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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
Starting on April 7, passengers using Hong Kong airlines will no longer be allowed to store power banks in overhead compartments. Photo: Getty Images
Hong Kong transport

Explainer | Power banks on flights: which airlines and regions have tightened rules?

Hong Kong is restricting the use of power banks on flights. Here’s how other jurisdictions and carriers are dealing with the devices following recent incidents.

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Asia travel

Japan welcomes cherry blossom season but China sands threaten to spoil views

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South Korea

Court orders dissolution of Unification Church in Japan after Abe killing probe

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China-Japan relations

China coastguard drives off Japanese fishing boats in escalating island dispute

Tokyo accuses Beijing of stoking tensions after Chinese ships expel four vessels from the vicinity of the Diaoyu Islands.

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The Diaoyus, known in Japan as the Senkakus, comprise five uninhabited islets and three reefs, located 169km east of Taiwan and 409km west of Okinawa. Photo: Kyodo
Vietnam

Move over Singapore, Vietnam is now Southeast Asia’s third-most-visited country

Vietnam now ranks behind only Malaysia, which it aims to edge out by 2030, and regional tourism hotspot Thailand.

He was on Japan’s death row for nearly 48 years. His payout? US$1.5 million

Former boxer Iwao Hakamada, 89, was exonerated of a 1966 quadruple murder. He received US$1.45 million for his wrongful detention.

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SCMP Highlights

Thais reject ‘dark skin’ stigma, Singapore payouts: 7 Asia highlights

From Singapore offering unemployment payouts to a slap heard around Malaysia, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

Miss Thailand Anna Sueangam-Iam 2022 walks onstage at a Miss Universe contest. While some beauty pageants now celebrate more diverse aesthetics, Thailand’s most popular television shows still star fair-skinned leads. Photo: Getty Images/AFP
Tourism

What happens if Mount Fuji erupts? Japan lays out ‘major disaster’ action plan

An eruption of the iconic mountain could release 10 times the amount of debris generated by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

China-Japan relations

‘Two-faced diplomacy’: China pledges peace, then chases Japan’s fishing boat

The incident stirred online anger in Japan, with demands for stronger action against China’s ‘tyrannical violations of international law’.

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Banking & finance

China to attract more private equity from Middle East and US: Bain & Co

Asia-Pacific deal value rose 11 per cent to US$176 billion in 2024, according to Bain & Company.

Workers walk past a mural depicting China’s history at the Zhongguancun No 1, an incubation platform for tech companies, in Beijing on March 19, 2025. Photo: AFP
Science

Tumour meltdown in China therapy tests offers hope to late-stage cancer patients

Experimental therapy uses a modified virus to boost immunity and make anti-tumour treatments more effective, according to study.

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While oncolytic virus research in the US and Japan has focused on rare tumours, the Chinese research is achieving impressive results in treating more common cancers. Photo: Shutterstock
Food and Drinks

There’s a rat in my soup! Dead rodent hurts Japan restaurant chain’s stock price

Zensho Holdings, which operates the Sukiya chain, saw its shares fall as much as 7.1 per cent after it revealed the grisly discovery.

Hong Kong stock market

Hong Kong stocks rise even as looming Trump tariffs keep sentiment in check

The Hang Seng Index is under consolidation as traders await development on the US tariffs front, says analyst Kenny Wen.

Science

Explainer | What is 6G and why is China racing ahead of US and Europe with the technology?

Sixth-generation wireless communications will change the way we interact with the world but not all countries are embracing it.

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The deployment of 6G technology is expected to redefine how we interact with technology and the world around us. Illustration: Shutterstock
United States

Opinion | Only a global ‘de-risking’ from the US can stop Trump’s trade war

A unified response is essential. Operating independently would only play to Trump’s advantage, and render nations vulnerable to his bullying.

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Illustration: Craig Stephens
The Philippines

‘Mission accomplished’: US-Philippines drills return in full battle mode

As 16,000 troops gear up for the 40th Balikatan, one Philippine general says he ‘doesn’t care’ how China reacts: ‘if they’re angry … good’.

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Art

‘I can change my colours’: Takashi Murakami traverses the rainbow of culture

Self-confessed melancholic geek Murakami, famed for his blend of classical and pop art, and numerous collaborations with the likes of Louis Vuitton, is coming to Hong Kong for Art Basel and ComplexCon.

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Stem cells

Japanese stem cell research helps treat spinal injuries

Paralysis caused by serious spinal cord injuries affects more than 150,000 patients in Japan alone, with 5,000 new cases each year.

Stem cells illustrated in colour. Photo: Shutterstock
Books and literature

Review | From Hiroshima to Fukushima in rambling, riveting Wildcat Dome

Now in English translation, Yuko Tsushima’s novel explores radiation, racism and personal conflict against a backdrop of nuclear disaster.

Viral stories

Japanese dental clinics offer dog pals, on-site gym to boost declining business

Declining birth rates see business slump heralding introduction of nurses dressed as maids, French-style clinic cafes, brightly-decorated spaces.

China-Japan relations

Editorial | Missiles should not harm improved ties

Japan is pondering missile deployment near the East China Sea. Hopefully, diplomats can find a way to allow the issue to take a back seat.

The missile deployment under consideration is expected to strengthen Japan’s “counterstrike capabilities” in the event of an emergency, according to Kyodo. Photo: Handout
Taiwan

Beijing protests over former Japanese military chief’s Taiwan adviser role

Retired air force general Shigeru Iwasaki takes up unpaid position with the island’s Executive Yuan.

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Retired Japanese air force general Shigeru Iwasaki is an unpaid adviser to the Taiwanese government. Photo: Handout
Video gaming

Japan’s PM ‘will not tolerate’ Assassin’s Creed cultural disrespect of shrine

Japan’s PM criticised Assassin’s Creed: Shadows for cultural disrespect, sparking debate on historical accuracy and the game’s portrayal of shrines.

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Indonesia

Can Jakarta’s ‘cat island’ boost tourism and solve its stray cat problem?

Jakarta’s innovative “cat island” plan aims to solve its stray cat crisis, promote tourism and establish a safe feline haven.

China society

Opinion | China’s youth must be taught bad behaviour will not be tolerated

The uproar over Haidilao’s initially lackadaisical response to teens peeing in a hotpot shows the need for tougher enforcement of proper public conduct.

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Haidilao is famous for its attentive and sometimes over the top customer service. Photo: Getty Images
US-Japan relations

Pentagon may stop expanding American forces in Japan to save US$1 billion

The move could undermine the process to upgrade the role of Japan-based US forces amid China and North Korea threats.

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US and Japanese troops take part in a military drill in Okinawa in 2023. Photo: Reuters
Tourism

Low pay, long hours: why workers are shunning Japan’s booming tourism industry

The country may have to tap foreign workers to fill the staffing gap if it wants to welcome 60 million tourists by 2030, travel players say.

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Crime

30 years on, Tokyo sarin attack victims seek justice against Aum cult offshoots

The cult behind the attack has yet to compensate its victims, while its offshoots continue to gain followers and amass wealth.

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