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Japan’s Genre-Defying Creative Mixed Media Unit NIKO NIKO TAN TAN to Perform at Japan Expo Paris 2025


PARIS, FRANCE – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 July 2025 – NIKO NIKO TAN TAN, the creative mixed media musical unit that transcends genres with their blend of music, visuals, and art, just performed their first-ever live performance in Paris, France on July 3rd at the currently ongoing Japan Expo Paris 2025.

Live Performace

In Japan, they have performed at major festivals such as FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL, SUMMER SONIC, GREENROOM, and OSAKA GIGANTIC MUSIC FESTIVAL. Internationally, they have also made confirmed appearances at EMERGE FEST in Taichung and R-DAY FESTIVAL in Hainan.

Though their stage setup consists of just two members—vocals/synth and drums—they unleash a stunningly groovy sound which, when combined with the VJ visuals perfectly synchronized to the music, results in a space that creates an impactful wave of excitement among the audience, earning them widespread acclaim.

They will perform not only their latest track “G00000W”, but also a selection of their most popular songs.

https://youtu.be/hQGTeU1Jjl4?si=oLwnx2AIuUitlr9V

You can still catch their special playlist exclusive to Japan Expo!
They will be performing live every day on the “TSUBAME STAGE” for the remainder of the Japan Expo.
For performance times from tomorrow onward and ticket information, please check the official website:
https://www.japan-expo-paris.com/fr/

NIKO NIKO TAN TAN Profile

NIKONIKOTANTAN_Artist photo

Formed in 2019, NIKO NIKO TAN TAN is a creative mixed media unit that transcends genres to fuse music, visuals, and art into a unique artistic experience.

The music is created by:

  • OCHAN (Vocals, Synth, etc. / Lyrics, Composition, Arrangement / Illustration)
  • Anabebe (Drums / Arrangement)

VJ and artwork are produced by Drug Store Cowboy (Visuals / Art Director / Motion Graphics), who serves as the unit’s visual producer.

They create their own music, visuals, and art with a genre-defying approach to their alternative sound that seamlessly blends diverse elements without boundaries, making them a true “mixture” unit that births unique and creative soundscapes through their multidisciplinary vision.

They have also built a strong following through numerous appearances at major festivals, including FUJI ROCK FESTIVAL, SUMMER SONIC, GREENROOM BEACH, OSAKA GIGANTIC MUSIC FESTIVAL, and more.

In April 2024, they officially debuted under Victor Entertainment / Getting Better. Their first two-man tour across Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka, including a show at Zepp Shinjuku (TOKYO), was sold out.

In August 2024, they released their first major album, Shinkigeki, followed by the NIKO NIKO TAN TAN ONE-MAN TOUR 2024 “Shinkigeki,” which toured six cities nationwide.

The year 2025 is being celebrated as the “Niko Niko Year” (a play on the numbers 2 and 5), and on the once-in-a-century date 2/5/2025 (Wed) — or “2-5-2-5” — they will hold a special two-man live performance with TESTSET (Yoshinori Sunahara × LEO Imai × Kenichi Shirane × Seiichi Nagai) at Zepp Shinjuku (TOKYO).

Their DJ set project, “微笑坦々” (Hohoemi Tantan), is quickly making waves. Starting in September, they’ll launch a one-man tour featuring stops at Osaka’s Music Club JANUS and Tokyo’s Spotify O-EAST. Stay tuned for exciting updates as the “Niko Niko Year” continues to unfold.

Official HP: https://www.nikonikotantan.com/
Official YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@nikonikotantan7861
Official Twitter: https://twitter.com/NIKONIKOTANTAN_
Official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikonikotantan
Official TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nikonikotantanjp
Hashtag: #NIKONIKOTANTAN

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Drunken Card Game Turns Deadly in Houaphanh, Suspect Reenacts Scene

A card game in Huaphan Province turned deadly after heavy drinking led to a violent fight, resulting in one fatality.

