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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
US President Donald Trump speaks during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly on September 22. Photo: Getty Images/TNS
United States

‘America is back’, AI ‘conspiracy’, China’s Laos deal: 7 global relations reads

From anger over AI to Asian diplomacy and scam calls, here are highlights from the SCMP’s overseas correspondents in September 2026.

Russia

Ukraine war: Japan’s new sanctions on Russia target oil exports

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Video | Bear slams against car in Japan

SCMP Highlights

No seat for Chinese CEOs at Xi-Trump summit; Abby Choi trial: 7 highlights

From Chinese reactor hitting clean fusion milestone to the future of heart health, here are highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.

Sources have said that Washington first proposed the idea of inviting Chinese business leaders during the preparations for the summit. Photo: AFP
US-China trade war

Greer says no specific timeline set for enforcing US-China Board of Trade

United States Trade Representative confirms recommendations must go through a legal process before implementation of new economic initiative.

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US-China relations

Panda diplomacy: all the countries currently hosting China’s beloved ambassadors

The arrival of Ping Ping and Fu Shuang in the US following the Xi-Trump summit in Washington continues a Chinese diplomatic tradition.

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North Korea

Why Japan is looking to Ukraine’s front lines to overhaul its defences

A senior Japanese politician is in Kyiv to study battlefield drone tech as Tokyo seeks low-cost ways to counter rising regional threats.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha (right) meets Japanese lawmaker Itsunori Onodera at the Foreign Ministry in Kyiv on Wednesday. Photo: by Ukrinform/NurPhoto via Getty Images
A Ukrainian soldier prepares a drone in the Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine, in September. Photo: AP
A ground drone operates in the frontline town of Druzhkivka, Donetsk region, Ukraine in August. Photo: Ukraine’s 93rd Mechanized Brigade/AP
Artificial intelligence

Video | Japan taps into AI to develop sweet treats

Lawson and FamilyMart are using AI to generate ideas for new products with unprecedented combinations and flavours.

China-Philippines relations

Beijing slams ‘harassment’ after Manila challenges research ship near Batanes

The Philippines claims the Jia Hai Ke 7 has been ‘loitering’ near islands that have become a flashpoint amid boundary talks.

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The Philippines

Philippines’ uranium find a ‘vital’ boost for nuclear energy ambitions

The discovery of uranium-bearing minerals in Luzon comes as the country explores integrating nuclear power into its future energy mix.

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A motorcyclist drives past the South Luzon Thermal Energy Power Plant in Calaca, Batangas, in the Philippines in October 2025. Photo: AP
US-China trade war

US targets China’s steel capacity at G20 days after Xi’s state visit

Jamieson Greer proposes new global framework that will encourage countries to strengthen trade barriers against steel imports.

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United States Trade Representative Jamieson Greer says the new global “Milwaukee Framework” will help tackle excess steel production capacity. Photo: Reuters
2026 Xi-Trump summits

From Taiwan to Takaichi, the geopolitical fallout from Xi-Trump summit

From structural rifts between US and China to debate over Washington’s treatment of ally Japan, some highlights from SCMP’s recent reporting.

Hong Kong stock market

Can mainland Chinese, Hong Kong stocks rebound after a bruising third quarter?

Weak stimulus, Fed tightening and shifting AI sentiment may keep mainland and Hong Kong equities under pressure, analysts say.

Mainland China

China’s firms face profit squeeze, but AI power edge offers hope: Natixis

China’s corporate health continues to lag global rivals, but power surplus has become a key advantage in AI race, bank says.

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Profit margins at Chinese firms stabilised in the first half of 2026, but remained well below their global peers, according to Natixis. Photo: AFP
Food and Drinks

Japanese beef specialist Tsutomu Ito brings the finest Wagyu to Hong Kong

The owner of Gyu+Bar by Miyoshi in Causeway Bay, chef Tsutomu Ito talks about his dedication to serving the best Wagyu in the city.

Chef Tsutomu Ito at his restaurant GYU+ bar in Causeway Bay. Photo: SCMP / Chloe Loung. Gyu+ Bar by Miyoshi’s signature Miyoshi-style wagyu sushi. Photo: Gyu+ Bar by Miyoshi

‘I won’t be using it again’: the hidden cost of free BitTorrent porn in Japan

Adult content users face summonses and hefty penalties for downloading clips as copyright holders widen IP-based enforcement.

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Hong Kong economy

Opinion | Raising Hong Kong’s birth rate is an economic imperative

Economies competing in an AI-driven future will need more highly skilled workers, not fewer. Low fertility is not only a social challenge – it’s an economic threat.

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China-Japan relations

Japanese business presence in China down nearly 30% from peak in 2012: survey

The research found 1,221 new Japanese entrants in China since the last survey in 2024, but that was still less than during Covid-19.

Workers at SMC, a Japanese pneumatic engineering company, assemble products at a factory in Beijing. Photo: AP
China-Japan relations

China’s Wang Yi delivers high-level warning to Japanese business delegation

Top diplomat urges Tokyo to learn from historical lessons, in highest-ranking official reception since relations soured in November.

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Food and agriculture

Shoppers rejoice, farmers fume as Japan’s rice crisis turns into a surplus

‘I’ve been hearing about quite a few people who plan to give up this year,’ a rice grower says amid excess supply and falling prices.

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SCMP Highlights

Indonesian victim of fake cash scam, Filipinos warm to China: 7 Asia highlights

From young Filipinos warming to China to Malaysians’ nettle bed joke, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

People walk past abandoned vehicles on a flooded Petchaburi Road in Bangkok on Saturday. Photo: AFP
Asia travel

7 Pokemon experiences in Tokyo to celebrate 30 years of Pikachu and co

On top of Tokyo’s regular Pokemon attractions, the city is also holding special events to celebrate the franchise’s 30th anniversary.

Chef Pikachu performs at the Pokemon Cafe at Pokemon Centre Tokyo DX. Photo: Shutterstock
Science

Chinese deep-ocean drilling ship brings home ‘precious’ South China Sea samples

Maiden expedition reaches 5,000 metres below the ocean’s surface and more than 850 metres below the sea floor.

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Taiwan

Japan enlists royal visit, subsidies to revive tourism in quake-hit Kyushu

Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako to visit Kumamoto as the government rolls out travel subsidies to win back visitors following July’s quake.

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Australia

‘Extremely damaging’ anti-foreigner fake news pushes Japan to far-right

Viral lies about foreign crime are fuelling political division in a country desperate for workers, analysts say.

People attend a campaign event for Japan’s far-right Sanseito party in Tokyo, in January. Photo: AP
Donald Trump

Trump announces US$15 billion Iowa steel plant, claiming it will be largest in US

Trump’s announcement appears aimed at giving Republicans a positive message ahead of November’s midterm elections.

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US President Donald Trump making the steel plant announcement. Photo: EPA
Crime in Hong Kong

Customs arrests 2 after seizing HK$290,000 of ‘slimming injections’ from Japan

Man, 45, who collected parcel and woman, 41, who is named as consignee are released on bail, authorities say.

Diplomacy

Japan denies ‘militarisation’ after Russia opposes permanent UN council seat

Japan’s top spokesman says Japan has ‘consistently defended freedom, democracy and the rule of law’ since the end of World War II.

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