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Japan
Japan
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
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney (right) with US President Donald Trump after officially welcoming the American leader to the G7 summit in Kananaskis, Alberta, on Monday. Photo: The Canadian Press via AP
US-China relations

Breaking with G7 stance, Trump says he would welcome China and Russia in bloc

US leader calls Kremlin’s 2014 expulsion ‘a big mistake’ and considering Beijing ‘not a bad idea’ as summit starts in Canada.

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SCMP Highlights

China’s economic data, PLA’s patrols in disputed waters: SCMP daily highlights

The Philippines

Does Philippines have ‘credible’ undersea might against China?

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Dementia

Japan hospital sued after dementia patient swallows 12cm key

Some have voiced concern that hospitals worried about accountability would stop taking in dementia patients.

X-ray of the key that was lodged in the elderly man’s throat. Photo: Handout
South Korea

BTS’ Jungkook apologises for wearing ‘Make Tokyo Great Again’ hat after backlash

The 27-year-old K-pop star said he was not aware of the hat’s historical and political significance.

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Women and gender

Japan’s host clubs face reform as new law targeting predatory practices bites

Last year, police received 2,776 host club-related complaints, with many involving women being forced into sex work to cover unpaid bills.

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China’s military drills

Explainer | What is the US’ island chain strategy and what does it mean for China?

Two PLA Navy aircraft carriers are pushing past the limits set by the US and its allies since the Cold War in the Pacific Ocean.

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A J-15 fighter jet takes off from one of the PLA Navy’s two aircraft carriers during a training exercise in the Western Pacific in early June. Photo: Handout
Hong Kong tourism

20% tourist spike in May as more than 4 million visit Hong Kong

Five new markets record year-on-year growth of 21 per cent on average in May.

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SCMP Highlights

‘Uncertain future’ for US, Hong Kong MTR’s allure: 5 weekend reads

From mainland Chinese tourists posing in Hong Kong MTR stations to Trump’s army parade, here are five stories you may have missed over the weekend.

South China Sea

PLA patrols in the South China Sea as Philippines, Japan hold joint drills

Chinese military says Manila has courted countries outside the region, ‘raising security risks’ and undermining peace and stability.

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The Chinese military conducted patrols in the South China Sea on Saturday while a Philippine-Japan joint drill was under way. Photo: PLA Southern Theatre Command
Hong Kong stock market

Hong Kong stocks rise on China policy hopes after soft economic data

China’s industrial output and fixed-asset investment fell short in May, and the downturn in the property market deepened.

Workers pack knives at a factory in Yangjiang, south China’s Guangdong province, on June 11, 2025. Photo: Xinhua
Tourism

Going down: the acclaimed Japanese airport that’s sinking into the sea

More than US$150 million has been spent on raising the sea walls surrounding Kansai International Airport to slow the sinking rate.

Shigeru Ishiba

Japan’s Ishiba to press Trump to drop auto tariffs at G7 summit

The two are expected to meet on the sidelines of the meeting following a sixth round of high-level trade talks in Washington on Friday.

Canada

G7 leaders in Canada to discuss Israel-Iran conflict, hope to avoid Trump clash

Trump, who has mused about annexing Canada, will arrive at a time when PM Carney is threatening reprisals if US does not lift import tariffs.

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A Canadian flag flies near the mountains ahead of the G7 summit, near Kananaskis, Alberta, Canada, on Saturday. Photo: Reuters
Hong Kong economy

Opinion | How a ‘Harvard International’ could boost Hong Kong as an education hub

John Lee’s invitation to Harvard’s students is a great start but let’s also open our doors to the university itself.

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Students take part in a commencement ceremony at Harvard University on May 25. Photo: The Boston Globe / Getty Images
Donald Trump

‘Everything politicised’: Tokyo protesters hold anti-Trump ‘No Kings’ rally

Band of demonstrators in Japan is among the first in world due to time zone to stage the movement opposing perceived hubris by US president.

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Hong Kong society

Opinion | Silver economy far from enough for rapidly ageing Hong Kong

Promoting economic activities catering to the elderly is welcome, but more must be done to address the issues the elderly and their carers face.

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Hong Kong tourism

Group tour prices from Hong Kong drop 10% as tourists opt for alternatives to Japan

Increased earthquake concerns create shift in preference towards South Korea, Vietnam and cities in western mainland China for summer travel.

There is an anticipated 80 per cent downturn in Japan tour bookings this summer, even with cheaper flight tickets and tour rates. Photo: EPA-EFE
Australia

Can Squad fortify Asia-Pacific security amid China’s rise, Trump’s flip-flops?

The coalition of Australia, US, Philippines, and Japan was recognised by the Pentagon chief as the most ‘strategically positioned to manifest deterrence’.

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China-Philippines relations

Chinese aircraft carriers’ Pacific presence sparks warnings for Philippines

However, a ‘delicate balance’ should still be maintained to avoid any escalation, analysts warn.

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Viral stories

Japanese woman finds underwear-clad boss in her bed, calmly leaves, calls police

‘Pervert’ superior at work stages multiple similar break-ins at the same woman’s flat, is arrested by police.

A Japanese woman was shocked when she returned home unexpectedly to find her boss in her bed, clad only in his underwear. Photo: SCMP composite/Shutterstock
Crime

Japan police gear up to tackle ‘lone wolf’ attacks ahead of Tokyo election

Security has been tightened since former prime minister Shinzo Abe was fatally shot during a stump speech in 2022.

A member of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan delivers a stump speech at Shibuya crossing on October 26, last year. Photo: EPA-EFE
South Korea

Lee Jae-myung’s debut at G7 summit shows ‘South Korea is back in the game’

His attendance at the meeting of major powers will be the new president’s first overseas trip since taking office.

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United States

Trump approves Nippon Steel’s US$14.9 billion purchase of US Steel

Companies commit US$11 billion in new investments, with a US government ‘golden share’.

US-China relations

Aukus pact up in the air but US to stay focused on countering China: analysts

The Pentagon is taking another look at its security agreement with Australia and the UK, but is not expected to do away with it entirely.

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Aukus is a partnership between Australia, the United States and the United Kingdom. Photo: Reuters
Art

Japan’s Hidden Christians fight to protect religion as ‘huge loss’ looms

In rural Nagasaki, a dwindling number of Hidden Christians practise centuries-old rituals to honour their ancestors persecuted in the 1600s.

A Hidden Christian prays on Ikitsuki Island, Japan. Photo: AP
China’s military drills

What does China’s PLA gain from operating 2 carriers in second island chain?

PLA is coordinating carriers in the blue-water arena, a tactic it would likely use to deter US forces in a Taiwan conflict, analysts say.

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India

Is seat 11A the safest on a plane? Not really, experts say

It is not so straightforward because aircraft seat configurations vary and survival often hinges on a complex interplay of factors.

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