Japan
Feed-in-tariff costs for Japanese solar in 2025 set at JYP10 per kw/h
For fiscal year 2025, Japan’s feed-in tariff (FIT) price for electricity generated from solar energy has been set at JPY10 per kilowatt hour.
Japan hikes rates in a move that goes largely unnoticed
In the hour or so after Japan hiked interest rates to what is the highest level in 17 years, nobody seemed to care.
Death sentence for Chinese killer
A Chinese court has sentenced Zhou Jiasheng, a 52-year-old man, to death for his role in a brutal knife attack in June 2024.
Hiroshima invites Trump to mark 80th anniversary of atomic bombing
The Hiroshima prefectural government has extended a historic invitation to US President-elect Donald Trump, urging him to visit the city for the 80th anniversary of the world’s first atomic bomb attack.
The Philippines takes a stand against China's maritime aggression in the South China Sea
The Philippine Coast Guard has vowed to continue its efforts to challenge China’s increasing presence in the South China Sea, asserting its determination to prevent Beijing from normalising illegal maritime patrols.
Japan establishes diplomatic mission to NATO as ties to Russia, China deteriorate
Japan has formally launched an independent diplomatic mission to NATO, reflecting its growing collaboration with the alliance as tensions rise with Russia, China and North Korea.
China signals willingness for dialogue with US as Beijing accepts invite to attend Trump’s inauguration
China has confirmed that Vice President Han Zheng will attend the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump, representing President Xi Jinping as his "special representative".
Japan moves to compensate victims of forced sterilisation
In a landmark move, the Japanese government has begun the process of compensating victims of forced sterilisation surgery carried out under the now-defunct eugenics protection law.
North Korea issues warning in response to air drills with B-1B bombers
In a sharp response to joint military exercises involving South Korea, the United States, and Japan, North Korea has vowed to "more intensively" exercise its right to self-defence.
Trump to give thumbs up on expedited arms supply to Taiwan
Donald Trump plans to accelerate the delivery of US weapons and military hardware to Taiwan, according to incoming national security advisor Mike Waltz
Former bank employee in Japan arrested in $1.6mn gold heist
A former employee of MUFG Bank has been arrested for allegedly stealing valuables from customers' safe deposit boxes in Tokyo.
North Korea escalates tensions with ballistic missile launch ahead of Trump's inauguration
North Korea has launched multiple short-range ballistic missiles toward the Sea of Japan, just days before US President-elect Donald Trump takes office
Japan’s ramen shops face crisis as rising costs push more to bankruptcy
Japan’s iconic ramen noodle eateries have been hit hard by rising costs in 2024, with a record number of businesses folding under the strain.
Japan's wage surge fuels expectations of January BOJ rate hike
The Bank of Japan (BoJ) faces mounting pressure to act on rising wages, with expectations of a rate hike in January growing stronger following the latest wage data.
Japan’s flu outbreak hits record high amid winter surge
Japan has seen a dramatic spike in flu cases, reaching the highest levels since record-keeping began in 1999.
Former chief of the Bank of Japan sees more rate hikes on the horizon
The Bank of Japan is expected to continue raising interest rates in the coming years as inflation shows signs of sustainably reaching the central bank’s 2% target, according to former Governor Haruhiko Kuroda
North Korea claims breakthrough with new hypersonic missile test
North Korea has made bold claims following the test-firing of a new intermediate-range ballistic missile (IRBM) equipped with a hypersonic warhead, describing the system as a "game changer" for its strategic deterrence
Tuna auction in Tokyo sees 276kg fish go for $1.31mn
A Tokyo fish market has once again witnessed a stunning display of competitive bidding, as the Onodera Group secured a prized bluefin tuna for a staggering JPY207mn - about $1.31mn.
BYD sales soar signalling a shift in global EV market dynamics
Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD is tightening its grip on the global EV market. In the process it is closing in on Tesla Inc as sales surged in 2024.
Japan targets US Steel takeover ahead of Trump inauguration
Japan’s leading steel producer, Nippon Steel Corp, has pledged not to reduce output capacity at United States Steel Corp's mills for a decade