Think of Japan, and often the image that comes to mind is a futuristic one.

Milk exporter Oravida has put another $50,000 into the National Party's war chest.

Winston Aldworth flies from Auckland to Tokyo on NZ95.

Lucy Casley checks in to a Ho Chi Minh City hotel with an excellent rooftop pool and bar.

Migrants make up more than a quarter of New Zealand's population.

A deal to allow for 14 flights a week to Colombia has been signed and more agreements are in the pipeline.

The 42nd ASB Polyfest kicks off in Manukau this morning.

The amount is lower than a $US44 million valuation disclosed in September

Some measures of air safety have gone backwards, but the risk of being in a plane crash continues to fall.

Take a look at why its possibly the funniest video of the year.

Thai wine importer JW Sam shares his top picks for what to see and do on tropical Borneo.

Microwave imaging could soon be available for breast screening to detect cancer.

The mother of the BBC expert whose interview about South Korea was abruptly interrupted by his children says she could have been the accidental cause of the hilarious gaffe.

A World Heritage site gives plenty of reasons to ponder its existence, writes Owen Young.

In a shocking new development, a rhino has been slaughtered at a French zoo for its horn.

Deborah Dickson Smith finds Bali's undiscovered north.

A Kiwi father on holiday with his family in Bali was kidnapped for more than four hours and forced to pay a card game which scammed him out of $2000.

French sailors Jean-Pierre and Paulette van Hille have returned to Tauranga after 20 years to continue their long love affair with New Zealand. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

North Korea has rejected an autopsy finding that nerve agent killed Kim Jong Nam.

Some mysteries you encounter while travelling you'll never get to the bottom of.

As modern influences come to Myanmar, the past is always near, writes Neda Vanovac.

Twenty three year-old Stefan Warnaar was inspired to start his business on his OE. Warnaar opens up about competition.

Can't understand Te Reo? Hakarongo Mai will help you out. This year, the live translation service for Te Matatini launched an app to help non-Te Reo speakers keep up with performances. Made with funding from NZ On Air.

Warriors star Shaun Johnson returned to his roots, and took a documentary crew along for the ride.

The thickest thieves ever have burnt an ATM they were trying to rob... And everything inside it.

Live crabs, stink bugs and ''miracle water'' are some of the most bizarre things intercepted at NZ's border.

Label has saved Luang Prabang's buildings but killed its soul, writes Denis D. Gray.

In Tokyo's crowds, Winston Aldworth, finds the small things matter a great deal.

Shaun Johnson: Across the Mekong screens on Sky Sport 2, on Monday February 27, at 8.30pm. For the full story, see this week's Sunday Travel magazine in the Herald on Sunday.

Air New Zealand faces a sharp fall in first half profits as increased competition puts pressure on yields and oil prices edge up.