Japan
In Japan, online insults punishable by up to a year in prison
Japan has seen a sharp increase in incidents of online abuse and cyberbullying, with experts suggesting that people find it easier to criticise and insult behind the anonymity of social media posts.
- by Julian Ryall
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Exclusive
China relations
Marles vows to continue flying over Paracels, increase military exercises with Japan
Declaring Australia would not be deterred by China’s threats, the deputy prime minister headed to Tokyo pledging to conduct more operations with Japan.
- by Eryk Bagshaw and Katina Curtis
Death of Netflix reality show participant inspires Japanese laws to jail online bullies
Japan’s parliament approved tougher penalties for criminal defamation in a move prompted by a bullied wrestler’s suicide that is raising free speech concerns.
- by Mari Yamaguchi
When travelling to Japan these days it helps to be Tom Cruise
High-profile appearances in Tokyo have brought into sharp focus the discrepancies in Japan’s slow reopening from COVID. Group tours are resuming but not individual tourism.
- by Michelle Ye Hee Lee and Julia Mio Inuma
Exclusive
World War II
Schoolgirl accidentally met Japanese pilot who took part in Sydney attack
Marie Dyer lived in Bondi when the Japanese launched an aerial attack on Sydney’s eastern suburbs. After the war she visited Japan and bumped into the pilot who flew reconnaissance missions over the city.
- by Tim Barlass
One man received Japanese town’s COVID stimulus by mistake - then he gambled it away
The man gambled it away after promising to return the accidental payment, police said.
- by Hisako Ueno and Mike Ives
Updated
Russia-Ukraine war
Biden’s Asia trip to show ‘in living colour’ that US can take on China and Russia
The trip will underscore that Russia’s faltering invasion of Ukraine should give Beijing pause about its own saber-rattling in the Pacific.
- by Aamer Madhani and Josh Boak
Opinion
Russia-Ukraine war
World War III is far more likely than anyone is prepared to admit
We are playing with genetic engineering, space travel and even enhancing the virulence of some pathogens, but have yet to deliberately use any of these technologies for mass warfare.
- by Allister Heath
New Zealand deal puts Japan closer to ‘Five Eyes’
In recent years, NZ has faced questions about its reliability as an intelligence partner because of China’s trade power. That’s changing.
- by Pete McKenzie
Electric chopsticks trick your tongue into tasting salt that’s not there
Scientists at Meiji University have teamed up with Kirin Holdings Company to transform traditional chopsticks into a solution to high blood pressure, strokes and other illnesses.
- by Julian Ryall
Opinion
Foreign relations
Indonesians may be wary of Australia but they trust China even less - and we should embrace their independent spirit
Rather than lean on Jakarta to fall into line with the West’s strategic objectives, a non-aligned, prosperous Indonesia can help ensure a more balanced Asia where it is harder for any one power to dominate.
- by Ben Bland and Natasha Kassam