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Japan
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
A launcher for an upgraded Type 12 land-to-ship guided missile is displayed at the Ground Self-Defence Force’s Camp Kengun in Kumamoto prefecture. Photo: Kyodo
Defence

Businesses, smokers burnt by Japan’s record US$8 billion defence budget

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has pledged to increase defence spending to 2 per cent of Japan’s gross domestic product.

Hong Kong stock market

Hong Kong, mainland China join Asia stock rally amid Iran war optimism

Diplomacy

Japan races to limit fallout from Chinese embassy break-in

Tourism

Litterbugs in Shibuya to be fined on the spot as visitor numbers surge

The initiative, which will see offenders fined US$12.50, reflects a broader rethink of the ward’s earlier decision to remove public rubbish bins.

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Aluminium cans, bottles, and other trash stashed next to a vending machine in Shibuya. Photo: Shutterstock
Crime

Japan rape accuser condemns prosecution’s failure to protect victims

The victim, a prosecutor herself, in 2024 accused Osaka’s then-top prosecutor of raping her 6 years ago.

Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong exporter confidence falls at steepest rate in 2 years

Trade Development Council says for first quarter of 2026, current performance index fell to 46.5 from 51.4 while expectation index declined to 46.9 from 51.9.

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Semiconductors

South Korea turns to Russia for naphtha as Asia’s chip industry feels squeeze

South Korea’s return to Russian naphtha – vital for semiconductor manufacturing – highlights Asia’s fragile supply chain amid Iran conflict.

South Korea relies on imports for about 45 per cent of its naphtha demand. Photo: Shutterstock
China-Japan relations

Japan has enough plutonium to make 5,500 nuclear warheads, PLA Daily says

China’s military mouthpiece claims Tokyo has ‘astonishing’ stockpile of nuclear materials and the tech to produce weapons.

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China-Japan relations

Japan deploys long-range missiles to bases amid China tensions, irking locals

The shifting defence policy drew backlash from Kumamoto residents fearing for their safety.

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France

What Macron’s Tokyo visit means for an anxious Japan and its ties with France

Japan is enlisting French support amid a global energy shock and a diplomatic rupture with Beijing.

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French President Emmanuel Macron waves to journalists in Paris last week. Photo: Reuters
SCMP Highlights

Cambodia’s scam industry exodus, Jollibee’s diaspora effect: 7 Asia highlights

From Cambodia’s scam industry exodus to Jollibee’s meaning to overseas Filipinos, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

Jollibee employees attend to customers at an outlet in Manila in 2015. Photo: AFP
The Philippines

Ahead of first Philippine visit since WWII, Japan’s past catches up with troops

Critics oppose the return of Japanese troops over Tokyo’s lack of a formal apology for the wartime abuse of Filipino ‘comfort women’.

Iran

Japan’s PM will mull top-level talks with Iran at ‘appropriate’ time

Stability in the Middle East is vital for Japan, which relies on the region for over 90 per cent of its crude oil imports.

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US, Israel war on Iran

How the Hormuz attacks stoke oil-shock fears and memories of 1970s stagflation

A timeline of past oil shocks is seen offering ‘clear lessons’ for today’s Strait of Hormuz crisis, with an eye on ripple effects and contingency tools.

Transport ships are seen anchored in Muscat, Oman’s port capital, on March 9, amid risks of travelling through the Strait of Hormuz due to the US-Israel conflict with Iran. Photo: Reuters
Fame and celebrity

Meet F1 driver Kimi Antonelli, who just won the Japanese ⁠Grand Prix in Suzuka

The 19-year-old won his first Grand Prix race earlier this month in Shanghai, and followed it up immediately with a second win in Japan.

Kimi Antonelli rocking a new look for the Grand Prix in Japan. Photo: @kimi.antonelli/Instagram
Formula One (F1)

Video | Japan’s F1-style office chair race

Only unmodified store-bought office chairs are allowed in the annual competition.

Asia housing and property

The View | Japan’s wobbly economy at odds with robust property market

While the country’s economy and currency are struggling, Japan’s property fundamentals remain strong.

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Hong Kong stock market

Hong Kong stocks fall with Asia as Iran conflict drives oil prices higher

Most Asian markets retreat as surging oil prices fuel concerns over the economic fallout, while aluminium producers rally on supply fears.

The Hang Seng Index retreated 0.8 per cent on Monday. Photo: Dickson Lee
China-Japan relations

Beijing sanctions Japan lawmaker for ‘colluding with Taiwan independence forces’

Foreign ministry says imposing sanctions on Keiji Furuya, who attended Yushan Forum in Taipei, is ‘a decision of deterrence and warning’.

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Banking & finance

Chinese company to use AI-powered testing to boost profits and fast-track IVF

China’s falling fertility rate sees spike in demand for assisted reproduction as biotech firm raises US$101 million from Hong Kong listing.

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Pacific nations

Where can Japan store its nuclear waste? Island plan raises alarm

Critics of Minamitorishima proposal point to scant research on the remote Pacific atoll.

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Protesters wearing protective suits and masks shout slogans next to mock drums of nuclear waste during a rally in Tokyo. Photo: AFP
Fashion

Q&A | Kim Jones on Areal, his new line with Chinese outerwear maker Bosideng

On a visit to Hong Kong, the British designer shares why his collaboration with Bosideng was years in the making – and why ‘Made in China’ is better than most people think.

Bosideng chairman and CEO Gao Dekang with designer Kim Jones at an Areal pop-up in Hong Kong during Art Basel. Photo: Handout
China-Japan relations

Japan upgrades ship with Tomahawk missiles. Why it might pose a threat to China

Analysts say the move marks a fundamental shift in Tokyo’s defence strategy, forcing Beijing to stay on high alert.

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Timepieces

5 watch moments in March 2026 – from Zendaya’s Rolex to Tag Heuer’s new boss

Elsewhere, Grand Seiko signed on baseball star Shohei Ohtani, GPHG gets a new jury president … and Watches & Wonders isn’t even here yet.

Tourism

Video | Tourists and residents at odds in Japan’s top ski town

Local media reports social services and nursing homes closing due to labour shortages in Niseko, Japan’s most popular ski resort.

Local media reports social services and nursing homes closing due to labour shortages in Niseko, Japan’s most popular ski resort.
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Infrastructure

‘Damage Kyoto’s reputation’: plan for sky-high towers meets backlash

Opponents say the proposal to revise height restrictions for buildings around Kyoto Station to 60 metres will destroy the city’s unique views.

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People walk in front of Kyoto Station, Japan. Existing height restrictions limit buildings near the station to a maximum of 31 metres. Photo: Kyodo
Mainland China

China’s looted heritage campaign: assertive, ambitious – and complicated

As the United States steps back from cultural governance, China aims to reshape how the world reclaims looted heritage – with Japan its biggest test.

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US, Israel war on Iran

Iran war: US amphibious assault ship arrives amid talk of ground operation

The USS Tripoli is the flagship for a contingent of about 3,500 Marines and sailors, as well as transport and fighter aircraft.

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