JapanOwnership & classification
Founded: 2013
Ownership
Nikkei Asia (originally the Nikkei Asian Review, launched in 2013) is owned and published by Nikkei, Inc., the Tokyo-based media group behind Japan's flagship business daily The Nikkei (Nihon Keizai Shimbun). Nikkei, Inc. is a large privately held Japanese publishing company; in 2015 it also acquired the Financial Times Group from Pearson, so Nikkei Asia, The Nikkei and the FT share the same corporate parent.
Funding
Nikkei Asia is financed mainly through digital and print subscriptions plus advertising, operating a subscription/paywall model as part of Nikkei's commercial business-news operation. It receives no state funding or party subsidy.
Affiliation & stance
Nikkei Asia is owned by a commercial media corporation with no party or government control, which makes it INDEPENDENT. As a business and economic title its outlook is pro-market and broadly establishment-friendly, fitting the site's INDEPENDENT / CENTER_RIGHT classification, but its editorial stance reflects its business focus rather than external political direction.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Right
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 264
82/100
Factual
82/100
Objective
502
Articles
502
reports
Top stories
Most covered right now
Supporting women's rights is preserving democracy
Editor's Choice: Weakening Yen leaves weeping foreign students and families
The great economic divide: East-West split could cost world $6.9 trillion, WEF warns
Okinawa marks 81 years since end of WWII ground battle
Taiwan to stage five days of combat readiness drills
Energy prices could stay high for months, a year after US-Iran deal
Why Japan's Takaichi has stepped back from BOJ rate hike debate
Central banks expect their gold reserves to rise as de-dollarization continues
SpaceX closes up nearly 20% in market debut, but faces an Asia problem
Recent coverage
Japan's corporate reform genie will not go back in the bottle
The article discusses Japan's ongoing corporate reforms and the challenges of reversing these changes. It highlights how Tokyo has been adjusting regulations but emphasizes that the broader forces driving transformation within Japanese corporations remain intact. The piece explores the implications of these reforms on Japan's economic landscape and corporate structure, noting that while specific policies might evolve, the fundamental shift toward more dynamic and globally competitive businesses persists.
Japan to launch direct express between Haneda and Narita airports
Japan's Keisei Electric Railway is planning a new premium express train service connecting Narita and Haneda airports in the 2030s. The project aims to improve connectivity between the two major Tokyo-area airports and encourage inbound tourists to visit regional destinations rather than just central Tokyo. The service would operate as a surcharged limited express, offering faster travel times and enhanced amenities. This development comes amid growing inbound tourism and efforts to distribute tourist traffic more evenly across Japan.
Asian investors turn into sellers of gold ETFs as market rally slows
Gold prices have been declining due to growing expectations of U.S. interest rate hikes and shifting investor focus towards stocks. In Asia, which had previously seen increased demand for gold ETFs, some investors are now adopting a more bearish stance. The article notes that while gold was once viewed primarily as a safe-haven asset, it is increasingly being seen as an investment opportunity by retail investors in the region. This shift reflects broader changes in market sentiment and investment strategies amid evolving economic conditions.
Vietnam pushes rental housing as ownership loses its edge
Vietnam is promoting rental housing as a viable alternative to homeownership due to soaring property prices and increasing affordability challenges in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City. The government has introduced pilot projects and financial incentives to encourage renters, aiming to address the growing demand for affordable housing. This shift reflects broader efforts to adapt to urban development pressures and changing economic conditions. While homeownership has traditionally been a central aspiration in Vietnamese society, the push toward rental housing signals a potential transformation in housing policies.
Hong Kong bookseller Lam Wing-kee, once detained by China, dies in Taipei
Lam Wing-kee, a former Hong Kong bookseller known for selling materials banned by the Chinese government, passed away in Taipei at the age of 70. He had been detained by Chinese authorities in the past for his work. The article mentions Taiwan's President Lai expressing a commitment to remembering the lessons from Lam's experiences, though specific details about his death or the circumstances surrounding it are not provided. Lam was associated with the Causeway Bay Books store, which became a focal point for discussions around freedom of expression and censorship in Hong Kong.
