Japan considers deploying Self-Defense Forces to Hormuz Strait as US-Iran tensions threaten critical oil shipping routes. Expats should prepare for potential fuel and utility price increases.
Former employees at Sony Life and Prudential borrowed billions of yen from clients, with half still unpaid. The scandals highlight risks for expats who trust insurance representatives.
The Iran crisis is disrupting Japan's fuel supplies, causing transportation delays, manufacturing cuts at Nissan, and price increases for eggs and petroleum-based products that will impact expat budgets.
PM Takaichi's March 19 US summit will prioritize securing Alaskan oil amid Iran crisis. Japan seeks energy alternatives as Strait of Hormuz tensions threaten supply routes critical to daily life.
Japan releases strategic oil reserves as Hormuz Strait tensions threaten supply routes. Government weighs naval deployment amid US pressure and Iranian warnings while economists predict fuel prices could reach 180-190 yen per liter.
Japan's record ¥122 trillion fiscal 2026 budget passed the lower house on March 13 with LDP and Ishin support. Upper house deliberations begin March 16, aiming for April 1 enactment.
A power supply failure suspended the Tokyu Toyoko and Minatomirai Lines for 9.5 hours on March 13, affecting 120,000 passengers during evening rush hour. The outage impacted key routes between Tokyo and Yokohama.
JR East raised fares by 7.1% starting March 14, 2026, marking its first increase since 1987 excluding tax adjustments. The change affects 16 million daily passengers across eastern Japan's major commuter routes.
Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei vows to maintain the Hormuz Strait blockade and retaliate against U.S. and Israeli forces, potentially affecting global oil supplies and energy prices in Japan.
Japan releases strategic oil reserves as Hormuz Strait blockade threatens supply. Government caps gasoline at 170 yen/liter. IEA coordinates 400-million-barrel global release starting March 16.
Iran crisis drove oil to $119/barrel before dropping to $81. Japan's government plans gasoline and utility subsidies while preparing strategic reserve releases with G7 coordination to protect residents from price shocks.
Japan evacuated 14 embassy staff from Iran to Azerbaijan and brought 107 citizens home via charter flights from Oman, with SDF aircraft deployed to the Maldives as backup amid escalating Middle East tensions.
The Imperial Family attended Japan's WBC victory over Australia at Tokyo Dome on March 8, 2026, marking a rare "tenran jiai" event. Japan won 4-3 with a comeback home run by Yoshida, topping their group.