Financial Services
Japan Pension Service Closes Okinawa Offices in Hirara and Ishigaki Due to Typhoon No. 30
The Japan Pension Service has closed its Hirara and Ishigaki pension offices in Okinawa Prefecture from October 23 because of Typhoon No. 30, with reopening to be announced on its website.
Immigration & Visas
Immigration Agency, Ministry of Health and OTIT Offer Support to Vietnamese Residents in Japan Facing Difficulties
Japan's Immigration Services Agency, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, and OTIT are working with the Vietnamese Embassy to support Vietnamese residents in Japan who are facing various difficulties.
Immigration & Visas
Immigration Agency Publishes Summaries of FY2026 Stakeholder Hearings on Residency Policy
The Immigration Services Agency has posted outlines of its fiscal year 2026 hearings with local governments and community groups supporting foreign residents, part of its ongoing effort to gather input on residency administration.
Technology & Startups
Digital Agency Opens Call for Opinions on Visit Japan Web 'Phase 2' Operations for FY2027-2029
Japan's Digital Agency has posted a call for opinions on a contract to operate and maintain the Visit Japan Web system, covering fiscal years 2027 through 2029, as part of its ongoing procurement process.
Public Policy & Governance
Ministry of Internal Affairs Seeks Public Comment on Measures for Stable, Sustainable Postal Service
Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications has opened a public comment period on measures to ensure stable and sustainable operation of postal services, running through November 20, 2026.
Technology & Startups
Digital Agency Begins Offering Android Version of My Number Card
The Digital Agency has started providing an Android version of the My Number Card, extending digital ID functionality to Android smartphone users.
Technology & Startups
Digital Agency Updates Reference Materials on MyNumber Information-Sharing System
The Digital Agency has refreshed its explanatory materials on the MyNumber system, covering information-sharing between agencies, the public funds receiving account and bank account registration schemes, and security safeguards.
Labor Law & Employment
MHLW Revises Workplace Health Promotion Guidelines, Adding Cancer and Other Screenings
The Health, Labour and Welfare Ministry issued revised guidelines for employers on promoting workers' health, effective October 19, 2026, adding cancer, women's health, dental, bone and eye screenings to disease-prevention measures.
Housing
METI Seeks Public Comment on Revised Energy Efficiency Standards for Window Sashes
Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry is accepting public comments until November 16, 2026 on proposed revisions to energy-saving criteria for sash manufacturers under the Top Runner program for building materials.
Transportation & Infrastructure
Izu Hakone Railway Applies to Raise Fare Cap; Transport Ministry Seeks Public Comment
Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is collecting public comments on Izu Hakone Railway's application to raise its maximum passenger fares, with submissions accepted through October 30, 2026.
Financial Services
Japan Pension Service Updates Procedure for Receiving Philippine Pensions in Japan
The Japan Pension Service says Philippine pensions can now be received in Japan via a Philippine National Bank account, and the application form has been revised accordingly.
Immigration & Visas
Japan's Foreign Resident Population Hits Record 4.28 Million as Overstayers Decline in Mid-2026
New Immigration Services Agency data show record numbers of foreign residents in Japan alongside falling overstayer counts and mixed trends in entries and exits for mid-2026.