Pakistan drastically hikes fuel prices despite mediator role in Iran war

ISLAMABAD -- Pakistan this week drastically hiked gasoline and diesel prices to the highest levels in any major Asian economy due to the energy market turmoil triggered by the Iran war, even as Islamabad plays a leading role in efforts to mediate an end to the conflict and continues to receive two daily oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.


Uyghurs, Tibetans taught to fend off Chinese reach by Swiss rights group

HAMBURG, Germany -- A human rights group is conducting workshops in Switzerland to help the country's Uyghur and Tibetan communities deal with attempts by agents of China to spy on, coerce or intimidate them.


Osaka Metro's new lockers let tourists make advanced reservations

OSAKA -- Osaka Metro has begun installing smartphone-reservable luggage lockers at its five major stations in the city, an effort to help tourists stow their heavy bags rather than lug them while sightseeing.


A sought-after Tokyo neighborhood reveals Japan’s structural strains

After calling the western Tokyo enclave of Kichijoji home for the past two years, I have come to understand why it is one of the city's most sought-after neighborhoods for young people.


China's 'Hermes of gold' courts turbulent world after dazzling at home

HONG KONG -- Shortly before Laopu Gold raised its prices by 20% to 30% at the end of February, Ms. Liu bought her first item from the viral Chinese jewelry brand. It would not be her last.


Japan weighs tighter income requirement for permanent residency

TOKYO -- Japan is considering a proposal to tighten income requirements for obtaining permanent residency, part of measures being considered by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi to curb the rapidly rising number of foreigners living in the country amid pressure from other parties.


Advantage Partners to invest $3bn over five years in Japan real estate

TOKYO -- Japanese corporate acquisition firm Advantage Partners will enter the real estate investment market this fiscal year and invest 500 billion yen ($3.13 billion) over five years, looking to take over assets being sold by midsize Japanese companies aiming to improve capital efficiency.


Mitsubishi teams up with Swiss DKSH to sell Japan food in Southeast Asia

TOKYO -- Japanese trading house Mitsubishi Corp. has partnered with Switzerland's DKSH, the largest food and consumer goods wholesaler in Southeast Asia, to make a full-scale push into the region with Japanese food products.


Data center security must change after Iran attacks: Microsoft president

TOKYO -- With artificial intelligence data centers emerging as targets for drone and missile attacks, including in the Middle East conflict, international rules are needed to protect civilian infrastructure, Microsoft President Brad Smith said here Friday.


Japan PM Takaichi plans Australia visit to discuss rare earths

TOKYO -- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is planning a visit to Australia during the upcoming national holiday period starting later this month, Nikkei learned Friday, seeking to discuss strengthening supply chains for rare-earth elements and cooperation on safe navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.