The Brief: Japan vote, Catalonia, Swaziland orphans

Japan votes in snap elections, anger in Catalonia as Spain tightens grip following referendum and orphans learn kung fu.

A man walks in the rain past election posters near a polling station as Typhoon Lan approaches Japan''s mainland, in Tokyo — A man walks in the rain past election posters near a polling station in Tokyo, Japan [Issei Kato/Reuters]

Here are the stories you shouldn’t miss, plus the ones you should keep an eye on for Sunday:

Don’t miss:

We start in Japan, which is holding snap elections today. What’s expected? Find out here.

A photo essay from Swaziland shows a centre where African orphans learn Mandarin, Buddhism and kung fu. View these scenes here.
And how does Israel engage in “water apartheid”? We report from Jordan Valley in the occupied West Bank.

Looking ahead:

In Spain, hundreds of thousands have gathered to protest against the government’s plan to impose direct rule over Catalonia. Catch up here and stay with us for more updates.

As tensions mount over North Korea, our opinion writer explores the fears surrounding a Kim Jong-un assassination.

And Kenya is expected to vote in a matter of days. After the main opposition candidate pulled out, what’s expected next? Find out here.

Stay with us on aljazeera.com for more…

Source: Al Jazeera