SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korea is in working-level talks with Japan to hold a bilateral summit between the two countries, Kang Yu-jung, spokesperson for Korea’s presidential office, told a press briefing on Tuesday.
The potential meeting could take place on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit scheduled for the end of October in South Korea, Kang said.
In Tokyo, hardline conservative Sanae Takaichi was elected as Japan’s first female prime minister on Tuesday.
(Reporting by Heejin Kim and Hyunjoo Jin; Editing by Kirsten Donovan)
(Reuters) -Conservative nationalist Sanae Takaichi was appointed Japan’s first female prime minister on Tuesday in a parliamentary vote that handed her a majority in the lower house.
Takaichi, who vowed to close Japan’s gender gap in the top echelons of politics, has finalised plans to make Satsuki Katayama the first woman to hold the key post of finance minister at a time when the country is worried about rising prices and slow growth.
The Nikkei share gauge has surged to record-breaking levels since fiscal dove Takaichi secured a coalition partnership with the right-wing Japan Innovation Party, known as Ishin, to firm up support for her appointment.
Below are comments on the appointment:
PROF. MIEKO NAKABAYASHI, WASEDA UNIVERSITY
“She has never handled foreign affairs directly, so it’s difficult to forecast her approach. She’s made comments that please the right wing, pledging to visit Yasukuni Shrine and taking a tough stance toward South Korea, but whether she sticks to that or shifts to realism remains to be seen. It may be more about rallying the right than conviction. If she really followed through on her words, Japan’s security situation would become dangerous.”
MASAMICHI ADACHI, ECONOMIST, UBS SECURITIES JAPAN
“PM Takaichi faces challenges including rising prices, a supplementary budget, diplomatic priorities, and reducing Diet seats as agreed with Ishin. Her upcoming policy speech may clarify her ‘responsible proactive fiscal policy.’ Markets are focused on the fiscal deficit impact of the budget; excessive measures could trigger a Japan sell-off, while insufficient measures may unwind the Takaichi trade and affect approval rates.
“Diplomatically, PM Takaichi’s meeting with President Trump next week poses challenges, including potential US demands for increased defense spending and concerns over JPY depreciation. Japan has committed to raising defense spending to 2% of GDP by FY2027, but long-term funding beyond that level remains unresolved. How PM Takaichi navigates U.S. expectations while maintaining favourable relations will be critical.”
OSAMU TAKASHIMA, CHIEF FX STRATEGIST, CITI, TOKYO
“She said that she is the successor of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and she also noted that her economic policy should be similar to Abenomics, which is why the market has a perception that Sanaenomics will be a second version of Abenomics. However, there are so many differences between, say, 10 years ago and the present. Ten years ago, Japan faced deflationary pressure with a strong currency. However, now Japan is facing inflation and a weak currency problem. So the conditions are totally opposite to 10 years ago.”
“Especially regarding BOJ monetary policy, I don’t think she will put pressure on the bank to not raise interest rates. Japan’s economic problem is inflation and yen weakness. And inflation and yen weakness are unpopular among the Japanese people. So if she puts political pressure on the BOJ, and the yen depreciates further, then inflation increases more. She could lose popularity among the Japanese people. This would be a very, very risky game for her.”
TOHRU SASAKI, CHIEF STRATEGIST, FUKUOKA FINANCIAL GROUP
“I think the Takaichi trade will continue. The Nikkei will continue to rally and the yen will continue to depreciate. Katayama-san personally does not support big fiscal spending, but since she will be finance minister in the Takaichi cabinet, she probably will not insist strongly on her view. Katayama-san is also suspicious of the effect of FX intervention.”
TAKASHI KIUCHI, EXECUTIVE ECONOMIST, NOMURA RESEARCH INSTITUTE
“The Japan Innovation Party (Ishin) advocates small and efficient government, making it in some ways the opposite of LDP President Sanae Takaichi, who has championed active fiscal spending and monetary easing. Cooperation with Ishin could temper Takaichi’s policy instincts and lead to a more balanced economic approach.
“Fiscal management under Takaichi’s administration is likely to be somewhat more proactive than under the previous Ishiba government, but not excessive. Ishin also values the Bank of Japan’s independence, so the likelihood of political interference over continued monetary easing appears low.”
“I think the market notion of the so-called Takaichi trade has been changing. Initially, the Takaichi trade was meant to be a stock market rally driven by exporter stocks and a steepening, or even twist-steepening of the bond yield curve.
“Originally, the market thought Takaichi to be a reflationary, sort of Abenomics-like, policy advocate. But based on her recent statements, Takaichi is not as reflationary as the market initially thought. And the pick of Katayama as finance minister confirms that thinking. Particularly, the coalition with Ishin makes Takaichi less inclined toward reflationary policy.
“So, the new Takaichi trade, as I call it, is not driven by yen weakening. It’s more driven by structural reforms and strategic investment.
“The new Takaichi trade is more of a flattening of the yield curve and a stock market rally driven by the domestic demand stocks, that includes machinery and banking stocks. And they will not let the yen weaken further.
“I think the stock market will probably lose momentum after investors realise that Takaichi is not as reflationary as they thought and the yen actually strengthens.”
SHOKI OMORI, CHIEF DESK STRATEGIST, MIZUHO SECURITIES, TOKYO
“Since Ms. Takaichi became LDP leader, the USD/JPY exchange rate has exhibited a clear tendency to test higher levels.
“Recent yen strength to roughly Y151 per dollar reflects temporary adjustments associated with concerns over U.S. banking-sector credit conditions and ongoing United States–China tariff issues. Should market confidence regarding these matters improve, the dollar–yen rate is expected to resume its upward trajectory under the Takaichi administration.
“Ms. Takaichi’s broadly dovish macroeconomic stance is balanced by a pragmatic understanding of the BOJ’s gradual normalisation of interest rates. A single 25-basis-point policy-rate increase around the end of this year or the beginning of next year cannot be ruled out, yet the pace of subsequent adjustments is expected to be considerably slower than in recent tightening phases.”
CHRISTOPHER WONG, CURRENCY STRATEGIST, OCBC, SINGAPORE:
“The move was expected after JIP agreed to form a coalition. Perceived fiscal prudence from the LDP-JIP coalition should be reassuring for markets and the yen. Impact on dollar/yen this episode will likely not be similar to the move seen post-LDP election as Takaichi’s previous pro-stimulus stance may have to be compromised. Also, one less political uncertainty may potentially pave the way for BOJ to hike on October 30, given that macro conditions allow for policy normalisation.”
HIROFUMI SUZUKI, CHIEF FX STRATEGIST, SMBC, TOKYO:
“While fiscal stimulus is expected, it is unlikely to be bold given the difficulties of policy management. A sharp depreciation of the yen is likely to be avoided, with gentle downward pressure on the yen expected to persist.”
(Reporting by Yoshifumi Takemoto, Kentaro Okasaka, Kevin Buckland, Rae Wee, Anton Bridge, Rocky Swift; Editing by Stephen Coates)
Tokyo — Japan’s parliament elected ultraconservative Sanae Takaichi as the country’s first female prime minister Tuesday, a day after her struggling party struck a coalition deal with a new partner expected to pull her governing bloc further to the right.
