Japan
TOPIC
 / location

Japan

Related Topics:
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
China is now in third place among foreign US Treasury holders, behind Japan and the United Kingdom. Photo: dpa
US-China relations

China cuts US Treasury holdings to lowest level since 2008

The stockpile has now fallen to nearly half its November 2013 peak, financial data shows, as long-term sell-off continues.

SCMP Highlights

China’s heat pump tech, Tokyo clarifies Taiwan stance: SCMP’s 7 highlights

Hong Kong stock market

Hong Kong stocks head for longest win streak in 3 weeks as US inflation cools

Viral stories

Japan city launches edible-looking boot souvenirs just like Taiwan braised pork rice

‘Mysterious’ footwear fashion item crafted to look identical to iconic dish takes culinary craftsmanship to a new level; includes ‘soft-boiled egg’.

A Japanese city has launched wearable boots which resemble the iconic Taiwan-style braised pork rice dish. Photo: SCMP composite/Taobao/rakuten.co.jp
US-China relations

Opinion | Mark 2025. It’s the year China became a peer power to America

China not only forced a trade war backdown, it displayed its hi-tech military might from the waters off Australia to the skies near Japan.

videocam
4
Sanae Takaichi

Is Japan’s nuclear stance set to change under PM Takaichi?

Source close to PM Takaichi urges Japan to acquire nuclear arms; policy shift from pacifism may spark backlash at home and abroad.

18
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
The Philippines

Philippines to get up to US$3.5 billion defence aid to counter ‘serious threats’

A US senator says the support for Manila and other allies reflects the threats posed by China and its partners in the ‘axis of aggressors’.

22
US and Filipino soldiers fire a howitzer during the annual joint “Balikatan” military exercises in Aparri, Cagayan province, Philippines in May. Photo: Reuters
Taiwan

Beijing condemns Washington’s landmark US$11 billion arms sale to Taiwan

US State Department approves massive deal that includes billions in Himars and howitzer equipment, drones and software.

videocam
52
Pandas

Video | Japan to be without pandas for first time in 50 years

While the twin pandas were born in Japan, they belong to China under a loan agreement and are set to return by February 2026.

China-Japan relations

China’s military accuses Japan of raising ‘space arms race’ risk

Diplomatic war of words continues with PLA Daily articles targeting Tokyo’s defence and intelligence plans.

videocam
6
Japan plans to upgrade its Space Operations Group to a full corps. Photo: Handout
Finland

Japan dismayed over Finnish beauty queen’s ‘slanted eyes’ photos

Sarah Dzafce was stripped of her Miss Finland title after an image of her making the offensive gesture went viral.

23
Finnish beauty queen Sarah Dzafce competes in the Miss Universe pageant in Thailand last month. Photo: EPA
Tokyo

Steppe in the right direction? ‘Japan is back’ in Central Asia with new summit

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and the leaders of five Central Asian nations are expected to establish a new framework for cooperation in AI.

videocam
US-China decoupling

Open Questions | Yeo on how Trump wants to avoid Taiwan upending China relations

Former Singapore foreign minister George Yeo says that Donald Trump is prioritising stable relations with China, and that the US is facing decline amid a shift to a multipolar world.

Hong Kong society

Letters | Tai Po fire tragedy shows importance of disaster risk reduction

Readers discuss how addressing risk factors can save lives and minimise loss, the turnout of the Legislative Council election, and the Japanese prime minister’s controversial remarks on Taiwan.

The buildings of Wang Fuk Court seen on December 16, a month after the devastating fire that engulfed the housing estate. For sudden‑onset disasters like fires, risk reduction is especially vital given the limited response time. Photo: Sam Tsang
Trending in China

China tourist in Japan sends 300 masks during Covid to host after overnight stay

Against backdrop of ongoing political tensions between the two countries, this heartwarming story quickly went viral on social media.

A recent episode of a Japanese variety show featured a touching story of friendship between a Chinese tourist and a Japanese local resident. Photo: SCMP composite/QQ.com/matcha-jp.com
China-Japan relations

Chinese tourist arrivals to Japan lose momentum amid tensions: official data

Mainland visitor numbers rose just 3% in November after flight cuts and travel warnings took effect as diplomatic strains escalated.

videocam
33
Nordic nations

Finnish PM apologises for MPs’ ‘racist’ gestures in Miss Finland scandal

PM Petteri Orpo offers regrets to Japan, China and South Korea after MPs mimic ousted beauty queen Sarah Dzafce’s offensive squinting gesture.

11
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
South Korea

‘Hard to go back’: frustrated with South Korea, men seek work, love in Japan

South Korea’s tough job market and marriage expectations have prompted many to settle down in the neighbouring country.

videocam
More South Korean men are moving to Japan for better work-life balance and marriage prospects. Photo: Shutterstock
Made in China 2025

China’s new drug insurance: lifeline for patients or squeeze on big firms?

New insurance formulary trims costs of Alzheimer’s and cancer therapies and marks a small win for global novel drug makers.

Racism and other prejudice

Miss Finland ‘racism’ scandal is damaging country, PM says

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo weighs in as Finnish politicians mimic a racist gesture in solidarity with stripped beauty queen.

33
SCMP Highlights

US ‘seizes’ Chinese cargo, Mexico stands by tariffs: SCMP daily highlights

From US reportedly confiscating Chinese cargo bound for Iran to support for returning overseas students, here’s a round-up from today’s coverage.

An Iranian medium-range ballistic missile is seen next to a large banner depicting the country’s Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in the capital Tehran. Photo: EPA
China travel

Why South Korea is becoming China’s new bargain travel hotspot amid Japan spat

A slump in the won is making South Korea increasingly affordable for mainland tourists just as China warns against travel to Japan.

videocam
7
A large crowd of tourists walks through a street in Seoul. South Korea is expected to receive an uptick in Chinese tourism over the coming months. Photo: Reuters
China-Japan relations

Tower of peace or sin? Why China says a Japanese wartime monument must be razed

Chinese state media decries tourist attraction as ‘symbol of militarism’ as Beijing’s diplomatic row with Tokyo continues.

20
China-Japan relations

Japan defined its stance on Taiwan but Beijing is angered by what it didn’t say

Tokyo ‘deliberately sidestepped the important information that they are territories Japan has stolen’: Chinese foreign ministry.

videocam
55
Investing

Japan boosts scrutiny after Chinese buyers lead property rush near critical sites

Japan to require nationality disclosure for land near key sites after study finds Chinese nationals bought half of 3,498 such properties in 2024.

A view of the skyline of Tokyo, Japan. Many foreign buyers purchased Tokyo-area condos and flats for investment. Photo: Shutterstock
Made in China 2025

Chinese biotech Scizeng’s global licensing deal to yield up to US$1.44 billion

Yarrow Bioscience gets exclusive global rights for the GenSci098 therapy to treat thyroid eye disease and Graves’ disease.

A number of Chinese biotech firms have clinched licensing deals with multinational companies this year. Photo: Shutterstock
SCMP Highlights

Malaysia’s dress code row, South Korea falls out with K-pop: 7 Asia highlights

From ex-NBA player’s cancer treatment to backlash against Malaysia’s ‘moral police’, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

South Korea

Japan and South Korea clash over islets as old grievances resurface

Analysts warn the squabble is a ‘step backwards’ that offers Beijing a chance to drive a wedge between the two US allies.

videocam
7
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Help preserve 120 years of quality journalism.
SUPPORT NOW
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement