Showing 1 - 10 of 54
Japan's beloved last pandas leave for China as ties fray
AFP, Published on 27/01/2026
» TOKYO — Two popular pandas are set to leave Tokyo for China Tuesday, leaving Japan without any of the beloved bears for the first time in 50 years as ties between the Asian neighbours fray.
Tokyo pandas head for China, leaving Japan bereft of beloved bears
AFP, Published on 27/01/2026
» TOKYO - Two hugely popular pandas are set to depart from a Tokyo zoo for China on Tuesday, leaving Japan without any of the beloved bears for the first time in more than 50 years.
Shein bans sex dolls after France outrage over 'childlike' ones
AFP, Published on 04/11/2025
» PARIS — Asian e-commerce giant Shein said Monday it was banning sex dolls from sale on its sites globally after French authorities condemned it for featuring ones resembling children.
Tehran toy museum brings old childhood memories to life
AFP, Published on 03/11/2025
» TEHRAN - Inside a restored house in central Tehran, toys from every era, from ancient Persia to Soviet Russia and the United States, share the same space, stirring childhood memories from long ago.
Mexico's macabre Island of the Dolls inspires Tim Burton and Lady Gaga
AFP, Published on 15/09/2025
» XOCHIMILCO (MEXICO) - On the Island of the Dolls in Mexico City, hundreds of plastic toys wearing little more than rags hang from trees, their glass eyes staring down at visitors.
Pro-Palestinian protests rock Spain's Vuelta cycling race
AFP, Published on 04/09/2025
» MADRID - Spain's premier cycling race, La Vuelta, has been shaken by pro-Palestinian protests which riders believe have put them at risk and threaten to derail the event.
Creepy find: German customs net tarantulas in cookie shipment
AFP, Published on 15/07/2025
» FRANKFURT - German customs officers have discovered a massive haul of about 1,500 tarantulas hidden inside a shipment disguised as cookies, authorities said Monday.
Mattel launches Barbie doll with diabetes
AFP, Published on 09/07/2025
» WASHINGTON - Mattel has launched its first Barbie doll with type 1 diabetes in a bid to foster a greater sense of inclusion and empathy among children, a company vice-president said Tuesday.
Monsters and memes: Labubu dolls ride China soft-power wave
AFP, Published on 20/06/2025
» SHANGHAI - Small, fuzzy and baring sharp teeth, Chinese toymaker Pop Mart's Labubu monster dolls have taken over the world, drawing excited crowds at international stores and adorning the handbags of celebrities such as Rihanna and Cher.
Lights, cameras, action at Eurovision Song Contest final
AFP, Published on 18/05/2025
» BASEL (SWITZERLAND) - In a blaze of laser lights, artists from 26 countries were preparing to rip the roof off at Saturday's Eurovision Song Contest final, the world's biggest live music television event.