Japan and the US conducted rare coordinated currency interventions from July 30-August 1, 2026, to halt the yen's historic decline. The first such joint action in 15 years affects expats' purchasing power and international money transfers.
Kioxia's profits jumped 46-fold to 840 billion yen due to AI-driven chip demand, while Renesas plans to close its aging Takasaki factory affecting 700 employees within 2-3 years.
Japan and the U.S. launched their first coordinated currency intervention since 1998 to halt historic yen depreciation. The move affects expats' purchasing power and signals commitment to economic stability.
Major electricity and gas providers will lower rates in August due to government subsidies offsetting energy price increases. The reductions will automatically apply to bills without requiring customer action.
Japan will reduce consumption tax on food from 8% to 1% for two years starting April 2027, with additional subsidies making it effectively zero for eligible low- and middle-income earners.
PM Takaichi will announce a reduction of food consumption tax from 8% to 1% for two years starting April 2025, following failed multi-party consensus attempts, providing significant grocery cost relief for all Japan residents.
Japan's total population fell to 123.77 million, with Japanese population posting record decline while foreign residents exceeded 4 million for the first time, signaling demographic shift and opportunities.
Japan's private rice stocks have reached record highs, prompting government consideration of reserve buybacks. The Agriculture Ministry will decide on intervention after August crop reports, potentially affecting consumer prices.
Japan's Ministry of Justice expert panel has formalized that voices receive publicity rights protection against unauthorized AI use, particularly benefiting voice actors and public figures concerned about AI voice replication.
Cross-party talks on reducing food consumption tax failed to reach agreement, leaving the decision to Prime Minister Takaichi. Some LDP members propose cutting the rate from 8% to 7% starting April 2027.
Honda and Nissan have agreed to jointly develop next-generation vehicle operating systems, with Nissan's platform as the foundation. This collaboration aims to reduce costs and accelerate software development.
Political parties debate food tax reduction with PM Takaichi expected to decide. Opposition leader proposes residential tax cuts instead. Government aims for policy decision by early August.
Japan's new deputy capital law has sparked competition among Osaka, Fukuoka, and Aichi prefectures. The designation could redistribute government functions and create regional economic opportunities affecting foreign residents.