Japan's five major mobile carriers postponed the introduction of 060 phone numbers on July 8, 2026. The delay affects telecommunications expansion plans but doesn't impact current services or number availability.
Payment processor Zentoshin's bankruptcy has left over 20,000 merchants unpaid and unable to accept cards. The company allegedly engaged in accounting fraud for 20 years before collapsing.
Typhoon No. 9 will strike Okinawa's Sakishima Islands July 10-11 with violent winds capable of collapsing buildings. Residents must prepare immediately with supplies and secure homes before conditions worsen July 9.
Japan's ruling coalition shelved a controversial seat reduction bill to ease Diet tensions, prioritizing Imperial Household Law amendments addressing succession concerns through cross-party cooperation.
Shizuoka approves Linear Chuo Shinkansen construction after years of delays, while Osaka officials debate Hokuriku Shinkansen extension routes. Both projects will reshape Japan's high-speed rail network over the coming decade.
Hand, foot and mouth disease has reached warning levels in 15 prefectures, prompting health officials to urge thorough handwashing. Meanwhile, the government plans to revise medical costs for elderly patients by year-end.
KDDI confirmed a breach exposing 12.23 million email addresses and 7.62 million passwords from its corporate email system. The attack began May 16 through an unknown vulnerability, with no secondary damage reported yet.
A survey shows 60% of residents don't understand Japan's disaster warning levels eight years after reforms. Foreign residents face even greater risks due to language barriers during emergencies.
Japan's Hayabusa2 spacecraft successfully completed a high-speed flyby of asteroid Trifune on July 5, continuing its extended mission six years after returning Ryugu samples to Earth.
Northern Kyushu faces dangerous linear precipitation bands through July 6th, with Level 3 evacuation advisories issued in Asakura City. Expats should monitor warnings, prepare emergency kits, and know evacuation routes.
Japan plans to nearly double Narita Airport railway capacity through new elevated infrastructure, enabling expanded JR and Keisei express services and new Narita-Haneda connections for improved traveler convenience.
The Japanese government is developing a new learning program for foreign residents to study Japanese language and rules. The ICT-based program will target medium to long-term residents and include pre-arrival access.
Japan Post will increase Yu-Pack delivery fees by 10% from October 2025 due to rising logistics and labor costs. Click Post and shipping materials will also see price increases, affecting expats who regularly use postal services.