China’s outbound travel market is set to surge in 2026, with up to 175 million trips expected. Visa-free policies, a stronger Yuan, and new international flights are driving the boom. But not all destinations are benefiting. Tourism to Japan could drop nearly 50 percent amid political tensions. Take a look.


Chinese Tourism to Japan Set to Drop Nearly 50% in 2026

Japan has launched a deep-sea mining mission as it steps up efforts to reduce dependence on China for rare earth minerals. A government-backed research vessel has departed for Minamitori Island, about 1,900 kilometres southeast of Tokyo. This comes as finance ministers from G7 meet on Monday to discuss critical minerals reliance amid China curbs. 


Japan tests world’s first deep-sea rare earth extraction

China’s outbound travel market is set to grow sharply in 2026, with up to 175 million overseas trips expected as visa free policies expand and the yuan strengthens. But Chinese tourism to Japan could drop by nearly half amid rising political tensions between Beijing and Tokyo. Analysts say South Korea, Vietnam and Thailand will be the top destinations, while new visa free routes boost travel to Europe, Africa and beyond.


China’s Overseas Travel Set to Surge in 2026 but Japan Trips Could Halve | WION 

Japan launches the world's first deep-sea rare-earth extraction trial from mud near Minamitorishima Island, targeting independence from China's supply dominance.


Japan Pioneers Deep-Sea Rare Earth Mining Test

Japan has sent its drilling-equipped research vessel Chikyu from Shimizu port to conduct a month-long mission to probe rare-earth-rich seabed mud near Minamitori Island, a remote coral atoll about 1,900 km southeast of Tokyo, marking the world’s first continuous attempt to lift rare earth sludge from around 6 km deep onto a ship as Tokyo moves to reduce reliance on China for critical minerals amid tightening exports.

Japan $250 Million Seabed Project To Break China's Rare Earth Grip

Japan has sent its drilling-equipped research vessel Chikyu from Shimizu port to conduct a month-long mission to probe rare-earth-rich seabed mud near Minamitori Island, a remote coral atoll about 1,900 km southeast of Tokyo, marking the world’s first continuous attempt to lift rare earth sludge from around 6 km deep onto a ship as Tokyo moves to reduce reliance on China for critical minerals amid tightening exports

Japan Sends Mining Ship To Probe Rare Earths As It Seeks To Cut Reliance On China

Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is considering calling a general election in the coming weeks to capitalise on strong public support for her government, media reports said on Saturday (January 10, 2026).

Japan’s PM Sanae Takaichi Hints at Calling Snap Elections

Chinese warships have been spotted near a future Japan-US military base, raising tensions in the region. Japan and the United States are closely monitoring the movements amid growing concerns over security and regional stability.

Chinese Warships Near Future Japan-US Base; Japan & US Monitor Closely

China's Ministry of Commerce announced on January 6, 2026, an immediate ban on exporting all dual-use items-goods with civilian and military applications- to Japanese military end-users or any purposes enhancing Japan's capabilities, prompted by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks hinting at Taiwan intervention, which Beijing deems a violation of the one-China principle.

Japan–China Tensions Rise as Beijing Restricts Dual-Use Goods

China's Ministry of Commerce announced on January 6, 2026, an immediate ban on exporting all dual-use items-goods with civilian and military applications- to Japanese military end-users or any purposes enhancing Japan's capabilities, prompted by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks hinting at Taiwan intervention, which Beijing deems a violation of the one-China principle.


Japan-China tensions: Tokyo calls ban unacceptable & demands immediate withdrawal

Japan-China Tensions: China Bans Dual-Use Exports to Japan Military

Nearly 60 female lawmakers in Japan, including the prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, have submitted a petition calling for more toilets in the parliament building for women to match their improved representation.


Japan: Over 60 women lawmakers submit restroom petition

Japan ranked 118th out of 148 countries in the World Economic Forum's (WEF) 2025 Global Gender Gap Report, maintaining the same position as last year.


Japan's women lawmakers, including PM Takaichi call for more restrooms in parliament

Quad partners held a rare meeting in Beijing, showcasing unity amid ongoing Chinese military drills. The development underscores shifting diplomatic dynamics and rising security concerns in the Indo-Pacific region.


Quad unity on display amid Taiwan tensions 

India has officially become the world’s fourth largest economy, surpassing Japan with a GDP valued at $4.18 trillion, according to a government statement. The country is now poised to overtake Germany to claim the third position within the next 2–3 years, driven by strong domestic demand and sustained economic reforms.
India’s real GDP grew 8.2% in the second quarter of FY 2025–26, marking a six-quarter high and reinforcing its status as the world’s fastest-growing major economy. Global institutions including the IMF, World Bank, Moody’s, and OECD have echoed optimism about India’s growth trajectory through the rest of the decade.
As global trade uncertainties persist, India’s economic resilience and consumption-led growth signal a major shift in the global economic order.