Takaichi replaces Shigeru Ishiba, ending a three-month political vacuum and wrangling since the Liberal Democratic Party’s disastrous election loss in July.
Ishiba, who lasted only one year as prime minister, resigned with his Cabinet earlier in the day, paving the way for his successor.
The LDP’s off-the-cuff alliance with the Osaka-based rightwing Japan Innovation Party, or Ishin no Kai, ensured her premiership because the opposition is not united. Takaichi’s untested alliance is still short of a majority in both houses of parliament and will need to court other opposition groups to pass any legislation – a risk that could make her government unstable and short-lived.
“Political stability is essential right now,” Takaichi said at Monday’s signing ceremony with the JIP leader and Osaka Gov. Hirofumi Yoshimura. “Without stability, we cannot push measures for a strong economy or diplomacy.”
The two parties signed a coalition agreement on policies underscoring Takaichi’s hawkish and nationalistic views.
Their last-minute deal came after the Liberal Democrats lost its longtime partner, the Buddhist-backed Komeito, which has a more dovish and centrist stance. The breakup threatened a change of power for the LDP, which has governed Japan almost uninterrupted for decades.
Later in the day, Takaichi, 64, will present a Cabinet with a number of allies of LDP’s most powerful kingmaker, Taro Aso, and others who backed her in the party leadership vote.
JIP will not hold ministerial posts in Takaichi’s Cabinet until his party is confident about its partnership with the LDP, Yoshimura said.
Takaichi is running on deadline – a major policy speech later this week, talks with President Trump and regional summits. She needs to quickly tackle rising prices and compile economy-boosting measures by late December to address public frustration.
While she is the first woman serving as Japan’s prime minister, she’s in no rush to promote gender equality or diversity.
Takaichi is among Japanese politicians who have stonewalled measures for women’s advancement. Takaichi supports the imperial family’s male-only succession and opposes same-sex marriage and allowing separate surnames for married couples.
A protege of assassinated former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Takaichi is expected to emulate his policies including a stronger military and economy, as well as revising Japan’s pacifist constitution. With a potentially weak grip on power, it’s unknown how much Takaichi will be able to achieve.
When Komeito left the governing coalition, it cited the LDP’s lax response to slush fund scandals that led to their consecutive election defeats.
The centrist party also raised concern about Takaichi’s revisionist view of Japan’s wartime past and her regular prayers at Yasukuni Shrine despite protests from Beijing and Seoul, which see the visits as a lack of remorse about Japanese aggression, as well as her recent xenophobic remarks.
Takaichi has toned down her hawkish rhetoric. On Friday, she sent a religious ornament instead of going to Yasukuni.
Japan’s parliament elected ultraconservative Sanae Takaichi as the country’s first female prime minister Tuesday, a day after her struggling party struck a coalition deal with a new partner expected to pull her governing bloc further to the right.Takaichi replaces Shigeru Ishiba, ending a three-month political vacuum and wrangling since the Liberal Democratic Party’s disastrous election loss in July.Ishiba, who lasted only one year as prime minister, resigned with his Cabinet earlier in the day, paving the way for his successor.The LDP’s off-the-cuff alliance with the Osaka-based rightwing Japan Innovation Party, or Ishin no Kai, ensured her premiership because the opposition is not united. Takaichi’s untested alliance is still short of a majority in both houses of parliament and will need to court other opposition groups to pass any legislation – a risk that could make her government unstable and short-lived.“Political stability is essential right now,” Takaichi said at Monday’s signing ceremony with the JIP leader and Osaka Gov. Hirofumi Yoshimura. “Without stability, we cannot push measures for a strong economy or diplomacy.”The two parties signed a coalition agreement on policies underscoring Takaichi’s hawkish and nationalistic views.Their last-minute deal came after the Liberal Democrats lost its longtime partner, the Buddhist-backed Komeito, which has a more dovish and centrist stance. The breakup threatened a change of power for the LDP, which has governed Japan almost uninterrupted for decades.Later in the day, Takaichi, 64, will present a Cabinet with a number of allies of LDP’s most powerful kingmaker, Taro Aso, and others who backed her in the party leadership vote.JIP will not hold ministerial posts in Takaichi’s Cabinet until his party is confident about its partnership with the LDP, Yoshimura said.Takaichi is running on deadline — a major policy speech later this week, talks with U.S. President Donald Trump and regional summits. She needs to quickly tackle rising prices and compile economy-boosting measures by late December to address public frustration.While she is the first woman serving as Japan’s prime minister, she is in no rush to promote gender equality or diversity.Takaichi is among Japanese politicians who have stonewalled measures for women’s advancement. Takaichi supports the imperial family’s male-only succession and opposes same-sex marriage and allowing separate surnames for married couples.A protege of assassinated former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Takaichi is expected to emulate his policies including stronger military and economy, as well as revising Japan’s pacifist constitution. With a potentially weak grip on power, it’s unknown how much Takaichi would be able to achieve.When Komeito left the governing coalition, it cited the LDP’s lax response to slush fund scandals that led to their consecutive election defeats.The centrist party also raised concern about Takaichi’s revisionist view of Japan’s wartime past and her regular prayers at Yasukuni Shrine despite protests from Beijing and Seoul that see the visits as lack of remorse about Japanese aggression, as well as her recent xenophobic remarks.Takaichi has toned down her hawkish rhetorics. On Friday, she sent a religious ornament instead of going to Yasukuni.
, Tokyo —
Japan’s parliament elected ultraconservative Sanae Takaichi as the country’s first female prime minister Tuesday, a day after her struggling party struck a coalition deal with a new partner expected to pull her governing bloc further to the right.
Takaichi replaces Shigeru Ishiba, ending a three-month political vacuum and wrangling since the Liberal Democratic Party’s disastrous election loss in July.
Ishiba, who lasted only one year as prime minister, resigned with his Cabinet earlier in the day, paving the way for his successor.
The LDP’s off-the-cuff alliance with the Osaka-based rightwing Japan Innovation Party, or Ishin no Kai, ensured her premiership because the opposition is not united. Takaichi’s untested alliance is still short of a majority in both houses of parliament and will need to court other opposition groups to pass any legislation – a risk that could make her government unstable and short-lived.
“Political stability is essential right now,” Takaichi said at Monday’s signing ceremony with the JIP leader and Osaka Gov. Hirofumi Yoshimura. “Without stability, we cannot push measures for a strong economy or diplomacy.”
The two parties signed a coalition agreement on policies underscoring Takaichi’s hawkish and nationalistic views.
Their last-minute deal came after the Liberal Democrats lost its longtime partner, the Buddhist-backed Komeito, which has a more dovish and centrist stance. The breakup threatened a change of power for the LDP, which has governed Japan almost uninterrupted for decades.
Later in the day, Takaichi, 64, will present a Cabinet with a number of allies of LDP’s most powerful kingmaker, Taro Aso, and others who backed her in the party leadership vote.
