1+ hour ago (158+ words) TOKYO -- The approval rating of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's government essentially held steady in the latest Nikkei/TV Tokyo survey, risi Japan PM Takaichi's approval rating stays roughly flat at 75% Support for ruling LDP climbs to 41% in latest Nikkei poll TOKYO -- The approval rating of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's government essentially held steady in the latest Nikkei/TV Tokyo survey, rising 1 percentage point on the month to 75% and remaining in the 70s for the second straight month since Takaichi took office in October. Japan cabinet proposes $117bn extra budget, clouding outlook for surplus Japan says it will reach 2% defense spending early -- but there's a catch Northern Japan reactor set to restart as governor signals approval Japanese regional airports, Chinese airlines face Taiwan feud fallout Japan PM set to gain firmer footing with renewed lower house majority Latest on Japan's new…...

7+ hour, 56+ min ago (153+ words) MANILA -- Angry Filipinos demonstrated in Metro Manila on Sunday to demand greater accountability for the theft of billions of dollars earmarked for f Thousands of Filipinos protest over flood corruption scandal Demonstrators demand authorities move more decisively against those who allegedly stole billions of dollars MANILA -- Angry Filipinos demonstrated in Metro Manila on Sunday to demand greater accountability for the theft of billions of dollars earmarked for flood prevention infrastructure but in much smaller numbers than at previous similar protests. Philippine ombudsman files first flood control graft scandal case Philippine conglomerates cash in on huge gaps in public health care Over 300,000 protest in Philippines: 'We hope Marcos listens to our anger' Philippines evacuates 100,000 people as Fung-wong turns into super typhoon Philippines' corruption crisis sends peso to all-time low Malaysia's Sabah vote highlights major political realignment, analysts say Japan cabinet proposes…...

10+ hour, 30+ min ago (154+ words) KUALA LUMPUR -- The dominance of local parties in Sabah's legislative elections on Saturday signalled that Malaysian politics is realigning toward sta Malaysia's Sabah vote highlights major political realignment, analysts say Dominance of local parties in legislative election shows growth of groups championing decentralized power KUALA LUMPUR -- The dominance of local parties in Sabah's legislative elections on Saturday signalled that Malaysian politics is realigning toward state-based groups and decentralized power while leaving a mixed picture for Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, analysts said. Southeast Asia flooding death toll rises to almost 600 Malaysian PM Anwar faces critical test in Sabah state election Malaysia anti-graft agency to probe allegations against PM's ex-aide Malaysia, Myanmar hit by fraud spike as AI-driven incidents rise Malaysia's planned U-16 social media ban draws surveillance concerns Malaysia auto sales lead in Southeast Asia for second consecutive quarter Japan cabinet proposes…...

11+ hour, 6+ min ago (373+ words) Your weekly lineup of Asia's biggest business and political events Welcome to Your Week in Asia. This week, two influential world leaders are set to visit Asian countries. French President Emmanuel Macron is making a state visit to China from Wednesday, while Russian President Vladimir Putin will arrive in India on Thursday. Although the specifics of their potential bilateral agreements are not yet known, some of the outcomes could set the tone for global politics in 2026. And people in South Korea may feel that time flies as this Wednesday marks exactly one year since former President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law, which plunged the country -- as well as businesspersons and diplomats in the region -- into chaos. Get the best of our coverage of Asia and much more by following us on X, where our handle is @NikkeiAsia. We are…...

1+ day, 2+ hour ago (137+ words) SHANGHAI -- Japanese anime singer Maki Otsuki's concert in Shanghai was halted mid-performance in what appears to be the latest fallout from diplomati Japanese anime singer forced off stage in Shanghai amid Taiwan tensions Bandai event featuring Maki Otsuki abruptly interrupted mid-performance SHANGHAI -- Japanese anime singer Maki Otsuki's concert in Shanghai was halted mid-performance in what appears to be the latest fallout from diplomatic tensions between Tokyo and Beijing. Chinese airlines slash over 900 Japan-bound flights amid Taiwan tensions Trump and Takaichi discussed Taiwan remarks, how to calm China: sources 'One Piece' flagship Tokyo store rides wave of fan enthusiasm Analysis: How Sanae Takaichi can thaw Japan's relations with China Indian woman's detention at China airport sparks Delhi-Beijing row Latest on Media & Entertainment Japanese publisher searches for new manga talent in Zimbabwe...

