Puerto Rican rapper Bad Bunny has become one of the most popular artists in the world despite singing exclusively in Spanish. His music has broken down barriers between English and Spanish-speaking audiences. 

Bad Bunny

A new trend has emerged in China whereby people are recreating ‘White people food’ lunches, which are often seen as bland and unappetising. The trend is thought to be a way for Chinese people to poke fun at Western food culture – as well as a way to save time and money on lunch.

White people food

More and more women are travelling to South Korea to find love. Drawn to the characters they see on their TVs, women from around the world are seeking the kind of well-groomed, romantic, and gentle men found in Korean pop culture. 

K-drama dreams

With celebrity fans including Samuel L. Jackson, Kanye West, and Megan Thee Stallion, anime has found a receptive audience among Black Americans, whose interest in Japanese animation is challenging assumptions about niche interests, fan art, and cosplay.

Anime fandom

TikTok creators worldwide are using AI to rewrite history. By applying their imaginations to decolonise the past, they’re conjuring alternate timelines in which Western imperial nations never came to power. 

Alternate timelines

Directed by Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert, the genre-hopping sci-fi film Everything Everywhere All At Once unapologetically centred the Asian American experience. In 2023, it became an Oscar sensation by winning seven awards, including Michelle Yeoh’s ‘Best Actress’ prize.  

Everything Everywhere All At Once

China’s streetwear explosion is driven by Gen Z’s penchant for self-expression, hip-hop culture, and functional fashion. As homegrown icons and influencers take the scene by storm, how can brands tap into this thriving movement and capture the attention of China’s trendsetting, fashion-forward youth?

As China’s subcultures evolve, so does the desire for a unique streetwear aesthetic

Alcohol consumption in Africa has often been led by lifestyle aspirations but now Nigerian artists are taking innovative, collaborative, and non-commercial approaches to producing alcohol by infusing craft beers and gins with botanical flavours and contemporary African narratives.

What’s behind the rise of Nigerian alcohol brands?

What do people want from alcohol at a time when sober-curious lifestyles are becoming the norm? Why are people turning to hyperlocal culinary experiences? How are third spaces and immersive experiences evolving within the sector? Which sustainable solutions are catching people’s attention?

Eating and Drinking Sector Snapshot: October 2024

Indonesia’s huge working-age population means it has plenty of economic opportunities. But people nationwide also face rising living costs, changing religious and cultural beliefs, and an online culture that exacerbates FOMO. This Cultural Snapshot delves into what Indonesians value in 2024.

A Cultural Snapshot of Indonesia: 2024

Young Australians are stepping up to support the arts, while galleries are adapting to social and economic pressures. As Indigenous and contemporary works take centre stage, how will the Australian art market respond to these changes?

What does the art market reveal about Gen Z luxury attitudes?

Widespread labour shortages and ageing populations in Europe have resulted in an urgent need for skilled migrants to boost economic growth. To tackle this challenge, Germany has approved new measures, including a new digital visa, to facilitate the migration of skilled workers from India.

Germany approves measures to attract Indian workers

Spotify has expanded its audiobook service to four new non-English-speaking markets: France, Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg. Offering a library of works in French and Dutch, the platform is appealing to a global audience, especially as the audiobook market continues to grow. 

Spotify expands non-English audiobook range in Europe

China’s first and only couturier acclaimed by the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture, Guo Pei embodies expressive Chinese luxury in her designs, adding depth to the flashy guochao trend. As these designs travel globally with Guo, Chinese fashion remains evergreen and inspired by her works.

How Guo Pei turns China's history into high fashion

Aoni Production is partnering with AI start-up CoeFont to create multilingual speech generated from anime voice actors. The feature will be used in voice assistants, suggesting how fandom immersion is playing out beyond entertainment and in many other aspects of people’s everyday lives.

Japanese firms use AI to create anime voice assistants

In an age of heightened awareness of social injustices, people are favouring brands that work to redress them. Tapping into this, VSPT Wine Group has teamed up with the Chilean government to help Indigenous Mapuche farmers grow their vineyards into a thriving and sustainable business.


