Honda and Nissan announced a partnership to jointly develop software-defined vehicles, sharing costs for components and operating systems. The collaboration aims to reduce massive development expenses while accelerating both companies' digital transformation.
Japan reduced the legal speed limit on narrow residential "living roads" to 30 km/h starting September 1, 2026. The change affects residential streets nationwide with some exceptions.
Japan will introduce AI education across all subjects and grant schools flexibility in class scheduling starting in four years, affecting all public school students including expat children.
Japan's long-term interest rates reached a 30-year high of 2.955% in September 2026, prompting Mitsubishi UFJ and Sumitomo Mitsui banks to raise variable mortgage rates above 1%, directly impacting expat homeowners and buyers.
Record rainfall exceeding 300mm in 24 hours has caused major flooding in Fukui and Hokuriku, suspending multiple rail lines and closing key highways including Route 8 and Hokuriku Expressway sections.
Japan will introduce police body-worn cameras nationwide from April 2027 to prevent disputes during questioning and traffic stops. The cameras aim to ensure proper police conduct and provide objective records of encounters.
Yellow Hat's reservation system was breached, potentially exposing 1.8 million customers' names and phone numbers. Foreign residents who used the service should watch for scam attempts.
September utility bills will increase nationwide due to rising LNG prices and reduced government subsidies. All major electricity and city gas providers are raising rates, affecting households across Japan.
The Hokuriku region faces continued heavy rainfall and flooding risks through August 31, following record precipitation on August 27. Ishikawa and Toyama prefectures remain particularly vulnerable.
Major Japanese supermarkets including Aeon are cutting prices on hundreds of items as consumer spending weakens. The limited-time campaigns offer expats opportunities for household savings amid persistent inflation.
The Constitutional Democratic Party rejected merging with the Centrist Reform Alliance and Komeito after local branches objected. The decision maintains Japan's fragmented opposition landscape.
Japan's daycare waiting list increased to 2,435 children in April 2026, the first rise in nine years. A severe childcare worker shortage is preventing facilities from accepting more children despite available space.
Japan's agriculture ministry will buy back 150,000 tons of reserve rice in September 2026, focusing on 2025-harvest rice currently held in private inventories to rebuild strategic reserves.