North Korea and Russia are about to open their first road bridge connection, deepening a partnership that has rapidly expanded since Moscow's invasion of Ukraine.

The growing relationship is helping fuel one of the most surprising stories in Asia today: North Korea's economy appears to be performing far better than many expected.

New housing projects are transforming Pyongyang, consumer activity has picked up and Russia has emerged as a major new source of revenue for Kim Jong Un's regime.

Also, North Korea's use of cryptocurrency theft is growing while sanctions are being bypassed.

But how much of this is a genuine economic transformation, and how much is a carefully managed showcase? And are ordinary North Koreans outside the capital seeing any benefits from the influx of new money?

In this episode of Asia Specific, host Mariko Oi speaks with BBC Seoul correspondent Jake Kwon and Wall Street Journal reporter Dasl Yoon about what has changed inside North Korea since the pandemic, the rise of Pyongyang's new wealth, how business really operates inside one of the world's most secretive economies, and whether closer ties with Russia are reshaping North Korea's future.

Asia Specific brings you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the Asia Pacific region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends.

Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people.

Whether it is the latest on trade between China and Donald Trump, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy - we unpack what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter.

Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week.

Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk

Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi says she wants a vote on amending Japan's constitution, reviving a debate that could reshape the country's Self-Defence Forces, its alliance with the US, and relations across Asia.

Japan's post-war constitution has remained unchanged since it came into force in 1947. Its famous 'Article 9' renounces war and appears to prohibit the country from maintaining armed forces.

Yet Japan today has one of the world's most advanced armed forces and hosts the largest concentration of US troops overseas.

Now, with growing concerns about China's military expansion, North Korea's missile programme, and uncertainty over America's long-term commitment to Asian security, supporters of constitutional reform argue that Japan needs to clarify its defence role and become more self-reliant. Some critics fear it could weaken Japan's pacifist identity, alarm neighbouring countries, and revive memories of Japan's wartime past.

In this episode, host Mariko Oi speaks to BBC Tokyo correspondent Kurumi Mori and Financial Times Tokyo bureau chief Leo Lewis about why Japan's constitution is unique, how the country ended up with a military despite Article 9, what Prime Minister Takaichi wants to change, and whether Japanese voters are ready to support constitutional reform for the first time in history.

Find out what Japan’s Minister of Defence Shinjiro Koizumi says about the country’s pacifist constitution here ?dc49?dffd https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly8qd4595eo

Asia Pacific, unpacked by those who know it best. Bringing you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends.

Hear Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people. Whether it is the latest on trade between the US and China, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we find out what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter.

Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi, alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube, here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVt

Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk

Australia's government is winding back tax incentives for property investors in a bid to make housing more affordable - but will it work?

From Sydney to Seoul, Bangkok to Beijing, housing affordability has become one of the biggest economic and political issues facing young people across Asia Pacific.

In many major cities, home prices have risen far faster than incomes, leaving many first-time buyers feeling locked out of the market.

Australia is now changing long-standing tax rules that critics say encouraged property investment and pushed up prices. But will those reforms actually make housing more affordable? And what lessons can be learned from other countries that have tried to intervene?

In this episode, Mariko Oi speaks to Asia Specific editor Bill Birtles and BBC Journalist Abhiram Subramaniam about Australia's housing reforms, the affordability crisis across Asia, why governments from South Korea to China have struggled to bring prices under control.

They also explore Singapore's unique public housing system, where around 80% of residents live in government-built homes, and ask whether the model could ever be replicated elsewhere.

Asia Pacific, unpacked by those who know it best. Bringing you essential insights and conversations on the stories shaping the region - an economic powerhouse, geo-political flashpoint and the birthplace of global cultural trends.

Hear Asian perspectives on international issues and in-depth analysis on news from a region that’s home to nearly 2.5 billion people.

Whether it is the latest on trade between the US and China, the rise and fall of political dynasties in Thailand, Indonesia, and the Philippines, or South Korea’s K-pop inspired soft power strategy, we find out what key players are thinking and dive into the stories that matter.

Hosted in Singapore by Mariko Oi, alongside BBC experts in Beijing, Bangkok, and beyond – listen to new episodes twice a week. Episodes of Asia Specific are also available on YouTube, here: https://bit.ly/4iJyeVt

Get in touch: asiaspecific@bbc.co.uk