Tokyo

Karachi was ranked 170th out of 173 cities in the Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index 2026, among the least liveable cities. It scored poorly in stability, healthcare, culture and environment, and infrastructure, with only education showing a relatively higher score. Cities like Dhaka, Tripoli, and Damascus ranked below Karachi, while war-affected Tehran and Kyiv scored slightly higher.

KKR-backed SmartHR is reportedly delaying its Tokyo IPO beyond this year. The article references the Shinjuku skyline in Tokyo, indicating the company's location.

A Canadian province is preparing a lawsuit against OpenAI over a school shooting. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman recently attended an event in Tokyo, Japan.

Copenhagen retained the top position in the Economist Intelligence Unit's (EIU) annual ranking of the world's most livable cities, followed by Vienna. The ranking evaluates cities based on stability, healthcare, culture and environment, education, and infrastructure, with top cities achieving perfect scores in multiple categories. Tokyo and Vancouver also made the top 10, while US cities did not secure top spots.

A person reports being scammed in Shinjuku, Tokyo, and criticizes the perceived inaction of local police in addressing scams or informing tourists. The account contrasts with Japan's reputation as a safe country, expressing disappointment without blaming Japanese people.

Japan is driving Asia's offshore bonds to a record, surpassing the China era. Japan is set to release its fourth-quarter GDP figures on February 17, 2025.

The yen showed a bearish signal through options activity, while Tokyo remained non-interventionist. Options data indicated declining confidence in the Japanese currency.

Japan celebrated America’s 250th anniversary with a drone display above Tokyo’s Rainbow Bridge. The display included depictions of President Donald Trump and Japan’s Prime Minister Sakae Takaichi.

Japan's 2026 wage negotiations resulted in a third consecutive year of wage increases exceeding 5%. The country is set to release consumer price index (CPI) data on Sept. 19, 2025, as morning commuters were observed at Shinagawa station in Tokyo.

Foreign traders sold the largest amount of Japan bonds in three years. The article also mentions the Torii gate tunnel at the Otome Inari Shrine in Tokyo's Yanesen district.

Japan's 10-Year Bond Sale experienced weaker demand compared to the 12-month average. The article also mentions Mount Fuji and the Shinjuku skyline in Tokyo.

Hong Kong is competing with Glasgow and Tokyo to host the 2030 International Congress of Mathematicians. The bid is led by Shing-Tung Yau, a 1982 Fields Medallist and Tsinghua University professor. An inspection delegation from the International Mathematical Union is evaluating the bids.

Asian shares are trading mixed due to uncertainty over the war in Iran and access to the Strait of Hormuz, despite an initial U.S.-Iran deal. Stock benchmarks rose in Tokyo and Shanghai but fell in Sydney.

Japan is approaching its longest period of postwar economic growth, despite households facing difficulties. The article references the Ikebukuro district in Tokyo.

Japan's super-long bond yields are rising due to growing fiscal concerns. The article mentions Mount Fuji and the Shinjuku skyline in Tokyo as part of its imagery.

China's Ministry of Commerce announced export controls targeting dozens of Japanese entities, citing Tokyo's 'new militarism' as the reason. The measures are framed as a direct response to Japan's actions.

China has imposed new export controls on 40 Japanese companies, alleging they contribute to Japan's remilitarization. The move comes as tensions between China and Tokyo continue to rise.

Japan's IPO market has fallen to a 15-year low, with no immediate recovery expected despite rising stock prices in Tokyo. The lackluster performance of initial public offerings persists in the first half of the year.

The Asia Intelligence Brief highlights Japan's efforts to strengthen monetary policy amid rising Tokyo inflation and mentions India's actions, though details are incomplete. The report underscores regional preparedness in a divided global context.

The EU has rebuked Turkey for excluding Cyprus from preparations for the COP31 climate summit, which Turkey will host in November. Cyprus was not invited to two preparatory meetings in New York and Tokyo, escalating diplomatic tensions.

Micron Technology Inc. delivered AI-related reassurance that Wall Street was seeking. The company's logo was displayed at the Micron Memory Japan K.K. booth during the Semicon Japan exhibition in Tokyo, Japan, on December 18, 2025.