A card game in Houaphanh Province ended in tragedy on 27 March when a night of heavy drinking turned violent, leaving one man dead and another facing criminal charges. Police arrested Tuay, 19, a resident of Ban Kong village, Houaphanh District, on charges of assault causing death.

On 2 July, the man was brought in for a crime scene reenactment as part of the investigation.

According to the authorities, the incident took place on the night of 27 March at the home of a local man named Seng.

Four friends, Tuay, Sak, Tai, and Seng, had gathered to play cards and drink alcohol. As the night progressed, Seng and Tai became heavily intoxicated and went to sleep, leaving Tuay and Sak to continue drinking and gambling.

After consuming a bottle of liquor and four bottles of beer, a dispute broke out when Tuay accused Sak of cheating by switching cards. The argument escalated, and in a drunken rage, Tuay struck Sak multiple times with a stick until he lost consciousness.

Believing Sak had merely passed out, Tuay called a friend to help carry him to a bedroom, then returned to his own home to sleep. The following morning, around 7:00 AM, he was informed that Sak had died from injuries sustained during the fight.

Authorities were notified and arrested Tuay shortly after. Legal proceedings are now underway.

Laos Orders Suspension of Potash Mining Projects in Vientiane Capital

Laos Orders Suspension of Potash Mining Projects in Vientiane Capital

The Lao government has ordered the immediate suspension of potash exploration and mining projects in Vientiane Capital due to serious environmental and safety concerns, including recent land collapses in residential areas.

AIA Hosts Healthcare Financing Summit To Foster Cross-Sector Collaborative Solutions for Hong Kong’s Healthcare Sustainable Future


HONG KONG SAR – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 July 2025 – AIA Hong Kong & Macau (AIA) hosted the inaugural Healthcare Financing Summit (the Summit) as an active step towards fostering cross-sector dialogue and collaboration to address the challenges facing Hong Kong’s healthcare system. Held under the theme “Sustainable Healthcare Financing through Partnership”, the Summit brought together a diverse group of stakeholders – including government officials, legislators, regulators, and leaders from the healthcare and insurance industries – to explore collaborative solutions for building a healthcare system that is accessible, affordable, and effective for the sustainable future of Hong Kong.

Caption: Professor Chung-mau Lo, Secretary for Health of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (centre); Mr Clement Cheung Wan-ching, Chief Executive Officer of the Insurance Authority (right); and Mr Alger Fung, Chief Executive Officer of AIA Hong Kong & Macau (left), officiating the opening at the Healthcare Financing Summit
Caption: Professor Chung-mau Lo, Secretary for Health of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government (centre); Mr Clement Cheung Wan-ching, Chief Executive Officer of the Insurance Authority (right); and Mr Alger Fung, Chief Executive Officer of AIA Hong Kong & Macau (left), officiating the opening at the Healthcare Financing Summit

The event featured distinguished speakers, including Professor Chung-mau Lo, Secretary for Health of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, and Mr Clement Cheung Wan-ching, Chief Executive Officer of the Insurance Authority, who shared their insights on the future of Hong Kong’s healthcare. Discussions focused on the growing challenges of rising healthcare costs, an ageing population, the critical needs to foster price transparency and budgeting for patients, clinical governance in private medical services, and how stakeholders can work together to ensure the long-term sustainability of Hong Kong’s healthcare.

Caption: Alger Fung, Chief Executive Officer of AIA Hong Kong & Macau, delivers the opening address, highlighting the importance of collaboration across sectors to build a more inclusive and sustainable healthcare system for the community and future generations.
Caption: Alger Fung, Chief Executive Officer of AIA Hong Kong & Macau, delivers the opening address, highlighting the importance of collaboration across sectors to build a more inclusive and sustainable healthcare system for the community and future generations.

