Japan’s Takaichi sweeps election, Kuala Lumpur mayoral ethnicity debate: 7 Asia highlights

SCMP | Feb. 9, 2026, 11:30 p.m. | Original

Japanese soldiers enter a city in Northeast China during the Second Sino-Japanese War (1937-45). Photo: Universal History Archive/Getty Images

We have selected seven stories from the SCMP’s coverage of Asia over the past week that resonated with our readers and shed light on topical issues. If you would like to see more of our reporting, please consider .
Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Sunday. Photo: Reuters
Japan’s Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi on Sunday. Photo: Reuters
Participants hold the national flag during Independence Day celebrations in Putrajaya, Malaysia, on August 31, 2025. Photo: EPA
Participants hold the national flag during Independence Day celebrations in Putrajaya, Malaysia, on August 31, 2025. Photo: EPA
Ex-Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak escorted by prison officers on his arrival at the Kuala Lumpur High Court Complex in December. Photo: AP
Ex-Malaysian prime minister Najib Razak escorted by prison officers on his arrival at the Kuala Lumpur High Court Complex in December. Photo: AP

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