1+ day, 22+ hour ago (150+ words) TOKYO -- Japan's cabinet on Friday approved a draft supplementary budget of 18.3 trillion yen ($117 billion) -- the largest since the COVID-19 pandemi Japan cabinet proposes $117bn extra budget, clouding outlook for surplus 60% of Takaichi's spending plan to be covered by new borrowing TOKYO -- Japan's cabinet on Friday approved a draft supplementary budget of 18.3 trillion yen ($117 billion) -- the largest since the COVID-19 pandemic -- to fund stimulus and inflation measures that will require more government borrowing as a fiscal health checkpoint approaches. Japan to fund supplementary budget with $74bn in new debt Japan PM set to gain firmer footing with renewed lower house majority Trump and Takaichi discussed Taiwan remarks, how to calm China: sources Japan set to name AI, nuclear fusion among 6 strategic technology fields Japan's version of DOGE to spearhead review of subsidies, funds Malaysian PM Anwar faces critical test in Sabah state election...

2+ day, 6+ hour ago (135+ words) TOKYO/HONG KONG -- Hong Kong's deadliest fire in decades has put city authorities and the central Chinese government under unusually intense scrutiny. Hong Kong apartment fire: Why it spread and how it affects politics Debate rages over materials while government scrambles to act quickly and visibly TOKYO/HONG KONG -- Hong Kong's deadliest fire in decades has put city authorities and the central Chinese government under unusually intense scrutiny. Hong Kong apartment fire death toll hits 128 as city rushes to quell anger Hong Kong apartment fire death toll rises to 83, police allege negligence Hong Kong follows Beijing's lead in Japan feud, halts exchange programs China pursues Hong Kong activists abroad: 'My life has changed totally' Hong Kong opens legislature race as veteran lawmakers bow out Mainland influx, university reforms fuel Hong Kong admission crunch...

2+ day, 8+ hour ago (183+ words) NEW DELHI -- With the U.N. Security Council endorsing U.S. President Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan, Palestinian officials are pushing their diplomati India in talks on Gaza reconstruction, Palestinian ambassador says Shawesh sees New Delhi making 'positive moves' after 'deep discussions' on direct role NEW DELHI -- With the U.N. Security Council endorsing U.S. President Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan, Palestinian officials are pushing their diplomatic drive to draw global support for their territory's reconstruction, with the Palestinian ambassador to India noting that "positive moves" will come soon. Indian woman's detention at China airport sparks Delhi-Beijing row Iranians pray for rain as households struggle with water shortage Bangladesh, Nepal seek climate finance less prone to debt spirals India's eternal obsession with gold lifts imports 200% in October Europe's 'Golden Visa' landscape shrinks but Asian demand stays high Indian cars make inroads into Europe as firms seek China…...

2+ day, 8+ hour ago (155+ words) In the latest episode of Nikkei Asia News Roundup, host Brian Chapman with guest host Lisa Kim discuss the simmering spat between China and Japan, Pak China-Japan tensions, South Korea's instant noodle boom Tune in to Nikkei Asia's podcast, bringing the region's key news to global listeners - A glimpse into a notable story for deeper understanding Thank you for listening! Trump and Takaichi discussed Taiwan remarks, how to calm China: sources Pakistan's Murree Brewery exports beer for the first time in half a century Korean noodle makers ride K-pop boom to grow global share China's long-term yields sink below Japan's for first time South Korea's spirited baseball league seeks to replicate Japan's success Australia encourages Vietnam to eat lamb as US tariffs bite Iranians pray for rain as households struggle with water shortage Indonesian digital banks defy industry slump with…...

2+ day, 10+ hour ago (171+ words) TAIPEI -- Taiwan's main opposition party is pushing a bill that would allow people born in China to hold government and public positions in Taiwan wit Taiwan's KMT pushes bill to let Chinese nationals hold political office Opposition says it is standing up for China-born spouses, also seeks faster naturalization TAIPEI -- Taiwan's main opposition party is pushing a bill that would allow people born in China to hold government and public positions in Taiwan without renouncing their Chinese citizenship, touching a nerve as the president aims to counter alleged interference by Beijing. Taiwan defense buildup can't ensure security: New KMT boss Cheng Li-wun Japanese regional airports, Chinese airlines face Taiwan feud fallout KMT picks upstart Cheng Li-wun as new leader, jolting Taiwan's old guard Trump and Takaichi discussed Taiwan remarks, how to calm China: sources From fishing to naval activity, China…...