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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
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham (left) and German Chancellor Friedrich Merz during a regional growth forum in Berlin on Thursday. Photo: AP
Britain

UK signals ‘openness’ to Germany joining GCAP fighter jet programme

British PM Andy Burnham is in Berlin for talks focused primarily on security, including the launch of a new partnership aimed at hybrid threats.

South Korea

South Korea test-flies its first home-grown hypersonic weapon

China-Japan relations

How expanded Japan-US military drills could complicate PLA planning over Taiwan

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China-EU relations

US, EU forge ‘multilateral coalition’ against China’s industrial surge

As US rallies most G20 members to pressure Beijing on overcapacity, experts warn China could retaliate.

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US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer speaks at the G20 Trade Ministerial Conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on October 1. Photo: AFP
Hong Kong stock market

What tensions? Uniqlo is back in fashion in China despite Beijing-Tokyo dispute

The Japanese clothing brand saw its China sales recover over the past year despite ongoing political tensions and China’s consumer slowdown.

China-Japan relations

Trump pushed Xi on Japan ties, but Chinese leader unmoved

At their recent summit, the US president pressed his Chinese counterpart to end the freeze in ties with Japan, but it appears to be too soon for a thaw.

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European Union

Macroscope | French debt just one driver of fears over euro-zone’s future

China has exploited the EU’s ineffective integration while Japanese bond investors fear the financial consequences of reform failures.

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A protester holds a French flag behind a barricade on the Boulevard Saint-Germain during a blockade of Sciences Po university in Paris as part of nationwide student protests demanding better school conditions on October 7. The slogan on the placard reads “Generation Six-Seven re-enacts May 68”, referring to when about 10 million workers walked off the job in 1968, the largest general strike in French history. Photo: Reuters
Food and Drinks

Hong Kong’s most iconic baked goods might have Portuguese roots

Portuguese merchants brought breadmaking to Asia centuries ago. Today, echoes may be found in Hong Kong pineapple buns and sha yung egg puffs.

US-China relations

Opinion | Beyond the summit: how US-China relations could still unravel

High-level optics from Xi’s state visit cannot hide underlying friction – over tech exports, investments and domestic politics – that threatens to pull ties back off track.

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Defence

‘No longer a taboo’: Japan eyes nuclear submarine fleet amid regional threats

Proposed changes could allow research into developing a domestically built nuclear-powered submarine without a firm decision on acquiring a fleet.

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The US military’s nuclear-powered submarine Kentucky at a Navy base in Busan, South Korea, in 2023. Photo: Kyodo
2026 Xi-Trump summits

Exclusive | Trump urged Xi to talk to Takaichi and lift export curbs on Japan, sources say

The Chinese president wasn’t receptive to the requests during last month’s summit, warning of the risk of Japanese militarism.

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Xi Jinping warned Donald Trump about the growing risks of Japanese militarism during their talks in September, according to people familiar with the discussions. Photo: EPA
South China Sea

How will new longer-range aircraft boost Manila’s South China Sea surveillance?

The more ‘other countries aid the Philippines, the more likely that they will take an interest’ in the waters, analyst says.

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United States

US military in Okinawa imposes night curfew after marine’s arrest over murder

Lieutenant General Benjamin Watson said ‘incidents like this demand we pause for reflection’.

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Animals

From felling trees to recruiting hunters, Japanese aim to fend off bear attacks

A foreign resident who has been attacked multiple times says he now carries bear spray and a baseball bat when he visits his lodge in Gunma.

A sign warning of bears is seen at the start of a hiking trail in Nikko in July. Photo: AFP
Hong Kong property

Why Japanese, South Korean, Thai brands are setting up shop in Hong Kong again

Brands from the three overseas markets account for 36 per cent of new entrants, matching mainland Chinese retailers, amid tourism recovery.

Japanese fashion brand Cullni opens an outlet in Wan Chai. Photo: Handout
US-China relations

China’s economy to slow as global growth stays solid, US think tank report says

Overcapacity and continued property slump weighing on domestic demand, Peterson Institute for International Economics reveals.

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Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong remains world’s freest economy as Switzerland overtakes Singapore

Annual Economic Freedom of the World report compiled by Canada’s Fraser Institute ranks city first among 165 jurisdictions.

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Asian Football Confederation (AFC)

Suzuki eyes Asian Cup atonement after ‘very bad’ display in 2024 defeat

New Aston Villa goalkeeper Zion Suzuki believes Japan can win tournament this time around after previously losing in last 8 to Iran.

Japan’s Zion Suzuki saves a penalty during his side’s Kirin Cup semi-final against Ecuador. Photo: Kyodo
Sanae Takaichi

‘UK PM did not attend’: under-fire Takaichi defends skipping G7 online meeting

She did not offer a specific reason for her absence from the session that focused on coordinating a response to diesel prices in the West.

SCMP Highlights

Singaporeans going ‘car-lite’, AirAsia chief’s jab backfires: 7 Asia highlights

From Japan’s strict visa rules to the Indian pilot hailed as a hero, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

Defence

‘Intense anger’: US marine’s arrest in Okinawa woman’s death fuels base backlash

Residents say the killing of an Okinawan woman shows they are paying the price of shouldering Japan’s heaviest security burden.

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US marine lance corporal Devin Jacob Ballard leaves a police station on Monday to be sent to prosecutors over the killing of a Japanese woman in Naha, Okinawa, Japan. Photo: Kyodo/Reuters
Trip Inspiration

Discover Antwerp’s vibrant blend of Flemish art and global cultures

Antwerp may be the cradle of Flemish culture but you do not have to wander far from its spectacular railway station to discover other facets of the city: the dazzling diamond district, Belgium’s only Chinatown and a vibrant mix of multicultural influences.

The late-19th century Central Station in Antwerp, Belgium. Photo: Getty Images
Asian Games 2026

Editorial | Hong Kong has scope to build on record Asian Games medal haul

The city’s total of gold medals has increased but maintaining the high-performance momentum will be challenging in some sports.

Australia

Japan, Australia boost economic security ties with finance dialogue

The two countries’ finance ministers will meet regularly to promote cooperation across a broad range of economic themes.

United States

Video | US Marine arrested over alleged killing of Japanese woman

Devin Ballard, 20, is accused of killing Anna Yagi and taking her wallet and backpack at a hotel in Okinawa.

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European Union

Empty classrooms on remote Greek island signal crisis across Europe

Falling enrolment across Greece this year prompted authorities to close 75 schools.

An empty classroom is seen at a kindergarten that has remained closed for a second consecutive school year because of a lack of students on the island of Kalamos in the Ionian Sea, western Greece, on September 23. Photo: AP
SCMP Highlights

Chinese travellers go premium, Malaysia appeals to investors: 5 weekend reads

From growing demand for air travel to Chinese art returning home, here are five stories you may have missed over the weekend.

Hong Kong transport

Flight to Okinawa diverts back to Hong Kong after suspected landing gear fault

The flight encountered a suspected incomplete landing gear retraction issue after take-off, Hong Kong Airlines says.

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