Alger Fung, Chief Executive Officer of AIA Hong Kong & Macau, said: “It is important for society to continue investing in better healthcare. It represents a growing share of our economy – and an even greater share of our hope for a sustainable and resilient future for all generations.

While Hong Kong’s healthcare system is widely recognised for its professionalism, trust, and exceptional outcomes, it is facing increasing pressure from demographic shifts, medical inflation, and rising demand across both the public and private sectors.

As an insurer deeply rooted in Hong Kong, AIA is committed to supporting our society in overcoming these pressing challenges. We believe that meaningful change begins with collective action, guided by a shared sense of conscience and responsibility. Thanks to the valuable contributions of all participants, this Summit has brought together an alliance in action—marking the beginning of a shared journey towards building a more inclusive and sustainable healthcare system for our community and future generations.

Yet this is only the beginning. The future depends on the continued, purposeful actions of all stakeholders. Together, we can play a pivotal role in shaping a healthcare system that empowers people to live Healthier, Longer, Better Lives.”

Caption: Alice Liang, Chief Proposition and Healthcare Officer of AIA Hong Kong & Macau, presents her topical address, “Healthcare - Insurance Industry Experience”, sharing data-driven observations and insights on the evolving role of insurers in shaping sustainable healthcare financing models.
Caption: Alice Liang, Chief Proposition and Healthcare Officer of AIA Hong Kong & Macau, presents her topical address, “Healthcare – Insurance Industry Experience”, sharing data-driven observations and insights on the evolving role of insurers in shaping sustainable healthcare financing models.
Caption: Distinguished speakers, panelists and guests at the Healthcare Financing Summit hosted by AIA Hong Kong & Macau
Caption: Distinguished speakers, panelists and guests at the Healthcare Financing Summit hosted by AIA Hong Kong & Macau
Caption: The Healthcare Financing Summit bringing together government officials, legislators, regulators, and leaders from the healthcare and insurance industries to explore collaborative solutions for building a healthcare system that is accessible, affordable, and effective for the sustainable future of Hong Kong.
Caption: The Healthcare Financing Summit bringing together government officials, legislators, regulators, and leaders from the healthcare and insurance industries to explore collaborative solutions for building a healthcare system that is accessible, affordable, and effective for the sustainable future of Hong Kong.

Hashtag: #AIA #友邦

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

About AIA Hong Kong & Macau

AIA Group Limited established its operations in Hong Kong in 1931. To date, AIA Hong Kong and AIA Macau have over 18,000 financial planners1, as well as an extensive network of independent financial advisors, brokerage and bancassurance partners. We serve over 3.6 million customers2, offering them a wide selection of professional services and products ranging from individual life, group life, accident, medical and health, pension, personal lines insurance to investment-linked assurance schemes with numerous investment options. We are also dedicated to providing superb product solutions to meet the financial needs of high-net-worth customers.

1 as of 31 March 2025

2 Including AIA Hong Kong and AIA Macau’s individual life, group insurance and pension customers (as of 31 March 2025)

Lao Prime Minister Receives Japan’s Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun

the Ambassador of Japan to Laos, Koizumi Tsutomu (right) was awarding Lao Prime Minister Sonexay Siphandone

The Japanese Emperor awarded Lao Prime Minister (PM) Sonexay Siphandone the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun on 3 July, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to enhancing relations between Laos and Japan.

Hong Kong Govt Proposes Limited Recognition of Same-Sex Couples’ Rights

Hong Kong govt proposes limited recognition of same-sex couples' rights

By Holmes CHAN/AFP – The Hong Kong government said on 2 July it will propose legislation to recognize a limited set of rights for same-sex couples whose marriages are registered abroad, as it seeks to comply with a landmark court ruling.

The city’s top judges had unanimously defined marriage as “confined to opposite-sex couples” in September 2023. But the same ruling also ordered the government to create an “alternative framework” within two years that recognizes same-sex couples’ legal rights.

