eunice Yang
BBC reporter, Chinese Language Service
BBC World Service
Episode: Are microdramas the future of entertainment?
Amanda Harvey
Patient from Brisbane who traveled to Shanghai for CAR T-cell therapy
Episode: Why cancer patients are travelling to China
Sandeep Wamne
Representative from Cancer Facts discussing China's role in medical innovation
Cancer Facts
Episode: Why cancer patients are travelling to China

Host

Mariko Oi
Host of Asia Specific; BBC World Service

Reviews

4.7 out of 5 stars from 67 ratings
  • A Real Mixed Bag

    It’s so hard to know what you’re signing up for with this podcast. Some weeks you get great insights into geopolitics and other weeks it’s about beauty pageants. Both valid, but I’m sure there’s enough political news or cultural news coming out of Asia to fill a podcast series. So it would be nice if they picked a lane. I guess part of it might be that they’re quite new and don’t know what they want to be?

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    PraSar87
    Canada2 months ago
  • Consistently engaging

    Mariko Oi consistently identifies news angles from the Asia-Pacific region and deals with them in an engaging way in 20 minutes. Two experts on the topic at hand join her every week. It’s a simple, effective format. Highly recommended for a broad understanding of topical issues facing the Asia Pacific region.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Toffee Boiling Dwarf
    Hong Kong3 months ago
  • Great!

    Great idea, really loving this so far!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Jake90985
    United Kingdom8 months ago
  • Great new podcast.

    Loving this new podcast. Great subject matter, well delivered and explained. And Mariko Oi is simply a joy to listen to. Keep the episodes coming!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Ryan Sheales
    Australia8 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

The format is simple and effective, with two experts per episode.
Mariko Oi consistently identifies Asia-Pacific angles and keeps conversations tight and informative.
Very engaging and topic-rich; the host is a joy to listen to.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#50
Singapore/News
Apple Podcasts
#56
Japan/News
Apple Podcasts
#59
Philippines/News
Apple Podcasts
#92
Indonesia/News
Apple Podcasts
#178
Taiwan/News
Apple Podcasts
#179
South Korea/News

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Why armed men killed a US pilot in Indonesia
Q: Why was the American pilot flying in Papua, and have there been similar incidents with foreign pilots before?
Small regional airlines operate in and out of Papua, and there is a perception that some flights may transport Indonesian military personnel or equipment; however, the specific aircraft involved in this incident was not alleged to be transporting military assets by the company or government.
Thailand’s sex worker legal limbo
Q: What are the potential benefits of legalizing prostitution in Thailand?
Proponents argue legalization could improve safety, allow sex workers to access police protection and social services, enable taxation and welfare benefits, and reduce stigma, provided there are strong regulatory safeguards to protect minors and address exploitation.
Thailand’s sex worker legal limbo
Q: What has the accused said so far?
Initially he denied involvement but later confessed to the killing, claiming self-defense after an alleged threat with a kitchen knife, with media reporting suggesting an escalation linked to a payment dispute.
Why can’t Japan have a female emperor?
Q: Why are Japanese politicians so adamant not to allow Princess Aiko to become empress, and what would be required to change that?
The debate hinges on longstanding concerns about the purity of the imperial line and political consensus; changing it would require revising the Imperial House Law to permit female emperors or redefine succession rules, which faces strong conservative opposition even as public sentiment shifts.
Inside a major baby trafficking trial in Indonesia
Q: What are the main concerns for the families who adopted these babies in Singapore?
Adoptive families worry about the potential trafficking designation of their child and the future legal and logistical implications if the child is determined to have been trafficked, including debates about where the child should ultimately live.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About Asia Specific

What is Asia Specific about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A data-driven, region-focused briefing that features informed discussions with reporters, economists, policymakers, and industry analysts about Asia-Pacific dynamics. Episodes frequently explore trade, technology policy, energy markets, geopolitical flashpoints, and cultural phenomena (notably entertainment and tourism), often pairing a local host with regional guests to unpack complex issues in clear, actionable terms for business audiences. The show tends to blend on-the-ground reporting with strategic context, offering timely perspectives on how macro trends translate into markets, policy, and daily life across Asia. A notable strength is its accessibility and breadth—covering economics, diplomacy, and soft power with guests who bring bo... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Asia Specific?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Asia Specific:

1. Global News Podcast
2. What in the World
3. World Business Report
4. The Documentary Podcast
5. The Global Story

How many episodes of Asia Specific are there?

Asia Specific launched 9 months ago and published 73 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Asia Specific?

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What guests have appeared on Asia Specific?

Recent guests on Asia Specific include:

1. Johnny Blades
2. Abraham Utama
3. Mayu Yoshida
4. David McNeill
5. Siromas Akrapongpanich
6. David Kwok
7. Eunice Yang
8. Amanda Harvey

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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