Forest fires burn across Iwate, Fukushima, and Niigata prefectures, forcing evacuations of 458 people and closing major highways. Expats should monitor local alerts and prepare for air quality issues.
A magnitude 5+ earthquake struck Hokkaido's Tokachi region on April 26, 2026, with no tsunami risk. All nuclear facilities reported no abnormalities, and the government activated emergency response protocols.
TEPCO is appointing JIC president Keisuke Yokoo as chairman to drive corporate reforms. The change affects Tokyo area electricity consumers and may reshape Japan's power sector.
Japanese hospitals now allow surgeons to hand over operations mid-procedure under new work-hour reforms. The shift system aims to reduce physician overwork while maintaining patient care quality.
Denso withdraws its acquisition bid for Rohm after failing to gain management support. Rohm instead pursues power semiconductor alliance with Toshiba and Mitsubishi Electric, reflecting Japan's evolving approach to industry consolidation.
A wildfire in Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture has entered its fifth day with 1,300 firefighters battling the blaze. Experts warn of prolonged emergency as flames spread beyond initial evacuation zones toward residential areas.
Japan's lower house committee approved health insurance amendments requiring additional patient fees for OTC-similar prescription drugs, advancing cost-containment measures that could affect expat medical expenses.
Japan will release additional oil from national reserves starting May 1st to address supply stability concerns. The measure aims to stabilize fuel markets and moderate potential price increases.
Japan reduces passport fees by ¥7,000 for 10-year passports starting July 1st, 2026. The change benefits naturalized Japanese citizens but not foreign residents holding non-Japanese passports.
Tokushima University received a labor violation notice for paid leave practices, while Japan's labor minister announced reviews of working time systems, affecting foreign workers' rights and protections.
Agriculture and fishery groups express concerns about proposed food tax elimination, citing complexity as producers would still pay consumption tax on inputs like fertilizers and fuel while selling tax-free products.
Japan abolished restrictions on lethal weapons exports on April 21, 2026, removing the "five categories" framework. The policy allows destroyer and missile sales, with Philippines negotiations beginning immediately.
New condominium prices in Tokyo's 23 wards reached a record 137.84 million yen in fiscal 2025, up 18% year-on-year. The surge impacts expats' purchasing power and rental costs across the capital.