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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
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese (right) and Singapore’s Prime Minister Lawrence Wong (left) sign a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Agreement during a Australia-Singapore Annual Leaders’ Meeting, at Parliament House in Canberra, Australia, on October 8 last year. Photo: EPA-EFE
Australia

Australia receives fuel export guarantees from Singapore, Japan

Australia is seeking to diversify its sources of oil products as a result of the war in Iran and closure of the Strait of Hormuz, including making purchases from the US and Mexico.

Food and Drinks

How Okinawan food evolved with Chinese influences to become ‘truly unique’

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Artist's Studio

Ayako Rokkaku on feeling her way via finger-painting and interactive art

China-Japan relations

Why China is worried by Japan’s plans to change rules on arms sales

The government in Tokyo is considering relaxing its restrictions on exports of lethal weapons amid heightened tensions with Beijing.

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Sanae Takaichi has angered Beijing with her comments over Taiwan. Photo: Reuters
Your Perfect Week

Our cheat sheet for the best things to do in Hong Kong, April 5-18

Enjoy Easter at The Repulse Bay, Hong Kong Palace Museum’s equine exhibition, a kitchen takeover at Zozzona and Aussie cocktails at Bourke’s.

Tokyo

Safety fears bloom in Japan as ageing cherry trees collapse in Tokyo parks

People love walking or picnicking under the trees during the cherry blossom viewing season.

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US, Israel war on Iran

Iran war: French and Japanese-owned ships make first Hormuz crossings

France and Japan have called for a ceasefire in the conflict, with Macron saying the waterway can only be reopened when the bombing stops.

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A container ship operated by the French CMA CGM shipping company runs into the port of Marseille in June 2018. Photo: AFP
United States

US adds 178,000 jobs in March but Middle East war ‘likely not incorporated’

Gains in a slumping market were about three times the forecast, thought to be linked to construction firms doing more in recent warm weather.

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Diplomacy

Opinion | How America’s stumble in Iran upends East Asia’s security calculus

A region where US allies lose faith in Washington won’t necessarily embrace Beijing; it is a region more likely to reach for its own guns.

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China-Japan relations

With an eye on China, Japan looks to kamikaze drones and low-cost missiles

Tokyo plans to introduce loitering munitions with a range of more than 1,000km, according to Japanese media reports citing official sources.

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Tokyo is said to have plans to introduce suicide-style drones that fly to a target, crash into it and explode. Photo: Shutterstock Images
US, Israel war on Iran

US delays Japan’s Tomahawk missile supplies as Iran strikes take priority

The missiles are key to boosting Tokyo’s long-range strike capabilities to deal with challenges from China and North Korea.

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A Tomahawk missile launches from a US guided missile cruiser in the Mediterranean Sea in 2003. Photo: US Navy via AP
Indonesia

Indonesia rebalances energy policy as Iran war spurs new projects

As oil prices surge, Indonesia aims to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and intensify the use of crude palm oil for diesel blending.

SCMP Highlights

Malaysia’s racial divide; Australia and Japan’s jet fuel woes: 7 highlights

From Hong Kong’s restaurant revamps to deep racial divisions in Malaysia, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.

China energy security

Strait of Hormuz crisis

China remains relatively sheltered by its strategic oil reserves and investment in clean energy, even as Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz sparks a global energy crisis.

Strait of Hormuz crisis
South Korea

‘I can’t breathe’: Korean Air sued over in-flight death of passenger

The lawsuit filed in the US alleged that the airline failed to provide oxygen to Porscha Tynisha Brown who died in 2024.

A Korean Air plane takes off from South Korea’s Incheon International Airport on Wednesday. Photo: EPA
Taiwan

Letters | Why KMT leader’s planned visit to mainland China is significant

Readers discuss the chairwoman of Taiwan’s largest opposition party’s trip to the mainland, and the approach to treating drug abuse in Hong Kong.

China’s private sector

Splashing out: how much would you expect to pay for LV’s latest quirky man bag?

Offbeat designs may not drive sales, but they sharpen brand identity and attract individuality-seeking buyers, analysts say.

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On Our Radar

Greg Girard’s photo exhibition shows five decades of Hong Kong and Tokyo

Photographer Greg Girard’s new exhibition puts two Asian metropolises – Hong Kong and Tokyo – in the frame over five decades.

Cathay Pacific 747 with Lion Rock and Kowloon Walled City (1989), by Greg Girard. Photo: courtesy Greg Girard and WKM Gallery
Pacific nations

Solomon Islands residents live in fear of WWII bomb explosions

With more people on the islands killed or injured due to the munitions, a UN team calls for international efforts to remove the danger.

US, Israel war on Iran

Editorial | Trump’s Iran address fails to set minds at ease or clearly signal direction

The Iran war is a wake-up call to many countries about their overdependence on the US for security.

Food and Drinks

A shaman told him to quit coffee. Now he runs a successful matcha brand

Rocky Xu, who started Rocky’s Matcha in 2022, focuses on selling quality, authentic Japanese tea rather than trying to be a viral sensation.

Rocky Xu, founder of Rocky’s Matcha, says his brand is about “tradition and craft” rather than chasing trends. Photo: Rocky Xu
China-Middle East relations

China’s Iran war strategy, Trump’s Hormuz ask: 7 global relations reads

From a China-Israel call on Iran to an unlikely nuclear deal, here are highlights from the SCMP’s overseas correspondents in March 2026.

US President Donald Trump speaks to reporters before boarding Air Force One. Photo: AFP via Getty Images
Hong Kong economy

Looking for Easter holiday inspiration? Here’s what’s happening in Hong Kong

From a coffee festival to a Doraemon show, there’s plenty to do and see for both residents and visitors over the long weekend break.

Middle East

Macron says military operation to ‘liberate’ Strait of Hormuz ‘unrealistic’

Such an operation would take excessive time and expose those crossing the strait to ‘coastal threats’.

War and conflict

Opinion | Iran war is changing East Asia’s energy and strategic plays

States like China and Russia that can provide energy, industrial inputs, strategic reassurance or room for manoeuvre are gaining weight.

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Illustration: Craig Stephens
US, Israel war on Iran

Trump’s ex-China mineral-alliance plan faces cost surge amid Iran war oil shock

Analysts say Middle East turmoil is elevating commodity input costs, affecting processing efforts and prompting push for ‘friendshoring’ to secure resources.

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US President Donald Trump, seen here at the White House on Wednesday, said attacks on Iran could continue for the next two to three weeks. Photo: AP
Asean

How Asean’s neutral stance in Iran war protects its energy security

Granting Southeast Asian vessels safe passage through the strait allows Iran to come across as a diplomatic good guy, analysts say.

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Hong Kong society

Letters | Hong Kong needs to start charging all bus passengers by distance

Readers discuss the decision to revise the HK$2 public transport fare scheme, and the potential of student clubs at universities.

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