Essential news for expats in Japan
Multiple earthquakes struck Kagoshima on November 3rd, with magnitude 4 tremors recorded. Meanwhile, coastal communities conducted Nankai Trough tsunami evacuation drills, highlighting the importance of disaster readiness for all Japan residents.
China extends visa-free entry for Japanese nationals through December 2026, allowing 30-day stays without visas. The policy aims to boost tourism and investment amid economic challenges.
Japan's multi-layered weather warning system requires expat attention, from typhoon tracking to sudden severe weather. Recent atmospheric instability and Typhoon No. 25's trajectory highlight the need for preparedness.
Tokyo's Yamanote Line celebrates 100 years as a complete loop, while JR Tokai reveals its next-generation maglev train interior, showcasing Japan's blend of reliable heritage infrastructure and cutting-edge transportation innovation.
The 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya faces costs exceeding triple original estimates, while Osaka Expo exhibits relocate to Awaji Island and Yokohama prepares for the 2027 Flower Expo, highlighting budget challenges and opportunities.
A rapidly developing low-pressure system caused severe weather across northern Japan on November 1st, including infrastructure damage in Hokkaido and evacuation orders in Miyagi Prefecture, while atmospheric instability continues through November 3rd.
Japan will eliminate its provisional gasoline tax rate on December 31, 2025, reducing fuel prices but creating revenue concerns. Six political parties agreed to the cut, with officials suggesting surplus tax revenues may cover shortfalls.
A rapidly intensifying storm system is bringing dangerous conditions to Hokkaido and Tohoku through November 1, with violent winds, high waves, and heavy rain. Evacuation orders have been issued in parts of Miyagi Prefecture.
A university student's lawsuit over a cancelled gig work shift highlights legal ambiguities in Japan's growing spot work industry, while employment data shows stable unemployment at 2.6% and job availability remaining steady.
The yen weakened to 154 per dollar while the Nikkei closed above 52,000 for the first time on October 31st, 2025, driven by diverging monetary policies and strong tech earnings.
Japan's government will convene its first ministerial meeting on foreign resident policy on November 4, addressing immigration and land ownership by non-Japanese nationals, with potential implications for property purchases and residency requirements.