Record rainfall on August 22 caused severe flooding across Tokyo and Chiba, with streets submerged and manholes overflowing. JR Sotobo Line resumed full service August 23, one day ahead of schedule.
A magnitude 5.9 earthquake struck Kanto at 2:00 AM August 23, causing infrastructure damage and injuries. Authorities warn of possible aftershocks for one week.
JAXA will launch the MMX Mars moon mission on October 20, 2026, at 5:00 AM from Tanegashima. The spacecraft will collect samples from Phobos and return them to Earth by 2029.
Japan's 2026 rice harvest faces sharp price declines, with advance farmer payments dropping significantly. Agricultural leaders warn this threatens sustainable rice production nationwide, potentially affecting food security.
Japan's government has formed a committee to address Japan Post's ongoing losses, potentially leading to reduced mail delivery services. Changes could affect expats' access to international mail and postal services nationwide.
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.