VSPT Wine Group helps Indigenous grape farmers thrive

Lights, camera, action! Indian cinema is undergoing a dramatic transformation as regional films step into the limelight, outshining Bollywood. With the dynamic rise of OTT platforms and a shift towards more diverse storytelling, filmmakers are having to push the envelope – both on and off the screen. As the industry deals with gender representation and navigates political narratives, how is it reinventing itself to stay ahead?

How Indian cinema’s makeover is winning over fans

Cadbury has done more than satisfy India’s sweet tooth – it’s changed how Indians celebrate Diwali. Combining age-old tradition with modern tastes, the choco-giant has shifted the Diwali gifting culture away from conventional sweets to premium chocolates. How did Cadbury do it?

How Cadbury sweetens Indian gift-giving during Diwali

In collaboration with baseball star and brand ambassador Ohtani Shohei, Japan Airlines (JAL) has launched the Dream Miles Pass, which helps young Japanese gain overseas experiences. Faced with a bleak outlook, Gen Yers and Zers are looking to brands as sources of hope and support.

Japan Airlines enables youth to turn dreams into reality

Reddit has introduced an AI feature that can translate posts and comments into different languages. As people increasingly seek out multicultural social media experiences, there’s an opportunity for brands to empower users with the tools to co-create their own global villages.

Reddit weaves global communities with AI translation

Nintendo's influence spans from family-friendly entertainment and 5-bit adventures to driving lucrative career opportunities within Japan's thriving gaming industry. As analogue experiences help people cope in a crisis-stricken world, Nintendo’s toys and games now serve as social anchors.

Why Nintendo brings nostalgic fun to on-the-go gamers

Infinity Song have found a niche within soft rock while exploring sounds from different musical genres as they blend the old with the new, carving out an identity beyond genre and time. What does their success say about winning over modern music fans with blended tastes?

How Infinity Song captivate modern music fans

Italian luxury fashion house Tod’s has unveiled a collaboration with renowned Indian couturier Rahul Mishra. Luxury brands are placing greater emphasis on artisan craftsmanship in a shift to slower production and celebration of diverse cultural heritage from around the world.

Tod's collaboration celebrates Indian craftsmanship

A growing passion for wellness getaways and personalised adventures is seeing Singaporean and Chinese travellers take tourism to the next level. With wallets open and AI on their side, they’re harnessing platforms like Trip.com to help them enjoy memorable and truly transformative experiences.

Why Trip.com fulfils the Asian need for organised travel

Katanning, a town of 4,000 people located 300 km from Perth, has seen a rise in Asian tourists following a viral video showcasing its vibrant Malaysian community. The videos’ popularity highlights the demand for diverse content to foster cultural connections and understanding.

YouTube video draws Asian tourists to rural Australian town

With a quirky design direction and a two-step goal to become the biggest company in the world and empower everyone to design, Aussie start-up Canva targets world domination. The secret behind its success lies in addressing the Australian need for digital creativity on a global scale.

How Canva builds a design democracy from Aussie creativity

Political and economic turmoil driven by armed conflicts across the world has forced crowds of people to leave their home countries. But instead of showing sympathy for these people, the world has largely met them with the rise of conservative politics hostile to immigration.

Germany tightens its grip on border control

K-food is making its mark on Japan’s food market with the growth of quick-fix frozen Korean-style meals. People are increasingly looking for authentic global food experiences and convenience, and they are taking the lead from wider cultural phenomena to find inspiration.

Korea's cultural influence in Japan expands to food

Malaysian car brands are launching their own EVs to compete with BYD and Tesla. While local appetites for EVs are growing, promising affordability isn't enough – ensuring that both product and infrastructure are in a good place is also essential when convincing people to switch.

Malaysia bets on local brands to win over EV-curious

The Juggernaut is transforming media by focusing on South Asian narratives often overlooked by mainstream outlets. Despite challenges in funding, the platform's subscriber-supported content is striking a chord with young desis who are eager to invest in narratives that truly resonate with them.

Why The Juggernaut explores South Asian identity in US media

Betty Smith effectively taps into the growing demand for authentic, localised experiences by offering a range of immersive activities – from custom jeans-making workshops to factory tours and museum exhibits – catering to today’s consumers who seek deeper connections with brands.

