Advertisement
Advertisement
-
Japan
TOPIC
 / location

Japan

Related Topics:
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
Created in 1996 as a Game Boy video game, the multibillion-dollar franchise now boasts a range of anime series, merchandise and trading card products.
Pokemon

Video | Pokemon turns 30

Created in 1996 as a Game Boy video game, the multibillion-dollar franchise now boasts a range of anime series, merchandise and trading card products.

The Philippines

Indonesia is getting an aircraft carrier. The Philippines isn’t. Does it matter?

US-Japan relations

Macroscope | Why Japan should push back on Trump’s investment demands

videocam
Viral stories

Japan trans woman, 64, enjoys slow-paced life with lover, 86, wears princess dresses

Sex reassignment surgery recipient who faces problems using women’s facilities because of her size says she wants to slim down, wear miniskirts.

A 64-year-old Japanese trans woman enjoys a slow-paced life with her 86-year-old boyfriend, often wearing princess dresses and wigs on their dates. Photo: SCMP composite/QQ.com
SCMP Highlights

Chinese tourists flock to Seoul, child shoved in Tokyo crossing: 7 highlights

From China tracking military moves near Iran to why tourists are ditching Tokyo for Seoul, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.

Hong Kong stock market

Hong Kong stocks cap worst month since October on AI disruption angst

Concerns over AI’s disruptive impact on traditional industries continue to unsettle investors.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Climate change

Japan on track for hottest summer ever as ocean temperatures surge

Various regions across Japan are expected to register above-normal temperatures between June and August, the weather agency says.

videocam
A man cooling down under a water misting system on a hot day in Tokyo in September last year. Photo: AFP
Pokemon

How Pokemon took over the world as the beloved franchise turns 30

On Pokemon Day 2026, we look at the history of the global multimedia phenomenon and how it captured the hearts of children and adults alike.

Artificial intelligence

Video | Japan unveils AI robot monk

AI-powered “Buddharoid” offers spiritual guidance and could help ease Japan’s monk shortage.

Offbeat

Video | Get muddy at Japan’s naked festival

The festival is celebrated in some areas with traditional battles in frigid mud fought by participants wearing nothing but loincloths.

sdfgfegdr
01:30
Iran

‘Hostage diplomacy’ fears mount over arrest of Japanese journalist in Iran

The incident comes amid rising tensions between Washington and Tehran, with a large American military force positioned near Iran.

The aftermath of an Israeli strike on Evin Prison, Iran, in June. Photo: West Asia News Agency via Reuters
Viral stories

Viral video of child being shoved at Tokyo’s iconic Shibuya Crossing stokes anger

The video shows a masked passer-by appearing to knock the girl to the ground, prompting calls for an investigation.

videocam
6

Video | Video of girl being shoved in Japan sparks online outrage

The little girl’s photo moment on the Shibuya crossing was violently interrupted.

Thailand

US, Thailand lead 30 nations in Southeast Asia’s largest military drill

Cobra Gold is necessary to address emerging threats and improve interoperability in the region, the US ambassador to Thailand says.

videocam
US Ambassador Sean O’Neill attends the opening ceremony of Cobra Gold in Rayong province, Thailand, on Tuesday. Photo: Reuters
Hong Kong stock market

Hong Kong stocks retreat as Nvidia earnings fail to sustain AI momentum

Hang Seng Index drops 1.4 per cent, led by tech losses, after US chip giant’s results disappoint investors betting on perpetual AI growth.

4
Nvidia’s earnings fail to impress investors, who are now betting on perpetual AI growth, according to analysts. Photo: Shutterstock
Human rights

Cash-for-tips scheme in Japan sparks debate over migrant rights

Backers argue tougher measures are needed to curb unauthorised employment, but migrant advocates fear unintended social consequences.

Sanae Takaichi

Japan’s PM revives push to criminalise defacing national flag

It is already a crime to damage a foreign flag in Japan. Now, emboldened by a massive election win, the PM wants to protect her own.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
China technology

China’s tech surge leaves Japan and South Korea trailing in global rankings

Propelled by strategic R&D, China’s tech prowess is now the third highest, with key sectors such as batteries and biotech showing big gains over rivals.

videocam
28
A humanoid robot plays piano during a traditional music performance in Beijing on Thursday. China has elevated science and technology to the core of its national development strategy. Photo: AP
Hong Kong stock market

World’s biggest companies return US$2 trillion to shareholders in dividends

Financial and technology firms powered a 7 per cent rise in global payouts, with 30 markets logging record dividend payments last year.

South Korea

South Korea axes visa barriers for Indonesians in 30 million visitor drive

Citizens of China and Southeast Asian nations who have previously visited the country can apply for multiple-entry visas of up to 10 years.

Sanae Takaichi

Japan’s Takaichi defends US$190 election gifts to ruling party lawmakers

The revelation that 315 MPs were asked to pick items from a gift catalogue evokes a slush-fund scandal that engulfed the party in 2023.

videocam
Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi attends a House of Representatives plenary session to answer questions from opposition leaders on Tuesday. Photo: AFP
Hong Kong stock market

Hong Kong stocks rebound in relief rally as global AI scare fades

Hang Seng Index climbs as concerns over AI disruption ease, with investors awaiting Nvidia earnings to gauge sentiment.

Hong Kong shares track a rebound in global tech shares overnight after jitters faded that AI could upend business models. Photo: Shutterstock
Singapore

Singapore prime minister attacked by hundreds of Chinese-language fake AI videos

The videos targeting Lawrence Wong spread false narratives about his leadership being under threat and political infighting in Singapore.

videocam
US-China trade war

US warns of deep distrust even as officials seek stable China ties for summit

Congressional hearings reflect bipartisan concern and highlight persistent advanced tech market tension as key Trump-Xi summit looms.

videocam
23
Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong firm to test tokenised concert stakes ahead of digital gold trading

Hong Kong firm unveils crypto-based concert funding model, marking the city’s latest step in fintech innovation and gold tokenisation.

Cantopop singer Chris Wong’s concert at the Hong Kong Coliseum is part of the first batch of tokenised shows. Photo: handout
Food and Drinks

Can Cadbury chocolate-fed Wagyu outshine Japan’s finest beef?

Raising cattle on confectionery might sound crazy, but to Australian Wagyu producer Mayura Station, it’s ingenious and makes a difference.

Cattle at Mayura Station, located on the Limestone Coast of South Australia. Photo: courtesy Mayura Station
Trending in China

Video | Shoppers go bananas for Ikea orangutan plush

The Ikea stuffed toy has already sold out in-store and online across multiple countries.

Offbeat

Future of Japan’s ‘naked festival’ in doubt after 3 men left unconscious

Organisers said they would review safety rules after six men collapsed during the annual scramble for good-luck talismans.

videocam
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Help preserve 120 years of quality journalism.
SUPPORT NOW
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement