Electricity and gas bills will decrease in July due to government subsidies, but food prices continue rising, with rice prices up and Calbee announcing its fourth price increase of 2026 affecting 75 products.
Typhoons 7 and 8 approach Japan on June 27, bringing Level 4 landslide warnings, potential Tokaido Shinkansen suspensions, and highway closures. Expats should avoid non-essential travel and prepare for extended dangerous conditions.
A magnitude 5.6 earthquake struck Yamanashi on June 26, registering intensity 6-lower in Fujikawaguchiko. Authorities warn of similar aftershocks for one week, with landslide risks during rainfall.
Japan postponed its ¥1,500 minimum wage target to the early 2030s from the original 2030 goal. This affects foreign workers in minimum wage positions across hospitality, retail, and service sectors.
Japan enacted new dangerous driving law with numerical standards including 0.5mg/L breath alcohol threshold. The reform takes effect July 2026, establishing clear criteria for criminal prosecution.
Shareholder activism reached record levels at Japanese AGMs in June 2026, with investors challenging management at Nissan, KADOKAWA, and Rohto Pharmaceutical, signaling significant corporate governance changes affecting employees and investors.
A cross-party proposal to reduce consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027 faces strong opposition. Opposition parties prefer direct payments, and funding sources remain unspecified in the draft plan.
Two Fuji Electric employees were detained by Chinese customs authorities in Dalian in May 2024. The Japanese government confirmed both are in good health and is providing consular support.
The yen weakened to 161 per dollar, approaching a 40-year low. Finance Minister Katayama confirmed Japan-U.S. agreement on potential intervention, creating volatile conditions for expat finances.
Japan's Supreme Court finalized the Unification Church dissolution order, rejecting appeals and stripping its legal status. Experts urge victim compensation and support systems for departing members.
KDDI reported a major security breach affecting up to 14.22 million email accounts on June 23, 2026. Users of Nifty, Biglobe, and four other providers should immediately change passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
Japan's Prime Minister switched from a sedan to an SUV-type Toyota Century on June 22, 2026, marking the first SUV official vehicle while maintaining the prestigious Century brand for security and modern needs.
Major food price increases from companies like Nippon Ham begin in August, while the government debates temporarily reducing food consumption tax to 1% starting April 2027 for two years before reverting to 8%.