Why Betty Smith weaves Japan’s heritage into its jeans

The social enterprise Plate It Forward brings community to the kitchen by providing a safe working space for some of Australia’s marginalised individuals. Dining there means donating a meal to someone in need, touching on Australians’ core values and connecting with them beyond just a transaction.

Why Plate It Forward serves expat cuisine for an Aussie cause

Software with voice input, accessible on phones, is helping foreign workers at a nursing home in Japan. The tech aims to clear the language barrier and reduce its staff’s workload. As expectations of employers increase, support and upskilling can lead to greater satisfaction and retention of staff.

Tech supports foreign staff in Japanese nursing home

In the age of pervasive social media, platforms like TikTok and YouTube become critical to preserving indigenous cultures and passing them on to younger generations. However, rigid censorship rules often impede this work, which calls for a designated approach to such content on these platforms.

Online censorship risks loss of Indigenous cultures

While some luxury brands are struggling to succeed, the Prada Group is making a profit – largely thanks to its label Miu Miu. By championing genderless fashion, instigating community-led activations, and generating social media buzz, the brand continues its ascension as people can’t get enough of it.

How Miu Miu makes cutting-edge luxury globally inclusive

Soju is one of South Korea’s most popular products. However, its domestic sales have fallen as Gen Y and Z Koreans increasingly prefer whisky, tequila, and makgeolli. Changing drinking habits, influenced by crackdowns on traditional events, now favour mindful social drinking over binge drinking.

What are South Koreans drinking now?

While there’s no drought in the US sparkling beverages market, Aura Bora manages to rise above other offerings through its tongue-in-cheek social  presence and offbeat flavors that quench Gen Zers’ thirst for new sensory stimulations. But how did they hit the right spot in an overcrowded market?

Why Aura Bora quenches Gen Z thirst with zesty humor

Since the 70s, Japan has celebrated Christmas as part of its love for American culture. Despite religious differences, the Japanese adopted a unique holiday tradition that places KFC’s fried chicken at the centre of the holiday table, especially in a culture that loves festivals and convenience.

Why a KFC bucket became a Christmas tradition in Japan

The origin story of an Irish-language rap group has proven a surprise hit at the box office and is driving renewed interest in the local language. As people seek to reclaim heritage through a contemporary lens, demand is growing for diverse cultural identities to be reflected within the mainstream.

'Kneecap' film champions Irish language on a global stage

China’s first AAA level game, Black Myth: Wukong, represents a major breakthrough of the country’s game industry and its global influence. The game offers a fresh perspective on a classical story, appealing to domestic and international players by tapping into the country's rich cultural heritage.

'Black Myth: Wukong' sees China's gaming influence grow

Stables is at the forefront of digital payment innovation, bridging traditional finance and the stablecoin market. By pioneering new ways to integrate and simplify digital assets, it taps into Australia’s growing adoption of digital transactions, making stablecoin a seamless part of finances.

How Stables drives crypto inclusion in Australia

For almost 100 years, it seems the Year of the Tiger has reigned. In a masterclass of longevity and creativity, brands might learn valuable lessons from the roaring Singaporean beer brand about catering to the ever-evolving tastes, values, and excitement of Southeast Asia.

How Tiger Beer creates fresh buzz among SEA drinkers

The Mid-Autumn Festival's influence stretches globally, touching billions of people of Chinese descent. Specifically, Southeast Asia houses the largest concentration of China's diaspora. What do the region’s localised celebrations of the event look like, and how can brands connect with its citizens?

How have Southeast Asians localised the Mid-Autumn Festival?

For its soft representation of gay dating, Netflix’s The Boyfriend took the world by storm. Its nuanced layers of representation – from championing alternative lifestyles to reimagining the dating scene in Japan – easily enamoured not just the Japanese public but singles across the globe.

How The Boyfriend gently breaks barriers for Japan’s gay men

Prada Group has reported double-digit revenue growth in the first half of 2024. Thanks to an incisive and culturally relevant brand-building playbook – particularly in the APAC region – it is countering challenges faced by competitors amid a global decline in the sector.

