China and Japan have been locked in an escalating row, set off by Japanese prime minister Sanae Takaichi's suggestion earlier this month that Japan could respond with its own self-defence force if ... ( read original story ...)
FirstFT: China raises economic pressure on Japan in dispute over Taiwan
Also in today’s newsletter, Philippine corruption scandal escalates, and US House votes to release Epstein files ... ( read original story ...)
China and Japan are in a vicious game of chicken over Taiwan
Mr Xi reportedly told her that China was willing to “work with Japan to…advance the strategic, mutually beneficial relationship” (with the usual finger-wagging reference to Japan’s wartime “history of ... ( read original story ...)
Japan says jets scrambled as China flew drone near island close to Taiwan
Tension between Japan and China has escalated over the new Japanese leader's suggestion Tokyo could intervene militarily if Beijing attacks Taiwan. ( read original story ...)
Carlsberg in talks to sell minority stake in Asia operations to Sapporo
Danish brewer Carlsberg A/S is considering selling part of its Asian operations, with Japan’s Sapporo Holdings Ltd emerging as a possible buyer, according to reports by Bloomberg and AK&M. People ... ( read original story ...)
Why Raducanu v Osaka whets the appetite for 2026
Grand Slam winners Emma Raducanu and Naomi Osaka are expected to face each other at the United Cup in Perth in their first event of the 2026 season. ( read original story ...)
Japan says warplanes scrambled as Chinese drone detected near southern island close to Taiwan
Tension between Japan and China has escalated over the new Japanese leader's suggestion Tokyo could intervene militarily if Beijing attacks Taiwan. ( read original story ...)
China hints at Xi meeting with Japan’s new premier Takaichi
Takaichi, a hardline conservative who was approved by parliament as Japan's first female prime minister last week, is a regular visitor to Tokyo's Yasukuni shrine, which honours Japan's war dead, including soldiers and officials convicted of war crimes by an international tribunal. ( read original story ...)
Naomi Osaka withdraws from the Auckland WTA event to play for Japan at the United Cup
Naomi Osaka has withdrawn from the ASB Classic in New Zealand in January to instead play for Japan in the United Cup in Australia. ( read original story ...)
China deepens pressure on Japan with travel bans and cancelled events
China has intensified its economic pressure on Japan, with state-owned enterprises banning employees from travelling to its Asian neighbour, tour groups and a flagship forum being cancelled and Japanese film releases suspended. ( read original story ...)
Emma Raducanu, Naomi Osaka set to clash in first week of 2026
Emma Raducanu and Naomi Osaka will very likely face each other in their very first tournament of the 2026 season after Great Britain and Japan landed in the same United Cup group. ( read original story ...)
Japan trade minister says no particular change in China rare earth export controls
Japan's Trade Minister Ryosei Akazawa said on Tuesday there are currently no particular changes in China's export control measures on rare earths and other materials. Akazawa's remarks come as Japan ... ( read original story ...)
Man arrested for choking subway station employee in Sapporo
Police in Sapporo have arrested a 60-year-old man on suspicion of assaulting a 52-year-old subway station employee. The incident occurred at Makomanai Station on the Sapporo Municipal Subway line at ... ( read original story ...)
Swiatek, Gauff, Osaka, Auger-Aliassime, Zverev among 2026 United Cup entrants
ATP and WTA tournaments may be completed for 2025, but anticipation for 2026 is already heating up thanks to Monday’s United Cup draw. Grand Slam champions Iga Swiatek, Naomi Osaka, Stan Wawrinka, ... ( read original story ...)
Nepathya receives warm welcome at maiden Nagoya concert in Japan
Following their Pokhara concert a week ago, Nepathya, Nepal's premier folk-rock band, received a warm and gracious welcome during their maiden Nagoya concert in Japan. ( read original story ...)
Osaka pulls out of ASB Classic, Svitolina and Navarro signed up
Former world women's tennis number one Naomi Osaka has withdrawn from this summer's ASB Classic in Auckland. ( read original story ...)