Japan
Where startups are born, global firms grow and capital flows - Asia in 2025
From 2017 to 2023, private equity and venture capital assets under management in Asia surged by an astonishing 130%, significantly outpacing growth in Western markets.
Matcha shortage in Japan: tradition under strain as global demand soars
The issue is not simply one of popularity. Matcha production is a highly specialised and seasonal process. It begins with shade-grown tencha leaves, which are harvested only once a year in spring.
Global banking’s new powerhouse: Asia
Asia's level of digital banking infrastructure has enabled it to challenge and even surpass traditional Western players such as Citi and HSBC in key regional markets.
ASIA BLOG: Southeast Asia should pivot away from Trump’s America and steer in the direction of Europe
Trump's confrontational approach to China, while superficially aligned with concerns within ASEAN, is neither strategic nor consultative. It is built more on spectacle than substance, more on division than dialogue.
ETF investment trends in Asia in 2025
While ETF markets in Asia have historically lagged behind those in North America and Europe in terms of depth and diversity, 2025 is witnessing a decisive maturing of the regional ETF ecosystem.
Tosyali dethrones Eregli to become largest Turkish steelmaker
Company owner Fuat Tosyali became a favourite businessman of president Erdogan. Projects he’s involved in include making Turkey’s “native and national” Altay battle tank.
East Asia’s regional embrace of nuclear power sees Taiwan sitting alone in the corner
In a baffling turn, Taiwan, long a technological and economic powerhouse, has allowed populist politics to sideline science and logic.
East Asia’s petrochemical industry: stuck between tradition and transition
As the global economy begins its gradual but determined pivot towards decarbonisation and renewable energy, East Asia's petrochemical giants now find themselves straddling two competing imperatives – legacy industries and a low-carbon future.
Asia’s fruit boom: how the continent is feeding the world’s sweet tooth
Asian growers are now tapping into global markets more aggressively than ever before.
A Chinese invasion of Taiwan would cripple the global semiconductor supply chain - and the planet
Diplomacy, deterrence, and international cooperation are the only viable path forward. The alternative is not just a local war - it is a global tech blackout.
China’s curb on rare earth magnet exports could significantly impact Indian EV manufacturing
India’s automotive sector is navigating an emerging supply-side challenge as China’s recent export controls on rare earth elements and magnets begin to disrupt shipments and strain global supply networks.
Asia's role as a global data centre hub is driving economic growth across the region
Microsoft and Google recently announced multi-billion dollar investments to expand their existing facilities in Singapore, incorporating AI-ready infrastructure and renewable energy commitments.
ASIA BLOG: Which side leading Asian nations would back if Iran VS Israel escalates
In the event of an escalation, Beijing would likely call for restraint and push for a negotiated settlement. It may be doing so already behind the scenes. However, its silence or perceived tilt towards Tehran could provoke criticism from the West.
What the Iran-Israel war could mean for much of Asia
From energy security and trade disruptions to political polarisation and rising tensions among Muslim-majority nations such as Indonesia, Malaysia and nuclear armed Pakistan, the consequences for Asia could reshape regional dynamics.
Suzuki holds firm in Hungary despite revenue drop, remains market leader
Net sales revenue of the local unit of Japanese carmaker Suzuki fell 21% to €2.25bn in 2024, with domestic revenue reaching €0.3bn, the company announced on June 12.
Why South Korea must prioritise bilateral nuclear research over fragmented one-off projects
Should South Korea continue spreading its efforts across short-term, individual projects – often tied to specific, time-consuming contracts – or should it double down on long-term, bilateral nuclear research partnerships?
Asia surges ahead in global EV race as the West struggles to keep pace
Asia has firmly established itself as the epicentre of the global electric vehicle revolution, driven by a powerful combination of vast consumer markets, robust infrastructure and unparalleled control over essential raw materials.
COMMENT: What Japan, Southeast Asia and the US can expect from South Korea’s new president
While he has not shied away from criticising Tokyo, Lee has sensibly signalled a willingness to compartmentalise some issues in order to foster cooperation on trade, technology and regional security.
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ASIA BLOG: How US tariffs are driving Asia closer to itself – and China
What’s striking right now is how ASEAN is operating on two levels. Publicly, it champions inclusivity and dialogue. Privately, it’s hedging harder than ever.
CITIES IN PERIL: Two decades of change are testing Tokyo’s resilience
A global megacity grapples with the overlapping stresses of urbanisation, ageing demographics and climate risk.