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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
Fireworks explode over Sydney Harbour Bridge to mark the New Year. Photo: Reuters
Australia

‘Not cowed’: Australia sees defiant start to 2026 after mass shooting

Many police officers openly carried rapid-fire rifles, a first for the popular annual fireworks display over Sydney’s Harbour Bridge.

Women and gender

A toil for the toilet: Japan’s PM, women MPs, call for more lavatories

SCMP Highlights

How China cracked US ‘super code’, health benefits of lard: 7 science highlights

China-Japan relations

Beijing hits back at ‘extremely hypocritical’ critics of drills around Taiwan

Japan, Australia, Britain and the EU express concern about live-fire and blockade exercises around island.

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The Japanese government reportedly expressed concern to Beijing over conducted around Taiwan on Monday and Tuesday. Photo: AFP
Sanae Takaichi

Takaichi is shaping up as Japan’s Thatcher. How long can she last?

The prime minister has defied the odds by winning back LDP voters with sweeping immigration, economic policies and a tough stance on Beijing.

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Taiwan

Editorial | Powerful PLA drill shows US arms sales don’t help Taiwan Strait stability

As the US risks sending the wrong signal to Taiwan, Beijing has responded with an unambiguous warning against the island moving towards independence.

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US-China relations

US envoy hosts Quad meeting in Beijing as PLA’s drills around Taiwan continue

Some analysts, however, say Quad is losing significance under Trump despite this latest show of unity and deterrence by the regional bloc.

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US Ambassador to China David Perdue hosted a meeting of Quad partners in Beijing on Tuesday as China continued large-scale military drills around Taiwan. Photo: Getty images via AFP
Australia

Opinion | Australia is losing its ability to engage Asia on its own terms

With security increasingly tied to regional developments, Australia’s eroding Asia literacy risks shutting Canberra out of crucial decisions.

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War and conflict

Opinion | If Trump wants a deal with China, he must rein in US allies in Asia

From Manila to Tokyo, domestic political dynamics are increasing the risks of a dangerous confrontation between Washington and Beijing.

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China-South Korea relations

South Korea’s Lee Jae-myung to visit China on economic and nuclear mission

The pragmatic president is seeking to balance relations with Beijing while keeping Washington onside.

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The presidents of China and South Korea are expected to meet in Beijing next week. Photo: AFP
Crime

Mile-high crime club: theft syndicates target Asia’s airlines

Experts say rising passenger volumes, including an influx of Chinese travellers amid visa-free schemes, have attracted gangs operating in the skies.

A man was jailed for 20 months for stealing luggage on a Singapore Airlines flight from Dubai to the city state. Photo: AFP
Mainland China

‘Pillar’ of Japan’s Communist Party, Tetsuzo Fuwa, dies aged 95

Fuwa reformed the party’s platform, recognising the imperial system and Self-Defence Forces.

US-China relations

China and US need new ways to engage for stable ties: Wang Yi

Speaking at a symposium in Beijing, the foreign minister also criticised remarks Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi made about Taiwan.

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India

India overtakes Japan as world’s fourth largest economy, eyes top 3 in 2026

Government data shows India’s GDP at US$4.18 trillion, with projections it will surpass Germany by 2026 despite global trade challenges.

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People buy vegetables at a market in the old quarters of New Delhi on Tuesday. Photo: AFP
Hong Kong stock market

Hong Kong stocks edge higher on last full trading day of year

Hang Seng Index edges higher as Chinese yuan surpasses 7 against US dollar for first time since May 2023.

People walk past Exchange Square in Central, home of Hong Kong’s bourse operator, on March 28, 2025. Photo: Matthew Miller
China-Japan relations

How Takaichi’s Taiwan comments fuelled Beijing-Tokyo row with no end in sight

Dispute over Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s remarks on Taiwan could ultimately hinge on the US-China-Japan triangle, analysts say.

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Asia housing and property

The View | How AI helped Asia’s real estate sector pass the tariff stress test

While multiple factors are at play, this year’s tech exuberance helped the region’s property markets stay afloat.

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SCMP Highlights

Japan as a nuclear power, China’s first female C919 captain: 5 weekend reads

From China studying Japan’s potential nuclear capabilities to C919’s first female captain, here are five stories you may have missed over the weekend.

Some Chinese nuclear experts estimate that Japan has the capacity to develop nuclear weapons in less than three years. Photo: Shutterstock
China's military weapons

A look at China’s ‘Flying Shark’ J-15 jet that made waves near Japan

Fighter in service for more than a decade often patrols potential conflict hotspots including the South China Sea and the Taiwan Strait.

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Tourism

5-year-old dies after ski lift accident in Hokkaido, Japan

Safety concerns were previously raised over a lack of handrails and the lift’s design.

Aerospace: Geopolitics

Why are rich Chinese moving private jets offshore, slumming it in budget seats?

Strict flight rules and economic headwinds are forcing scrutiny-wary tycoons to rebase aircraft in places such as Singapore or downgrade to commercial cabins.

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Two crew members walk past business jets in Shanghai. Photo: AFP
China-Japan relations

Why Chinese victims of Japan’s WWII bio-warfare are still waiting for justice

Dark chapter’s telling complicated by Tokyo’s official denials, Washington’s immunity deals and Beijing’s shifting diplomatic priorities.

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Chinese journalist Nan Xianghong interviews a resident of Chongshan village in Zhejiang province, who recounts witnessing Japanese soldiers performing vivisections on plague victims during World War II. Photo: Handout
Hong Kong society

Letters | Why lapses in the Tai Po tragedy are both shocking and familiar

Readers discuss Hong Kong’s light-touch culture, the city’s struggling retail sector, and meeting the emotional needs of men.

Space

Can Japan’s space industry regain thrust after H3 rocket failure?

Failure is inevitable, aerospace experts say, so Japan needs to be less afraid of making mistakes and move on.

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Viral stories

‘I am dead’: Japan man posts posthumous social media message; many admire strength

Optimistic post appears 2 days after man dies following battle with rare cancer; death reveals new side of his personality to farmer father.

The social media account of a Japanese man who died at 22 automatically posted a message two days later, saying “I am dead” which went viral and attracted admiration. Photo: SCMP composite/QQ.com/fnn.jp
Science

Chinese nuclear experts believe Japan could build nukes in less than 3 years

Late US statesman Henry Kissinger’s dire warning about Tokyo aiming to become a nuclear power by 2028 is being re-examined by Beijing.

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Some Chinese nuclear experts estimate that Japan has the capacity to develop nuclear weapons in less than three years. Photo: Shutterstock
Hong Kong tourism

Hong Kong records 10% rise in festive period visitors as outbound trips surge 22%

Despite increase in tourists, merchants warn absence of New Year fireworks may impact visitor numbers and, in turn, the retail sector.

Artificial intelligence

Macroscope | Can AI deliver the economic goods and high returns? Don’t count on it

The dash towards AI might become a rout as the public rebels against the environmental costs while investors worry about the returns.

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