Japan online shops probed after listing schoolgirls’ old indoor shoes for sale at up to US$320 Battered school indoor shoes, reportedly worn by graduating schoolgirls, have appeared in online shops in Japan, sparking fierce criticism over the fetishisation of young women. Removing outdoor shoes before entering homes, schools, companies and other public buildings is a deeply rooted custom in the country, tied to cleanliness and respect for shared spaces. Known as uwabaki, Japan’s traditional indoor shoes are typically white and shaped like ballet flats.

WPS: Japan, Philippines to launch working-level destroyer export talks Japan and the Philippines agreed Tuesday to establish a framework for working-level talks on the export of used destroyers to the Philippines, with the two countries sharing concerns over China’s maritime assertiveness. The agreement was reached at a meeting in Manila between Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and his Philippine counterpart Gilberto Teodoro. Last month,