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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
Security personnel stand guard outside the Unification Church headquarters in Tokyo on Wednesday. Photo: Kyodo
Shinzo Abe

Japanese court upholds order to dissolve Unification Church over donations

The order will take immediate effect, with the group losing its religious corporation tax status and liquidation procedures to begin.

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Hong Kong stock market

Surging oil prices drive Hong Kong stocks to 6-month low on inflation jitters

Crime

In Japan, a yakuza’s mansion is now for sale. Here’s why

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Drugs

‘Social morals are dying’: Japan’s under-20s are getting high like never before

The relaxed attitude towards ‘fashionable’ drugs has been cited as one reason for more young Japanese arrested for cannabis offences.

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People take part in a march in Tokyo in 2023 calling for the legalisation of cannabis. Photo: AFP
US, Israel war on Iran

Global stock sell-off slams Wall Street as oil prices leap on Iran war woes

The Dow ended down 403 points, after plunging over 1,200 earlier in the day.

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Tourism

Gripping samurai exhibition explores Japan’s warrior class, cuts through myths

From armour to art, ‘Samurai’ at the British Museum traces the Japanese elite class’ evolution and cultural impact, from anime to Star Wars.

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SCMP Highlights

Southeast Asian navy strategies, Japan video sparks outrage: 7 Asia highlights

From predictions on Iranian leadership to North Korea’s nuclear vindication, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

Screenshots from a viral video posted by an social media user on Wednesday showing her daughter being shoved while attempting to take a photo at Tokyo’s iconic Shibuya Crossing. Photo: Instagram/peipeilin527
Luxury travel

What’s new at Galaxy Macau, from whisky wonders to Japanese elegance

Pony & Plume offers over 650 rare whiskies while Hotel Okura Macau blends traditional Japanese hospitality with understated modern-day luxury.

Crime

Japanese massage parlour operator denies forcing Thai girl, 12, into sex work

The 52-year-old, who made the girl ‘practise’ lewd acts on him, said he did not know she was underage.

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Hong Kong stock market

Hong Kong stocks slide for a second day as US-Iran war rattles sentiment

Risk-off sentiment is seen across major Asia-Pacific markets, with South Korea’s Kospi benchmark falling 7.2 per cent.

Financial data is displayed at the New York Stock Exchange. Photo: AP
Shinzo Abe

How the Unification Church is facing fallout in Japan from Shinzo Abe’s murder

Critics have called the group a ‘money-making business’, with many people having lost huge sums of money from its ‘spiritual sales’.

The logo of the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, known as the Unification Church, at the entrance of the Japan branch headquarters in Tokyo. Photo: AFP
Asian cinema: Japanese films

Who is Hikari, the Japanese director behind Beef and Rental Family?

The filmmaker talks about her journey from Osaka to Hollywood and how her new film with Fraser as a fake dad was inspired by her childhood.

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Fukushima nuclear disaster and water release

Japan’s nuclear waste dilemma: no prefecture wants Fukushima’s toxic soil

By law, the waste currently housed near the crippled Fukushima Daiichi plant must be moved outside the prefecture by March 2045.

Hong Kong stock market

Sell-offs sweep Hong Kong and Asian markets as gold, oil rise on Iran war

Crude oil jumps as much as 14 per cent to the highest level since January 2025, while gold gains 2.5 per cent on haven demand.

Hong Kong stocks fell on Monday. Photo: Jonathan Wong
Food and Drinks

Party sober? Asia’s bars and drink giants shift gears as Gen Z ditch alcohol

As young Asians turn more health-conscious and watch their spending, drinks giants and bars are planning more low- and no-alcohol options.

Funkytown, a cocktail bar in Bangkok, offers non-alcoholic versions of its signature cocktails, including Green Curry. Photo: Funkytown
China shipbuilding

Open Questions | Top shipbuilding voice Li Yanqing rebukes Washington’s ‘China threat’ narrative

China’s national shipbuilding association official calls US port fees ‘absurd’ and politically motivated, while asserting China’s market lead is solid despite global fluctuations.

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China-Japan relations

Opinion | Japan’s rightward shift puts it on a collision course with China

Any attempt by the Takaichi administration to revise the constitution and re-arm the country will ignite fierce opposition from Beijing.

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China's military weapons

What will first Type 055 destroyers for PLA East China Fleet mean for Taiwan?

Two of the guided-missile destroyers with hull numbers assigned have been spotted at a naval base on the East China Sea coast.

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China’s Type 055 destroyer, designated “Renhai-class” by Nato, is a cruiser-sized vessel with robust air defence, anti-submarine and surface warfare capabilities. Photo: Handout
Malaysia

‘Time for us’: the Malaysian rapper putting her country on the SXSW map

Zamaera is taking five Malaysian artists to Texas next month after asking herself a simple question: why doesn’t Malaysia have a stage yet?

Fashion

Q&A | How Anteprima brought Japanese art to Milan Fashion Week

Founder Izumi Ogino and artist Takahiro Iwasaki on their approach to bridging fashion and art while retaining the essence of their culture.

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.

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.
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The Philippines

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

Indonesia wants to project power. The Philippines wants to deny it. In the South China Sea, one approach may matter more than the other.

The Italian aircraft carrier Giuseppe Garibaldi pictured in 2016. Photo: AFP
US-Japan relations

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

Trump’s use of tariff threats to strong-arm foreign governments, companies and investors into funding US projects should be resisted.

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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.

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.

Visitors wear traditional Korean attire in Seoul on February 17. South Korea saw a sharp influx of Chinese tourists during the Lunar New Year holiday period that ended on Monday. Photo: EPA-EFE
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.

The so-called AI scare trade has roiled global stocks in February. Photo: AFP
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.

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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.

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