Iwate Prefecture experienced earthquakes measuring up to seismic intensity 4 on March 26, with no tsunami threat. Foreign residents should review emergency preparedness plans and ensure devices receive alerts.
Japan began releasing strategic oil reserves on March 26 amid the Iran crisis, as fuel prices surge dramatically. Diesel costs have doubled in some areas, while 45 Japanese ships remain stranded in the Persian Gulf.
A 23-year-old GSDF member was arrested for intruding on Chinese Embassy grounds in Tokyo, allegedly to confront the ambassador about anti-Japan statements and possibly threatening diplomats.
Japan activates emergency oil measures as Iran tensions threaten supply. Government establishes crisis council, releases strategic reserves, and allocates 800 billion yen for price controls amid potential fuel disruptions.
Japan considers deploying Self-Defense Forces to Hormuz Strait as US-Iran tensions threaten critical oil shipping routes. Expats should prepare for potential fuel and utility price increases.
Former employees at Sony Life and Prudential borrowed billions of yen from clients, with half still unpaid. The scandals highlight risks for expats who trust insurance representatives.
The Iran crisis is disrupting Japan's fuel supplies, causing transportation delays, manufacturing cuts at Nissan, and price increases for eggs and petroleum-based products that will impact expat budgets.
PM Takaichi's March 19 US summit will prioritize securing Alaskan oil amid Iran crisis. Japan seeks energy alternatives as Strait of Hormuz tensions threaten supply routes critical to daily life.
Japan releases strategic oil reserves as Hormuz Strait tensions threaten supply routes. Government weighs naval deployment amid US pressure and Iranian warnings while economists predict fuel prices could reach 180-190 yen per liter.
Japan's record ¥122 trillion fiscal 2026 budget passed the lower house on March 13 with LDP and Ishin support. Upper house deliberations begin March 16, aiming for April 1 enactment.
A power supply failure suspended the Tokyu Toyoko and Minatomirai Lines for 9.5 hours on March 13, affecting 120,000 passengers during evening rush hour. The outage impacted key routes between Tokyo and Yokohama.
JR East raised fares by 7.1% starting March 14, 2026, marking its first increase since 1987 excluding tax adjustments. The change affects 16 million daily passengers across eastern Japan's major commuter routes.
Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei vows to maintain the Hormuz Strait blockade and retaliate against U.S. and Israeli forces, potentially affecting global oil supplies and energy prices in Japan.