In a policy paper published on 2 July, the Hong Kong government wrote that it “recommends legislation to allow same-sex couples to apply for registration under a newly established registration mechanism”.

The proposal is limited to healthcare-related rights — such as hospital visits, making medical decisions, sharing medical information and organ donation — and rights related to a deceased person’s body.

To be eligible, adult couples must have been lawfully married abroad, with at least one person a Hong Kong resident.

“There are different views in society regarding the legal recognition of same-sex couples’ relationships,” the government added.

“We must make careful deliberations and… strike a balance, to avoid causing social rifts and affecting social harmony.”

The 2023 top court ruling was in response to a legal challenge by LGBTQ activist Jimmy Sham, who recently completed his prison sentence over an unrelated national security offence.

Sham said limiting eligibility to same-sex couples with overseas-registered marriages would create financial and practical hurdles.

It “seems not to comply with the principle of equality, and I am doubtful if it complies with the court’s ruling,” he told AFP.

Sham said he did not understand how the government narrowed down to two categories of rights and argued for including more, such as those related to insurance policies and private property that he said would not cost taxpayer dollars.

“I hope there will be public hearings in the legislature to accommodate different voices, to show that Hong Kong is actually very diverse,” he added.

‘Inherently Unfair’

Jerome Yau, co-founder of the advocacy group Hong Kong Marriage Equality, said the eligibility restrictions were “inherently unfair and could lead to further litigation.”

Yau said his group previously submitted views to the government but he was not aware of any public consultation on the issue.

Lawmakers will discuss the issue on Thursday, Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Erick Tsang told journalists, according to local newspaper Ming Pao.

He declined to specify a target date for passing the bill.

Hong Kong reformed its legislature in 2021 so that only those loyal to Beijing can hold office, ousting pro-democracy lawmakers en masse.

Members of the pro-Beijing camp have spoken out against legal recognition of same-sex couples’ rights, insisting that Hong Kong society only tolerates marriage between a man and a woman.

Pro-Beijing lawmaker Priscilla Leung wrote on Facebook on Wednesday that the proposal will “open a Pandora’s box and cause endless disputes in society.”

But support for same-sex marriage in Hong Kong has grown over the past decade and hit 60 percent in 2023, according to a survey conducted jointly by three universities.

Last year, LGBTQ rights activists notched another legal victory with the top court affirming housing and inheritance rights for same-sex couples.

Wednesday’s policy document does not mention rights related to housing, inheritance or taxes.

More than 30 countries around the world have legalized marriage equality since the Netherlands became the first to do so in 2001.

China is not among them, nor does it have specific laws prohibiting discrimination against LGBTQ people.


© Agence France-Presse

Lao-China Railway to Pilot Automated Parking Fee System at Vientiane Station

Lao-China Railway Station

The Lao-China Railway Company has announced plans to introduce an automated parking fee collection system at Vientiane Station as part of a pilot project scheduled to begin between August and September this year. The initiative aims to improve transparency and efficiency in the station’s parking operations.

In a press briefing on 2 July, the company’s Deputy Director, Anongdet Phetkaysone, addressed growing public concerns over parking fees at Vientiane Station. He emphasized that the new system is designed to streamline traffic flow during peak hours and curb unauthorized activities within the parking area.

The Lao-China Railway currently operates 10 stations along its route from Vientiane Capital to Boten. Parking fees are collected at six of these stations, Vientiane Capital, Luang Prabang, Xay District, Natay, Vang Vieng, and Boten, via entrance gates.

Although parking was initially free, the company introduced a fee system 11 months into operation to better manage congestion and enhance security at key stations.

Additionally, the company is considering a proposal to reduce the parking fee for sedan cars from LAK 10,000 to LAK 5,000. However, this change has not yet been officially approved.

Eid al-Adha in 2025: Octa broker’s charity projects


KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA – Media OutReach Newswire – 4 July 2025 – Each year, Octa, a globally regulated and trusted broker since 2011, supports local communities in various regions through charity to foster social growth. In 2025, the broker carried out a series of charity activities in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Nigeria to celebrate a major Muslim holiday Eid al-Adha and help the underprivileged by providing targeted vital support.

