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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
Chef Yoshiteru Ikegawa uses Kishu binchotan, a revered type of charcoal from Wakayama prefecture. Photo: courtesy Torikaze
Food and Drinks

He wasn’t allowed to grill for years. That’s how he mastered yakitori

The chef behind Tokyo’s Torishiki brings his gospel of succulent skewers, steady discipline and generous mentorship to Torikaze in Hong Kong.

Pop culture in Asia

Language Matters | Senpai, bingsu, ramyeon: new Korean and Japanese words in the OED

Crime

Fears of growing school violence in Japan as bullying clips go viral

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Timepieces

Horology’s most storied addresses: watch museums, workshops and archives

These locales, from museums to brands’ own premises, are hallowed ground for watch fans, giving them insights and a peek into timekeeping history.

A fresco at the Musée International d’Horlogerie in Switzerland. Photo: Handout
US-Venezuela conflict

How US actions in Venezuela and beyond could spell opportunity for China

Beijing is trying to present itself as a more responsible power, but analysts say concrete actions will be needed to win over its neighbours.

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China-Japan relations

Japan urged to ‘correct historical errors’, return Tang dynasty stele to China

9.5-tonne stone slab shipped to Japan as ‘war trophy’ in 1908 is described as one of China’s most significant ‘lost national treasures’.

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Art

Japanese tattoo artists still face stigma despite landmark legal victory

The practice of tattooing has long been associated with the yakuza and many places in Japan still bar people bearing the body art.

Tattoo artist Horisho works on a foreign tourist at Good Times Ink tattoo studio in Osaka. Photo: Kyodo
Mainland China

In Japan, fears of China’s antibiotics dominance spur calls for self-sufficiency

China has reportedly imposed curbs on rare earth shipments to Japan, and there are concerns that these could be extended to medical products.

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Lessons from China's history

Reflections | What a Chinese hero’s fatal love of raw fish warns us about uncooked food

The recent sale of the most expensive tuna in Tokyo reflects sushi’s popularity, but an episode in Chinese history shows raw food’s dangers.

Architecture and design

A conversation with design visionary Naoto Fukasawa

The legendary product designer gave an exclusive interview to Style on the sidelines of Hong Kong’s BODW In the City, an extension of Business of Design Week.

Naoto Fukasawa gives a talk at B&B Italia, Colourliving, in Hong Kong, in November 2025. Photo: Handout
Hong Kong society

Hong Kong passport ranks 15th globally, rising 3 places in visa-free access index

Hongkongers improve in travel mobility, with visa-free access to 171 destinations, but still trail leader Singapore, as well as Japan and South Korea.

Hongkongers hold the world’s 15th most powerful passport, according to this year’s Henley Passport Index, which measures visa-free access. Photo: Fung Chang
US-China relations

China dumps more US debt, buys other assets as Trump targets Powell

Beijing’s Treasury holdings hit a September 2008 low, and analysts point to fears over Fed independence and debt sustainability, while gold’s appeal rises.

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China society

Outside In | Plight of Hebei’s freezing elderly shows urgent need for pension reform

The swarming sociability of family life is fading as one-person households and lonely deaths rise. Coping with loneliness is now a life skill.

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Donald Trump

Trump invests US$51 million in bonds linked to his own policy agenda

Without a blind trust, Trump builds wealth as president with bond trades in firms his policies affect, drawing scrutiny over conflicts of interest.

Donald Trump reacts to a question from a reporter after signing a series of executive orders at the White House in February 2025. Photo: TNS
Chinese tourists

Video | Japan ramen joint bans Chinese customers amid menu price row

The restaurant says it had to call police over unruly Chinese diners, but online sleuths say the real cause of the trouble was dual pricing on its menus.

Iekei restaurant in the western city of Osaka has ignited controversy by slapping a ban on all Chinese customers, accusing them of being troublemakers.
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Video | Railway power outage delays commuters in Tokyo

Trains on JR East’s Yamanote and Keihin-Tohoku lines were halted in all directions with no immediate timetable for service resumption.

US-Japan relations

Japan, US vow ‘unshaken’ defence ties despite Trump’s pivot from Asia

‘We talk about America first, yes, but it doesn’t mean America alone,’ Pentagon chief Hegseth tells Japanese Defence Minister Koizumi.

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Science

Could China’s Yaogan-47 satellite have a lens as wide as the Hubble Telescope?

Chinese satellite will be used for national land surveys, urban planning, environmental management and comprehensive disaster prevention.

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The Yaogan-47 satellite was launched aboard a Long March 4B carrier rocket from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre on December 9. Photo: Xinhua
Trending in China

Japan ramen eatery bans ‘troublesome’ China diners, charges more for English menu

Restaurant says it had to call police over unruly Chinese diners; online sleuths claim real reason for ‘trouble’ is dual pricing policy.

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Defence

Japan’s next-generation fighter jet project gets boost as European rival stalls

Germany, France and Spain have put their project on hold, prompting speculation that some may turn to the Japan-UK-Italy programme.

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Tencent

Uber’s WeChat tie-up pays off as demand from Chinese tourists rises overseas

Uber will offer a discount of at least 40 per cent during Lunar New Year for new mainland users who join via its WeChat mini-program.

New York-listed Uber operates in 70 markets globally. Photo: Shutterstock
Obituaries

Nie Weiping, Chinese Go master known for victory over Japanese rival, dies at 73

The win catapulted him to national icon status and sparked a fever for the board game across China.

Chinese Go player Nie Weiping, who inspired legions of players, has died at the age of 73. Photo: Handout
China-South Korea relations

South Korean leader takes ‘pragmatic approach’ to reset ties with China, Japan

The president made back-to-back trips to the neighbouring countries as tensions are running high between Beijing and Tokyo.

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Luxury travel

Review | How the Osaka and Kyoto Ritz-Carltons blend luxury with Japanese tradition

The Ritz-Carlton Osaka in the busy Umeda district is opulent, while the tranquil Kyoto property reflects the vibe of Japan’s cultural capital.

Viral stories

Japan woman mocked for ‘ugly’ looks, resists cosmetic surgery, uses make-up

Ridiculed as a child, woman takes more than 30,000 selfies in 13 years on fashion journey; says it was like a ‘scientific study’.

A 50-year-old Japanese woman who was mocked for her looks as a child has spent 13 years mastering the art of make-up. Photo: SCMP composite/IG@kozue_sewing
The Philippines

New deal eases logistics for Japan-Philippines drills amid China tensions

The agreement removes taxes on military supplies, including weapons and fuel used in joint exercises.

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A Japanese naval ship docks at the Manila Port, Philippines, last year. Photo: EPA-EFE
Renewable energy

Letters | Japan should put more eggs in the renewable basket

Readers discuss Japan’s energy strategy, and how Hong Kong can do better on paper and plastic bottle recycling.

Hong Kong stock market

Hong Kong stocks snap 4-day winning streak as Chinese tech giants falter

Online travel-booking agency Trip.com slumps 19 per cent after China opens antitrust probe into the company.

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