Essential news for expats in Japan
Record snowfall across Japan's Sea of Japan regions has triggered military deployment in Aomori and multiple fatal snow removal accidents, prompting urgent safety warnings for all residents undertaking winter maintenance.
Coordinated robberies in Tokyo netted over 600 million yen from money couriers. Police found counterfeit plates on getaway vehicles, with some stolen cash traced to Hong Kong.
Multiple snow removal deaths across northern Japan have prompted urgent safety warnings. Authorities emphasize using safety equipment, working with partners, and proper preparation during winter maintenance.
Japan's December unemployment held steady at 2.6% with improving job openings, while Tokyo inflation reached 2% in January. Egg prices hit record highs due to avian flu, impacting household budgets.
JR Joban Line suspended service for 7 hours on January 30 due to severed cables at Ueno Station, affecting 230,000 commuters. Service resumed at 2:00 PM as JR investigates abnormal electrical currents.
97% of major Japanese companies plan wage increases in 2026 spring negotiations, driven by labor shortages and inflation. Small businesses face challenges maintaining wage growth momentum.
A series of cash robberies in Tokyo and Hong Kong targeted currency couriers, including a ¥400M Tokyo heist and ¥58M Hong Kong attack, revealing organized crime networks tracking cash transporters across borders.
Japan's foreign worker population reached a record 2.57 million in 2025, marking three consecutive years of 10%+ growth. The government pledges to improve working conditions as labor shortages drive immigration expansion.
Heavy snow continues across Japan through January 30th, causing transportation disruptions and snow removal injuries. Expats should prepare for travel delays and learn safe snow clearing techniques.
Utility bills rise in February despite subsidies due to fuel costs. Gold hits record 30,000 yen per gram. Rice imports surge 96-fold as domestic prices remain high.
Recent court rulings awarded 180 million yen for a daycare choking incident and 6.1 million yen for surgical gauze left in a patient, highlighting patient safety concerns and available legal recourse in Japan.
A fatal government vehicle crash at 130 km/h and a 400-million-yen armed robbery disrupted Tokyo this week, while multiple morning train suspensions affected commuters across the metropolitan area.
Japan's 2026 spring wage talks show divergence: automotive unions moderate demands amid trade tensions while JR Tokai seeks record 13,000 yen monthly increases, reflecting sector-specific conditions.