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Habitats of the World: The Sacred City on the Edge of Decay | Investigate Asia Varanasi, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, is a place where life and death coexist daily. Narrow, winding streets are packed with homes, temples, and shrines, many of them centuries old and slowly crumbling under the weight of time. Along the ghats of the sacred Ganges River, families perform daily rituals while the city’s residents navigate the challenges of modern life in a place steeped in ancient tradition. This episode explores the resilience of the people who live here, the intimate connections between the city’s spiritual and physical landscapes, and the delicate balance between devotion and survival. From floating funeral pyres to crowded markets, from centuries-old temples to tiny riverside homes, Varanasi is a city where every corner tells a story of endurance, faith, and the human spirit. ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Welcome to Investigate Asia - Explore the diverse landscapes of Asia through in-depth documentaries that delve into the region's politics, economy, culture, and history. From ancient traditions to modern innovations, our content

The Megacity of Micro Homes | Habitats of the World: Tokyo | Investigate Asia Tokyo, a city rebuilt from scratch twice in the 20th century, is a place of striking contrasts: colossal urban sprawl interspersed with ingenious micro homes. Faced with extreme population density and limited space, many residents have embraced "micro-architecture" to create intimate living spaces in this vast metropolis. In Shibuya, a family lives in a 3-meter-wide, three-story home ingeniously nestled between a parking lot and a building. This 89-square-meter house offers tranquility amidst Tokyo’s hustle and bustle. Elsewhere, a young woman describes how her family’s 60-square-meter home necessitates carrying out some daily activities, like reading, outside—a lifestyle epitomized by Tokyo’s vibrant manga cafés. Architect Manabu Maya showcases the possibilities of micro-living, presenting one of Tokyo’s smallest houses at just 16 square meters. These homes, scattered throughout the city, redefine the urban landscape with creativity and playfulness, offering a human-scale counterpoint to Tokyo's towering standardization. The city is enormous and chaotic, yet Tokyo’s micro homes reveal how people reclaim space to create intimate, livable environments in one of

Tokyo by Night: Secret Japan | Investigate Asia Hyperactive and frenetic by day, Tokyo transforms by night, revealing a totally different side of Japanese society. We come across eccentric characters who speak of a Japan that is mysterious and inaccessible to foreigners. A world where traditions are expressed but so are the flaws and failings of Japanese society. In Kabukicho, the capital’s red-light district, the latest trend is “hosts” clubs. Here, young men are paid to keep customers company and to flirt with them. The one rule: no sex! An astonishing business born from the immense loneliness experienced by the Japanese. The job may be lucrative, but the young hosts are worn down by the night-shifts and the astronomical quantities of alcohol they guzzle down each night. Equally disconcerting for Westerners, the phenomenon of “Idols” sees hundreds of groups of very sexy singers and dancers idealised by the Japanese. They view them as their virtual girlfriends. Asuka is one of Tokyo’s most respected nightlife personalities. She is ‘Mama-San’, an heiress to the Geisha tradition. She runs the city’s most exclusive

Singapore: The Perfect City or Dystopian Surveillance State? | Investigate Asia In Singapore everything is under control. There are countless restrictive rules: chewing gum, smoking in the street, jaywalking, throwing paper on the ground, talking on the subway or even walking around naked are all forbidden. These rules are enforced by robot dogs, who patrol the streets guided by AI. Censorship is almost universal. Political opponents are harassed by the courts. Sexual minorities are under surveillance. And drug use leads straight to prison, or even execution in some cases. After a pause during the global lockdown, hangings have resumed. We followed the daily lives of Singaporeans, punctuated by ultra-modern technology and prohibitions. In schools, hospitals, markets and streets, video surveillance cameras are everywhere. We also met those who have endured the regime’s extreme severity: a former prisoner who spent twenty-five years behind bars for simple offenses, then sentenced to corporal punishment. Or pro-democracy activists who dream of greater freedom and end up in prison themselves. Finally, we filmed a family whose father is awaiting execution on death row. His crime

Hong Kong: Metropolis by the Sea | Investigate Asia Discover Hong Kong's "fragrant harbour" where ancient traditions meet modern metropolis. From the rare eagle wood trees that once perfumed Taoist ceremonies to today's densely populated urban landscape, witness fascinating contrasts between city and nature. Experience the iconic Star Ferries that have connected Kowloon and central Hong Kong for 125 years, still sporting British Racing Green paint and colonial uniforms. Experience stunning urban visuals and cultural insights from one of the world's most unique harbor cities. ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Welcome to Investigate Asia - Explore the diverse landscapes of Asia through in-depth documentaries that delve into the region's politics, economy, culture, and history. From ancient traditions to modern innovations, our content offers a unique perspective on the forces shaping Asia today. Join us on a journey to better understand one of the world’s most dynamic and influential regions. Whether you're a history enthusiast or curious about global affairs, this channel is your gateway to discovering Asia.

Earth on Edge: Indonesia | Investigate Asia In 2004, the tsunami that devastated Southeast Asia did not spare the province of Aceh, north of the island of Sumatra, and killed nearly 170,000 people. It’s a catastrophe still very present in the collective memory of the inhabitants. Beyond the one-time disasters, the country is hit hard by the consequences of global warming, with torrential rains that cause flooding. While 40% of the city is below sea level and the capital is sinking, the government has launched a colossal project to save Jakarta: constructing a giant waterfront dike. ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ ▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬ Welcome to Investigate Asia - Explore the diverse landscapes of Asia through in-depth documentaries that delve into the region's politics, economy, culture, and history. From ancient traditions to modern innovations, our content offers a unique perspective on the forces shaping Asia today. Join us on a journey to better understand one of the world’s most dynamic and influential regions. Whether you're a history enthusiast or curious about global affairs, this channel is your gateway to discovering Asia.