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Japan
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
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, with US President Donald Trump, speaks to members of the military aboard the USS George Washington aircraft carrier docked at the American naval base in Yokosuka, Japan on October 28, 2025. Photo: AP
US-Japan relations

Macroscope | Why Japan should push back on Trump’s investment demands

Trump’s use of tariff threats to strong-arm foreign governments, companies and investors into funding US projects should be resisted.

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Viral stories

Japan trans woman, 64, enjoys slow-paced life with lover, 86, wears princess dresses

SCMP Highlights

Chinese tourists flock to Seoul, child shoved in Tokyo crossing: 7 highlights

Hong Kong stock market

Hong Kong stocks cap worst month since October on AI disruption angst

Concerns over AI’s disruptive impact on traditional industries continue to unsettle investors.

The so-called AI scare trade has roiled global stocks in February. Photo: AFP
Climate change

Japan on track for hottest summer ever as ocean temperatures surge

Various regions across Japan are expected to register above-normal temperatures between June and August, the weather agency says.

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Pokemon

How Pokemon took over the world as the beloved franchise turns 30

On Pokemon Day 2026, we look at the history of the global multimedia phenomenon and how it captured the hearts of children and adults alike.

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Artificial intelligence

Video | Japan unveils AI robot monk

AI-powered “Buddharoid” offers spiritual guidance and could help ease Japan’s monk shortage.

Japanese researchers have unveiled “Buddharoid”, a two-legged AI-powered robot monk designed to offer Buddhist teachings and spiritual advice.
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Offbeat

Video | Get muddy at Japan’s naked festival

The festival is celebrated in some areas with traditional battles in frigid mud fought by participants wearing nothing but loincloths.

Iran

‘Hostage diplomacy’ fears mount over arrest of Japanese journalist in Iran

The incident comes amid rising tensions between Washington and Tehran, with a large American military force positioned near Iran.

Viral stories

Viral video of child being shoved at Tokyo’s iconic Shibuya Crossing stokes anger

The video shows a masked passer-by appearing to knock the girl to the ground, prompting calls for an investigation.

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Screenshots from a viral video posted by an social media user on Wednesday showing her daughter being shoved while attempting to take a photo at Tokyo’s iconic Shibuya Crossing. Photo: Instagram / peipeilin527

Video | Video of girl being shoved in Japan sparks online outrage

The little girl’s photo moment on the Shibuya crossing was violently interrupted.

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Thailand

US, Thailand lead 30 nations in Southeast Asia’s largest military drill

Cobra Gold is necessary to address emerging threats and improve interoperability in the region, the US ambassador to Thailand says.

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Hong Kong stock market

Hong Kong stocks retreat as Nvidia earnings fail to sustain AI momentum

Hang Seng Index drops 1.4 per cent, led by tech losses, after US chip giant’s results disappoint investors betting on perpetual AI growth.

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Human rights

Cash-for-tips scheme in Japan sparks debate over migrant rights

Backers argue tougher measures are needed to curb unauthorised employment, but migrant advocates fear unintended social consequences.

People walking at JR Mito station in Ibaraki prefecture in eastern Japan. Photo: Kyodo
Sanae Takaichi

Japan’s PM revives push to criminalise defacing national flag

It is already a crime to damage a foreign flag in Japan. Now, emboldened by a massive election win, the PM wants to protect her own.

Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi speaks next to a Japanese national flag during a press conference at the LDP headquarters in Tokyo on February 9. Photo: Reuters
China technology

China’s tech surge leaves Japan and South Korea trailing in global rankings

Propelled by strategic R&D, China’s tech prowess is now the third highest, with key sectors such as batteries and biotech showing big gains over rivals.

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Hong Kong stock market

World’s biggest companies return US$2 trillion to shareholders in dividends

Financial and technology firms powered a 7 per cent rise in global payouts, with 30 markets logging record dividend payments last year.

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South Korea

South Korea axes visa barriers for Indonesians in 30 million visitor drive

Citizens of China and Southeast Asian nations who have previously visited the country can apply for multiple-entry visas of up to 10 years.

Filipino tourists pose for a photo in front of Hongje Falls in the Seodaemun district on February 9. Photo: The Korea Times
Sanae Takaichi

Japan’s Takaichi defends US$190 election gifts to ruling party lawmakers

The revelation that 315 MPs were asked to pick items from a gift catalogue evokes a slush-fund scandal that engulfed the party in 2023.

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Hong Kong stock market

Hong Kong stocks rebound in relief rally as global AI scare fades

Hang Seng Index climbs as concerns over AI disruption ease, with investors awaiting Nvidia earnings to gauge sentiment.

Singapore

Singapore prime minister attacked by hundreds of Chinese-language fake AI videos

The videos targeting Lawrence Wong spread false narratives about his leadership being under threat and political infighting in Singapore.

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Singapore Prime Minister Lawrence Wong takes part in the Asean Summit in Kuala Lumpur in October 2025. Photo: dpa
US-China trade war

US warns of deep distrust even as officials seek stable China ties for summit

Congressional hearings reflect bipartisan concern and highlight persistent advanced tech market tension as key Trump-Xi summit looms.

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The Trump administration wants stable relations with China but does not trust the country, a senior State Department ⁠official said. Photo: Reuters
Hong Kong economy

Hong Kong firm to test tokenised concert stakes ahead of digital gold trading

Hong Kong firm unveils crypto-based concert funding model, marking the city’s latest step in fintech innovation and gold tokenisation.

Food and Drinks

Can Cadbury chocolate-fed Wagyu outshine Japan’s finest beef?

Raising cattle on confectionery might sound crazy, but to Australian Wagyu producer Mayura Station, it’s ingenious and makes a difference.

Trending in China

Video | Shoppers go bananas for Ikea orangutan plush

The Ikea stuffed toy has already sold out in-store and online across multiple countries.

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Offbeat

Future of Japan’s ‘naked festival’ in doubt after 3 men left unconscious

Organisers said they would review safety rules after six men collapsed during the annual scramble for good-luck talismans.

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Participants at the Saidaiji “naked festival” gather inside the temple hall before sacred talismans are thrown in Okayama City on Saturday. Photo: Kyodo
China travel

Chinese tourism to Japan plunges 50% over Lunar New Year as Thailand cashes in

Thailand was the top destination for China’s outbound travellers over the extended holiday, with tourists avoiding Japan amid rising tensions.

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Donald Trump

No takebacks: Japan wants US to stick to trade deal amid tariff turmoil

Japan could see extra tax burdens on some goods if Trump’s new 10 per cent tariffs were to be applied unilaterally, the trade minister said.

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