Prada hits the right note with APAC's luxury shoppers

Netflix's unexpected reality hit, The Boyfriend, chronicles a heartfelt journey of love and friendship among a group of Japanese gay and bisexual men. Blending elements of the BL genre and showcasing a diverse cast, the show challenges Japanese cultural norms and captivates global female audiences.

'The Boyfriend' celebrates wholesome queer love in Japan

Black Eats LDN vibrantly celebrates Black-owned food businesses in the capital, with its events and markets showcasing diverse cuisines and supporting entrepreneurs. How does its approach resonate with a new generation’s hunger for authentic and inclusive dining experiences?

How Black Eats LDN gives Britons a taste of Black diaspora

Inspired by French cafes, South Korean bakery-cafe Paris Baguette has taken advantage of Koreans’ admiration for European baked goods and their desire to build cultural capital to become a well-loved franchise worldwide. What can other brands learn from its international success?

How Paris Baguette bakes Korean aspiration into pastries

Caitlin Clark's meteoric rise in women's basketball is reshaping sports stardom. Her authentic approach and cross-industry appeal are challenging traditional narratives around fandom – influencing brand partnerships, and reflecting shifting audience values, particularly among young Americans.

How Caitlin Clark marries basketball with youth culture

Cosmetic brand Tirtir has revolutionised K-beauty with its Mask Fit Red Cushion, achieving global fame through word-of-mouth marketing and influencer partnerships. The brand transcends borders and stereotypes by adapting to diverse beauty standards, customer feedback, and experiential desires.

Why Tirtir expands the shades of K-beauty globally

Chinese collectible toy retailer Pop Mart has opened its fourth store in Paris at the Louvre. As the blind box frenzy hits European shores, character goods lovers are seeking out immersive retail experiences that bring the joys of kidulting to life and enrich their engagement with IP worlds.

Pop Mart’s Louvre store sets sights on European kidults

Luxury beer is having a moment in China despite beer sales being generally flat. Eschewing bland marketing for traditionally feminine packages and fruitier flavours, young Chinese women are leading a charge among Gen Z to turn drinking into an experience rather than a mundane Friday night activity.

What’s brewing in the world of young Chinese beer drinkers?

Asahi has created a Japanese-style claw machine game that can be controlled remotely via smartphone, offering Australian drinkers a fun and unique 'phygital' experience. As drinking preferences and habits shift away from beer, the immersion factor is more important than ever for brands in the space.

Asahi entices Aussie beer drinkers with retro gaming

More and more Vietnamese cafes are opening across Portland, meeting a growing demand for Vietnamese drinks and snacks. As people increasingly seek out diverse cuisines, diaspora communities are introducing new foods and flavors to a broader audience while adding their own cultural spin. 

Vietnamese coffee sees surging popularity in Portland

Southeast Asia is emerging as a key location in the luxury landscape, with global brands courting the interest of the region’s high-end clientele. Countries like Thailand and Vietnam are also surpassing well-known destinations, like Singapore, in market size as they cater to wealthy shoppers.

How are Southeast Asian shoppers changing luxury?

Prada has launched its campaign for the Qixi Festival – also known as the Chinese Valentine’s Day – that transforms actor Li Xian into an AI boyfriend. Ditching generic gestures towards heritage for locally resonant messaging, the brand effectively positions itself as a true cultural insider.  

Prada’s Qixi campaign fuses AI with hyperlocalism

Gucci's cultural initiative aims to pay tribute to the heritage of Korean culture by spotlighting the work of those who have brought local arts to a global stage. Luxury brands are localising their strategies, appealing to a growing group of shoppers in the world's largest luxury market.

Gucci’s new cultural project to celebrate Korean Arts

First came K-pop, then came K-beauty. Now, the latest instalment of the K-wave has arrived in the UK in the form of cooking. Korean cuisine is taking off among UK foodies, with dishes such as kimchi, tteokbokki, and Korean fried chicken all appealing to British taste buds.

