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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
South Korea’s semiconductor exports to China jumped 243 per cent in May from a year earlier, according to according to data from Seoul’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Resources. Photo: Shutterstock
China trade

China’s AI chip demand is surging – and 1 East Asian economy is riding the wave

Strong demand for memory chips has reshaped South Korea’s exports to China – but analysts warn the gains could be short lived.

Antarctica

Japanese MP’s claim China eyes Antarctic ‘treasure trove’ dismissed

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Art Basel

How a 2000 Takashi Murakami exhibition led to the Labubus of today

US-China relations

Editorial | Shangri-La Dialogue has outlived its usefulness for China

While Washington and Beijing softened their rhetoric this year, the US-dominated forum is exhausting its function as a space for engagement.

Major General Meng Xiangqing (left) of the PLA National Defence University, and head of the Chinese delegation, gestures as he attends the 23rd Shangri-La Dialogue forum in Singapore on May 31. Photo: AFP
US-China relations

Can China fill funding and leadership gaps after America quit the WHO?

Beijing is now the global health body’s biggest assessed contributor, but its voluntary donations remained low in 2025.

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China-South Korea relations

South Korea and Japan eye military logistics pact. Should China be wary?

Northeast Asian neighbours signal closer security ties, but wartime history and Seoul-Beijing relations could stand in the way, analysts say.

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Taiwan

Why have Japan and the Philippines’ maritime boundary talks angered China?

A new flashpoint has opened up in the western Pacific Ocean with Beijing expected to strengthen its presence in the waters east of Taiwan.

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Coastguard vessels from the Chinese mainland were spotted southeast of Orchid Island off the southeastern coast of Taiwan on Monday. Photo: Getty Images
Religion

‘Harassment exploded out of nowhere’: Muslims face rising prejudice in Japan

Growing anti-Muslim discrimination fuelled by hate speech worries residents, who fear the hostility may escalate into violence.

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South Korea

US general’s ‘dagger’ remark tests South Korea’s China balancing act

A top commander’s blunt remark spotlights a fundamental disagreement over the true purpose of the 28,500 US troops based in South Korea.

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SCMP Highlights

Japan’s Russia concern, firms pick Malaysia over Singapore: 7 Asia highlights

From Japan’s concerns about Russian military activity to moon bears freed in Laos, here are a few highlights from SCMP’s recent Asia reporting.

F-15J Eagle fighter aircraft of the Japan Air Self-Defence Force prepare for take-off at Chitose Air Base, Hokkaido prefecture, in 2017. Photo: AFP
China’s aircraft carriers

Why do China and other powers still want aircraft carriers?

Submarines and drones are ‘the story of naval warfare in the 21st century’ but carriers continue to be an important symbol of military might.

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China’s third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, uses electromagnetic catapults. Photo: Xinhua
US, Israel war on Iran

Japan runs low on ethylene, putting bananas at risk of disappearing from homes

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has squeezed the supply of the naphtha-derived gas that Japan uses to ripen the fruit.

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Defence

Is UK a ‘reliable partner’? Fighter jet delays test Japan’s patience

Tokyo is concerned as its ageing fighters need to be replaced and the project lacks a clear development plan and schedule, analysts say.

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Architecture and design

A farewell tour through the flats, fashions and fixations that defined our design editor’s 22 years at PostMag

Explore the evolution of Hong Kong’s residential design, from microflats to innovative trends, as our design editor reflects on her two-decade tenure.

Charmaine Chan (directing a cat), photographer John Butlin (seated) and stylist David Roden (in double denim) at the 2016 shoot of the LAAB-designed 309 sq ft unit on Graham Street, Central. Photo: John Butlin
Banking & finance

Why are Asia’s families eyeing liquid assets to secure their children’s wealth?

More of the continent’s parents are providing share portfolios and other assets for their offspring as confidence in property begins to wane.

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Illustration: Davies Christian
Science

China team drafts sanctions list targeting US, allies on 63 key tech sectors

Scientists have listed sensitive or globally competitive tech that may benefit from export restrictions to keep them out of foreign hands.

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China property

The View | Green shoots in Hong Kong, mainland China property markets deserve attention

Geopolitical forces, policy support, attractive rents and lower interest rates have combined to improve the outlook for both markets.

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US-China relations

Hegseth tones down China rhetoric on return to Asia

US defence secretary Pete Hegseth adopted a noticeably less hostile tone towards China in his address at this year’s Shangri-La Dialogue.

US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. Photo: EPA
US-China relations

Shangri-La Dialogue: what China, US and Japan said

Speeches by the US, Chinese and Japanese delegates to the Shangri-La Dialogue in Singapore.

Taiwan

China responds to Japan-Philippines boundary talks with expanded sea patrols

Coastguard vessels carried out law enforcement patrols in waters east of Taiwan on Monday, in a ‘necessary action’, spokesman says.

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Viral stories

Japan Buddhist monk bar has ‘heaven and hell’ drinks, offers beating service

Offbeat drinking venue provides everything from calligraphy to a ‘coffin’ experience in bid to popularise Buddhist culture.

A bar in Japan, run by Buddhist monks, serves drinks inspired by the concepts of heaven and hell. Photo: japaholic
Hong Kong transport

HK Express cancels 6 Hong Kong-Okinawa flights as Typhoon Jangmi nears Japan

Airline says special ticket arrangements are in place for affected passengers.

A HK Express aircraft approaches Hong Kong International Airport in Chek Lap Kok. Photo: Karma Lo
The Philippines

Philippines says Beijing main hurdle to South China Sea code of conduct

Addressing the Shangri-La Dialogue, defence chief Teodoro blamed China for stalling the pact and stressed Asean’s unity on the issue.

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Malaysia

Malaysia blasts ‘conspicuously muted’ response over axed Norway missile deal

Defence Minister Khaled told the Shangri-La Dialogue that Oslo’s move was ‘destructive’ to the credibility of the rules-based global order.

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China-Japan relations

Japanese minister rejects ‘new militarism’ label from China in Shangri-La speech

‘Every country must be able to choose its future by its own will,’ Shinjiro Koizumi says at Singapore defence forum.

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Japan’s Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said: “This region must remain open to all countries that respect our shared rules and principles”. Photo: AP
China shipbuilding

Why the US Navy must look to allies if it wants to catch up to China at sea

To close gap with Chinese fleet, analysts say the US must outsource shipbuilding to South Korea and Japan – but the move risks backlash.

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One option for the US to close the naval shipbuilding gap with China is to adopt Japanese Mogami-class hulls. Photo: Kyodo
Asean

Asian Angle | Where Southeast Asians really want to live, work and travel

While Thailand leads for tourism, Singapore and Japan are the top draws for work, revealing uneven regional soft power dynamics.

Ageing society

Opinion | East Asia’s population challenge isn’t just about raising birth rates

Sustainable policies must strengthen people’s well-being and expand opportunities, creating a society where everyone can thrive.

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