Financial Services
Aflac Life Insurance Reports Data Breach Affecting 4.38 Million Customers
Aflac Life Insurance Japan reported a data breach affecting 4.38 million customers through unauthorized access to its policyholder portal. Personal information including names, addresses, phone numbers, and some bank details were compromised.
Financial Services
July Food Price Increases Hit 2,566 Products Amid Rising Living Costs
Over 2,566 food products will increase in price this July, continuing a five-year trend of annual increases exceeding 10,000 items. Middle East instability drives costs higher, affecting groceries and restaurants alike.
Public Policy & Governance
Japan Passes Imperial Household Law Allowing Female Royals to Retain Status
Japan's government has passed Imperial Household Law amendments allowing female royals to retain status after marriage and permitting adoption of male descendants from former Imperial branches to address the shrinking royal family.
Financial Services
Yen Plunges to 162 Per Dollar: What Foreign Residents Need to Know
The yen hit 162 per dollar on June 30, its weakest in 39.5 years, driven by US-Japan interest rate differences. Expats face higher import costs but stronger foreign currency purchasing power in Japan.
Transportation & Infrastructure
Kintetsu Railway Incident Raises Safety Concerns for Foreign Passengers
A Chinese passenger's unauthorized entry into a Kintetsu train control room after mistaken boarding sparked safety concerns. The incident highlights the importance of respecting restricted railway areas and proper procedures.
Public Policy & Governance
Diet Debates Seat Reduction and Imperial Succession as Session Ends
Japan's Diet faces heated debates over reducing House seats by 45 and imperial succession reforms as the session ends. Opposition parties are boycotting proceedings, calling the ruling coalition's push "tyranny by numbers."
Disaster Preparedness
Twin Typhoons Trigger Widespread Disasters Across Japan's Eastern Regions
Typhoons 7 and 8 caused landslides, flooding, and infrastructure damage across eastern Japan on June 27th, affecting over 130,000 residents with evacuation orders and leaving ground conditions unstable.
Disaster Preparedness
Magnitude 5 Quake Hits Iwate and Aomori, Nuclear Facilities Safe
A magnitude 5 earthquake struck Iwate and Aomori on June 28, following a magnitude 7.2 quake three days earlier. All nuclear facilities reported no damage, with no tsunami warning issued.
Public Policy & Governance
Mixed News for Household Budgets: Utility Bills Drop, Food Prices Rise
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.
Disaster Preparedness
Twin Typhoons 7 and 8 Bring Heavy Rain and Travel Chaos to Japan
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.
Disaster Preparedness
Magnitude 5.6 Earthquake Hits Yamanashi: What Foreign Residents Need to Know
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.
Labor Law & Employment
Japan Postpones ¥1,500 Minimum Wage Target to Early 2030s
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.