Japan's government requested corrections to the UN-endorsed Equal Earth map after the Northern Territories appeared in Russian colors. The map's creator agreed to modify the representation following official intervention.
Japan detected its first infectious foot-and-mouth disease virus in meat at airport quarantine in January 2026. The discovery highlights biosecurity risks and the importance of complying with Japan's strict import regulations.
Chubu Electric overcharged 5 million customers ¥1.2 billion since 2024 due to power generation cost calculation errors. The company will refund all affected customers across central Japan's five prefectures.
Aichi Financial Group and Sanjusan Financial Group cancelled their merger agreement on September 10, maintaining independent operations. Banking customers face no changes to accounts or services.
Nidec founder Shigenobu Nagamori faces a ¥28.7 billion shareholder lawsuit over accounting irregularities. The derivative lawsuit highlights corporate governance issues in Japanese companies.
NHK dismissed a reporter for non-consensual sexual contact, reflecting stricter enforcement of workplace harassment policies in Japan. The case highlights evolving standards around consent and serious consequences for misconduct.
Four Japanese researchers won the 2026 Lasker Award for groundbreaking work in sleep and cancer research. Professor Masashi Yanagisawa and three Chugai Pharmaceutical scientists received America's top medical prize.
Apple announced its first foldable iPhone, the Duo, priced from ¥364,800 in Japan. The premium device enters a market dominated by competitors, offering expats a high-end option with significant cost considerations.
Real wages in Japan rose 2.4% in July 2026, the seventh straight monthly increase, with total cash earnings up 4.7%. This benefits expats through improved purchasing power despite ongoing inflation concerns.
The yen strengthened to 152 per dollar on September 8, its highest level in seven months, driven by speculation of coordinated intervention. This impacts expats' purchasing power and money transfers.
Major Japanese banks are competing for deposits by improving inheritance procedures and increasing credit card rewards. The shift reflects Japan's transition to positive interest rates and creates opportunities for expats.
Shinjuku and Taito wards are implementing stricter minpaku regulations following over 1,300 resident complaints. Taito will ban new vacation rentals in residential areas from January 2027.
JR East will enable area-crossing Suica functionality across six zones from March 2027, ending travel restrictions. Public voting is open until September 23 for a new mascot to eventually replace the Suica penguin.