K-wave hits British menus as Korean food surges

San Miguel Brewery is the Philippines’ top beer producer, with a wide range of beer brands that have made a name for themselves locally and internationally. In a country where beer and drinking customs are indispensable, San Miguel is influential in the social and cultural lives of everyday Filipinos.

How San Miguel became a Filipino rite of passage

GDH cemented itself as the film studio to beat with the release of its widely successful movie, How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies. It topped the Thai and Southeast Asian box office with the help of its TikTok-famous tearjerking videos. What has led to the success of this and other Thai films?

How GDH captures the cultural emotion of Thai film buffs

Despite a broader decline in UK nightlife, country-influenced nighttime events are gaining momentum among young Britons. The trend speaks to a burgeoning global interest in country music and Western aesthetics, reflecting younger audiences' borderless approach to music consumption.

British youth swap nightclubs for country music events

Matugga Rum is the brainchild of Jacine and Paul Rutasikwa, who blend Jamaican heritage and African ingredients with the richness of Scotland’s distillery scene to broaden rum's international appeal. What does this hyper-local approach with international influences say about shifting drink habits?

How Matugga Rum blends Jamaican and Scottish heritage

Despite a data breach and disputes over its ownership, most of Japan’s population and millions around Asia continue to use LINE, the messaging platform-turned-super app that has become a must-have for everyday needs. How has it embedded itself in people’s lives and provided a safe space online?

How LINE connects Japan’s netizens to easy self-expression

Loewe has paid tribute to Chinese culture, heritage, and craftsmanship with the launch of its latest retail space in Chengdu. The move reflects a growing expectation for nuanced global strategies and a desire for hyper-local offerings that reflect specific cultural identities.

Loewe taps local artists for Chinese store opening

Jinro Soju, locally known as Chamisul, is one of the only manufacturers that adopted a softer branding image instead of a masculine one as it taps into the female market. How is it maintaining its status as the world’s most popular spirit brand amid falling alcohol drinking rates in South Korea?

Why Jinro Soju toasts the softer drinking habits of Koreans

Devin Halbal, better known on TikTok as Hal Baddie, went viral for adapting local cultures and languages. The impact of her viral ‘kudasai’ videos underscores the power of cross-cultural connection and the universal appeal of genuine, respectful curiosity, especially in conservative parts of Asia.

How Hal Baddie speaks to Asians’ need for representation

After declining in popularity for years, J-pop is catching up to K-pop on the world stage. By keeping their identities hidden, J-pop stars have allowed listeners to focus on their music rather than their personal lives. What does this say about how Gen Z feels about influencers and social media?

Anonymous J-pop stars connect with Gen Z’s desire to stay incognito

Barcelona is preparing to implement a ban on short-term holiday rentals from 2029, in a move aimed at addressing the city’s housing crisis. The proposed regulation comes amid a growing wave of anti-tourist sentiment in the city as locals call for a clampdown on unsustainable tourism practices.




Barcelona tackles over tourism with holiday rental ban

The international denim company Levi's appeals to young, fashion-conscious Indian shoppers by emphasising individualism, self-expression, and freedom. It combines digital and physical retail, catering to Gen Z's preferences with personalised in-store experiences and smart influencer partnerships.

Why Levi’s customises denim for Indian self-expression

Riding on the wave of internet trends that spotlight China’s ethnic minorities, Tastien Chinese Burger has launched new menu items that centre provincial flavours. Brands looking to bolster their localisation strategy in this market can consider championing the country’s diverse, nuanced cultures.

Tastien whets Chinese appetites for regional flavours

For a quiet luxury brand, Bottega Veneta (BV) dares to take risks through different strategies to engage young Chinese luxury lovers. In its new creative era, BV’s endorsement strategies with local celebrities, unique theme pop-up stores, and social media stunts help it transcend ‘guochao’ gimmicks.

How Bottega Veneta renews luxury experiences in China

As luxury giants like LVMH and Kering report stalled or negative sales elsewhere in the world, they’re experiencing up to double-digit growth in Japan. With this continuing boost in tourism, the Japanese government is seeking different ways to spread spending from inbound travellers.

