Kitchen equipment piles up as pandemic shutters Japan's restaurants

13 Sept 14:05 Key points summarised by AI

Japan's restaurant industry faces widespread closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to a surge in second-hand kitchen equipment.
Second-hand supplier Tenpos Busters reports a doubling of equipment purchases from shuttered eateries, with their maintenance centers operating at full capacity.
The pandemic caused approximately 800 Japanese business bankruptcies by mid-December, with restaurants and bars being the hardest-hit sector.
Former restaurateurs, like ramen shop owner Yashiro Haga, are selling off their assets, reflecting the significant personal and financial impact of business failures.

Bai Lu meet-and-greet cancelled days after China’s safety warning

Yesterday 15:28 Key points summarised by AI

Thailand's Tourism and Sports Minister announced the government will seek clarification from the Chinese Embassy regarding its recent travel advisory warning Chinese nationals about safety concerns in Thailand.
The travel advisory is anticipated to negatively impact the number of Chinese tourists visiting Thailand, despite recent increases in arrivals.
A meet-and-greet event featuring Chinese actress Bai Lu, a WeTV Global Ambassador, was abruptly cancelled just days after the Chinese Embassy issued its safety warning, though no official reason was provided.
The Chinese Embassy's advisory urged citizens to beware of job scams, fraudulent investments, suspicious travel arrangements, and the risk of illegal detention or being lured to the Thai-Myanmar border.
Chinese nationals were advised to verify job offers, use legitimate transport, avoid high-risk border areas, protect personal documents, and keep family informed of travel plans.