alt

September 3rd, 2020

END OF AN ERA

Abe resigns at a moment of uncertainty for Japan -- and the world

View all editions

The Big Story

Trump and COVID force Chinese students to rethink the US

A generation that buoyed the country's $170bn university sector is leaving

Joyce Fan, a Beijing native, takes an online class at New York University law school (Photo by Ziyu Wu)
China's hopes of creating its own version of Tesla are riding on a small number of electric vehicle startups, many of which rely on local government backing.
Business Spotlight

China's local governments ride to the rescue of EV startups

While Nio takes bailout to relocate, Xpeng and Li Auto IPOs raise billions

The Honda e is less than 4 meters long and can travel 300 km on a single charge.
Automobiles

Honda to launch first mass-produced electric car in October

Nissan and Toyota also plan new EV rollouts, anticipating market growth

AirAsia Group founder Tony Fernandes is urging Southeast Asian leaders to open up international travel in a safe way. (Source photo by Yuki Nakao) 
Travel & Leisure

AirAsia founder says more job cuts likely unless borders reopen

Tony Fernandes calls on leaders to 'bravely' restart travel as losses mount

China's ByteDance is under pressure to divest its popular TikTok video-sharing app in the U.S. ahead of a Nov. 12 deadline imposed by President Donald Trump.
US-China tensions

China's new AI export curbs threaten TikTok's US sale

Popular video app's powerful algorithm likely to face 'dual-use' restrictions

Warren Buffett said he hopes for "opportunities of mutual benefit" with this rare overseas investment by Berkshire Hathaway.
Markets

Buffett takes contrarian path with Japan resource trader stakes

Pandemic spurs Berkshire Hathaway to diversify US-centric portfolio

A couple outside their home in New South Wales in January: A state inquiry found that climate change was "clearly" a factor in last season's devastating fires.
Asia Insight

As fire season looms, Australia fears recurring nightmare

Climate change spurs race for new strategy: 'We have to be better'

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe resigned on Aug. 28. He said his illness prevented him from giving sufficient attention to his duties.
Inside Japanese politics

A legacy slipping away: Why Shinzo Abe stepped down

Japan's longest-serving PM seeks to avoid leaving political vacuum

Abe visits the Atomic Bomb Dome in Hiroshima with then-U.S. President Barack Obama on May 27, 2016, after the Group of Seven summit. Obama was the first sitting U.S. leader to visit the city. 
Japan after Abe

In pictures: Looking back on Abe's tenure, from Hiroshima to Mario

Record-breaking premier steps down after seven-plus years at helm

Malaysian Tourism Minister Nancy Shukri assumed her role just a week before the government imposed a lockdown. (Photo by Wong Ying Xian)
Most read in 2020

Malaysia likely to remain closed to tourists into 2021: minister

Nancy Shukri says COVID surges in hitherto 'safe' countries have forced rethink

Shinzo Abe shakes hands with Malcom Turnbull in Sydney in January 2017: even after Donald Trump pulled out, we had agreed to keep TPP alive by the remaining countries.
Opinion

This is why the world will miss Shinzo Abe

His unique skill set greatly increased Japan's global stature and influence

Putin is always working an angle for himself.
Opinion

India should ignore Putin's offer to broker accord with China

Russian leader a failed puppet master only seeking to enrich himself

Taiwan's President Tsai Ing-wen is willing to negotiate an FTA with the U.S.
The Nikkei View

Taiwan is caught between two powers -- and Japan can help

Bringing the self-ruling island into TPP is one option

Mae Prae, 32, stands near the gate of Mae Rim Long Neck Village, a privately owned village in northern Thailand where women from the Red Karen hill tribe earn money from tourists eager to see their elongated, brass-ringed necks. With the pandemic, however, tourism money has dried up. (Vincenzo Floramo)
Life

Pandemic worsens plight of Thailand's 'long-necked' women

Myanmar refugees suffer as tourism dries up

The author playing the video game The Ghost of Tsushima. (Photo by Peter Tasker)
Tea Leaves

Samurai video game channels Kurosawa

Ghost of Tsushima raises complex issues from Japanese history