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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
F-15J Eagle fighter aircraft of the Japan Air Self-Defence Force prepare for take-off at Chitose Air Base, Hokkaido prefecture, in 2017. Photo: AFP
SCMP Highlights

Japan’s Russia concern, firms pick Malaysia over Singapore: 7 Asia highlights

From Japan’s concerns about Russian military activity to moon bears freed in Laos, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

China’s aircraft carriers

Why do China and other powers still want aircraft carriers?

US, Israel war on Iran

Japan runs low on ethylene, putting bananas at risk of disappearing from homes

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Defence

Is UK a ‘reliable partner’? Fighter jet delays test Japan’s patience

Tokyo is concerned as its ageing fighters need to be replaced and the project lacks a clear development plan and schedule, analysts say.

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The Global Combat Air Programme booth seen at the DSEI Japan 2025, a biennial, large-scale defence and security exhibition held in Japan. Photo: SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
Architecture and design

A farewell tour through the flats, fashions and fixations that defined our design editor’s 22 years at PostMag

Explore the evolution of Hong Kong’s residential design, from microflats to innovative trends, as our design editor reflects on her two-decade tenure.

Banking & finance

Why are Asia’s families eyeing liquid assets to secure their children’s wealth?

More of the continent’s parents are providing share portfolios and other assets for their offspring as confidence in property begins to wane.

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Science

China team drafts sanctions list targeting US, allies on 63 key tech sectors

Scientists have listed sensitive or globally competitive tech that may benefit from export restrictions to keep them out of foreign hands.

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A Chinese team has drawn up a list of sensitive or globally competitive technology sectors that could benefit from export restrictions to the US and its allies. Illustration: Shutterstock
China property

The View | Green shoots in Hong Kong, mainland China property markets deserve attention

Geopolitical forces, policy support, attractive rents and lower interest rates have combined to improve the outlook for both markets.

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US-China relations

Hegseth tones down China rhetoric on return to Asia

US defence secretary Pete Hegseth adopted a noticeably less hostile tone towards China in his address at this year’s Shangri-La Dialogue.

US-China relations

Shangri-La Dialogue: what China, US and Japan said

Speeches by the US, Chinese and Japanese delegates to the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.

Photo: Singapore’s Ministry of Defence
Taiwan

China responds to Japan-Philippines boundary talks with expanded sea patrols

Coastguard vessels carried out law enforcement patrols in waters east of Taiwan on Monday, in a ‘necessary action’, spokesman says.

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The Daishan has led a formation of coastguard vessels on enforcement patrols in waters east of Taiwan. Photo: Handout
Viral stories

Japan Buddhist monk bar has ‘heaven and hell’ drinks, offers beating service

Offbeat drinking venue provides everything from calligraphy to a ‘coffin’ experience in bid to popularise Buddhist culture.

Hong Kong transport

HK Express cancels 6 Hong Kong-Okinawa flights as Typhoon Jangmi nears Japan

Airline says special ticket arrangements are in place for affected passengers.

The Philippines

Philippines says Beijing main hurdle to South China Sea code of conduct

Addressing the Shangri-La Dialogue, defence chief Teodoro blamed China for stalling the pact and stressed Asean’s unity on the issue.

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A Chinese coastguard vessel patrols the disputed South China Sea on May 23. Photo: Xinhua
Malaysia

Malaysia blasts ‘conspicuously muted’ response over axed Norway missile deal

Defence Minister Khaled told the Shangri-La Dialogue that Oslo’s move was ‘destructive’ to the credibility of the rules-based global order.

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The Naval Strike Missiles produced by a Norwegian company are meant for the Malaysian navy’s littoral combat ships. Photo: Kongsberg
China-Japan relations

Japanese minister rejects ‘new militarism’ label from China in Shangri-La speech

‘Every country must be able to choose its future by its own will,’ Shinjiro Koizumi says at Singapore defence forum.

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China shipbuilding

Why the US Navy must look to allies if it wants to catch up to China at sea

To close gap with Chinese fleet, analysts say the US must outsource shipbuilding to South Korea and Japan – but the move risks backlash.

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Asean

Asian Angle | Where Southeast Asians really want to live, work and travel

While Thailand leads for tourism, Singapore and Japan are the top draws for work, revealing uneven regional soft power dynamics.

People at the Merlion statue in Singapore. The city state has emerged top among Southeast Asians who chose an Asean member as their preferred relocation destination, according to a survey. Photo: AFP
Ageing society

Opinion | East Asia’s population challenge isn’t just about raising birth rates

Sustainable policies must strengthen people’s well-being and expand opportunities, creating a society where everyone can thrive.

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China-Japan relations

China and Japan aren’t talking. Will their rare earth trade go quiet?

With bilateral relations at a low and Beijing already enacting limited export controls on critical minerals, fears of a broader ban grow.

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US-China relations

China dials down rhetoric but regional risks persist at Shangri-La Dialogue

In the wake of the Xi-Trump summit, the US and Chinese delegations dispense with the tough talk of previous years.

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Major General Meng Xiangqing (second from left) leaves a special session at the Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore on Saturday. Photo: Reuters
North Korea

Japan PM vows ‘breakthrough’ with North Korea in abduction issue

Japan officially lists 17 Japanese nationals as having been abducted by North Korea, with five returned in 2002.

Sakie Yokota (left), whose daughter Megumi was abducted by North Korea in 1977 at age 13, speaks at a rally on the abduction issue in Tokyo on May 30, 2026, where Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (front row, middle) also attended. Photo: Kyodo
Banking & finance

Macroscope | Why bond yields are going up everywhere

Unlike stock markets, bond markets are signalling a more cognisant and mature appreciation of the state of government finances.

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US-China relations

How US defence chief Hegseth softened tone towards China after Xi-Trump meeting

In contrast with last year, his speech to the Shangri-La forum avoided sensitive issues and did not directly describe Beijing as a ‘threat’.

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The Philippines

How Philippines and Japan future-proofed ties amid China tensions, US wavering

Manila and Tokyo forge a comprehensive strategic partnership, boosting defence and economic cooperation, as Indo-Pacific challenges mount.

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Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jnr meets Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (right) at the Akasaka Palace state guest house in Tokyo on Thursday. Photo: EPA
US-China relations

‘Clear-eyed’ on China: the takeaways from Pete Hegseth’s Shangri-La speech

From the Indo-Pacific to Iran, Hegseth gives the White House’s take on security relationships.

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US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth delivers a keynote speech at the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore on Saturday. Photo: Reuters
US-Asean relations

Tariffs, war and broken trust: Southeast Asia’s Trump problem

Disillusioned by US unpredictability, the region is learning to diversify – while Trump treats allies as bargaining chips.

Taiwan

‘Illegal and void’: China condemns Japan-Philippines maritime border talks

Beijing says negotiations between Tokyo and Manila cover area east of Taiwan where it maintains exclusive economic zone.

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