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Japan
Japan
Latest news, in-depth features and opinion on Japan, covering politics, economy, society, the country's relationships with China, North Korea and South Korea and the legacy of World War Two in Asia.
Capital
Tokyo
Head of State
Emperor Naruhito
Head of Government
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida
Fumio Kishida
last updated:
29 November, 2024
Jake Sullivan has been the national security adviser for US President Joe Biden. Photo: Reuters
US-China relations

US national security adviser fears Trump might push some nations toward China

Jake Sullivan is concerned that future questions about US reliability will lead countries to say, ‘maybe we need to hedge with China’.

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US-China relations

Will Trump’s return to power deepen divisions between Canada and China?

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Donald Trump

Japan’s Ishiba may turn to China after Trump snub, raising US policy concerns

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Crime

Japan eyes mandatory ID checks for scrap metal trading to stop surge in thefts

National Police Agency proposes registration scheme for those dealing in scrap metal as thieves target businesses and disrupt operations.

A man walks through solar power generation facilities in Fukushima prefecture. Thieves have regularly targeted solar farms in Japan, making off with copper transmission wire, aluminium supports for solar panels and even lengths of metal fencing and posts. Photo: AFP
Crime

Female hammer attacker in Japan wounds at least 8

Media said the assailant appeared to be a student, who had been stopped by staff at Tokyo’s Hosei University.

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TSMC

Apple and Nvidia chip supplier TSMC’s sales top estimates, boosting AI in 2025

The world’s largest contract chipmaker reported a 39 per cent rise in October-December revenue to US$26.3 billion.

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Malaysia

Malaysia and Japan to develop green energy projects, Ishiba eyes defence ties

Among their agreements, both countries will jointly develop hydrogen energy and partner in the post-war reconstruction of Gaza.

Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and Japan’s Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba shake hands at a press conference in Putrajaya on Friday. Photo: EPA-EFE
Tourism

Kyoto to sharply raise hotel tax in bid to curb overtourism – will it work?

Some analysts say the higher accommodation tax may lead to tourists staying in nearby cities and making day trips to Kyoto.

Asia travel

Fukuoka’s food stalls are the best in Japan. Here are the 5 you must eat at

Fukuoka’s riverside open-air food stalls are the best in Japan. We pick five that are not to be missed on your next trip.

United States

Japan gangster may face life behind bars over bid to sell nuke material to Iran

Takeshi Ebisawa admitted at his plea that he ‘brazenly trafficked’ material including weapons-grade plutonium out of Myanmar.

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Takeshi Ebisawa poses with a rocket launcher at a warehouse in Copenhagen, Denmark. File photo: Reuters
United States

Envoy says sloppy American defence firms pose ‘bigger risk’ for US than China

US envoy to Japan Rahm Emanuel said contractors prioritising stock buy-backs over timely arms deliveries could harm national security.

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A Lockheed Martin factory in west Fort Worth, Texas. Photo: TNS
Gender

Gender rights, traditional values butt heads in Japan over marriage surnames

Gender rights advocates say this is a step in the right direction but warn conservative opposition may still stall progress.

Ukraine war

Ukraine fighting helps North Korea prepare to wage war in Asia, US warns

Pyongyang’s troops are gaining experience and Russian equipment that could be used against neighbouring countries, a US envoy told the UN.

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US-China relations

Trump may declare national emergency so he can impose tariff plan: US report

Such a move would allow the incoming US president to take control of imports and place new duties on countries like China, Canada and Mexico.

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Donald Trump is considering declaring an economic emergency to impose universal tariffs on imports, using powers under the International Economic Emergency Act. Photo: Reuters
Defence

Japan links 200 cyberattacks to Chinese group targeting national security

The attacks, which targeted government agencies, businesses, and individuals, aimed to steal sensitive information on defence, space, and advanced technology.

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Japan has accused a Chinese hacking group, MirrorFace, of targeting its national security and high-tech data with over 200 cyberattacks since 2019. Photo: Reuters
United States

Japan’s investments in US set to go on despite Nippon Steel’s takeover setback

The assessment by analysts comes after US President Joe Biden blocked Nippon Steel Corp’s US$14.9 billion bid for US Steel Corp.

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Asia travel

Getting into hot water on scenic onsen road trip across Kyushu, Japan

Driving along the Yamanami Highway from Kumamoto to Beppu and back brings beautiful views and chances to relax in hot-spring baths.

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Asian cinema: Japanese films

Star face of low-alcohol beer fired over ‘unacceptable’ drunken escapade

Ryo Yoshizawa, who broke into his neighbour’s home while drunk on December 30, has had his contract with Asahi Breweries terminated.

Japanese actor Ryo Yoshizawa, who broke into his neighbour’s home while drunk on December 30, has been let go from his contract with Asahi Breweries. Photo: Instagram/@oryojapon
Extreme weather

Japan’s hottest year: record breaking temperatures threaten rice supply

With scorching summers, sweltering autumns and a steady rise in sea temperatures, Japan’s climate crisis deepened in 2024.

Jobs

Work less, live more: is Japan finally starting to reject death from overwork?

Younger Japanese are turning their backs on grind culture. The result? Shorter workweeks, higher wages, and hope for an end to karoshi.

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Cathay Pacific

2 Cathay passengers charged over scuffle on flight from Japan to Hong Kong

Woman from Hong Kong and another from mainland China arrested after altercation that allegedly involved throwing items at each other.

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A Cathay spokesman said the two passengers engaged in disruptive behaviour after the aircraft landed in Hong Kong. Photo: Jonathan Wong
Toyota

Japan’s carmakers vow closer ties to regain ground lost to China

To survive, Japanese manufacturers are pledging cooperation in areas like AI and EVs, while also navigating trade tensions and internal restructuring.

An employee wearing a face mask works on a Yaris car at a Toyota car factory in France. Photo: AP/File
Trending in China

‘Giant toilet’ affordable Japan flat goes viral, attracts interest from China

Tiny Tokyo living space likened to a prison cell emerges as online hit amid burgeoning number of foreign tourists visiting Japan.

Asia travel

Festivals are ‘not a show’, priest says in Japan tourism vs tradition row

Special seats giving premium views of festivals in places such as Kyoto, aimed at foreigners, stoke debate about tourism’s impact on culture.

Banking & finance

Asia-Pacific loans poised for strong rebound in 2025 with M&A surge

The region’s loan volumes reached US$164 billion in the final three months of 2024 – the strongest fourth-quarter performance in three years.

M&A financing picked up in the fourth quarter of last year, with volumes almost doubling year on year to US$14 billion in Asia-Pacific excluding Japan. Photo: dpa

Tuna fetches US$1.3 million at world's biggest fish market

The ‘motorcycle-sized’ tuna weighing 276kg (608lbs) was the first sale of 2025 at Tokyo’s Toyosu fish market 

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Retailing

Short on workers, Japan retailer hires remote cashiers living overseas

Lawson, a 24-hour convenience store chain, is looking for staff based in Europe and the Americas to serve customers at its outlets in Japan.

Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF)

Hong Kong’s 2024 pension gained 13% at best pace in 4 years

The increase of HK$102.4 billion (US$13 billion) works out to HK$21,500 per member, says MPF Ratings.

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