India Becomes World’s 4th Largest Economy, Overtakes Japan | Govt Says Germany Next

China has launched large-scale military exercises around Taiwan, signaling heightened tensions in the region. Beijing has announced major war games, showcasing its military capabilities and readiness. Stay updated on the latest developments in Asia-Pacific security and geopolitical dynamics.

China Launches Largest War Games Around Taiwan: Drills That Feel Too Real

Leaders of the Quad nations held a rare meeting in Beijing, as Japan cautions that recent Chinese military drills are escalating tensions in the Taiwan Strait. This high-level discussion highlights regional security concerns and diplomatic challenges.

Quad Partners Meet in Beijing: Japan Warns China Drills Raise Taiwan Strait Tensions

Japan's tourism industry is facing a major hit due to rising tensions with China. Following controversial remarks by Japan's Prime Minister, China has imposed restrictions on tourism, drastically cutting Chinese group tours to Japan. 


Chinese group tours to Japan cut after PM comments

A massive crash in snowy weather killed one person and injured 26 on an expressway in Japan late on Friday as the country kicked off its end-of-the-year holiday season.

Japan: Massive Pile-Up of 50 Vehicles Kills One on Japan's Kanetsu Expressway

Japan has approved a record budget for the fiscal year 2026. Prime minister sanae takaichi says the plan will deliver a primary balance surplus for the first time in 28 years. The surplus, which excludes debt-servicing costs, is a long-standing fiscal goal and is being used by the government to reassure markets that higher spending can still be responsible.

Japan: PM Takaichi Sees Budget Surplus Despite Record Budget

At least 15 people have been injured in a mass stabbing attack at a rubber factory in Japan, triggering a major emergency response. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident as questions are raised about workplace safety and violent crime in a country known for its low crime rates. Officials say the situation is under control.


Japan: 15 Injured In Mass Stabbing Attack At Rubber Factory

Japan has passed a record national budget as the coalition government ramps up defence spending for 2026, reflecting growing security concerns in the Indo-Pacific. The move has sparked protests across the country, with demonstrators urging the government to ban arms exports and warning against militarisation. The budget highlights Japan’s shifting defence posture amid regional tensions.

Japan's Coalition Govt Boosts Defence Spending For 2026

Japan is witnessing the rise of new anonymous gangs like Tokuryu, challenging the traditional Yakuza. Experts say these groups operate in secrecy, using modern networks and tactics, reshaping organized crime in Japan. The growing influence of these gangs has raised concerns among authorities and communities.

Yakuza vs Tokuryu: Japan's New Anonymous Gangs Are Gaining Popularity

Japan's Bear Crisis: Japan is facing a record number of deadly bear attacks, prompting authorities to ramp up culling operations to protect people. As a result, restaurants across the country are reporting a sharp increase in demand for bear meat, a traditional but rare dish, which is now seen as both a safety solution and an economic opportunity for rural regions. 

Japan's Bear Crisis: Deadly Bear Attacks Fuel Demand for Bear Meat in Japan 

Japan is facing a record number of deadly bear attacks, forcing authorities to ramp up wildlife control measures across the country. As bears are culled to protect communities, restaurants are reporting a sharp increase in demand for bear meat — a traditional but rare dish. Officials now see the meat as both a safety solution and an economic opportunity for rural regions, even as concerns remain over sustainability, processing shortages, and the growing human-wildlife conflict.


Bear attacks drive boom in Bear meat demand in Japan

Japan is making a major pivot back to nuclear energy by planning to restart the world’s largest nuclear power plant. The move reflects the country’s efforts to secure energy independence, reduce fossil fuel reliance, and meet climate goals amid rising global energy demand.

Japan's Pivot Back to Nuclear Energy, to Restart the World's Biggest Nuclear Power Plant

Japan took the final step to allow the world's largest nuclear power plant to resume operations with a regional vote on Monday, a watershed moment in the country's return to nuclear energy nearly 15 years after the Fukushima disaster.


Japan to restart Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuke plant 15 years after Fukushima

Japan is considering restarting the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant in Niigata, the world’s largest nuclear facility. The plan comes amid growing energy demands and efforts to stabilize electricity supply. Stay updated on Japan’s nuclear energy policies, global energy news, and developments in clean power initiatives. 

Japan Considers Restarting World’s Largest Nuclear Plant in Niigata

The US State Department has approved a possible sale of Aegis Class Destroyer Support and related equipment to Japan, the Pentagon said Tuesday.


China-Japan tensions: US State Dept approves $100 million military sale to Japan

US State Department Approves $100 Million Military Sale to Japan 

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