Overall Highlights

• Japan is experiencing a prolonged trade deficit, marking the fifth consecutive year of negative trade balance.
• China’s media highlights Japan’s economic struggles, particularly in tourism and trade, while also noting a decline in Chinese tourists visiting Japan.
• Japan’s conservatives are growing wary of the US under Trump’s leadership, fearing potential abandonment in security matters.
• Both nations are navigating complex geopolitical tensions, particularly regarding trade and military cooperation in the region.
• Japan is taking steps to stabilize its economy and improve its international relations amidst challenges from China.

China Perspective (China Sources)

• Japan has posted a trade deficit for the fifth consecutive year, indicating ongoing economic challenges.
• The number of visitors from mainland China to Japan has significantly decreased, with a reported 45% drop in December 2025.
• China’s media reports on Japan’s economic issues, framing them as a contrast to China’s own economic strategies and resilience.
• Japan’s reliance on foreign tourism, particularly from China, is highlighted as a vulnerability in its economic recovery efforts.

Japan Perspective (Japan Sources)

• Japan is facing economic challenges, including a trade deficit and a tough road to achieving tourism goals post-pandemic.
• The Japanese government is concerned about the implications of China’s economic strategies and their impact on Japan’s rare earth supply chain.
• Japan’s conservatives express concerns about the US under Trump, indicating a shift in diplomatic relations and security strategies.
• Japan’s media emphasizes the need for stable economic policies and international cooperation to address current challenges.

Sources

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

1. [en-US] Japan posts trade deficit for 5th straight year in 2025-Xinhua - 新华网 (1/22/2026)
2. [en-US] Japan posts trade deficit for 5th straight year in 2025 - 新华网 (1/22/2026)
3. [en-US] Japan’s conservatives turn sour on Trump as ‘fears of abandonment’ deepen - South China Morning Post (1/22/2026)
4. [en-US] Number of visitors from Chinese mainland to Japan plunge 45 pct in December - 新华网 (1/22/2026)
5. [en-US] ‘I was a victim’: survey reveals surge in men groped on Tokyo transit - South China Morning Post (1/22/2026)
6. [en-US] 5.9-magnitude quake hits Volcano Islands, Japan – GFZ - 新华网 (1/21/2026)
7. [en-US] Explainer: Will Japan PM Takaichi’s election gamble pay off? - news.cgtn.com (1/21/2026)
8. [en-US] Japan restarts first nuclear reactor since Fukushima under close scrutiny - South China Morning Post (1/21/2026)
9. [en-US] Japan air force to refuel S. Korea military planes for 1st time in Okinawa - 新华网 (1/21/2026)
10. [en-US] Japan’s panda fans welcomed to visit China, FM says - news.cgtn.com (1/21/2026)
11. [en-US] Hong Kong security trial of Tiananmen vigil activists opens - Nikkei Asia (1/22/2026)
12. [en-US] South Korea’s economy contracts 0.3% in final quarter of 2025 - Nikkei Asia (1/21/2026)
13. [en-US] Honda hopes new electric sports motorcycle helps it zip past competition - Nikkei Asia (1/21/2026)
14. [en-US] China’s cities boost condo purchase support to fight property slump - Nikkei Asia (1/21/2026)
15. [en-US] Analysis: Repercussions mount from China’s Japan strategy - Nikkei Asia (1/21/2026)
16. [en-US] Toyota, other Japan automakers to share chip data as supply risks grow - Nikkei Asia (1/21/2026)
17. [en-US] LDP uses election manifesto to pledge stable rare earths supply amid China row - The Japan Times (1/21/2026)
18. [en-US] Japan has a tough road ahead to achieve 60 million visitor goal - The Japan Times (1/21/2026)
19. [en-US] Bank of Korea launches ‘world-first’ in-house AI for central bankers - Nikkei Asia (1/21/2026)
20. [en-US] Japan finds itself in a precarious position, one year into ‘Trump 2.0’ - The Japan Times (1/21/2026)