Essential news for expats in Japan
Japan faces multiple disaster challenges: severe blizzards hitting Hokkaido through February 9, an uncontrolled wildfire in Chichibu, drought conditions causing low reservoir levels, and continued earthquake monitoring.
Japan's Engel coefficient reached a 44-year high in 2025 as food inflation squeezes household budgets. Rice prices continue rising, with five kilograms now averaging 4,194 yen, impacting expats' purchasing power.
Toyota reaches historic 50 trillion yen revenue while appointing new CEO, as SUBARU faces 70% profit decline from tariffs and Kirin sells U.S. whiskey business amid industry restructuring.
Severe weather forecasts have prompted Japanese election officials to adjust polling station hours and advance voting dates on remote islands for the February 8 House of Representatives election.
KDDI subsidiary faces investigation over 33 billion yen fraud and 246 billion yen accounting overstatements since 2017. Japan Post investigated for violating freelance protection laws by failing to specify contract terms.
Tokyo's influenza cases doubled in early February 2026, with Influenza B increasing significantly. This strain spreads easily as it often lacks high fever, making detection difficult for residents.
Executives from retirement service Moomuri were arrested for illegal lawyer kickback schemes, with two lawyers referred to prosecutors. The case highlights risks for expats using such services.
Severe winter weather is causing fatalities and major disruptions across Japan through February 8th. Multiple deaths from snow removal accidents highlight dangers, while whiteout conditions threaten transportation.
Japanese startups raised over ¥4 billion in early February 2026, with major investments in AI-driven supply chain management, restaurant business tools, and wireless charging technology, creating new opportunities for foreign entrepreneurs.
Japan's health ministry disciplined 28 doctors and dentists with penalties ranging from license revocations to practice suspensions, demonstrating the country's commitment to healthcare accountability and patient safety.
Recent earthquake in Kagoshima posed no tsunami threat. Typhoon Pennya won't affect Japan. Three snow-removal deaths highlight winter safety risks as temperatures rise across northern regions.
Market turbulence affects expat investors as Japanese corporations restructure, the yen weakens to 156 per dollar, and AI concerns shake tech stocks, while financial sector profits surge above 1 trillion yen.
Tokyo police arrested executives from retirement proxy service Momuri for illegally referring clients to lawyers for compensation. Two lawyers also face charges, exposing regulatory gaps in Japan's growing retirement assistance industry.