3 h. ago Japan bento chain’s ‘no rice’ April Fool’s joke goes down the wrong way

The joke is ‘not funny’ and in bad taste, given how rice shortages are a big concern in Japan, its unhappy critics say.

Politics

4 h. ago Japan’s municipalities unready to deal with major earthquake: survey

The survey comes after Japan’s government estimated that up to 298,000 people could die from a megaquake along the Nankai Trough.

Politics

7 h. ago 3 Filipinos nabbed for suspected espionage in Beijing —Chinese state media

3 Filipinos nabbed for suspected espionage in Beijing —Chinese state media  GMA Network

Politics

26 h. ago Tearful Philippine influencers grilled over Duterte ‘fake news’ admit errors, but change needed

Some critics welcomed the accountability for social media figures, while others felt the hearing focused more on settling scores than addressing structural issues.

Science

28 h. ago ‘Malicious’ Japan TV interview claiming Chinese eat crows ruffles feathers in China

A freelance producer had manipulated the clip for maximum entertainment value, network claimed.

Politics

28 h. ago ‘Malicious’ Japan TV clip claiming Chinese eat crows ruffles feathers in China

‘Malicious’ Japan TV clip claiming Chinese eat crows ruffles feathers in China  South China Morning Post

Politics

29 h. ago Shirtless TikTok stunt lands Sydney Airport baggage handler in legal trouble

Despite facing criticism for being unsafe, the bodybuilding influencer defended his actions, stating he had taken adequate precautions.

Events

30 h. ago Malaysians angry over Selangor gas pipeline fire, blame ‘haphazard’ works

More than 100 people were injured in the huge blaze that happened near a residential area, with 65 of them hospitalised.

Events

31 h. ago Hongkonger allegedly involved in fatal Sha Tin slashing arrested in Thailand

Man, 25, was staying with his Thai girlfriend in Chonburi town near the beach resort town of Pattaya, media reports.

Events

32 h. ago Japan’s US missile venture draws flak from North Korea after Hegseth visit

A North Korean defence ministry official chastised the US for aggravating security risks and ‘conniving’ to make Japan a ‘military giant’.

Events

32 h. ago In a first for China’s Communist Party, Politburo members Li Ganjie and Shi Taifeng swap jobs

The heads of the party’s human resources and influence departments have switched positions.

Society

33 h. ago Japan’s second ‘baby hatch’ for abandoned infants opens as economic pressures mount

With thousands of product prices rising, the cost of raising a child is becoming an impossible burden for some young Japanese women.

Economics

35 h. ago Chinese woman stages 20 fake marriages to help clients ‘navigate social pressures’

Woman notes past industry issues, including instances where actresses faced coercion for sexual favours or payment threats.

Events

36 h. ago PLA wraps up drills aimed at ‘paralysing’ Taiwan and sending message to US and Japan

The joint exercise Strait Thunder-2025A ‘achieved its intended objectives’, according to a military spokesman.

Politics

36 h. ago South Korea’s ‘trial by media’ in spotlight after politician’s death amid assault claims

Chang Je-won was found dead in his office on Monday. Hours before, footage said to support sexual assault allegations against him was aired.

Events

36 h. ago Why Trump is going full steam ahead to keep China’s shipbuilding in dry dock

US policies to curb China’s perceived influence on global shipping and shipbuilding are facing pushback – but Trump seems unlikely to let up.

Politics

46 h. ago China Holds War Games Off Taiwan After Hegseth Pledges Military Cooperation with Japan

China Holds War Games Off Taiwan After Hegseth Pledges Military Cooperation with Japan  Democracy Now!

Events

50 h. ago China holds major war games around Taiwan as U.S. boosts ties with Japan to deter "Chinese military aggression"

China holds major war games around Taiwan as U.S. boosts ties with Japan to deter "Chinese military aggression"  CBS News

Events

50 h. ago Japan’s Masahiro Nakai sexually assaulted Fuji TV staff amid ‘culture of harassment’: report

Lawyer-led panel calls the incident a ‘serious infringement of human rights’ and says Fuji TV management lacked awareness of sexual violence.

Events

51 h. ago China’s complex social credit system evolves with 23 new guidelines from Beijing

Guidelines also establish ‘seriously discredited entities’ list for specific sectors – and those on the list could face restrictions or bans on issuing stocks and bonds.

Politics