US-China tensions
China frees American pastor who U.S. says was wrongly jailed
David Lin had been imprisoned for life since 2006 on contract fraud charges
Japan's leadership race
Ishiba leads Koizumi in Japan leadership race: Nikkei poll
Two men switch places since last survey in August
Food & Beverage
Sapporo-style ramen brings a taste of Japan to Europe, Malaysia
One noodle maker from Japanese north is building its first overseas factory in Germany
US-China tensions
American and Chinese military leaders discuss South China Sea and more
Routine talks had only resumed in January after two-year suspension
Japan immigration
Japan eyes automated airport immigration for foreign arrivals
Visitors from visa-exempt countries won't have to be questioned by inspectors
Transportation
Shanghai cancels hundreds of flights as Typhoon Bebinca draws near
Flights past 8 p.m. local time canceled at Hongqiao and Pudong airports
Semiconductors
Japan R&D brings powerful diamond semiconductors closer to reality
Synthetic crystal can handle 50,000 times as much electricity as silicon devices
Aerospace & Defense Industries
Japan's ispace prepares for second private moon landing attempt
Space startup aims to become 1st Asian firm to achieve feat
South China Sea
Philippines sends replacement ship to Sabina Shoal, vows continued presence
China says to continue to carry out law enforcement activities
Your Week in Asia
Sri Lanka votes, Midea lists in Hong Kong, BOJ policy meeting
Your weekly lineup of Asia's biggest business and political events
Automobiles
In Indonesia, BYD and Hyundai lure workers from Japan rivals
Competitors said to offer triple the pay of Japanese automakers
Interview
Japanese-Uyghur lawmaker calls for harder line on China
Ruling party member Arfiya Eri says Japan must amend its 'passive constitution'
Life
Japanese designer's legacy inspires contemporary brides
Yumi Katsura passes the torch with a fashion show instead of a funeral
Electric vehicles
Chinese EVs still cheaper than Teslas in U.S. after tariff hike
Supply chain advantages help BYD and others compete on price
Transportation
Cathay Pacific takes business class higher as airline seats go premium
JAL, other carriers also join trend of higher-price upgrades to keep pace with costs
Japan's leadership race
Japan PM candidates eye ties with friendly nations as China rises
Koizumi says he will pursue talks with China, North Korea if he becomes PM
Taiwan tensions
China condemns German navy's transit of Taiwan Strait
People's Liberation Army says passage of two ships is "public hyping"
Retail
Japanese premium jeans maker lures global fans with deep indigo
Momotaro Jeans seeks to more than double sales over 3 years
Datawatch
Renewable energy wasted worldwide due to lack of power grids
Power equal to 480 nuclear reactors unused in U.S. and Europe
Hong Kong security law
Hong Kong hosts flurry of forums, cozying up to non-Western partners
U.S.-led democracies conspicuously absent as city woos mainland, ASEAN, Middle East
Economy
China industrial output grows at slowest pace in five months
Data for August also shows retail sales and investment losing momentum
Media & Entertainment
Deaf K-Pop trio Big Ocean breaks boundaries in music
Using AI and sign language, group brings fresh take to entertainment scene
Business deals
Nippon Steel bid for U.S. Steel faces Sept. 23 review deadline, sources say
National security panel could grant request by companies to extend review another 90 days
Travel & Leisure
Mt. Fuji peak-day climbers drop 17% with overtourism measures
Popular trail sees 27% fall on busiest summer day after introducing $14 toll
Books
Author Hessler charts extraordinary scenes in China's COVID-19 debacle
Virus forces pivot in five-year plan to focus on generational change