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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
The Thai cargo ship Mayuree Naree was struck and set ablaze in the Strait of Hormuz on Wednesday. Photo: Royal Thai Navy via AP
US, Israel war on Iran

Iran warns of oil at US$200 a barrel, IEA to release emergency reserves

Tehran says it is ready for a long war of attrition that will ‘destroy’ the world economy, as it threatens ships in the Strait of Hormuz.

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Taiwan

How Iran’s strikes on US bases could offer a preview for the Asia-Pacific

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Energy

Iran war threatens prolonged energy shock, slower growth for Asia

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Germany

Germany, Japan to unblock oil reserves as G7 stands ‘ready’ to act

The latest announcement came as G7 leaders were set to discuss the widespread economic fallout from the US-Israeli war with Iran.

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Surplus gas is burnt off in a crude oil processing plant in Germany. The German and Japanese governments will free up some of their national oil reserves. Photo: dpa
Iran

Japan to release oil reserves as early as Monday

It will release 15 days’ worth of private reserves and a month’s worth of national reserves.

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Fukushima nuclear disaster and water release

Video | Fukushima’s stray animal saviour searches for redemption

Former nuclear plant worker Toru Akama spends his time and money caring for cats and dogs abandoned after the March 2011 disaster.

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Social media

‘He’s so handsome’: Japan’s youngest governor, 36, sets social media abuzz again

Fans of Takato Ishida continue to swoon over him, even as the Fukui governor has to deal with his predecessor’s sexual harassment scandal.

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Left: Takato Ishida, the 36-year-old governor of Fukui, attends a session of the prefectural assembly. Right: Ishida attending the Special Committee on Anti-Harassment on Monday. Photos: Instagram / ishida.takato
Trending in China

‘Thank you for coming to Okinawa’: Japan girl offers China tourist bus fare money

Good Samaritan youngster leaves struggling traveller on verge of tears with act of kindness and heartfelt note amid bilateral tensions.

Earthquakes

On This Day | Deadly earthquake that claimed thousands of lives in Japan – SCMP archive

On this day 15 years ago, one of the most powerful earthquakes on record triggered a devastating tsunami in Japan, killing more than 18,000.

Hong Kong stock market

Hong Kong stocks slip, led by tech firms, after Beijing’s OpenClaw warning

Tencent and Alibaba lose ground while CATL and Geely buck market trend.

Bull statues overlook Exchange Square in Hong Kong on February 3, 2026. Photo: Reuters
China energy security

As war on Iran escalates, Asia scrambles to deal with global energy fallout

China, Japan and South Korea have all taken steps to reduce impact of supply shortages – but analysts warn of spillover.

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This video grab shows fire erupting at an oil depot in Iran’s capital Tehran after the United States and Israel launched strikes against Iran starting on February 28. Photo: AFP
Fukushima nuclear disaster and water release

Japan struggles with rising maintenance costs 15 years after Fukushima disaster

The costs of maintaining public housing for disaster victims and sea walls in Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima total over US$923.7 million.

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US-China relations

Mainland Chinese see Taiwan positively, won’t retreat from US trade war: survey

China Pulse polling study gives rare window into views of ordinary people on mainland, where opinions are often restricted or even banned.

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US-China relations

From ‘love and hate’ to nationalism, can Xi and Trump rebalance ties?

Chinese scholars say the US-China relationship has changed, and there’s a chance for the two powers to steer away from confrontation.

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US President Donald Trump is expected to visit Beijing and meet Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the end of the month. Photo: TNS
Fukushima nuclear disaster and water release

‘They knew hunger’: Fukushima worker devotes life to abandoned animals

Toru Akama, 63, has helped over a thousand animals, starting with dozens of dogs left behind after the 2011 earthquake-triggered catastrophe.

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Former nuclear plant worker Toru Akama cuddles a cat at his animal shelter in Fukushima prefecture. Photo: AFP
US, Israel war on Iran

Asia sees violence, fuel rationing, queues as energy crunch over war hits

In Bangladesh a man was killed and the military has been deployed, while lines have formed elsewhere too, as many nations rely on imports.

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Hong Kong stock market

Hong Kong stocks rebound after oil falls as Trump says Iran war could end soon

US objectives in Iran are ‘pretty well complete’ but the war could continue if Tehran attempted to stop global oil supplies, Trump says.

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Two Sessions 2026

Editorial | High-level US-China dialogue is good for global stability

Foreign Minister Wang Yi has suggested the Trump-Xi summit is still on track and Beijing’s commitment to diplomacy is clear in budget allocations.

China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi listens to a question during a press conference on foreign policy and external relations during the fourth session of the 14th National People’s Congress in Beijing on March 8. Photo: EPA
US, Israel war on Iran

G7 to discuss possible emergency release of oil reserves: French president

Concern is rising about the war and Iran’s blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, through which much of the world’s energy supplies pass.

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Mergers & Acquisitions

Investment firms remain upbeat on deals despite geopolitical tensions, bankers say

Private equity, sovereign funds and family offices are sitting on record stocks of dry powder even as geopolitical risks cloud the global outlook.

Asia housing and property

The View | 4 reasons Asia’s property will endure despite Iran war headwinds

Asian property’s sources of resilience are potent and multifaceted, with the drivers of sentiment distinct from those in financial markets.

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A view of residential and commercial buildings in Tokyo on August 18, 2025. Photo: dpa
Energy

Oil above US$100 may persist as Goldman warns rally not over

Investors brace for prolonged disruption after Iran closed the Strait of Hormuz, sending crude to levels unseen since the 2022 energy shock.

A worker operates valves at the Rumaila oil field in Basra, Iraq, as the country cuts nearly 1.5 million barrels per day of output following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Photo: Reuters
US-China relations

Taiwan tensions No 1 in Beijing’s top 10 geopolitical risks of 2026: think tank

Most consequential external security variable may be uncertainty in the US ahead of the midterm elections in November, report warns.

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Hong Kong stock market

Hong Kong stocks slump alongside Asian markets after oil crosses US$100

Brent crude jumps over 20 per cent to trade at around US$110 a barrel, prompting investors to further reduce risk exposure.

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France

Fire safety upgrades stall at Japan’s castles, shrines and temples

Work has yet to begin at about 30 per cent of priority heritage sites nearly 7 years after the blaze that destroyed Okinawa’s Shuri Castle.

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Flames engulf Shuri Castle in Naha, Okinawa prefecture, in October 2019. The fire destroyed several major structures at the Unesco World Heritage site. Photo: EPA-EFE
China's military weapons

Why have China’s arms imports plummeted 72% over the past 5 years?

Neighbours in Asia and Oceania increase their overseas weapons purchases amid ‘fears over China’s intentions’.

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China’s share of global arms imports is waning as it uses more of its own technology. Photo: VCG via Getty Images
Two Sessions 2026

Wang Yi warns Japan on Taiwan ‘red line’, dashing hopes of ending diplomatic row

Invoking the legacy of WWII resistance, top diplomat cautions Tokyo against interfering in China’s affairs.

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Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong must ensure motherhood no longer derails women’s careers: advocates

‘Tokenism is the challenge that we need to address to ensure women have a fair share of decision-making and leadership in companies,’ an advocate says.

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