JIP will not hold ministerial posts in Takaichi’s Cabinet until his party is confident about its partnership with the LDP, Yoshimura said.
Takaichi is running on deadline — a major policy speech later this week, talks with U.S. President Donald Trump and regional summits. She needs to quickly tackle rising prices and compile economy-boosting measures by late December to address public frustration.
While she is the first woman serving as Japan’s prime minister, she is in no rush to promote gender equality or diversity.
Takaichi is among Japanese politicians who have stonewalled measures for women’s advancement. Takaichi supports the imperial family’s male-only succession and opposes same-sex marriage and allowing separate surnames for married couples.
A protege of assassinated former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Takaichi is expected to emulate his policies including stronger military and economy, as well as revising Japan’s pacifist constitution. With a potentially weak grip on power, it’s unknown how much Takaichi would be able to achieve.
When Komeito left the governing coalition, it cited the LDP’s lax response to slush fund scandals that led to their consecutive election defeats.
The centrist party also raised concern about Takaichi’s revisionist view of Japan’s wartime past and her regular prayers at Yasukuni Shrine despite protests from Beijing and Seoul that see the visits as lack of remorse about Japanese aggression, as well as her recent xenophobic remarks.
Takaichi has toned down her hawkish rhetorics. On Friday, she sent a religious ornament instead of going to Yasukuni.
TOKYO (Reuters) -Formed in 2010 to shake up Japan’s political establishment and loosen Tokyo’s administrative stranglehold, the Japan Innovation Party, known as Ishin, is now set to help the ruling Liberal Democratic Party extend seven decades of dominance.
The opposition group from industrial Osaka, Japan’s No. 2 metropolis, said it is ready to ally with the LDP, all but guaranteeing its new hardline conservative leader Sanae Takaichi will become the country’s first female prime minister when parliament picks a new premier on Tuesday.
“Politics should be about taking risks when necessary to open up new paths,” Ishin leader and Osaka Governor Hirofumi Yoshimura said on Monday during a television interview, as his party finalised its partnership deal with Takaichi, albeit without sending any minister to her cabinet.
It was, however, a “very difficult decision” because most parties that entered a coalition with the LDP “disappeared.”
Led by Yoshimura from its western power base and co-leader Fumitake Fujita in parliament, Ishin shares Takaichi’s hardline stance on national security and immigration. In 2023, a then-leader even described the party as being “the second LDP”.
Like Takaichi, Yoshimura and Fujita want to rewrite Japan’s pacifist constitution, expand a defence buildup aimed at deterring neighbouring China and impose stricter immigration controls. They have proposed a cap on foreign resident numbers and restrictions on property purchases by overseas investors.
The more moderate Komeito party quit its 26-year-old coalition with the LDP after Takaichi became leader this month.
The LDP and Ishin also share an electoral problem: each has lost or barely gained seats in lower and upper house elections held in the past year, whereas other conservative parties, including the far-right Sanseito, have surged.
To win voters back to a party rooted in Japan’s rural communities, Takaichi has promised higher spending, which she says will revive the economy and support households squeezed by inflation.
The more market-oriented Ishin differs. Fujita, a former gym instructor turned politician, and Yoshimura, who rose to prominence directing Osaka’s COVID-19 response, are championing lower spending, tax cuts and smaller government.
Ishin on Thursday handed Takaichi a list of 12 policy goals it wants to pursue. They include a one-tenth cut in parliamentary seats, social security reform, free high school education and a two-year pause to the consumption tax on food.
Yoshimura has voiced support for legal changes to let women retain their surnames after marriage, a revision that social conservatives such as Takaichi see as a threat to family unity, although Ishin has conceded to a more stopgap solution.
He also wants to designate his hometown Osaka as a backup capital that could administer Japan if a major disaster crippled Tokyo.
At a press briefing on Thursday, Yoshimura said he would invite Takaichi, who grew up in nearby Nara, to a parade in Osaka next month to celebrate the Hanshin Tigers baseball team’s Central League victory. If she accepts, it will be as prime minister.
Like Takaichi, Yoshimura calls himself a Tigers fan, though he says, “not as fanatical.”
(Reporting by Kantaro Komiya and Tim Kelly; additional reporting by Satoshi Sugiyama)
London hosts major sumo wrestling tournament, second ever outside of Japan – CBS News
Watch CBS News
A major sumo wrestling tournament was held outside of Japan this weekend for only the second time ever. Ramy Inocencio reports from London’s Royal Albert Hall.
TOKYO (Reuters) -Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party and the Japan Innovation Party have broadly agreed to form a coalition government, setting the stage for the country’s first female prime minister, Kyodo news agency reported on Sunday.
Sanae Takaichi, leader of the conservative LDP, and Hirofumi Yoshimura, head of the smaller right-leaning group, known as Ishin, are set to sign an agreement on their alliance on Monday, Kyodo said.
Ishin’s co-head, Fumitake Fujita, raised expectations for a deal on Friday, saying the two parties had made “big progress” in coalition talks.
Ishin lawmakers will vote for Takaichi in an election to choose the prime minister in parliament on Tuesday, but the party does not plan to send ministers to Takaichi’s cabinet initially, the news agency said.
Takaichi’s path to succeed Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba had seemed all but certain after she won her party’s presidency early this month. But then the long-ruling LDP’s junior partner, Komeito, quit their 26-year coalition, setting off a flurry of negotiations with rival parties to select the next premier.
In an effort to get Ishin on board, the LDP offered to keep working towards banning donations from companies and other organisations and exempting food items from Japan’s sales tax, Kyodo said.
Ishin has proposed eliminating the tax on food items for two years.
(Reporting by Kiyoshi Takenaka; Editing by William Mallard)
(Reuters) -Shohei Ohtani’s otherworldly performance that propelled the Los Angeles Dodgers back to the World Series has left the sporting world in awe, with players and legends alike marvelling at what may have been the greatest single-game display in MLB history.
In a Friday night masterpiece, Ohtani flashed his dominance on both sides of the ball, hitting three homers and pitching six scoreless innings while striking out 10 batters to complete a four-game sweep of the Milwaukee Brewers.
“That was probably the greatest postseason performance of all time,” said Dodgers manager Dave Roberts. “There’s been a lot of postseason games. And there’s a reason why he’s the greatest player on the planet.”
Dodgers teammate Mookie Betts perhaps captured it best: “It’s like we’re the Chicago Bulls, and he’s Michael Jordan.”
Ohtani wasted no time making his presence felt in Friday’s game. He walked the first batter he faced but then struck out a trio of Milwaukee batters before leading off the bottom of the first inning with a home run.
His next homer was a majestic jaw-dropping solo blast that he hit completely out of Dodger Stadium in the fourth inning to put the home side ahead 4-0 before adding another in the seventh.
The Japanese two-way sensation achieved numerous firsts on Friday, becoming the first player with three homers and 10 strikeouts as a pitcher in the same game, the first pitcher with multiple home runs in a playoff contest, and first pitcher to hit a leadoff homer in any MLB game.
