Japan's Fair Trade Commission raided six major food manufacturers investigating suspected ice cream price-fixing. Senior executives allegedly coordinated price increases through regular meetings, potentially violating competition law.
Japan's Children and Families Agency will publish its complete budget online by March 2028, becoming the first ministry to fully disclose spending details to the public.
A magnitude 5.5 earthquake struck Kanto on June 16, causing intensity 5-lower shaking in Gunma and Saitama. Authorities warn of possible aftershocks for one week. Foreign residents should review emergency preparedness.
The BOJ raised rates to 1%, the highest since 1995, to combat inflation from oil prices and yen weakness. Major banks will increase deposit rates to 0.4% from August.
Five people, including a critically ill child, contracted E. coli O157 after eating High Roller products from Costco Nagoya. Health authorities confirmed the food poisoning outbreak on June 15, 2026.
A CDP lawmaker sparked controversy by suggesting SDF recruits face economic hardship, prompting Defense Minister Koizumi's angry rebuttal and immediate retraction during a June 15 parliamentary session.
JAXA will launch the Michibiki-7 GPS satellite on August 7, 2026, using the H3 rocket. The satellite enhances positioning accuracy for navigation apps and emergency systems used by residents in Japan.
Japan's transport ministry released first-ever toilet installation guidelines requiring more fixtures in women's restrooms at facilities with equal gender usage, aiming to reduce persistent queue disparities.
ANA and JAL will raise fuel surcharges from July 1, with maximum charges reaching 65,000 yen per ticket on long-haul routes. This is the second consecutive increase, driven by rising aviation fuel costs.
Japan's revised Postal Service Law allows easier price adjustments for mail services. The June 12 legislation streamlines approval processes as Japan Post faces ongoing deficits.
Japan's government is drafting legislation to allow adoption of male descendants from former Imperial branches, addressing succession concerns. Political parties disagree on parliamentary procedures, with the LDP pushing for passage this session.
Japan issued its first nationwide order against misleading "limited-time" promotions and penalized KADOKAWA for violating freelance worker protections, strengthening consumer and contractor rights.
ANA faces severe customer service delays following its May 2026 domestic fare system launch, with email responses taking two weeks to two months and phone lines largely inaccessible.