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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
People wearing face masks in Tokyo amid the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021. Photo: Reuters
Coronavirus pandemic

On Covid-19 anniversary, Japan’s doctors worry about complacency

A surge in influenza cases during Japan’s winter shows overconfidence regarding health precautions is creeping in, experts say.

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Asia travel

All technology will eventually ‘die out’. This Tokyo museum preserves it

Viral stories

Japan internet sleuths find stolen bike after cosplaying thief flaunts it online

Defence

Grounded ambitions: why Japan’s F-35B jets are running late

The stealth fighters, designed to operate from aircraft carriers, are central to Japan’s broader strategy of bolstering defence capabilities.

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An F-35B Lightning II aircraft lands aboard a US aircraft carrier. Photo: US Navy
North Korea

Agents of discord: inside Pyongyang’s plot to sow South Korea-Japan chaos

Newly uncovered court documents have revealed how North Korean spies exploited South Korean outage over Japan’s nuclear waste-water release.

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US-China relations

Could Elon Musk really influence US China policy? Chinese academics have doubts

Questions raised at US-China relations event about the power of an individual to make much difference to ties.

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US-China relations

US investigation finds China unfairly dominates shipbuilding, sources say

Chinese embassy spokesperson responds to report, says ‘US blames China for its own problems’.

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A shipyard in Jiangyin, Jiangsu province, China. File photo: EPA-EFE
Earthquakes

Japan hit by 6.6 magnitude quake, tsunami threat declared over

Public broadcaster NHK TV said a tsunami, estimated to be as high as 1 metre, reached land within 30 minutes of the quake.

Malaysia

Chinese, Indian steel and iron hit with anti-dumping duties by Malaysia

The provisional duties, which took effect on January 11, also targeted iron and steel products from Japan and South Korea.

The Philippines

From war to partnership: Japan-Philippines troop deployment pact edges closer

Observers have speculated that Shigeru Ishiba’s government might be delaying ratification to avoid antagonising China.

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Japanese soldiers take part in a marine landing drill on Tokunoshima island, Kagoshima prefecture, in 2023. Photo: Reuters
Hong Kong stock market

Hong Kong stocks drop to 4-month low on dampened rate-cut hopes

MTR Corp, Bank of China, Baidu and Alibaba decline, while risk of fund outflows from Asian markets rises.

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Vehicles drive past the Marriner S. Eccles Federal Reserve building in Washington, DC. Photo: AFP
Viral stories

Japan ‘cuddle cafes’ let customers canoodle with or gaze at strangers for US$6

Strict social norms in conservative country lead large numbers of young people to shun closeness and intimate relationships.

United States

Japan Foreign Minister Iwaya to attend Trump inauguration ceremony

Tokyo is hoping the foreign minister’s presence will help it maintain good relations with its closest ally.

United States

Biden admin delays order blocking Nippon Steel, US Steel deal

The delay could potentially give the two companies time to argue their case in court and salvage the deal.

Nippon and US Steel say the Biden Administration has decided to delay its order blocking the sale of US Steel to its Japanese counterpart. File photo: AFP
Performing arts in Hong Kong

YouTube pianist Cateen on his love of music, cats and technology

Japanese pianist Cateen, who recently played two sold-out shows in Hong Kong, was a computer engineer before becoming a social media star.

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Japanese piano sensation Hayato Sumino, whose stage name is Cateen, in the studio at the University of Hong Kong after his recent concerts there. He talks the post about switching from being a computer engineer to a professional pianist. Photo: May Tse
War and conflict

Opinion | Why the US will not allow a nuclear-armed South Korea

While Seoul’s own nuclear defence would lessen the US security burden, it would also undermine American interests in the Indo-Pacific region.

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Hong Kong transport

Luggage woes for HK Express passengers after system fault at Hong Kong airport

Cathay Pacific’s budget arm, HK Express, says around 300 bags had to be taken on later flights after luggage system malfunctioned.

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Joko Widodo

Japan, Indonesia plan a joint warship amid China tensions at sea

The project signals Tokyo’s desire for wider security ties in the region and Jakarta’s aim for more joint weapon developments, analysts say.

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Japanese helicopter carrier JS Izumo and other warships sail off the coast of Japan. Photo: AP
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?

Whoever succeeds Justin Trudeau is likely to want to keep the White House on side, but that risks a further chill in relations with Beijing.

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Donald Trump

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

Analysts think Ishiba aims to leverage China’s influence for Japan’s gain, but some fear this could weaken the Washington-Tokyo alliance.

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Donald Trump holds up a fist as he walks to the courtroom after the start of deliberations in his criminal trial at Manhattan Criminal Court in New York City, on May 29, 2024. Photo: AFP/Pool
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.

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.

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Thousands of people attending a procession ahead of the climax of the Gion festival in Kyoto. Photo: AFP
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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