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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
South Korean President Lee Jae-myung is promoting a “virutous cycle through peace”. Photo: AFP
China-South Korea relations

South Korea’s Lee Jae-myung pledges to improve China, Russia ties

The president says his focus is on pragmatic diplomacy that safeguards the public and national interests.

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Food and Drinks

What to eat and drink on Kam Ping Street, a Hong Kong dining sweet spot

The Philippines

Philippines to view maritime rows with China as ‘one theatre’, partner Japan

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Hong Kong tourism

Hong Kong tourists undeterred by prediction that quake will hit Japan on July 5

City’s travel agencies have not reported widespread cancellations, even as manga artist’s warning date looms and sets internet abuzz.

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Hong Kong travel agencies have not recorded widespread cancellations of Japan-bound tour groups for the coming weekend, despite predictions of a mega-earthquake from manga. Photo: EPA-EFE
Viral stories

Japan firm slammed for forced nude photos, testicle-grabbing for mediocre staff

Shock as electrical corporation brushes off degrading penalties revealed in lawsuit, says harassment not part of company culture.

Hong Kong economy

Editorial | Time ripe for Hong Kong to gradually lift ban on Japanese seafood

There have been no major food scares and the monitoring of the water released from the Fukushima plant has found no cause for concern.

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US-China relations

Trump has a US$30 billion plan to match China at shipbuilding. Can he win?

Observers say US may struggle to match China’s fast-growing naval fleet and commercial shipbuilding, even with the support of Asian allies.

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Illustration: Henry Wong
US-China relations

China must watch out for US-led Quad as tensions fail to dent unity: observers

Cooperation on geopolitical and geostrategic interests seen to be largely unaffected, along with ‘basic strategic choice to counter China’.

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China consumption

China’s real consumption ‘far from as low as it seems’, think tank argues

The consumption-volume gap between China and developed countries across various sectors is far narrower than mainstream metrics show, China Finance 40 Forum argues.

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Sexual harassment and assault

Japanese women break silence on WWII rapes by Soviet troops

For decades, survivors of a sacrifice made to protect their community from invading soldiers have been shamed into silence – until now.

A group of women from Kurokawa had lived in the Japanese puppet state of Manchukuo, including survivors of rapes by invading Soviet troops. Photo: Handout
Australia

Lafufu? Australian consumer watchdog warns of fake Labubu toys online

Consumer protection agency in New South Wales points out differences in the products, urges fans to buy from legitimate businesses online.

A woman posing for a picture next to the character Labubu as she visits Pop Mart’s theme park Pop Land in Beijing. The pointy-eared, sharp-toothed dolls have attained cult status. Photo: AFP
Donald Trump

Why Japan plans to spend billions fixing up its shipyards – and US warships

Tokyo’s government-backed ‘national dockyard’ initiative aims to rebuild infrastructure and provide support for repairing US Navy vessels.

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Israel-Iran conflict

Opinion | Why the US could be China’s biggest ally in reining in Asia’s nuclear ambitions

Israel’s attacks on Iran have exposed the limits of Beijing’s reach and could bolster support in the neighbourhood for a nuclear deterrent.

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E-commerce

TikTok Shop launches in Japan as app faces uncertainty in US

The popular short-video app is seeking to diversify its global footprint while reducing its reliance on the US market.

TikTok Shop has officially launched in Japan. Photo: Getty Images/TNS
Accidents and disasters in China

Chinese passengers describe aircraft’s violent plunge before emergency landing

The budget Spring Airlines Japan flight from Shanghai to Tokyo diverted to Kansai where it landed safely on Monday night.

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Passengers reported that oxygen masks dropped as their flight from Shanghai to Tokyo made a rapid descent before diverting to another Japanese airport for an emergency landing. Photo: Weibo/ 林萍在日本
Weather

Japan’s hottest June on record sparks climate concerns

The unprecedented temperatures underscore a worrying global trend of extreme weather events and long-term climate shifts.

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US-ally trade wars

Against the grain: Japan chafes at Trump’s demand to buy more American rice

US President Donald Trump has publicly criticised Japan for not importing more US rice, calling the country ‘spoiled’ in a social media post.

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Trade

Japan races against time to avoid US car tariffs as deadline looms

Japan’s top envoy flew to Washington for last-ditch talks, but Trump’s ‘Dear Mr Japan’ remarks signal a tough road ahead.

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Newly manufactured Subaru cars awaiting export are parked at a port in Yokohama, south of Tokyo, Japan, in March. Photo: Reuters
Education

Japan probes Chinese student’s role in exam fraud amid rising cheating scandals

Police accuse Wang Likun, 27, of posing as other students and using miniature microphones and smart glasses to feed answers to test-takers.

US-China trade war

EU to back down on trade alongside Canada amid Trump strong-arm tactics: report

27-member apparently bloc willing to pay 10 per cent higher levies on many of its exports as Canada drops 3 per cent digital services tax.

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China economy

Opinion | Global hit Labubu was forged in the heat of China’s demanding market

In China’s demanding market that’s shifting towards emotionally driven spending, creative brands that succeed can look to conquer the world.

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This Labubu figurine, displayed before an auction in Beijing, on June 6, was sold for 1.08 million yuan (US$150,499), setting a record for the most expensive Labubu sold. Photo: Reuters
SCMP Highlights

China-Ghana row over gold, why EVs make people sick: SCMP daily highlights

From China partially lifting a Japanese seafood ban to a quick fix for motion sickness, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage.

While illegal gold mining in Ghana dates back decades, a diplomatic row between Ghana and China has emerged over the long-standing practice. Photo: Reuters
US-China trade war

Why China sees US trade deals with partners as a threat – and how it could react

As Washington’s deadline looms, Beijing warns nations not to cut deals that hurt its interests – but how will it respond if ignored?

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Fukushima nuclear disaster and water release

Video | China to partially lift ban on Japanese seafood imports

Imports away from Fukushima and its environs to resume under Chinese inspections as Beijing seeks closer ties with its neighbours

The Philippines

US, Japan put Philippine railway project back on track

The Subic–Clark–Manila–Batangas Railway will be almost triple the length and more expensive than the initial China-backed proposal.

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Containers and cranes at the international Port of Manila on April 3, The proposed railway will be extended all the way to Manila. Photo: AFP
Mergers & Acquisitions

Deal makers hit US$1.8 trillion as they get used to trade chaos

More than half of the 10 largest deals announced in 2025 have involved a private target, data compiled by Bloomberg show.

Traders on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on June 27, 2025. Photo: Reuters
Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong may relax Japanese seafood ban soon: catering industry leader

Simon Wong says government has paid close attention to Japanese seafood imports which have proved to be safe so far.

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SCMP Highlights

China’s soft power, Cathay flight leaves dozens stranded: 5 weekend reads

From China’s concerns about being used as a bargaining chip to Japanese Princess Kako flying coach, here are five stories you may have missed over the weekend.

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