“Gotta be one of the greatest athletic performances in history. Never seen anything like Shohei,” three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year J.J. Watt wrote on X.
Dodgers part-owner Magic Johnson, who produced his share of standout games during a Hall of Fame NBA career with the Los Angeles Lakers, also chimed in after watching a dominant Ohtani allow just two hits in Friday’s game.
“We’ve seen a baseball player hit three HRs in a Playoff game and we’ve seen a pitcher throw a two hitter and 10 strikeouts in a Playoff game – but we’ve never seen one player do both like Shohei Ohtani did tonight!” wrote Johnson.
American tennis great Billie Jean King, also a part owner of the Dodgers, posted a photo on X of her, partner Ilana Kloss and Ohtani on the field after the game with all three smiling and wearing National League Champions T-shirts.
“We were so fortunate to have witnessed the greatest performance by Shohei Ohtani as both a pitcher and hitter: 10 strikeouts and 3 home runs. And he’s just getting started,” King wrote in the social media post.
After being named NLCS Most Valuable Player, Ohtani remained characteristically humble.
“We won it as a team, and this was really a team effort,” he said through his interpreter. “So I hope everybody in L.A. and Japan and all over the world could enjoy a really good sake.”
The reigning champion Dodgers will face either the Seattle Mariners or Toronto Blue Jays in the World Series. The Mariners lead the Blue Jays 3-2 in the American League Championship Series and can wrap up the series with a win Sunday in Toronto.
(Reporting by Frank Pingue in Toronto, editing by Pritha Sarkar)
TOKYO (Reuters) -Former Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama, who died Friday aged 101, was best known for his landmark apology for Japan’s World War Two aggression 50 years after its surrender, an expression of contrition that became the standard for subsequent leaders.
As head of an unwieldy coalition of the conservative Liberal Democratic Party and his own Socialist Party from 1994 to 1996, the bushy-eyebrowed Murayama oversaw a period of turmoil including a devastating 1995 earthquake in western Japan and a deadly doomsday cult’s sarin gas attack on Tokyo subways.
Murayama, however, will be remembered mainly for the statement he issued on August 15, 1995, using unprecedented language to apologise for his nation’s actions during a conflict that left a lasting legacy of bitterness with Asian neighbours.
OFFERED ‘HEARTFELT APOLOGY’ FOR JAPAN’S WARTIME AGGRESSION
“During a certain period in the not too distant past, Japan, following a mistaken national policy, advanced along the road to war … and, through its colonial rule and aggression, caused tremendous damage and suffering to the people of many countries, particularly to those of Asian nations,” he said at a sombre, nationally televised news conference.
“I regard, in a spirit of humility, these irrefutable facts of history, and express here once again my feelings of deep remorse and state my heartfelt apology.”
The statement was welcomed by the United States and many Asian countries, including South Korea and China, where memories run deep of a conflict during which Japan occupied much of Southeast Asia and China.
Moves by later Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to take a less apologetic tone for Japan’s wartime actions, and his goal of revising the postwar pacifist constitution, drafted by the United States, aggravated relations with Beijing and Seoul.
Murayama expressed concern over Abe’s push about 20 years later to “escape the postwar regime” – a legacy of the U.S. occupation that conservatives argue deprived Japan of national pride and weakened traditional mores.
On August 15, 2020, the 25th anniversary of his statement, he wrote: “It goes without saying that it is extremely important for Japan to maintain and build a long-lasting, friendly relationship of peace and prosperity with China, which suffered great damage in the past war of aggression.”
The tall, thin Murayama – who in his later years was known for his white, bushy eyebrows – was born in the southern prefecture of Oita, one of 11 children of a fisherman. He died of old age in a local hospital, local media reported.
After working his way through a Tokyo commercial high school at night and serving a stint in the military, he graduated from Meiji University in 1946 and became secretary-general of a fisheries cooperative that he helped build into a union.
After serving in a prefectural assembly in Oita, southern Japan, he was elected to parliament’s lower house in 1972.
In 1993, the Socialist Party joined in a pro-reform government after the LDP’s devastating election loss. Murayama was elected party leader later that year and prime minister in 1994.
He was soon criticised for a sluggish response to the 6.9 magnitude earthquake that devastated the city of Kobe and surrounding areas on January 17, 1995, killing more than 6,000 people.
He resigned as prime minister in 1996 and left politics in 2000, living modestly on his pension in southern Japan, where he kept fit by cycling.
(Reporting by Tokyo Newsroom; Editing by Michael Perry and Christopher Cushing)
London — The world of professional sumo wrestling stepped outside of Japan for only the second time in its centuries-long history on Wednesday night, as fighters clashed on a specially constructed ring in the middle of London’s Royal Albert Hall.
The iconic venue in the British capital is hosting the Grand Sumo Tournament —the roughly 1,500-year-old sport’s most important competition — for the second time, drawing more than 44 professional wrestlers, or Rikishi, to compete in 100 bouts over five days. The only other time the tournament was held outside Japan was in 1991, when it also came to the Royal Albert Hall.
There are unique challenges in bringing sumo to London, as the contemporary national sport of Japan is rooted in two millennia of tradition, interwoven with the Shinto religion, and thus treated with the utmost respect and protection to ensure adherence to its rituals and norms.
Sumo wrestlers Kitanowaka Daisuke and Fukutsuumi Akira of Japan pose with a London Black Cab following an event to announce the Grand Sumo Tournament being held at the Royal Albert Hall, in London, England, Dec. 4, 2024.
Ryan Pierse/Getty
“One of the things that we’ve worked really hard at is to make sure that we have a good understanding of the cultural and religious significance that sumo has,” Matthew Todd, the Royal Albert Hall’s programming director, told CBS News.
He said attention to detail was “really critical to the authentic presentation that we’re able to make here.”
That meant shipping 11 tons of clay from Japan to construct the ring, or dohyo, in the center of the concert venue, where the wrestlers compete. Shipping containers were at sea for three months making the voyage. A big team of ring attendants (yobisdashi), also had to make the trip from Japan — alongside 11 interpreters to help them communicate with British workers.
A general view as the ring, or dohyo, is constructed for the Grand Sumo Tournament at Royal Albert Hall, Oct. 13, 2025, in London, England.
Ryan Pierse / Getty Images
The roof for the dohyo, now suspended from the Albert Hall ceiling, was built in Britain, but its design is taken straight from traditional Japanese Shinto shrines, which, according to Todd, “helps to show that this is a sacred area,” in which routines and holy ceremonies are conducted as part of the tournament.
It’s a vital step, he said, to ensure the Shinto gods are paid their due respects before the fights.
Sumo is deeply intertwined with Japanese culture and religion in ways that many Western sports fans may find difficult to comprehend. According to legend, it originated as a ritual to ask the gods for a bountiful harvest, but it transformed over almost 2,000 years into the sport it is today, drawing competitors still primarily from Japan, but also from around the world.