Indonesian food prices fall during free meal program school holiday
Indonesian food prices have dropped significantly as the free meal program initiated by President Prabowo Subianto was paused during the school holiday. Vegetable sellers like Eko Kurniawan in Surabaya report lower staple prices, with many consumers attributing the decline to the temporary suspension of the program. Social media users are actively discussing the price drop, highlighting its impact on daily shopping habits. The program, which provides free meals to students, is set to resume later this month, potentially leading to a reversal of the current pricing trends.
China's push east of Taiwan tests Japan-Philippines deterrence
The article discusses China's increasing military activity near Taiwan, particularly in the eastern region, and examines whether Japan and the Philippines can effectively coordinate to counter this challenge. The author suggests that while both nations have expressed concerns over Chinese actions, turning diplomatic coordination into concrete defensive measures remains difficult. This situation highlights tensions in the region as China continues to assert its influence, testing the resolve and capabilities of its neighbors.
Gold slump tests Chinese brand Laopu's resilience as luxury upstart
Laopu Gold, a rising Chinese luxury jewelry brand known for its heritage-inspired designs, has seen its shares fall by approximately 60% amid a global decline in gold prices and increased competition from emerging rivals. The downturn challenges the company's ability to maintain its premium positioning and brand value. Unlike traditional luxury brands like Hermes, which have historically benefited from stable demand for gold, Laopu faces pressure from both market conditions and new competitors entering the high-end jewelry sector.
Malaysian director makes another splash at Cannes
Malaysian director Ananth Subramaniam made a notable appearance at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, continuing his momentum from last year's success with his award-winning short film 'Bleat!'. This year, he presented another film, 'Holy Crowd,' further elevating the visibility of Malaysian cinema on the global stage. The article highlights his growing recognition in the international film community and underscores the significance of his participation in Cannes, one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world.
Vietnam's Q2 economic growth accelerates to 8.39%
Vietnam's economy recorded a quarterly growth rate of 8.39% in the second quarter of 2026, up from 7.94% in the first quarter, according to the country's statistics office. This marks a continued upward trend, with the first half of the year showing a combined growth of 8.18%. The acceleration was driven primarily by robust performance in construction and manufacturing sectors. With this growth, Vietnam is now under increased pressure to achieve its annual GDP growth target of 10%, highlighting the challenges ahead for sustaining such high rates.
Japan aims to ignite 'animal spirits' with $2.3tn plan
Japan's Growth Minister, Minoru Kiuchi, announced a record 370 trillion yen ($2.3 trillion) investment plan aimed at boosting economic growth through innovation. The strategy seeks to reignite 'animal spirits,' a term referencing confidence in the economy, and enhance Japan's global competitiveness. Kiuchi emphasized that this large-scale investment is intended to inspire renewed faith in the nation's ability to lead internationally. The plan reflects broader efforts to modernize Japan's economy and position it as a major player on the world stage.
Anti-money laundering watchdog declines to probe Indonesia
The Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a global anti-money laundering watchdog, has decided not to investigate new Indonesian legislation that civil society groups claim enables the use of corrupt assets to purchase bonds issued by the Danantara sovereign wealth fund. The legislation, which was the focus of concerns raised by a coalition of Indonesian civil society organizations, allows funds derived from corruption to be invested in government-backed bonds. These groups argue that the change undermines efforts to combat money laundering and financial crime. The FATF’s decision not to pursue the matter has drawn criticism from advocates who believe the legal framework creates opportunities for illicit financial flows.
Hydrogen combustion engines emerge as cheap alternative to fuel cells
Hydrogen combustion engines are emerging as a cost-effective alternative to hydrogen fuel cells, according to recent developments in Japan. Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Toyota are working on various applications, including small generators and sports cars, which could accelerate the adoption of hydrogen as a clean energy source. This shift is driven by the potential for broader use across different types of mobility devices. The technology aims to provide a more affordable option compared to traditional fuel cell systems, potentially making hydrogen-powered vehicles more accessible. These advancements highlight ongoing efforts to diversify hydrogen utilization beyond just fuel cell vehicles.
Overlooked
Under-reported & one-sided