South Korea has positioned itself at the center of the AI windfall, with companies like SK Hynix and Samsung leading the charge. The article suggests Asia may face a 'chip wreck' due to the AI frenzy.

Japan’s household assets increased to ¥2,386 trillion by the end of March. The article also mentions pedestrians in Tokyo’s Ikebukuro district and a photographer from Bloomberg.

A 6.9-magnitude earthquake struck off northern Japan's Iwate coast, with no tsunami warning issued. No injuries or damages were reported, and nuclear facilities including Fukushima Daiichi remained unaffected. The quake occurred during morning rush hour and mildly shook Tokyo.

China has introduced new measures offering rewards for reporting violations of rare earth and strategic mineral export controls. The announcement coincided with Japan confirming the detention of two of its nationals in China over alleged smuggling of rare earth-related goods.

Traders are addressing a 'Chip-Wreck' situation linked to AI fears as Bloomberg TV covers market developments from Tokyo and Sydney. Hosts Shery Ahn and Haidi Stroud-Watts provide insights on global market stories impacting Asia.

Sanrio's full-year forecast exceeded market estimates, causing share prices to fluctuate. The article mentions a Sanrio store in Tokyo.

High Frequency Traders are expanding their involvement in the Currency Options Market. An electronic board at a Tokyo currency exchange shop displays foreign exchange rates, illustrating market activity.

Nomura Holdings Inc. and Sony are contributing to a significant week for Japanese bond sales. The article mentions Nomura's head office in Tokyo.

The author spent 28 hours in Japan Airlines' business class during a trip to Tokyo, noting a comfortable seat and good meals but criticizing the lack of privacy in aisle seats. The journey involved a convoluted route from Marseille, France, via London and Helsinki, with business-class upgrades costing approximately $3,366 per person. The experience included access to Finnair and JAL lounges, though the 2-3-2 seat layout was deemed less ideal for couples.

A fire broke out at a school in Tokyo, forcing dozens of schoolchildren onto a narrow window ledge. Eyewitness video captured the dramatic rescue of the children.

A fire broke out at Takinogawa Dai-san Elementary School in Tokyo's Kita area, injuring eight pupils and two teachers. The fire, which started in a room next to the music room on the top floor, was extinguished after 75 fire engines and dozens of firefighters responded. Over 300 people were evacuated during the incident.

A fire broke out at an elementary school in downtown Tokyo, leading to the evacuation or rescue of approximately 300 students and teachers. Officials confirmed that all individuals were successfully evacuated or rescued.

Japan is promoting corporate growth over value, which has sparked skepticism. The article mentions visitors in Tokyo's Ikebukuro district, highlighting the economic context.

Japan's tourism sector continued to decline in May due to reduced flights and weakened demand from China. Visitor numbers to Japan dropped during the month.

A 5.5 magnitude earthquake struck southern Ibaraki prefecture northeast of Tokyo at 7:46 p.m. (1046 GMT), causing no reported damage or injuries. The Japan Meteorological Agency confirmed no tsunami risk, while Shinkansen bullet trains in northeastern regions were temporarily suspended for safety checks.

Japan dominates the Asia-Pacific real estate market, accounting for 28% of direct investment in Asia-Pacific commercial real estate last year. Tokyo's grade A office vacancy rate was 0.7% in Q1 2024, with rents rising for nine consecutive quarters, up 13.2%.

A tentative deal to end the Iran war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz boosted Asian stocks, with benchmarks in Tokyo and Seoul rising over 5%, while oil prices fell more than $4 per barrel. U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed the agreement, authorizing an end to the U.S. naval blockade of Iranian ports, though implementation is pending a signing in Switzerland.

Germany and Japan are accelerating efforts to rebuild their militaries. Both nations are also strengthening their bilateral ties as part of this military resurgence.

Tom Honeyands, a tech expert, lost £70,000 after falling for a scam call while in Tokyo. The scammer, posing as Lloyds Bank, tricked him into resetting security details by claiming his account was compromised.