On this edition of Access Asia, we speak to a former FBI official helping Youlin Chen's family. The 54-year-old American scientist has been detained on espionage charges in China since November 2024, when he was visiting relatives in Beijing. His family has chosen to speak out after quiet diplomacy failed to secure his release.

We also find out how businesses in Herat, Afghanistan, are suffering as women become increasingly reluctant to venture out following the Taliban's latest crackdown on its strict dress code. Plus, we look at Japanese Gen Z workers embracing an office culture some are calling 'corporate machismo’.

On this edition of Access Asia, we find out why anger is brewing in South Korea after the country's national team was eliminated from the World Cup. We also ask our Sports Editor why China hasn't managed to make it to football's top tier despite massive investment. Plus, Japan's prime minister heads to India as both countries seek to strengthen ties.

On this week's edition of Access Asia, we bring you a report from Japan, where visa fees have been increased for foreign nationals applying for permanent residency. The government is also considering introducing a language requirement. While Japan needs foreign workers to help offset an ageing population and a declining birth rate, the nationalist government has continued to tighten its immigration policies.

We also bring you a report on how Chinese factories producing air conditioners have become beneficiaries of Europe’s increasingly frequent heatwaves.

And temples in India turn to robotic elephants for religious ceremonies, easing animal welfare concerns.