Japan's Financial Services Agency has launched an inspection of Sony Life Insurance. Expats with policies should ensure contact details are current and continue normal premium payments while monitoring official communications.
Japan's long-term interest rates reached 3.035% on September 15, the highest in 30 years. This affects expats through higher mortgage costs, stronger yen, and better savings returns.
Japan's land prices rose 1.5% in 2026, marking five consecutive years of growth driven by strong housing demand and tourism recovery. The trend affects both rental and purchase costs for expats.
Japan will reduce consumption tax on food items to 1% from April 2026 for two years. Restaurant dining remains at 10%, while groceries drop from 8% to 1%, potentially saving households over 3,000 yen monthly.
Japanese authorities revoked health insurance for 11,610 people across 38 companies involved in fraudulent schemes to reduce premiums. Foreign residents must ensure legitimate coverage through proper employment or municipal insurance.
Chubu Electric's president and chairman resigned after data falsification in Hamaoka Nuclear Plant restart applications. The company withdrew its regulatory application, and authorities are investigating.
PM Takaichi forms coalition with Ishin Party, appointing Secretary-General Nakatsukasa to cabinet. LDP personnel changes include Hideki Murai as Diet Affairs Chairman, reshaping Japan's governing structure.
Genta Koza won Okinawa's gubernatorial election on September 13, 2026, defeating incumbent Denny Tamaki and becoming the first pro-base relocation governor in over a decade, ending the "All Okinawa" era.
Chubu Electric Power's president and chairman will resign over earthquake data falsification at Hamaoka Nuclear Plant. The scandal affects safety reviews and delays reactor restart plans in central Japan.
Saudi Arabia's East-West Pipeline, a key alternative to Hormuz Strait oil routes, was attacked by drones and suspended operations. The incident raises energy security concerns for Japan, which imports 90% of its oil from the Middle East.
Twenty-eight staff members were hospitalized with food poisoning at Kyoto's athletics championship on September 12, 2026, after consuming contaminated bento boxes, prompting a health investigation.
Japan's Ministry of Justice plans to pilot GPS monitoring for paroled sex offenders starting fiscal 2027. The experimental program aims to prevent recidivism but faces implementation challenges.
Tokyo court ordered ramen chain to pay ¥1 million to Myanmar worker whose first salary was zero yen due to illegal deductions, reinforcing labor protections for all foreign workers in Japan.