Japan
Iran announces withdrawal from Japan’s Expo 2025
Iran has withdrawn from the 2025 World Exposition in Osaka along with three other nations, Japanese and Iranian officials confirmed on December 28.
Nozomi Energy snaps up major solar portfolio in Japan
Nozomi Energy, a renewables platform focused on Japan and established by global sustainable infrastructure investor Actis, has announced the acquisition of 12 operational solar projects in partnership with a Japanese co-investor
Asia’s shipbuilding renaissance: record orders and rising prices
Asia has been the centre of shipbuilding for decades thanks to its geographical and strategic location and the capital and labour-intensive nature of the industry.
Fukushima's forgotten victims as Japan shifts back to nuclear power
A controversial shift in Japan's energy policy has sparked outrage among those still reeling from the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster.
Boldly brewing where no one has brewed before: Japanese sake to be made in space
Asahi Shuzo Co., renowned for its premium Dassai sake, has unveiled a pioneering plan to brew rice wine on the International Space Station (ISS) in 2025
South Korean president impeached, Constitutional Court to sit December 16
South Korea's National Assembly has voted to impeach President Yoon Suk Yeol over his highly controversial imposition of martial law, in the process suspending him from all duties associated with the office of president.
Japan plans tax hike to fund $280bn military buildup
Japan is gearing up to increase taxes as early as April 2026 to finance its ambitious plan to double its defence budget to 2% of GDP. This move comes as the nation seeks to bolster its military capabilities amid growing regional tensions
Japan's atomic bomb survivors awarded Nobel Peace Prize
In a historic moment of recognition, Japan’s atomic bomb survivors, represented by Nihon Hidankyo, have been awarded the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize for their steadfast campaign to rid the world of nuclear weapons
Nuclear envoys from South Korea, US, and Japan strengthen coordination amid North Korean tensions
Top nuclear envoys from South Korea, the United States, and Japan have pledged to intensify their cooperation to manage future provocations from North Korea
Where does nuclear power-use stand in post-COP29 Asia?
It is now a month since COP29 opened its doors to delegates from around the world in the city of Baku, Azerbaijan on November 11
Trump vows to block Nippon Steel's $14bn bid for US Steel
Donald Trump has reiterated his commitment to blocking Nippon Steel's bid to acquire United States Steel Corp., a deal worth over $14bn
South Korean president declares martial law, cancels it, now faces impeachment
Millions of South Koreans are today, December 4, waking to news that martial law was declared then cancelled while they were asleep.
Japan donates $4.6mn for restoration of Lake Urmia
Japan has pledged JPY690mn ($4.6mn) to revive Lake Urmia and improve wetland management across Iran, officials announced at a signing ceremony with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
INTERVIEW: Black & Veatch well-positioned for growth through energy transition
Global engineering, procurement and construction firm Black & Veatch is well-positioned both in the LNG space and across the broader energy sector to capitalise on the energy transition and ensure the company’s continued growth.
Japan’s strategic stance in a Taiwan conflict
Experts at the Center for Strategic and International Studies China Power Project and other think tanks predict a higher likelihood of a Chinese invasion or blockade of Taiwan after this year’s presidential elections.
Tenga aims to break taboo with stylish sex toys as Japan grapples with demographic decline
In a sleek, airy new store in Tokyo’s fashionable Harajuku district, hourglass-shaped sex toys glide along a conveyor belt — but these are no ordinary adult products.