Japan recorded only 671,000 births in 2025, the tenth consecutive record low. This demographic crisis affects expats through changing immigration policies, workforce opportunities, and social welfare systems.
BOJ Governor Ueda signals potential interest rate hikes despite Middle East tensions, prioritizing domestic inflation concerns. The move could affect expats' savings returns, loan costs, and currency exchange rates.
Three people face prosecution for illegally selling diabetes medication via social media in Osaka. Authorities warn against using these prescription drugs for weight loss without medical supervision due to serious health risks.
Japan's government estimates food tax reduction would require 5-12 months for retail system updates, depending on whether rates drop to 1% or zero. Current 8% food tax could see cuts, providing savings for all residents.
Typhoon No. 6 made landfall in Wakayama on June 3, triggering Japan's highest-level flood warnings, widespread evacuations, and major transportation cancellations affecting trains and over 770 flights.
Japan's Diet will pass a Middle East crisis supplementary budget on June 5 after LDP and opposition parties agreed to fast-track approval, potentially affecting energy prices and economic stability for all residents.
Japan's naphtha imports from the Middle East dropped 47% in April 2026, but US imports surged 209 times to compensate. The government expects supply levels to normalize soon despite ongoing regional tensions.
Medical fees in Japan increase from June 1st, 2026, raising out-of-pocket costs for initial consultations, follow-up visits, and hospitalizations. The changes respond to inflation and healthcare worker wage needs.
Japan strengthened defense cooperation with the US, UK, Australia, and South Korea during May 2026 meetings, confirming fighter jet development, missile projects, and resuming maritime exercises after nine years.
Typhoon 6 is forcing cancellation of 260+ flights while approaching Okinawa and Kyushu with dangerous winds and heavy rain. The storm will impact western and northern Japan June 2-4.
Japan's government spent a record 11.7 trillion yen strengthening the yen from 160 to 155 per dollar, affecting expat purchasing power, remittances, and travel costs between April 28 and May 27, 2026.
Japan's three megabanks will implement OpenAI's latest AI model for financial services, as announced by Financial Services Minister Katayama, potentially improving multilingual support and service accessibility for expats.
Japan is considering reducing consumption tax on food and beverages from 8% to 7% starting April 2027. The 1% cut could provide modest savings for expat households on grocery purchases.