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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
South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Apec summit in Lima last month. Photo: dpa
South Korea

Will South Korea draw closer to China if ties with US worsen under Trump?

Beijing may also see a potential new administration in Seoul as an avenue to improve ties between both sides, analysts say.

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Banking & finance

Banks, insurers rush for gold in Hong Kong’s ‘silver-hair economy’

Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF)

Hong Kong’s pension nest egg is on course for best return in 4 years

China stock market

China’s stocks edge up as traders await clarity on stimulus amid holidays

Chinese stocks stuck in a narrow range over the past two months as investors gear up for effective implementation of stimulus policies.

A visitor takes a selfie with a Christmas tree on the eve of Christmas outside a church in Beijing on December 24, 2024. Photo: AP
Japan Airlines

Japan Airlines restores systems after cyberattack delayed flights

Problems with the carrier’s baggage check-in system caused delays at several Japanese airports.

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Yasukuni Shrine

Chinese national gets 8 months in prison for Yasukuni Shrine graffiti case

Jiang Zhuojun and two others are accused of vandalising a pillar at the controversial landmark by spray-painting the word ‘toilet’ on it.

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Food and Drinks

Your Hong Kong weekend drinks guide for December 27-29

This weekend, say farewell to a popular speakeasy, make the rounds of Hong Kong’s brightest new bars, and welcome the new year with booze-free tipples.

The Opposites’ spirit-free menu, which includes this Apple Custard Pie tipple, is perfect for welcoming the new year with a healthier mindset. Photo: Handout
China-Japan relations

Japan offers to ease visa rules for Chinese tourists during foreign minister’s visit

Takeshi Iwaya made the announcement a month after Beijing added Japan to its own scheme to allow visa-free travel.

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Cambodia

Cambodia’s approval of Japanese naval visits signals ‘balanced’ foreign policy

The move comes as Cambodia-China ties might have stalled due to Beijing holding up funding for Phnom Penh and concerns about scam centres.

China-South Korea relations

Chinese, South Korean foreign ministers in first call since martial law crisis

Foreign ministry says China won’t interfere because ‘South Korean people have the wisdom and ability to properly handle domestic issues’.

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South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Tae-yeol has told China’s Wang Yi that having an acting leader will not change his government’s position on developing a South Korea-China strategic cooperative partnership. Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto
Aviation accidents

Coastguard plane in Japan airport crash mistook taxi order for runway clearance

Japan Transport Safety Board releases recordings from the aircraft that collided with a JAL jetliner at Haneda airport in January.

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The burnt-out Japan Airlines plane at Haneda airport in Tokyo on January 3. Photo: Kyodo News via AP
Defence

‘Japan’s neighbourhood more dangerous’? Fears over Chinese land purchases

New study shows Chinese nationals or entities bought 203 of 371 properties or land close to sensitive sites in Japan in the past year.

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Jobs

‘Very worrying’: record 78% of people in Japan feel anxious, survey shows

Economy, rising prices, uncertain job prospects and the state of the world among reasons for concern, as more feel standard of living declining.

Diaoyu Islands

Will a firm US stance on Diaoyu Islands be too ‘provocative’ for Japan?

US analyst urges Trump to resume military exercises on disputed islands to send message of deterrence to China, reinforce sovereignty stance.

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The disputed Diaoyu Islands, also known as the Senkaku Islands in Japan. Photo: Reuters/Kyodo
Education

‘Baby hatch’ boy, now grown up, teaches kids to love life

Koichi Miyatsu, whose mother died when he was a baby, runs an education programme in Japan based on his being raised by foster parents.

Koichi Miyatsu carries a pot as he prepares to transport meals from his home to a church as part of a monthly charity event for underprivileged children in Kumamoto, Japan, on March 11, 2022. Photo: AFP
Trending in China

Profile | Who is Jolin Zhu? Chinese woman, sixth wife of elderly Oracle founder

33-year-old studied at prestigious language school in northeastern China, has been dubbed ‘the next Wendi Deng’ by online observers.

United States

Fate of Nippon Steel’s ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ bid for US Steel in Biden’s hands

Joe Biden has 15 days to decide on the US$15 billion sale, amid opposition from key stakeholders, and president-elect Trump, who says it is a national security risk.

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Electric & new energy vehicles

Japan’s Honda, Nissan aim to merge

The carmakers cited increased competition from Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers as one reason behind the merger

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Hong Kong stock market

Hang Seng Index closes above 20,000 on mainland Chinese buying

The benchmark gained 1.1 per cent, the most in nearly two weeks, while the turnover on the exchange was 14 per cent below average.

North Korea

Revolution, elections and a baby hippo, this was the year in Asia

From climate change to political storms and a Taylor Swift world tour, Asia in 2024 was characterised by turbulence and surprises.

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Robotics

China’s industrial robot sales shrink on ‘tightening demand’

Total industrial robot deliveries this year are estimated to reach 300,000 units, down 5 per cent from 2023.

China had 470 robots per 10,000 employees in 2023, up from 402 units a year earlier. Photo: Shutterstock
Electric & new energy vehicles

Japan’s Honda and Nissan join forces to create world’s third-largest carmaker

This move comes as the industry transitions away from fossil fuels and towards electric vehicles, where Japanese companies have lagged behind their rivals.

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Logos of Nissan Motor Corporation and Honda are seen at a joint press conference on their merger talks, in Tokyo, Japan on December 23. Photo: Reuters
Tourism

Japan’s picturesque Ginzan Onsen starts limiting day trippers during winter

New rules aim to ease crowding, traffic congestion, improve safety, and preserve the charm of a town known for its snowy scenes.

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Population

Can nuclear waste save this Japanese town?

The mayor of Suttsu volunteered the northern town as a potential storage site for nuclear waste generated by Japan’s atomic energy grid

Food and Drinks

Japan brewery aims to make world’s first space sake, sell it for US$640,000

Asahi Shuzo said the ingredients would be sent to the International Space Station in late 2025.

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Bottles of Japanese sake brands on display at a store in Okaya, Nagano prefecture. Photo: AP
Environment

Name and shame rule: Fukushima raises a stink over improper waste disposal

Errant individuals will be given a verbal warning but repeat offenders may see their names appearing on Fukishima’s official website.

A waste disposal site in Tokyo. In Fukushima, repeat offenders of improper waste disposal could face online public shaming. Photo: Julian Ryall
Asia travel

Recap | Unmissable Japan, from Fukuoka’s yatai feasts to luxury ryokans and a samurai’s trek

Looking for a reason to visit Japan? Well, here are five, from a culinary adventure along a historical samurai trek and Okinawa’s gems, to the best Mount Fuji has to offer.

Malaysia

Malaysian influencer behind South Korea tour mess denies fleeing to Japan

The travel operator said she is willing to cooperate with the authorities as losses linked to the alleged scam hit US$100,000.

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