Japan's ruling party approved Criminal Procedure Law amendments restricting prosecutors from appealing retrial decisions. The changes await Diet approval, though lawyers say evidence disclosure reforms are still needed.
Japanese companies adjust operations as Middle East crisis disrupts supply chains. ENEOS tanker successfully transits Hormuz Strait while Kagome redesigns ketchup packaging to reduce ink usage amid material shortages.
Japan's National Public Safety Commission announced it will review current age and size limits for children riding in bicycle seats, potentially expanding regulations that currently restrict use to children under six.
Japan's government is releasing medical glove stockpiles at 5,980 yen per unit starting May 18 due to Middle East supply disruptions. Healthcare facilities facing shortages can apply for emergency supplies.
Japan postponed a bill expanding legal maiden name usage as official aliases due to a crowded Diet schedule. The delay affects married individuals, particularly foreign residents who changed surnames.
Japan approves insurance coverage for Amshepri, an iPS cell treatment for Parkinson's disease, at ¥55.3 million per procedure. Patients with national health insurance can access this groundbreaking therapy with income-based cost caps.
Japan's government is considering electricity and gas subsidies for summer 2026 due to Middle East tensions threatening energy price increases, potentially benefiting all residents including expats through automatic bill reductions.
Japan's government will propose restricting prosecutors' appeals against retrial decisions, enshrining the prohibition in the Criminal Procedure Code to expedite justice for wrongful convictions.
Japan's House of Representatives revealed a constitutional emergency powers framework allowing term extensions and emergency decrees during disasters or pandemics, sparking political debate with discussions scheduled for May 14, 2026.
Middle East tensions are causing packaging material shortages in Japan, affecting garbage bags and snack food designs. Municipalities are relaxing waste rules temporarily while the government investigates supply chain impacts.
Rice prices in Japan are expected to continue falling over the next three months due to increased inventory levels, potentially reducing grocery costs for expats despite concerns from farmers about declining revenues.
Calbee is switching some product packaging to black-and-white designs due to Middle East crisis disrupting ink and naphtha supplies, marking a visible impact of geopolitical tensions on Japanese consumer goods.
Nissan and Honda are canceling multiple U.S. EV production plans due to falling demand. Honda projects a 400 billion yen operating loss, reflecting broader challenges in the automotive industry's electric transition.