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Japan
Japan
The latest breaking news and stories on Japan, a country in East Asia known as a constitutional monarchy, and the world’s fifth largest economy. Also covering Japan’s relationship with China and Asia, plus commentary and updates on Japan’s economy, politics, society and trade.
Capital
Tokyo
Head of State
Emperor Naruhito
Head of Government
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida
Fumio Kishida
A currency trader talks on the phone near a screen showing the Korea Composite Stock Price Index and the foreign exchange rate between the US dollar and South Korean won at the foreign exchange dealing room of the Hana Bank headquarters in Seoul on May 20. Photo: AP
Bonds

Macroscope | Asia caught in a tug of war between global bond and stock markets

Stakes are high for Asia’s tech-driven economies amid a global sell-off in bond markets that signals investor fears.

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US-Japan relations

US to send powerful missile systems to Japan for drills amid China tensions

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Trip Inspiration

Asia’s new hotels: from Kyoto to Bangkok, luxury awaits

Wellness

‘Extremely fulfilling’: Doing housework can declutter your home and your mind

The chores most of us find tedious provide mental health benefits, say psychologists and a Zen monk, who explain how and share cleaning tips.

The thought of mopping and sweeping fills many of us with dread, but doing household chores such as these actually provides health benefits, according to experts. Photo: Shutterstock
China-Russia relations

China and Russia warn US Golden Dome poses ‘clear threat’ to stability

Days after Xi-Trump talks, Beijing and Moscow slam Washington’s military provocations and its plans for missile defence system.

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China exports

Japanese firms warn of ‘severe’ magnet shortages as China’s exports remain low

China’s exports of rare earth magnets to Japan recovered only modestly last month, with Japanese firms warning of ‘severe’ shortages.

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South Korea

Japan, South Korea hone diplomatic ‘muscle memory’ amid Taiwan worries

Energy security and supply chains topped the summit’s formal agenda. The subtext was a fear of ‘alliance abandonment’, analysts say.

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Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi poses for photographs after receiving a gift of glasses from South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in Andong, South Korea, on Tuesday. Photo: South Korean Presidential Office/Yonhap/Reuters
Art

How Asian artists at the 2026 Venice Biennale are making their voices heard

Using everything from baby dolls to tapestries, Asian artists’ perspectives are strongly reflected in a number of memorable exhibitions.

China-Russia relations

Inside the royal garden that is Putin’s ‘second home’ in China

More than 1,400 heads of state have stayed in the compound, with the Russian president usually accommodated in its most prestigious villa.

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Asian cinema: Japanese films

Review | The Samurai and the Prisoner: Kiyoshi Kurosawa back with feudal-era thriller

The veteran Japanese director’s new film with Masahiro Motoki as a besieged warlord is an intelligent, captivating spin on the samurai genre.

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(From left) Yuriko Yoshitaka, Masahiro Motoki and Ryota Miyadate in a still from The Samurai and the Prisoner.
Social media

Video | Americans arrested over Punch the monkey stunt

The two men face charges of forcible obstruction of business.

Americans arrested in Japan for breaking into Punch the monkey’s enclosure
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Artificial intelligence

Tiny capacitors are the latest AI-driven investor darling

Artificial intelligence boom is triggering a surge in demand for multilayer ceramic capacitors, report says.

Defence

Japan plans island drone deployment to monitor Chinese naval activity

Tokyo hopes deploying US-built SeaGuardians on Iwo Jima and Chichijima will eliminate a Pacific surveillance ‘blind spot’.

Animals

Japan zoo may ban photos near viral monkey after intrusion by 2 Americans

One visitor entered the macaque’s habitat dressed in a character costume, while the other filmed him with a phone from outside.

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Japanese macaque Punch drags a stuffed orangutan at Ichikawa City Zoo in Chiba prefecture. Photo: Reuters
Yuan

As the world retreats from US Treasuries, will the sell-off deepen?

China is one of several nations trimming their exposure to US debt, as inflation drives Treasury yields to levels not seen since 2007.

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Kevin Warsh was confirmed as the next chairman of the US Federal Reserve earlier this month. Photo: Reuters
The Philippines

Philippine navy’s ‘aspirational’ middle power claim comes under scrutiny

The navy based its assessment partly on regional partners admiring its newer ships that were deployed in recent joint exercises.

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South Korea

South Korea’s Lee hails ‘deep friendship’ as he hosts Japan’s Takaichi in hometown

The talks in Andong, a city famous for its centuries-old folk village, come after the two met in Takaichi’s hometown of Nara in January.

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China’s military drills

Chinese carrier kicks off drills in western Pacific amid tense Japan ties

The Liaoning carrier group will hold live-fire drills months after stand-off with Japanese fighter jets during a December exercise.

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A fighter jet takes off from the Liaoning, China’s first aircraft carrier to sail beyond the second island chain. Photo: Japan Ministry of Defence
The Philippines

More than a missile? Why the Philippines wants Japan’s old Type 88

Manila’s military already operates superior weapons, but analysts say Tokyo’s Cold War-era hardware still has something to offer.

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Electric & new energy vehicles

AI | China’s Ganfeng secures orders amid surge in demand for energy storage, AI boom

Company says its orders are booked through the first half of 2027 as it plans to increase production volume by 50 per cent next year.

Food and Drinks

Meet the Hong Kong chefs doing Japanese food with a Cantonese twist

For generations, local diners expected Cantonese chefs to play supporting roles to a Japanese head chef – but now that is changing.

The claypot rice dish at Hong Kong’s Isseki Niaji melds Cantonese banqueting traditions with tastes of Osaka. Photo: Handout
SCMP Highlights

Singaporeans’ work ethic, South Korea’s AI ‘goddess’: 7 Asia highlights

From Southeast Asia’s climate hazards to South Korea’s AI ‘baseball goddess’, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

A screenshot of the “baseball goddess” from an AI-generated video. Photo: X/kangminlee
Taiwan

Beijing rebukes Manila over claim proximity will involve it in Taiwan conflict

Chinese embassy staff in the Philippines visit 69 Chinese workers detained during police raid.

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Environment

Letters | Naphtha shock must spur East Asia to cut its plastics reliance

Readers discuss a potential positive consequence of Middle East volatility, the Russian leader’s coming visit to Beijing, and AI’s impact on China’s real economy.

Animals

Russian hiker becomes Japan’s latest bear attack victim as a new record looms

After a year with more than 50,000 sightings and 238 injuries, Japan’s vanishing hunting communities are struggling to contain the problem.

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A bear is spotted on a riverbank in Morioka, Iwate prefecture, in October 2025. Photo: Kyodo
Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong finance chief woos French wealth managers as European tour starts

Paul Chan, who arrived in Paris on Monday, met representatives of French asset management association and think tank Asia Centre in Paris, sources say.

Hong Kong Financial Secretary Paul Chan Mo-po in Paris. Photo: Handout
Energy

How a Japanese deal to appease Trump resulted in Texans protesting in Tokyo

Community groups from the Freeport area are urging Japanese financiers and ministries not to back fossil fuel infrastructure.

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Profile

Can Jetour’s human touch outshine AI in the evolving travel industry?

Jetour blends human warmth, premium bespoke travel and AI-enhanced curation – proving heart-led expertise still triumphs in luxury outbound tourism.

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