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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
An LPG gas tanker is seen in Shinas, Oman, on March 11, as traffic is down in the Strait of Hormuz amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran. Photo: Reuters
Semiconductors

Korea, Taiwan chip sectors most exposed to helium shortage amid Middle East war

South Korea and Taiwan face the highest risk as they source most of their helium from Qatar, while Japan is seen as relatively stable, Fitch says.

Legacy of war in Asia

Japanese atomic bomb survivor who hugged Obama in Hiroshima dies at 88

US-China relations

Why delayed US-China summit raises stakes for Takaichi ahead of White House visit

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Hong Kong stock market

Hong Kong stocks extend win streak amid stabilising oil prices despite Iran war

Hang Seng Index rises for a third day, the longest run since January, as Wall Street rally and steadier oil prices boost mood.

The Hang Seng Index rose for the third consecutive day on Wednesday. Photo: Jelly Tse
Social media

Will Japan follow Australia’s lead and ban children from social media?

A new panel is studying how prolonged social media exposure affects young people, with youth suicide among issues likely to be addressed.

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China-Japan relations

Why Japan thinks China’s growing cultural clout is something it needs to counter

The global success of Chinese video games and animation – as well as the appeal of traditional culture – has triggered a reaction in Tokyo.

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Malaysia

Why US warships’ pit stop in Malaysia is raising eyebrows

The USS Tulsa and USS Santa Barbara were seen in Penang on Sunday, despite Malaysia’s criticism of Washington over the Iran war.

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The United States Navy’s USS Tulsa and USS Santa Barbara are seen docked at the North Butterworth Container Terminal in Penang, Malaysia, on Sunday. Photo: Facebook / Sherwynd Kessler
Singapore

Singapore’s Lawrence Wong seeks stronger ties with Japan amid global tensions

Wong and Takaichi are expected to discuss economic stability and AI, and tread cautiously amid superpower rivalries, analysts say.

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US, Israel war on Iran

Asia ramps up coal power generation to avoid soaring LNG costs amid Iran war

LNG prices have doubled to three-year highs as shipping through the Strait of Hormuz has all but stopped and Qatar halts shipments.

US, Israel war on Iran

Military escort for tankers in Strait of Hormuz not long-term fix: IMO head

The UN organisation head said an international naval operation, as suggested by Trump, would not be sustainable.

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Liberian-flagged tanker Shenlong Suezmax, carrying crude oil from Saudi Arabia, arrives in Mumbai on Thursday after clearing the Strait of Hormuz. Photo: AP
US, Israel war on Iran

US military’s Iran war pivot forces security rethink in Asia-Pacific

As assets are diverted to the Gulf, the Iran war’s high ‘burn rate’ risks creating a ‘thin spot’ in the US security umbrella.

Smoke and flames rise from the site of airstrikes on an oil depot in Iran’s capital, Tehran, on March 7. Photo: Sasan/Middle East Images/AFP/Getty Images/TNS
SCMP Highlights

Japanese governor turns heads, Nepal’s new PM is a rapper: 7 Asia highlights

From the unlikely background of Nepal’s new leader to Thai police’s deadly blind spot, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

Jobs

‘Poor’ foreigners not welcome? Japan bets on AI while upping visa fee

Critics say the fee rise is designed to keep ‘poor’ foreigners out, as Japan bets on AI and robots to plug its growing staffing shortfall.

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong travel agencies suspend Middle East tours over safety concerns

Heightened safety fears amid escalating conflict prompt tour operators to halt trips and flight transfers through the region.

The suspension of Hong Kong travel agency tours to the Middle East came after renewed Iranian drone strikes on Dubai International Airport and other infrastructure in the United Arab Emirates. Photo: AP
Defence

Japan identifies 1,500 new missile shelters as ‘front line’ fears grow

Underground car parks and subways are being repurposed as Tokyo warns of the most severe security threat since the second world war.

Japan has confirmed 1,489 sites – including subway stations and underground car parks – as being suitable for providing short-term protection in the event of an attack. Photo: Shutterstock
Vietnam

Vietnam warns of April flight reductions as jet fuel shortage fears deepen

Hanoi seeks new suppliers as China and Thailand halt exports of jet fuel due to the Iran war.

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South Korea

‘Catch-22 situation’: South Korea walks tightrope over Trump’s Hormuz call

Seoul is expected to seek national consensus and wait for the outcome of the Takaichi-Trump summit before deciding, observers say.

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Stocks

South Korea and Japan bear brunt of global stock sell-offs amid oil shock

South Korea and Japan lead global market declines – with losses steeper than in Europe – as oil shock underscores their reliance on imports.

The Kospi index is shown on an electronic stock board in Seoul. The index has dropped 12 per cent since the US-Israel war with Iran broke out on February 28. Photo: AFP
US-China relations

China ‘in communication’ with US after Trump seeks to delay trip by a month

Neither US president nor China’s foreign ministry can confirm timing of trip after Trump says he wants a delay ‘because of the war’.

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Robotics

China’s industrial robot output accelerates as factories ramp up deployment

Output of industrial robots jumps 31 per cent in year’s first two months, while production of service robots rises 1 per cent in same period.

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2026 Trump-Xi summit

China says it’s still talking to US about Trump trip after threat to delay

Two sides still ‘in communication’, foreign ministry says, after US leader hints he could postpone visit unless Beijing helps reopen Strait of Hormuz.

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Donald Trump has called on other countries to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Photo: Reuters
Asia travel

Shizuoka, in Japan, needs more tourists. How does it attract them?

For tourists tired of cities like Tokyo or Osaka, Shizuoka offers a quieter experience of Japanese culture. But how can it market itself?

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A Birupaku sign on the stairway, right outside Masatoyo Knives, indicates tourist lodgings. Photo: Jonathan Vit
Malaysia

Deal or no deal? Malaysia-US trade pact in turmoil after minister ‘misspeaks’

First, a minister called the deal dead. Then his ministry backtracked. Now the opposition is demanding answers.

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Marine safety

2 dead after Japanese school boats capsize off US military base site in Okinawa

A 17-year-old female student and a boat captain were pronounced dead after all 21 on board the two vessels were thrown into the water.

Asia housing and property

The View | Why Iran war disruption isn’t enough to unsettle Asia’s hotels

While higher energy prices pose a threat to global travel, Asia’s strong regional travel demand and diversified source markets offer resilience.

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A tourist poses for a photo doing the traditional Thai greeting during his visit to the Temple of Dawn in Bangkok on January 19. Photo: EPA
China consumption

How record F1 crowds are accelerating Shanghai’s bid to be a global sports hub

Setting a near 20-year attendance record, this year’s race strengthened the city’s case as global event venue – and China’s efforts to spur consumption.

Ferrari’s British driver Lewis Hamilton greets his supporters prior to the Formula One Chinese Grand Prix at the Shanghai International Circuit. Photo: AFP
Asean

Can Asean break free from US-China supply chain grip?

The bloc will look for new markets and deepen regional cooperation to reduce trade uncertainty, economic ministers say.

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Hong Kong stock market

Hong Kong stocks advance as tech sector lifts sentiment amid prolonged conflict

Hang Seng Index climbs, driven by tech firms, helping investors look past prolonged Middle East hostilities.

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