Anti-whaling group Sea Shepherd banning NZ activist Pete Bethune has caused bemusement in Japan ahead of his last day of trial in Tokyo today.

Tokyo rivals Paris as a epicurean paradise so expect more than sushi, says Karyn Scherer.

Up until now I have never managed to be in Bangkok when the Chatuchak Weekend Market is in full swing.

Sea Shepherd banned Kiwi anti-whaling activist Pete Bethune from future protests in an effort to help him avoid jail time.

Pete Bethune is axed from future Sea Shepherd anti-whaling protests for having a bow and arrows on board the sunken Ady Gil.

Indonesian cuisine presents a feast of flavours as diverse as its history.

Eco-tourism in Vietnam is often promoted by companies who either by ignorance or outright unscrupulousness do not adhere to the ethics that would constitute viable eco-tourism projects.

The BBC is hoping to combat "sensationalist" and "biased" reporting by launching a TV news service in Pakistan.

Germany's conservative President Horst Koehler tendered his immediate resignation yesterday.

Al Qaeda says its top leader in Afghanistan, Mustafa Abu al-Yazid, has died, according to a group that monitors Islamist websites.

Pete Bethune's defence in court that he thought firing acid bottles at a Japanese whaling ship was safe has sparked widespread reaction in Japan.

Driving Mr Naimoon, Paul Rush gets an entertaining lesson in pachyderm psychology.

Revised turbo-diesel firmly regains most powerful Japanese ute title for Nissan, says Phil Hanson.

Australia will initiate action in the International Court of Justice, seeking to prevent Japanese whaling in the Southern Ocean.

Apple has been embarrassed by publicity surrounding 11 suicide attempts at the vast Foxconn facility which produces iPad and other products.

Kamolket Akahad was treating an injured man, dressed as a medic, when she was shot and killed.

Climbing the world's tallest peak has gone from rugged challenge to booming tourist attraction. Sir Edmund Hillary would turn in his grave.