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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
Japan’s Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya is expected to attend the inauguration of US president-elect Donald Trump next week. File photo: Reuters
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

Performing arts in Hong Kong

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

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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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(From left) Incoming commander General Xavier Brunson, outgoing commander General Paul LaCamera, US Navy admiral Samuel Paparo, commander of US Indo-Pacific Command, and South Korea’s acting defence minister Kim Seon-ho inspect troops during a change-of-command ceremony for the United Nations Command, Combined Forces Command, and United States Forces Korea at Camp Humphreys in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, on December 20. Photo: EPA-EFE
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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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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Jake Sullivan has been the national security adviser for US President Joe Biden. Photo: Reuters
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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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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Japanese police patrol to provide security. Violent crime is rare in the country. File photo: Shutterstock
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.

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.

An open-air food stall in Fukuoka, Japan. Photo: Llewellyn Cheung
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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United States

Envoy says sloppy American defence firms pose ‘bigger risk’ for US than China

US envoy to Japan Rahm Emanuel said contractors prioritising stock buy-backs over timely arms deliveries could harm national security.

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Gender

Gender rights, traditional values butt heads in Japan over marriage surnames

Gender rights advocates say this is a step in the right direction but warn conservative opposition may still stall progress.

A young couple in traditional Japanese clothing in Tokyo, Japan. Photo: Shutterstock
Ukraine war

Ukraine fighting helps North Korea prepare to wage war in Asia, US warns

Pyongyang’s troops are gaining experience and Russian equipment that could be used against neighbouring countries, a US envoy told the UN.

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US-China relations

Trump may declare national emergency so he can impose tariff plan: US report

Such a move would allow the incoming US president to take control of imports and place new duties on countries like China, Canada and Mexico.

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Defence

Japan links 200 cyberattacks to Chinese group targeting national security

The attacks, which targeted government agencies, businesses, and individuals, aimed to steal sensitive information on defence, space, and advanced technology.

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Japan has accused a Chinese hacking group, MirrorFace, of targeting its national security and high-tech data with over 200 cyberattacks since 2019. Photo: Reuters
United States

Japan’s investments in US set to go on despite Nippon Steel’s takeover setback

The assessment by analysts comes after US President Joe Biden blocked Nippon Steel Corp’s US$14.9 billion bid for US Steel Corp.

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The vicinity of a facility of Japanese company Nippon Steel in Kashima, Ibaraki prefecture. Photo: TNS
Asia travel

Kyushu, Japan, road trip offers orgy of onsen and panoramic views

Driving from Kumamoto to Beppu through the mountains of Kyushu brings chances to stay at traditional inns and relax in hot-spring baths.

Asian cinema: Japanese films

Star face of low-alcohol beer fired over ‘unacceptable’ drunken escapade

Ryo Yoshizawa, who broke into his neighbour’s home while drunk on December 30, has had his contract with Asahi Breweries terminated.

Extreme weather

Japan’s hottest year: record breaking temperatures threaten rice supply

With scorching summers, sweltering autumns and a steady rise in sea temperatures, Japan’s climate crisis deepened in 2024.

Pedestrians use umbrellas to shade themselves from the sun on a hot day in Tokyo last July. Photo: AFP
Jobs

Work less, live more: is Japan finally starting to reject death from overwork?

Younger Japanese are turning their backs on grind culture. The result? Shorter workweeks, higher wages, and hope for an end to karoshi.

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Younger Japanese workers are clocking fewer hours in the office than at any time since the turn of this century, fuelling hopes that deaths from overwork may finally begin to decline. Photo: Shutterstock
Cathay Pacific

2 Cathay passengers charged over scuffle on flight from Japan to Hong Kong

Woman from Hong Kong and another from mainland China arrested after altercation that allegedly involved throwing items at each other.

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Toyota

Japan’s carmakers vow closer ties to regain ground lost to China

To survive, Japanese manufacturers are pledging cooperation in areas like AI and EVs, while also navigating trade tensions and internal restructuring.

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