This weekend, dive into six compelling stories from the past week that cover a wide range of topics, from crime to culture and conservation.
1. The Rise and Fall of the Only Female Yakuza
Sean Williams interviews Mako Nishimura, who fought her way into the Japanese underworld. She discusses how drug addiction and the decline of organized crime gangs nearly destroyed her. Nishimura's story is a rare glimpse into the life of a female yakuza, highlighting the challenges and dangers she faced in a male-dominated world.
2. Celebrating Extreme Pop Fandom
Alexis Petridis explores Holy Pop, a new exhibition in London that celebrates superfandom. The show features quirky items like leaves from Dolly Parton's front garden, a Yellow Submarine cookie jar full of ashes, and a branch from the sycamore tree that Marc Bolan's car hit. It is a mood-boosting tribute to those whose obsessive interest in artists is often mocked.
3. The 102-Year-Old Holocaust Survivor
Guardian's Berlin correspondent Deborah Cole polishes brass memorial plaques outside her apartment dedicated to a Jewish mother and daughter murdered by Nazis. A message out of the blue connects her to a surviving child, Sonja Ibermann Cowan. Cole recounts their friendship and Cowan's life journey from Nazi Germany to Melbourne.
4. Should Dogs Be Allowed Everywhere?
Emine Saner examines the growing presence of dogs in public places, from cafes to offices and supermarkets. While many love it, concerns about hygiene and personal boundaries arise. A petition even seeks to allow dogs on flights to the UK. The article debates whether this trend has gone too far.
5. The 'White Monkeys' of Chinese Business
Elaine Chong investigates the unregulated economy of baihouzi, or 'white monkeys'—foreign faces hired to make Chinese businesses appear global. These roles range from acting in films to pretending to be foreign CEOs, lending credibility to Chinese companies. The practice highlights the demand for international appeal.
6. Saving Orangutans from Palm Oil
Sally Williams explores the battle over how to save orangutans as new settlers clear their forest habitat. Translocation is a controversial solution, as orangutans have mental maps of the forest built over years. The Guardian Long read delves into the ethical dilemmas and efforts to protect these apes.