Many of the most recent champions have been from Mongolia, and this year’s tournament features two rishiki from Ukraine. While Americans have competed successfully in past tournaments, there are no U.S. rishiki competing in this year’s event in London.
Spectators look on as the rikishi walk out during the opening ceremony on day one of the Grand Sumo Tournament at the Royal Albert Hall, in London, England, Oct. 15, 2025.
Jordan Pettitt/PA Images/Getty
The nuance of the wrestling competition itself can also be difficult to fully grasp, with 82 winning techniques called kimirate, numerous ranks and divisions and a host of other rules. So to help translate all this for a largely Western audience, in-ear English language commentary is provided at the Royal Albert Hall, alongside video replay screens to describe and explain the bouts, which can sometimes end in just seconds when a competitor is forced out of the ring.
The wrestlers themselves live an incredibly regimented life. They are forbidden from driving cars and, somewhat counterintuitively, eating breakfast, and are normally required to take a long nap after their hefty lunch, to help them pack on the pounds.
The average weight of a rikishi is about 330 pounds, but some tip the scales at 550.
Wakatakakage (right) and Tamawashi compete in the Makuuchi Division bout on day one of the Grand Sumo Tournament at the Royal Albert Hall, London, England, Oct. 15, 2025.
Jordan Pettitt/PA Images/Getty
They have been given some leave during their visit to the British capital to enjoy themselves, however — with organizers likely seeing the value in some degree of publicity.
During the lead-up to the tournament, social media platforms were full of photos and videos of the traditionally kimono-clad wrestlers sightseeing around London.
The Albert Hall will also be graced this week by the presence of two yokozuna, the highest ranking of all sumo wrestlers. The word yokozuna is generally translated as grand champion, but it translates literally to “horizontal rope,” in a reference to the special rope worn around their waists to display their rank.
Fans of sumo wrestling take a selfie with Japanese rikishi Tobizaru Masaya outside the Royal Albert Hall in London, England, Oct. 15, 2025.
Krisztian Elek/SOPA Images/LightRocket/Getty
Once a rishiki is promoted to the rank of yokozuna, they keep it until retirement. In nearly 400 years of professional sumo, only 75 men have attained the vaunted grand champion status. The honor typically requires not only multiple consecutive championship wins, but approval by a dedicated council that judges rishiki on their wrestling skills, but also a range of other personal attributes.
The tournament is due to end on Sunday, when the wrestler with the most victories in the ring will be crowned this year’s champion.
The field is considered wide open this year, but many, especially back at home in Japan, will be hoping for 25-year-old Yokozuna Onasato, the country’s first grand champion in almost a decade, to emerge victorious.
(Reuters) -U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said on Wednesday that he told Japanese Finance Minister Katsunobu Kato that the Trump administration expects Japan to stop importing Russian energy.
“Minister Kato and I also discussed important issues pertaining to the U.S.-Japan economic relationship and the Administration’s expectation that Japan stop importing Russian energy,” Bessent said on X, after the two met on Wednesday.
Bessent and Kato met on the sidelines of the annual International Monetary Fund meeting, and the G7 and G20 finance leaders’ gatherings held this week in Washington.
“Japan will do what it can based on the basic principle of coordinating with G7 countries to achieve peace in Ukraine in a fair manner,” Kato told reporters, when asked whether Japan was urged to stop importing Russian energy from Bessent.
The Group of Seven (G7) nations – the U.S., Japan, Canada, Britain, France, Germany and Italy – agreed earlier this month to coordinate and intensify sanctions against Moscow over its war in Ukraine by targeting countries that buy Russian oil and thereby enable sanctions circumvention.
(Reporting by Ismail Shakil, additional reporting by Leika Kinara in Washington; Editing by Costas Pitas and Sonali Paul)
LONDON (Reuters) -Japan’s elite sumo wrestlers slapped, thrust and flipped their way through the first evening of their five-day exhibition tournament in London’s Royal Albert Hall on Wednesday, to the delight of a full house of spectators.
After a ceremony-heavy start and some lively explanations for first-time watchers from Japanese broadcaster NHK’s veteran English-language announcer Hiro Morita, the audience watched the first few bouts in an atmosphere of near-reverence.
By the time the small-but-powerful young wrestler Asakoryu, who like all “rikishi” goes by a single ring name, charged furiously into Sadanoumi in the fifth bout, the crowd had the gist of things. Fans cheered wildly as the elder man locked his opponent in a belt grip before slowly but surely marching him backwards out of the ring.
The event, the first such sumo match in the UK in 34 years, was aimed at promoting ties between the two countries, according to Hakkaku Nobuyoshi, chairman of the Japan Sumo Association.
Spectators revelled in the sight of Midorifuji, the lightest wrestler in London at a mere 114 kg (251 pounds) going toe-to-toe with towering Kazakh fighter Kinbozan – who is 64 kg heavier – before being lifted in the air and dumped outside the ring.
In the second half, the audience began to let rip.
A shout of “I love you Takayasu!” from high up in the arena may not have been the kind of encouragement the former champion wrestler was expecting. But it did the trick and he duly sent his opponent Abi crashing to the dirt.
The most skilful performance of the evening came from the young Ukrainian wrestler Aonishiki, who flipped his much heavier opponent Atamifuji over with a rarely seen technique, thrusting one of his legs outwards from inside the knee while twisting him downwards by the opposite shoulder.
The two grand champions, Hoshoryu and Onosato, each won their bouts in stately fashion to bring the evening to a close.
One final moment of ritual awaited as a junior wrestler stepped into the ring with a long stringless bow to perform the bow-twirling ceremony – a last chance to cast any evil spirits out of the “dohyo” earth and clay fighting platform before sending the audience out into the night.
“It’s just so different up close, so impressive!”, said Japanese London resident Masami Sato as she waited for a bus home outside.
(Reporting by Hugh Lawson; Editing by Cynthia Osterman)
Japan’s government has asked OpenAI not to infringe on anime and manga content that it called “irreplaceable treasures,” according to a report from ITMedia seen by IGN. The request was made by a key minister in charge of AI and IP in response to numerous videos from OpenAI’s Sora 2 generator that use copyrighted material from Japanese studios.
“We have requested OpenAI not to engage in any actions that could constitute copyright infringement,” said cabinet minister Minoru Kiuchi at a press conference last week. “Anime and manga are irreplaceable treasures that we can be proud of around the world.”
Launched on October 1, OpenAI’s Sora 2 can generate 1080p videos up to 20 seconds long with sound. The company also released the Sora app that uses Sora 2 to generate TikTok-style videos of nearly anything. Anime has been a key theme, with many short videos replicating copyrighted materials from franchises like DragonBall and Pokémon.
Despite the demand, Japan has been one of the more progressive nations when it comes to artificial intelligence. The nation’s AI Promotion Act aims to boost the use of AI as an economic growth driver, while also outlining guidelines around copyright infringement. However, the topic of enforcement is still fuzzy so the government is trying to get a better grip on it. “Japan bears a responsibility to take the lead on making rules [around AI and copyright], precisely because we are a country… [that creates] anime, games, and music,” said parliament member Akihisa Shiozaki on his blog.