Luxury tourists cause a flood in the Japanese bargain market

Embarking on their first world tour, ‘X-pop’ girl group XG blends the K-pop formula with their Japanese identities while singing English lyrics for their multinational audiences. As the technicalities of what K-pop is evolve, fans are debating and reassessing their fierce loyalties to idols.

How XG challenges fans’ perceptions of the K-pop formula

Queer raves are on the rise in Vietnam. A country that once denounced homosexuality is now welcoming a new generation with a drastically different perception towards the LGBTQ+ community. What started this trend? And what does this mean for those wanting to step into the scene?

Why queer raves are dominating Vietnam’s nightlife

India's PM Narendra Modi won a third term, but his party lost an outright majority. Luxury spending rises, but the class divide grows. Tech innovations loom but also spread misinformation. Why? This Cultural Snapshot uses local stats to explore behavioural norms shared by people in India in 2024.

A Cultural Snapshot of India: 2024

Many brands ride the ‘guochao’ wave, but few genuinely desire to give justice to China’s illustrious past. Homegrown jewellery house Qeelin shows how it’s done through collections inspired by folk heritage, curated retail experiences, and rare, culturally relevant, and universally appealing pieces.

How Qeelin crafts lasting folk luxury for China’s youths

Droves of China’s graduates are getting ready for a season of highly competitive and often disheartening hunting for white-collar office jobs.  Ele.me’s campaign is designed to deeply resonate with them by broadening their professional horizons and soothing anxieties about their futures.

Ele.me soothes career anxieties among Chinese graduates

Nopalera has made waves as a Mexican-inspired beauty brand focused on Latin representation in the luxury industry. With the Nopal cactus as one of its heritage ingredients, the brand has demonstrated that quality, bespoke skincare can be synonymous with Mexican-inspired products.

Why Nopalera mixes Latine heritage into ‘skinification’

Forget working from home. Little National is finding its niche among digital nomads looking to work from anywhere. Small and perfect travel, hotels, and stays mean focusing on convenience, comfort, and design. As domestic travel rebounds, Aussie hotels are hitting new highs. Can they meet demand?

Why Little National localises nomadic vacays for Aussies

With skincare enthusiasts cutting down their routines, minimalism is in. Korean brand COSRX has risen beyond the saturated K-beauty market and built a global following through its ingredient-based, fuss-free approach designed to address its audience’s specific concerns.

How COSRX simplifies clean skincare for K-beauty fans

China’s ‘national wave’ has reached the shore, ready to sail to distant lands. Local athleisure brand Anta is part of the leading pack, outperforming global players like Adidas and Nike. As Gen Zers drive nationalism, local brands and culture are being revitalised for the rest of the world.

How Anta paces with Chinese Gen Zers’ sporty lifestyles

India's streetwear scene is heating up, with homegrown champions fighting hard for space alongside established cult legends from the West. Additionally, post-pandemic comfort clothing is now blending with Gen Z’s fondness for the, if you know, you know (IYKYK) culture to make a potent fashion mix.

What’s driving Gen Z Indians towards streetwear culture?

In summer 2024, Glastonbury will introduce a new stage, Terminal 1, to celebrate migration and freedom of movement for everyone. As populations become increasingly polarised, there's an opportunity for brands to use their platforms as a springboard for action against collective injustices.

Glastonbury's Terminal 1 aims to celebrate migration

Chinese clothing is no longer synonymous with low cost and low quality, thanks to “fast luxury” store Urban Revivo. With its carefully curated collections, unique concept stores, and organic online following, it might just be the newest top-of-mind brand for local fashion enthusiasts.

Why Urban Revivo tailors Chinese luxury into fast fashion

As sex-positive TV becomes more popular, a new sub-genre is resonating with a growing number of queer Thai women seeking more authentic representation and normalisation of queerness in media. Girls’ Love shows explore the relationship between two women, making a case for queer-based Asian cinema.

Why Thailand is championing Girls’ Love series

Founded in 2011, Marou Chocolate, Vietnam’s first-ever bean-to-bar chocolatier, prides itself on sourcing cacao directly from Vietnamese farmers, and using only local ingredients in its chocolates. Its success led it to make a name for itself and for Vietnam in the global artisanal chocolate scene.

