Shareholder activism reached record levels at Japanese AGMs in June 2026, with investors challenging management at Nissan, KADOKAWA, and Rohto Pharmaceutical, signaling significant corporate governance changes affecting employees and investors.
A cross-party proposal to reduce consumption tax on food to 1% from April 2027 faces strong opposition. Opposition parties prefer direct payments, and funding sources remain unspecified in the draft plan.
Two Fuji Electric employees were detained by Chinese customs authorities in Dalian in May 2024. The Japanese government confirmed both are in good health and is providing consular support.
The yen weakened to 161 per dollar, approaching a 40-year low. Finance Minister Katayama confirmed Japan-U.S. agreement on potential intervention, creating volatile conditions for expat finances.
Japan's Supreme Court finalized the Unification Church dissolution order, rejecting appeals and stripping its legal status. Experts urge victim compensation and support systems for departing members.
KDDI reported a major security breach affecting up to 14.22 million email accounts on June 23, 2026. Users of Nifty, Biglobe, and four other providers should immediately change passwords and enable two-factor authentication.
Japan's Prime Minister switched from a sedan to an SUV-type Toyota Century on June 22, 2026, marking the first SUV official vehicle while maintaining the prestigious Century brand for security and modern needs.
Major food price increases from companies like Nippon Ham begin in August, while the government debates temporarily reducing food consumption tax to 1% starting April 2027 for two years before reverting to 8%.
Kawai Musical Instruments received official sanctions from Japan's Fair Trade Commission for underpaying freelance music teachers for trial lessons, violating the Freelance Protection Law.
The yen fell to 161.90 per dollar on June 22nd, its weakest in 39 years, prompting emergency talks between Japanese and U.S. finance officials amid growing concerns about the currency's rapid decline.
A fatal platform barrier breach at Hamamatsu Station halted Tokaido Shinkansen service for three hours, affecting 140,000 passengers and raising questions about safety gaps in Japan's bullet train infrastructure.
Iran threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz on June 20, risking Japan's oil supply as 95% of imports pass through this route. Expats may face higher energy costs and economic impacts.
An electric heater fire in a Tokyo elementary school injured 11 people, exposing issues with early fire detection and evacuation procedures. The incident highlights important safety considerations for foreign families.