Last month, OpenAI said it had contacted studios to give them the option of opting out of Sora 2 training on their materials, Reuters reported. The new process requires movie studios and other content owners to explicitly ask OpenAI to exclude their copyright material from videos generated by Sora. It’s not known which, if any, Japanese studios the company has contacted.
TOKYO (Reuters) -Japanese e-commerce and finance heavyweight Rakuten is weighing an initial public offering in the United States of its credit card business, according to two sources familiar with the matter.
Rakuten began considering a potential U.S. listing of one of Japan’s largest credit card businesses last month, the sources said. The considerations are in the early stages, with other potential options including a stake sale to a strategic buyer, one of the sources said.
One trigger for considering a U.S. IPO of Rakuten Card was rival SoftBank’s plans to list app pay operator PayPay in the U.S., the source said. The sources declined to be named as the information is not public.
The company’s considerations of a U.S. IPO had not been reported previously.
Rakuten did not respond to requests for comment. The company’s shares extended gains after the Reuters report and closed up 4.7%, compared with a 1.6% rise in the Topix index.
Mizuho Financial Group acquired a 15% stake in Rakuten Card for 165 billion yen ($1.1 billion) last year, valuing the business at more than 1 trillion yen, or $7 billion, with the two launching joint credit cards.
For PayPay, institutional investors see a baseline valuation of 2 trillion yen, but expect the valuation could exceed 3 trillion yen in the IPO that could take place as early as December, Reuters reported this week.
CARDS CENTRAL TO RAKUTEN’S BUSINESS
Rakuten, which is led by founder and CEO Hiroshi Mikitani, shook up Japan’s finance sector by simplifying the process for applying for credit cards and making them available to a wider range of consumers.
Credit cards are an important part of a web of Rakuten businesses spanning online shopping, banking, travel and other services, with customers accruing loyalty reward points by making payments.
Rakuten listed Rakuten Bank in Tokyo two years ago as the group reeled from heavy losses due to launching a mobile network.
Rakuten also announced plans to list Rakuten Securities, but Mizuho injected funding by taking stakes in the brokerage and card businesses.
Rakuten Card has issued more than 30 million credit cards in Japan. Non-GAAP operating profit at the business grew 20% to 62 billion yen last year but fell 4.5% in the April-June quarter of this year compared to the same period a year earlier due to higher costs.
Rakuten Card aims to expand profit to 100 billion yen over the medium term and is looking to expand its business with corporate customers, its CEO Koichi Nakamura said in March.
A record number of babies were born to foreign parents in Japan last year, according to new government statistics, amid cautious efforts to fill the gaps left by the country’s rapidly aging population.
Why It Matters
Japan faces an uncertain future as its birthrate, as in many high- and middle-income countries, continues to decline. People over age 65 now make up roughly 30 percent of the population of 125 million, raising fears about the long-term vitality of the world’s fourth-largest economy.
Long known for its strict immigration policies, Japan in recent years has gradually relaxed visa rules to attract workers in industries facing severe labor shortages, like manufacturing and transport, as younger Japanese increasingly shun such jobs.
These measures have met with some success. In 2024, the country recorded its highest-ever number of foreign residents for the third consecutive year, reaching nearly 3.8 million foreign-born nationals with legal residency, according to Japanese data website Nippon.
Newsweek reached out to Japan’s Foreign Ministry via email with a request for comment outside office hours.
What To Know
Last year saw 22,878 births to either married foreign parents or unmarried foreign mothers, Japan’s Nikkei newspaper reported, citing new figures from the Health Ministry—an increase of more than 3,000 compared with 2023.
That represents just over 3 percent of all babies born in Japan that year—also a record.
Chinese mothers accounted for the most births, with 4,237, followed by Brazilian and Filipino mothers, at 1,807 and 1,351 respectively.
The number of foreign-born infants offset more than half the drop in births to Japanese parents, which fell by 41,115 to 686,173—the lowest level since records began, according to the report.
Some analysts have called for stronger government policies to support and integrate foreign children and families into Japanese society, warning that without such measures, divisions could deepen further.
What People Are Saying
Toshihiro Menju, visiting professor at Kansai University of International Studies, told Nikkei: “We need policies to create a society where foreign-national children, when they grow up, speak Japanese, earn as much as Japanese citizens do, and can support their own families. Otherwise, we’re going to have a divided society.”
What’s Next
It remains to be seen how the ascent of conservative Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi will shape Japan’s immigration policy. Takaichi has called for a “crackdown on illegal immigration” and tighter restrictions on foreign land ownership—positions that could slow momentum toward a more open, migrant-friendly Japan.
In the deep sea of a Japan bay, a new species was discovered.
Matt Hardy via Unsplash
In the deep sea, there are places where chemicals and nutrients seep out of the sediment and into the water.
These chemosynthetics-based ecosystems were discovered in 1977, and in the decades since, researchers have been working to understand the strange and unique creatures that are able to call the sites home.
More recently, companies have become interested in mining these deep-sea vents for their “massive sulfide deposits” or “gas hydrates,” putting a clock on ecological research, according to a study published Sept. 24 in the peer-reviewed journal Contributions to Zoology.
Using both manned and unmanned submersible vehicles, researchers off the coast of Japan set out to look at multiple vent fields, according to the study.
They discovered limpets around the seeps, or mollusks with a conical shell and fleshy body underneath.
One of them was unlike anything that had been recorded before — a new species.
The limpet was collected from a hydrocarbon seep about 3,000 feet below the surface, researchers said.
It’s “medium-sized,” with shells about 0.2 inches long, according to the study.
The limpets live on worm tubes or other mollusks. Chong Chen, Miwako Tsuda and Hiromi Kayama Watanabe (2025) Contributions to Zoology
However, the limpets show “highly variable shell morphology ranging from tall shells … (to) flat shells,” according to the study.
When the limpets are attached to worm tubes, they are tall, but while they are attached to the shells of mussels, they are flat, researchers said.
The creatures can therefore “shape-shift” to perfectly fit their environment, according to the study.
The shells are “bluish white” in color and considered “translucent,” researchers said.
The new species was named Pyropelta artemis, or the Artemis limpet.
The bluish, translucent shells can change shape based on where the limpet is attached. Chong Chen, Miwako Tsuda and Hiromi Kayama Watanabe (2025) Contributions to Zoology
Artemis is the “goddess of the Moon and the hunt in Greek mythology,” researchers said, and the changing shell shapes of the new species is likened “to the moon’s waxing and waning.”
The species has only been found in Sagami Bay, Japan, “where it occurs on tubeworms and the surfaces of other molluscs,” according to the study.
Two related species — P. yamato and P. ryukyuensis — have been listed as both critically endangered and endangered because of the threats of mining to the sulfide deposits in the deep sea off Japan, researchers said.
“We must continue to ensure that future conservation measures take these limpets into account and not overlook them because of their apparent rarity or minute size,” according to the study.
Sagami Bay is on the eastern coast of Japan, southwest of Tokyo.
