Takenaka Corporation employee arrested for allegedly embezzling 13 million yen through inflated Expo construction bills to fund personal home renovations, highlighting accountability issues in major public projects.
Japan recorded 3.44 million visitors in July 2026, the highest ever for the month, despite declining Chinese tourists. Strong growth from South Korea and Taiwan drove the increase, affecting expat life in tourist areas.
Japan's government is advancing plans to allow fresh U.S. potato imports, facing strong opposition from Hokkaido agricultural groups who fear market disruption and lower prices for domestic growers.
ANA and JAL announced their first-ever flight schedule coordination on the Haneda-Okayama route to maintain domestic service amid rising fuel costs. The historic collaboration aims to preserve regional connectivity.
Japan's long-term interest rates reached 2.93% on August 17, the highest in 30 years, driven by inflation concerns and Middle East tensions. This affects mortgage rates, loan costs, and savings returns for expats.
ANA and JAL are coordinating domestic flight schedules for the first time to maintain regional routes amid rising costs. The collaboration aims to reduce overlapping flights while preserving service to less profitable destinations.
Record rainfall in Chiba Prefecture has killed 10 people and left 2,500 vehicles stranded on city roads. The flooding damaged 1,500 buildings, overwhelming JAF with recovery requests.
Four cabinet ministers and 89 lawmakers visited Yasukuni Shrine on August 15, while PM Takaichi sent offerings remotely. Her memorial address omitted references to wartime reflection, continuing diplomatic tensions.
Record rainfall killed nine people in Chiba, flooded 1,000+ homes. Linear precipitation bands caused unprecedented damage, highlighting flood risks for all Japan residents.
An Akita Prefecture official received suspension after attending an online press conference from a love hotel in a bathrobe while smoking, then lying about his location when questioned.
Record rainfall in Chiba has prompted METI to open business consultation services while over 10,000 homes face gas supply disruptions, affecting both commercial operations and daily life.
President Putin's first visit to disputed Etorofu Island on August 13, 2026, drew strong protests from Japan's government. Prime Minister Takamichi called it "absolutely unacceptable," while opposition leaders demanded policy changes toward Russia.
Record rainfall in Chiba triggered Level 5 emergency warnings, killing two people and stranding 7,000 at Narita Airport. All trains suspended, with 238,460 people under evacuation orders.