Overall Highlights

• China’s middle class is shifting investments away from Japan, indicating a cooling relationship between the two nations.
• Japan’s defense strategy is evolving, with potential missile exports to the Philippines causing concern in China.
• Cultural tensions are evident, as seen in the backlash against a Japanese singer’s comments and actions in China.
• Economic interdependence remains, with discussions highlighting Japan’s reliance on China for economic stability.

China Perspective (China Sources)

• China’s middle class is unwinding investments in Japan, reflecting a broader trend of reduced engagement.
• Chinese officials express strong discontent over Japan’s plans to export missiles to the Philippines, viewing it as a threat.
• Cultural incidents, such as backlash against a Japanese singer, highlight ongoing sensitivities regarding historical issues.
• A Chinese commentary criticizes Japan’s remarks on Taiwan, suggesting a lack of historical understanding.

Japan Perspective (Japan Sources)

• Japan is focusing on economic reforms, including a flat tax on cryptocurrency profits, indicating a shift towards modernization.
• Defense firms in Japan report a sales boom as the country considers lifting export restrictions, showing a proactive defense posture.
• Cultural references, such as Takaichi’s use of ‘Attack on Titan,’ are being leveraged to boost domestic investment and appeal to younger audiences.
• Japan’s PM Takaichi is making headlines with remarks that resonate with the public, indicating a focus on work and productivity.

Sources

This summary is based on 20 articles from the following sources:

1. [en-US] From immigration to investments: China’s middle class is unwinding bets on Japan - South China Morning Post (12/2/2025)
2. [en-US] China bristles as Japan weighs missile export to Philippines - South China Morning Post (12/1/2025)
3. [en-US] Chinese fans lambast EPL club Brighton over Mitoma’s Imperial Japan soldier post - South China Morning Post (12/1/2025)
4. [en-US] Chinese FM spokesperson responds to Japanese singer halting mid-show and another canceling show in Shanghai, recommends consulting the organizers - Global Times (12/1/2025)
5. [en-US] Japanese scholar: Without China, Japan’s economy would collapse - news.cgtn.com (12/1/2025)
6. [en-US] Debate and backlash in China after Japanese singer halted mid-show in Shanghai - South China Morning Post (12/1/2025)
7. [en-US] Takaichi’s controversial Taiwan remarks likely deliberate bid to boost domestic popularity: ex-Singapore FM - Global Times (12/1/2025)
8. [en-US] Pop-star princess: Japan’s Aiko turns 24 amid calls for her to become empress - South China Morning Post (12/1/2025)
9. [en-US] Japan’s ‘undetermined status of Taiwan’ claim reveals historical ignorance and misjudgment of realities：People’s Daily ‘Zhong Sheng’ commentary - Global Times (12/1/2025)
10. [en-US] Takaichi’s controversial Taiwan remarks likely deliberate bid to boost domestic popularity: ex-Singapore FM - Global Times (12/1/2025)
11. [en-US] The fire that Hong Kong wants you to forget - Nikkei Asia (12/1/2025)
12. [en-US] Takaichi uses line from ‘Attack on Titan’ to drum up investment - The Japan Times (12/1/2025)
13. [en-US] Japan moves to apply flat 20% tax on crypto profits - Nikkei Asia (12/1/2025)
14. [en-US] PM Takaichi’s “work, work, work” remark tops Japan 2025 catchphrase list - Japan Wire by KYODO NEWS (12/1/2025)
15. [en-US] TSMC supplier Merck opens 500m euro AI chip materials plant in Taiwan - Nikkei Asia (12/1/2025)
16. [en-US] BYD launches plug-in hybrid SUV in Japan, challenging rivals on price - Nikkei Asia (12/1/2025)
17. [en-US] Japan defense firms saw sales boom in ’24 as Tokyo eyes end of more export curbs - The Japan Times (12/1/2025)
18. [en-US] China central bank’s crypto warning hits related Hong Kong shares - Nikkei Asia (12/1/2025)
19. [en-US] All eyes fixed on Putin’s India visit as Trump weaponizes trade - Nikkei Asia (12/1/2025)
20. [en-US] BYD releases its first plug-in hybrid for Japanese market - The Japan Times (12/1/2025)