The research team includes Chong Chen, Miwako Tsuda and Hiromi Kayama Watanabe.
Irene Wright is a McClatchy Real-Time reporter. She earned a B.A. in ecology and an M.A. in health and medical journalism from the University of Georgia and is now based in Atlanta. Irene previously worked as a business reporter at The Dallas Morning News.
In the deep sea of a Japan bay, a new species was discovered.
Matt Hardy via Unsplash
In the deep sea, there are places where chemicals and nutrients seep out of the sediment and into the water.
These chemosynthetics-based ecosystems were discovered in 1977, and in the decades since, researchers have been working to understand the strange and unique creatures that are able to call the sites home.
More recently, companies have become interested in mining these deep-sea vents for their “massive sulfide deposits” or “gas hydrates,” putting a clock on ecological research, according to a study published Sept. 24 in the peer-reviewed journal Contributions to Zoology.
Using both manned and unmanned submersible vehicles, researchers off the coast of Japan set out to look at multiple vent fields, according to the study.
They discovered limpets around the seeps, or mollusks with a conical shell and fleshy body underneath.
One of them was unlike anything that had been recorded before — a new species.
The limpet was collected from a hydrocarbon seep about 3,000 feet below the surface, researchers said.
It’s “medium-sized,” with shells about 0.2 inches long, according to the study.
The limpets live on worm tubes or other mollusks. Chong Chen, Miwako Tsuda and Hiromi Kayama Watanabe (2025) Contributions to Zoology
However, the limpets show “highly variable shell morphology ranging from tall shells … (to) flat shells,” according to the study.
When the limpets are attached to worm tubes, they are tall, but while they are attached to the shells of mussels, they are flat, researchers said.
The creatures can therefore “shape-shift” to perfectly fit their environment, according to the study.
The shells are “bluish white” in color and considered “translucent,” researchers said.
The new species was named Pyropelta artemis, or the Artemis limpet.
The bluish, translucent shells can change shape based on where the limpet is attached. Chong Chen, Miwako Tsuda and Hiromi Kayama Watanabe (2025) Contributions to Zoology
Artemis is the “goddess of the Moon and the hunt in Greek mythology,” researchers said, and the changing shell shapes of the new species is likened “to the moon’s waxing and waning.”
The species has only been found in Sagami Bay, Japan, “where it occurs on tubeworms and the surfaces of other molluscs,” according to the study.
Two related species — P. yamato and P. ryukyuensis — have been listed as both critically endangered and endangered because of the threats of mining to the sulfide deposits in the deep sea off Japan, researchers said.
“We must continue to ensure that future conservation measures take these limpets into account and not overlook them because of their apparent rarity or minute size,” according to the study.
Sagami Bay is on the eastern coast of Japan, southwest of Tokyo.
The research team includes Chong Chen, Miwako Tsuda and Hiromi Kayama Watanabe.
Irene Wright is a McClatchy Real-Time reporter. She earned a B.A. in ecology and an M.A. in health and medical journalism from the University of Georgia and is now based in Atlanta. Irene previously worked as a business reporter at The Dallas Morning News.
TOKYO—When Moeko Nishimura was preparing for the birth of her second child last year, she dreaded a rerun of the intense pain and slow recovery she experienced when her first child, a girl, was born in 2019.
So when the time came, she opted for an epidural. Though common in the U.S. and many parts of Europe, the pain-relief procedure is much rarer in Japan, where some believe that women who endure childbirth without pain-relief enjoy closer bonds with their children.
(Reuters) -An earthquake of magnitude 5.8 struck near the east coast of the Kamchatka region in Russia’s far east on Saturday, the German Research Center for Geosciences (GFZ) said.
The quake was 10 km (6.2 miles) deep, GFZ said.
(Reporting by Ananya Palyekar in Bengaluru; Editing by William Mallard)
Many travelers dream about exploring Asia but often feel discouraged by the paperwork and costs tied to visa applications. Fortunately, several destinations across the continent allow visitors to enter visa-free, making the journey smoother and far more spontaneous. This convenience not only saves time and money but also encourages travelers to take advantage of last-minute deals.
Whether your interests lie in beaches, temples, shopping, or food, these destinations deliver unforgettable experiences without bureaucracy standing in your way. Right now, with travel interest booming and borders open, it’s the perfect moment to pack your bags and see what Asia has to offer. These countries welcome you with open arms, and the best part is, your entry is as simple as showing up.
Below are nine countries in Asia where you can step off the plane, walk through immigration, and immediately start your adventure. Each destination has its own personality and reasons why now is the right time to go. From bustling megacities to pristine tropical islands, you’ll discover that visa-free travel opens up opportunities you might have been postponing.
With fewer hurdles, planning a trip becomes an exciting, liberating process. These places remind you that sometimes the best travel experiences happen when things are kept simple. Let’s dive into the list of countries waiting to be explored.
Japan
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Japan recently expanded its visa-free policy to more countries, making it easier for global travelers to experience its unique mix of tradition and innovation. From ancient temples in Kyoto to futuristic neighborhoods in Tokyo, every corner of Japan offers something unforgettable. Visa-free access means you can enjoy spontaneous trips to see cherry blossoms or seasonal festivals without months of planning.
With efficient trains, safety, and cleanliness, it’s a dream destination for families, solo travelers, and couples alike. The culinary scene is another reason to go now, from Michelin-starred sushi bars to humble ramen shops that warm your soul. Experiencing Japan’s contrasts becomes smoother when paperwork doesn’t hold you back.
Right now, flight prices to Japan are competitive, and hotels are offering deals to attract post-pandemic tourists. Visiting now means fewer crowds than expected and more opportunities to explore peacefully. The yen’s favorable exchange rate makes everything from shopping to dining more affordable.
Local tourism boards are heavily promoting rural regions, so you’ll get to enjoy off-the-beaten-path adventures. This balance of affordability, accessibility, and cultural richness makes Japan a must-see now. The country feels more open than ever, and visa-free entry seals the deal.
South Korea
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
South Korea has become a pop culture powerhouse thanks to K-pop, K-dramas, and innovative fashion, and it’s never been easier to experience it firsthand. Visa-free travel allows you to walk the buzzing streets of Seoul, climb the fortress walls of Suwon, or relax on Jeju Island without bureaucratic delays. Travelers enjoy the mix of cutting-edge technology and deep history, all accessible within a few hours’ travel.
Affordable street food like tteokbokki and hotteok makes every walk a foodie adventure. Families, young backpackers, and even retirees find the country welcoming and efficient to navigate. This is a nation that perfectly balances excitement and comfort.
Now is the right time to go because South Korea is investing in tourism infrastructure more than ever. International visitors benefit from discounts on transportation passes and free cultural events. The Korean Wave continues to grow, and being in the heart of it adds thrill to your trip.
The cost of accommodations remains lower than in many Western countries, making long stays affordable. Seasonal festivals, from cherry blossoms in spring to lantern celebrations in autumn, create unforgettable moments. With no visa barriers, your Korean adventure can begin as soon as you book your flight.
