Public Policy & Governance
Food Prices Rising in Japan as Packaging and Material Costs Surge
Major Japanese food manufacturers are raising prices on biscuits, beverages, and other products due to increased packaging and raw material costs, impacting expat household budgets.
Financial Services
Historic Yen Weakness: 61% of Japanese See Negative Economic Impact
61% of Japanese see negative economic impact from historic yen weakness at 162 per dollar. Expats face reduced purchasing power, higher import costs, though some benefit from foreign income.
Technology & Startups
LINE Yahoo Data Breach Exposes 7.1 Million Game User Accounts
LINE Yahoo disclosed that 7.1 million game user identification records leaked to external companies. The breach affects LINE mobile game users but does not include personal details like names or addresses.
Disaster Preparedness
Western Japan Faces Dangerous Heat Wave with Temperatures Exceeding 38°C
Western Japan faces dangerous heat exceeding 38°C through mid-July. Authorities urge proper air conditioning use, frequent hydration, and avoiding outdoor activities during peak hours.
Public Policy & Governance
Imperial Household Law Amendment Passes Lower House in Historic Vote
Japan's Lower House passed historic Imperial Household Law amendments allowing female royals to retain status after marriage and permitting adoption from former Imperial branches. The bill addresses declining royal family numbers.
Transportation & Infrastructure
Mobile Suica Outage: JR East Offers Compensation After Charging Failures
JR East will compensate Mobile Suica users after server overload on July 1st prevented account charging. The disruption affected thousands relying on the mobile payment system for transportation and daily purchases.
Public Policy & Governance
Rice Prices Fall Below ¥3,500 per 5kg for First Time Since Early 2025
Rice prices at Japanese supermarkets dropped below ¥3,500 per 5kg for the first time since early 2025, reaching ¥3,458 as inventory levels normalize, offering financial relief to households.
Taxation
Executive Arrested for ¥5.2 Billion Tax Evasion on Stock Sale Profits
Tokyo prosecutors arrested a company founder for evading ¥780 million in taxes by hiding ¥5.2 billion in stock sale income. The case highlights Japan's strict enforcement of capital gains tax obligations for all residents.
Financial Services
Credit Card Processor Zentoshin Bankruptcy Leaves Businesses Without Funds
Payment processor Zentoshin's bankruptcy leaves thousands of businesses unable to access sales revenue. Government establishes 378 consultation centers nationwide to assist affected merchants.
Technology & Startups
Mitsubishi Motors Partners with Tokyo University for Humanoid Robot Production
Mitsubishi Motors partners with Tokyo University startup to mass-produce autonomous humanoid robots using Physical AI technology, marking Japan's push toward automation amid workforce shortages.
Technology & Startups
Japan's Mobile Carriers Postpone Launch of 060 Phone Numbers
Japan's five major mobile carriers postponed the introduction of 060 phone numbers on July 8, 2026. The delay affects telecommunications expansion plans but doesn't impact current services or number availability.
Financial Services
Major Payment Processor Zentoshin Bankruptcy Leaves 20,000 Merchants Unpaid
Payment processor Zentoshin's bankruptcy has left over 20,000 merchants unpaid and unable to accept cards. The company allegedly engaged in accounting fraud for 20 years before collapsing.