Healthcare
Japan Proposes Raising Medical Costs for Seniors Aged 70 and Above
Japan's Finance Ministry proposes raising medical copayments to 30% for those aged 70+, aiming to reduce burdens on working-age residents. The change could significantly impact expats planning long-term stays.
Public Policy & Governance
Japan Secures Alternative Oil Supply Routes Amid Hormuz Strait Crisis
Japan has secured 60% of alternative oil supplies for May and will release 20 days of reserves to offset Hormuz Strait disruptions. Major energy companies are establishing new supply routes bypassing the strait.
Disaster Preparedness
Post-Earthquake Advisory Period Ends: Experts Warn Continued Preparedness Needed
Japan's week-long earthquake advisory for Hokkaido-Sanriku ended April 27, but experts warn seismic risks remain high. Continued preparedness is essential as regional earthquake activity has increased since last year.
Public Policy & Governance
Tokyo Gas Announces First Basic Rate Hike in 46 Years
Tokyo Gas will raise basic residential rates by 150 yen monthly starting October 2025, the first such increase in 46 years. Rising personnel costs drive the change, affecting all households in the Tokyo area.
Disaster Preparedness
Multiple Wildfires Rage Across Northern Japan, Affecting Major Routes
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.
Disaster Preparedness
Magnitude 5+ Earthquake Strikes Hokkaido, Nuclear Facilities Secure
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.
Public Policy & Governance
TEPCO Appoints New Chairman Amid Push for Corporate Restructuring
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.
Labor Law & Employment
Japan Introduces Shift System for Surgeons Under Work Reform Initiative
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.
Technology & Startups
Denso Withdraws Rohm Acquisition Bid, Reshaping Japan's Semiconductor Landscape
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.
Disaster Preparedness
Otsuchi Wildfire Enters Fifth Day as 1,300 Personnel Battle Blaze
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.
Healthcare
Japan Moves Forward with Co-Payment Increases for OTC-Similar Drugs
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.
Public Policy & Governance
Japan to Release Additional Oil from National Reserves Starting May 1st
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.