Thailand
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Thailand has long been a favorite among international travelers, and visa-free entry makes it even more appealing. Stunning beaches, lively street markets, and ornate temples combine to create a destination with endless variety. Families enjoy the calm of Phuket, backpackers thrive in Chiang Mai, and couples seek romance in Koh Samui. Street food like pad thai or mango sticky rice can be enjoyed for just a few dollars, keeping budgets in check.
Thailand’s warm hospitality ensures visitors feel comfortable from the moment they arrive. Visa-free access makes all these experiences easier to reach.
The timing couldn’t be better, as Thailand is focusing on sustainable tourism that benefits both travelers and locals. Airfare deals are frequent, making it more affordable than ever to fly into Bangkok or Phuket. Affordable hotels and guesthouses line every city and beach, giving you options at all price points.
Seasonal weather patterns mean there’s always a part of Thailand in peak condition for visitors. Right now, smaller islands are promoting eco-friendly stays, offering unique escapes for adventurous travelers. With so much on offer at such little hassle, Thailand is truly a destination you shouldn’t postpone.
Indonesia
Image Credit:Shutterstock.
Indonesia is a treasure chest of experiences, from the rice terraces of Bali to the volcanic landscapes of Java. Visa-free entry means you can dive straight into cultural ceremonies, surf world-class waves, or hike through tropical jungles. The country offers both vibrant cities and quiet villages, giving travelers the chance to balance adventure with relaxation. Affordability is another major draw, as food, accommodation, and transport remain budget-friendly.
Families love the welcoming atmosphere, while solo travelers find it easy to connect with locals. Every visit feels like a deep dive into Asia’s cultural and natural wonders.
Now is a particularly good time because Indonesia is promoting lesser-known destinations beyond Bali, encouraging exploration of hidden gems. Flights into Jakarta and Bali are often discounted, making entry convenient. Resorts are offering packages aimed at international visitors, many under $50 a night.
Ecotourism is thriving, providing travelers with sustainable ways to enjoy nature. The weaker currency currently makes the country even more affordable for foreigners. These combined factors make Indonesia’s visa-free policy a perfect invitation to explore now.
Malaysia
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Malaysia combines cultural diversity, modern infrastructure, and natural beauty, all with the ease of visa-free travel. Kuala Lumpur dazzles with its skyscrapers, while Penang is famous for its heritage streets and food culture. Travelers can relax on beaches in Langkawi or trek through the rainforests of Borneo. The affordability of transportation and accommodation makes it easy for families to enjoy extended stays.
Street food like satay, nasi lemak, and laksa reflects the blend of cultures that makes Malaysia unique. Visa-free entry ensures you get to dive into this rich world without extra costs.
At the moment, Malaysia is investing heavily in eco-tourism and family-friendly travel options. Airlines often run promotions, so flying to Kuala Lumpur is cheaper than ever. Hotels and homestays offer seasonal discounts, particularly for international guests.
Festivals and cultural celebrations take place year-round, adding color and excitement to your stay. The mix of affordability and cultural richness makes this the ideal time to go. With visa-free travel, Malaysia has removed all excuses not to visit.
Singapore
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
Singapore, while small in size, offers big experiences and visa-free entry makes it one of the most accessible destinations in Asia. Known for its futuristic skyline, spotless streets, and efficient transport system, it appeals to travelers of all ages. Families enjoy attractions like the Singapore Zoo, while food lovers rave about hawker centers serving Michelin-starred street dishes.
The city is safe, easy to navigate, and English-friendly, which reduces stress for visitors. Despite its reputation for being expensive, affordable options exist at every turn. Visa-free access makes visiting this modern wonderland seamless.
Right now, Singapore is offering promotional passes for attractions that make visiting more budget-friendly. Regional airlines also provide discounted flights, connecting Singapore with other nearby Asian hubs. The city-state is preparing for international events, ensuring plenty of exciting things to do for tourists.
Gardens by the Bay and Sentosa Island continue to draw crowds but remain accessible without advance planning. Visitors also benefit from a strong emphasis on safety and cleanliness, which adds peace of mind. Singapore’s balance of innovation and tradition makes now the perfect time to explore.
Philippines
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
The Philippines is an archipelago of over 7,000 islands, and visa-free entry makes hopping between them a breeze. Known for white sand beaches, crystal-clear waters, and friendly locals, it’s a dream destination for nature lovers. Families enjoy the calm beaches of Palawan, while adventurers head to Cebu for diving or Bohol for its unique landscapes.
The cost of living is low, which stretches your budget and allows for longer stays. Food is hearty and affordable, from fresh seafood to comforting adobo. Visa-free entry allows travelers to enjoy these islands without complicated paperwork.
The Philippines is also becoming more connected, with improved airports and inter-island flights. Tourism initiatives are supporting eco-friendly accommodations, making it easier to travel responsibly. Seasonal festivals offer lively introductions to local traditions. Hotels and resorts frequently run promotions aimed at international guests, making now a cost-effective time to go. Because the country is still under-visited compared to its neighbors, travelers enjoy authentic experiences with fewer crowds. All these factors make visiting the Philippines now especially rewarding.
Maldives
Image Credit: Shutterstock.
The Maldives is often seen as a luxury destination, but visa-free entry makes it more accessible than most imagine. Beyond the glamorous resorts, budget-friendly guesthouses on local islands provide authentic experiences at a fraction of the cost.
White sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs set the stage for unforgettable days. Families can enjoy snorkeling while couples find romance in sunset cruises. The beauty of the Maldives is that it feels like paradise no matter where you stay. With visa-free access, planning this dream trip has never been easier.
Now is a good time because many airlines are expanding routes into Malé, making flights more affordable. Guesthouses and eco-resorts are also competing for international visitors with great deals. The country’s focus on sustainable tourism allows visitors to enjoy natural beauty without guilt.
Divers will find that reefs are thriving, offering some of the world’s best underwater experiences. Travelers no longer need to view the Maldives as out of reach thanks to changing perceptions. Visa-free travel ensures your path to paradise is open right now.
Nepal
Image Credit:Motion Loop / Shutterstock.
Nepal is the gateway to the Himalayas, and visa-free entry allows adventurers to dive into trekking, culture, and spirituality with ease. From the bustling streets of Kathmandu to the serenity of mountain monasteries, it’s a destination of contrasts. Trekkers flock to the Annapurna and Everest regions, while others seek peace in yoga retreats and meditation centers.
The cost of living is incredibly low, making extended stays affordable for families and solo travelers. Local food is hearty and cheap, from momos to dal bhat. Visa-free entry simplifies what might otherwise be a complicated journey.
Now is a fantastic time to go because Nepal is actively promoting cultural tourism alongside trekking. Airlines offer competitive fares to Kathmandu, making it more reachable. Guesthouses and lodges provide excellent value even in remote mountain areas. The country’s recovery from recent challenges means fewer crowds and more personalized experiences. Visitors also benefit from local initiatives aimed at preserving culture and heritage. With visa-free access, Nepal becomes not just an adventure but also a cultural immersion.
