Public Policy & Governance
Japan Activates Emergency Oil Measures as Iran Crisis Threatens Supply
Japan activates emergency oil measures as Iran tensions threaten supply. Government establishes crisis council, releases strategic reserves, and allocates 800 billion yen for price controls amid potential fuel disruptions.
Public Policy & Governance
Japan Weighs Self-Defense Force Deployment to Hormuz Strait Amid US-Iran Crisis
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.
Financial Services
Insurance Scandal: Sony Life, Prudential Employees Borrowed Billions from Clients
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.
Transportation & Infrastructure
Iran Crisis Disrupts Japan's Fuel Supply, Raising Costs for Expats
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.
Public Policy & Governance
Japan Seeks US Energy Partnership Amid Iran Crisis and Regional Tensions
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.
Public Policy & Governance
Japan Weighs Naval Deployment as Hormuz Crisis Triggers Oil Reserve Release
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.
Public Policy & Governance
Record ¥122 Trillion Budget Clears Lower House, Moves to Senate Review
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.
Transportation & Infrastructure
Tokyo Subway Power Outage: Tokyu Toyoko Line Suspended for 9.5 Hours
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.
Transportation & Infrastructure
JR East Implements First Fare Increase Since 1987 Founding
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.
Public Policy & Governance
Iran's New Supreme Leader Threatens Retaliation, Maintains Hormuz Blockade
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.
Public Policy & Governance
Japan Releases Oil Reserves as Hormuz Crisis Threatens Fuel Supply
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.
Public Policy & Governance
Iran Crisis Sparks Oil Price Surge, Japan Prepares Emergency Subsidies
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.