South Koreans are among the biggest fans of author Haruki Murakami. This reflects a change in attitudes in a country where Japanese culture used to be viewed negatively. As Nobel laureates gather in Stockholm, many Japanese regret that author Haruki Murakami isn't among them. And so do his fans in South Korea, who are among Murakami's most fervent admirers.

Voters in Saudi Arabia made history last weekend. They took part in the first ever poll that allowed women to participate both as candidates and voters. Saudis live under a strict interpretation of Islam. Women traditionally have a male guardian, and need his permission to talk with men who are not relatives.