Keeping Time

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China gets stoned, Korea fever hits Japan, and Bangkok's residents go on a shooting spree. Here are our picks of things to do around Asia this April

China
Rolling Stones Concert [April 1, 4]
The aging but legendary rockers are finally set to shake up the mainland with their 40 Licks tour, featuring songs from their latest compilation album. Though the Stones have periodically applied to perform in China since the 1970s, they finally got clearance earlier this year. But the band, scheduled to play first in Shanghai and then Beijing, has already run afoul of China's Ministry of Culture, which has banned four of its best-known numbers, including Brown Sugar and Let's Spend the Night Together. For concert details, visit rollingstones.com/news/pressreleases.php

Hong Kong
27th Hong Kong International Film Festival [April 8-23]
Hollywood East plays host to 460 films from 45 countries at this annual event organized by the Hong Kong Arts Development Council. Featuring international masterpieces and a retrospective selection from the Hong Kong Film Archive, the 16-day extravaganza will take place at various venues around the city. For booking information, go to www.urbtix.gov.hk

Japan
BoA Concert [April 5, 6]
She is the first Korean star to rise to the No. 1 spot on the Japanese music charts. Sixteen-year-old diva BoA will perform at Tokyo's Yoyogi National Stadium in her first Japanese tour since her fourth single Listen to My Heart sold more than 100,000 copies in the country in early 2002. Call (813) 3489 9999 regarding tickets

Thailand
Bangkok Songkran Festival [April 13-15]
Thailand erupts in a frenzied water fight during this ritualistic festival, with locals, tourists and even the police using everything from buckets to high-powered water guns to wage battle. Khao San road, Bangkok's backpacker nexus, is the battleground of choice. For more info, visit thailandgrandfestival.com