Octa Broker

The feast of sacrifice
For Muslims around the world, Eid al-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice, is one of the most important holidays of the year. It coincides with the final rites of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca and commemorates the sacrifice of the prophet Ibrahim.

Highlighted in the Islamic calendar among the most prominent celebratory occasions, Eid al-Adha is traditionally marked with devout Muslims buying and slaughtering animals and sharing two-thirds of the meat with the poor.

This year, the festivities, including a special prayer followed by the sacrifice of an animal, took place between 5 and 9 June.

This year, Octa broker joined in the celebration of ‘The Feast of Sacrifice’ and helped underprivileged citizens of Indonesia, Malaysia, and Nigeria.

Malaysia
Octa traditionally teamed up with Azeehan, the broker’s long-time charity partner and the driving force behind many local initiatives, to distribute the Qurbani meat in Kelantan. Thanks to this humanitarian effort, several hundreds of underprivileged local citizens received the much-needed festive food. ‘Octa broker has been supporting local communities during the Eid al-Adha for three years in a row. This consistent participation and care have been very helpful in bringing people together and building up the festive spirit during the Feast of Sacrifice, a very special and joyous occasion for all Muslims’, said Azeehan.

Indonesia
Together with IDEP, Octa supported 37 single mothers across Bali as a part of the Family Bucket Project. Single mothers in Bali face significant economic and social challenges rooted in unstable incomes, inadequate labour protection, and vulnerable living conditions. They often struggle to meet even their basic needs and those of their children, while insufficient education and professional skills further hinder their access to employment in Bali’s tourism-dominated economy.

These challenges become even more pronounced during Eid al-Adha, when single mothers must work even harder to provide the best they can for their children. Octa and IDEP distributed targeted support packages to 37 single-mother households in Bali to help them enjoy the holiday.

Octa’s partner in this project, IDEP develops and delivers practical programs and public education activities to communities in need all over Indonesia.

Nigeria
Octa joined forces with a local charity, KIR (Keeping it real) foundation, to support two socially beneficial initiatives.

1. Training 15 young small business owners of the city of Port Harcourt in digital literacy skills. Local entrepreneurs lacked rudimentary information and communication technology skills, severely restricting their ability to scale up their businesses and affecting their financial outcomes. Octa and KIR foundation organised this charity training to empower business owners and propel them towards success in the modern, technology-driven world.

2. Training 15 young women in vocational skills. To provide local young women with easy-to-pick-up and in-demand career opportunities, Octa and KIR foundation organised free week-long workshops in basic makeup artistry and headgear craft. These skills will allow them to earn a living and strengthen their social status.

Keeping true to its mission of benefiting local communities in various regions, Octa consistently engages in various charitable activities. For example, during the New Year holidays, the broker sponsored an emergency support program in Malaysia to help victims of a severe flood.

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Disclaimer: This press release does not contain or constitute investment advice or recommendations and does not consider your investment objectives, financial situation, or needs. Any actions taken based on this content are at your sole discretion and risk—Octa does not accept any liability for any resulting losses or consequences.
Hashtag: #Octa

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.

Octa

is an international CFD broker that has been providing online trading services worldwide since 2011. It offers commission-free access to financial markets and various services used by clients from 180 countries who have opened more than 52 million trading accounts. To help its clients reach their investment goals, Octa offers free educational webinars, articles, and analytical tools.

The company is involved in a comprehensive network of charitable and humanitarian initiatives, including improving educational infrastructure and funding short-notice relief projects to support local communities.
In Southeast Asia, Octa received the ‘Best Trading Platform Malaysia 2024’ and the ‘Most Reliable Broker Asia 2023’ awards from Brands and Business Magazine and International Global Forex Awards, respectively.