How Marou turned local chocolate into an artisanal luxury

Dior unveiled its Cruise 2025 line at Drummond Castle in Scotland, with a runway show heavily supported by local producers. In our hyperconnected world, people are leaning into cross-cultural knowledge, and there’s a growing taste for luxury fashion that hones in on heritage and craftsmanship.

Dior collabs with local artisans for Scotland show

a photo of people sat outside around a table

With a shift away from ‘revenge’ travel following COVID-19, Klook digitises personalised trips and curates immersive experiences for people seeking new experiences and flexible lifestyles. Partnering with governments, international banks, and content creators, it’s redefining exploration.

How Klook co-defines APAC travel with world explorers

Green Tile Social Club in NYC is gaining popularity among Asian Americans for its mahjong-focused events catering to young people seeking alternatives to traditional nightlife. This reflects a broader trend for alternative clubs as Gen Z drinks less and prefers in-person social experiences.

Green Tile Social Club offers an alternative night out

Luckin’s rapid rise has overshadowed giants like Starbucks. The coffee chain’s reign was cemented in 2023 when it opened 8,000 new stores. Its popularity comes from its high-profile collaborations and social media chic, but will it hold its own against a neo-coffee culture in China?

How Luckin became a staple for China’s coffee lovers

By prioritising affordability, convenience, and entertainment, the Japanese discount chain Don Quijote has netted record profits for the 14th year in a row. Popular among tourists, thanks to late hours and rows of souvenirs, it creates a uniquely Japanese experience that puts fun back into shopping.

Why Don Quijote turns Japanese stores into adventures

Data from Airbnb reveals that Gen Z is driving an uptick in queer travel – with a 300% surge in bookings by the young cohort. There is an opportunity for brands to meet the diverse needs and interests of the LGBTQ+ community by looking beyond rainbow washing and catering to their diverse needs.

Gen Zers drive an international queer travel spike

Duolingo India ventures into fashion by partnering with Digitas India on a creative campaign. Known as a leading language learning app, Duolingo aimed to reach a broader audience through collaboration, which showcases that language learning can be as trendy and exciting as the latest fashion styles.

How Duolingo debuts true localisation on the Indian runway

China's coffee industry is booming, driven by the growth of independent cafes that are attracting coffee enthusiasts with unique offerings and community events. The trend is spreading from megacities to smaller towns, where localized flavours and cultural experiences are winning over residents.

Coffee craze booms in China through hyper-local flavours

In celebration of AAPI Heritage Month, the dating app and lifestyle brands are partnering to celebrate Asian American creatives through their web series. The collaboration spotlights the way people are exploring the hybridity of their identities and putting them center stage.

Yuzu x Sundae School collab uplifts AAPI creatives

In South Korea, where wealth (or at least the look of it) is a priority, looking stylish is a lifestyle staple. Offerings range from contemporary brands to street style, luxury shopping, and more. As working habits continue to adapt post-pandemic, what does the future of Korean fashion look like?

South Korean style is going global. What do locals think is cool?

The 2024 Generational Snapshot of Gen Alpha in the APAC region looks into how the youngest generation values accelerated satisfaction, the role of representation and corporate responsibility in technological innovations, and finding solace in virtual worlds through gaming.

2024 APAC Gen Alpha Snapshot

Streetwear brand Stüssy has partnered with Artisan Project, a collective of craftspeople, for its second rug collection. Created from upcycled shirts and wool, the collection speaks to the importance of uplifting craft traditions and building trust with value-conscious consumers.

Stüssy rug collection champions Moroccan artisans

Sports retailer Decathlon’s success in Asia is driven by localisation, inclusive messaging, competitive pricing, sustainability, and high-quality products. As a renewed love for fitness and outdoor activities sweeps Asian sensibilities, sports communities offer a burgeoning opportunity for brands.

How Decathlon tracks down Asians’ budding love for sports

In Brazil, coffee production remains largely in the hands of a more affluent White population, with Black people still being associated with slavery within this industry. Cafe di Preto is a high-end coffee company that works to break this stereotype by empowering and working with Black farmers.