Japan's railway companies are improving night shift conditions and increasing allowances to address severe worker shortages. JR West will cancel services if crew rest is inadequate, while industry-wide facility upgrades aim to retain staff.
The yen weakened to 163 per dollar on July 22 due to Middle East tensions and rising oil prices, reducing purchasing power for expats while authorities remain alert for potential intervention.
Japan faces record-breaking heat with temperatures exceeding 40°C, over 10,000 weekly heatstroke transports, and one death in Tokyo. Experts warn consecutive hot days cause cumulative dehydration risks requiring urgent prevention measures.
Hand, foot and mouth disease cases have surged 1.3 times in one week, with 35 prefectures exceeding warning levels. Experts warn northern regions may see further increases as temperatures rise.
Tokyo area new condominium prices averaged 101.35 million yen in first half 2026, crossing 100 million yen for the first time. Rising costs impact both purchase and rental markets for foreign residents.
Japan will integrate My Number cards with AI agents while postponing mandatory acquisition. The cabinet decision advances digital services but maintains voluntary participation for all residents.
A hacker group claimed responsibility for a ransomware attack on Nichirei Corporation on July 21st, disrupting the major food supplier's shipping operations and potentially affecting product availability across Japan.
The yen fell to 163 per dollar on July 21, its weakest in nearly 40 years, driven by Iran tensions. The decline significantly impacts expats' purchasing power, remittances, and imported goods costs.
Chinese naval vessels conducted live-fire machine gun drills inside Japan's EEZ near Okinotorishima on July 19, with Russian ships also present. Japan's Ministry of Defense is monitoring the situation closely.
Eight people including children were injured when multiple trees collapsed at a Gotemba soccer ground on July 19, 2026. Three women sustained serious injuries in the incident, which highlights outdoor venue safety concerns for expats.
A dangerous heat wave is affecting Japan from Tohoku to Kyushu, with temperatures reaching 38°C. Authorities urge all residents to use air conditioning properly and maintain constant hydration to prevent heat stroke.
Japan's government proposes cutting food consumption tax from 8% to 1%, potentially saving families 60,000 yen yearly. However, economists warn companies may raise prices during the transition, making actual benefits uncertain.
JR Tokai and Shizuoka Prefecture signed an environmental agreement on July 18, 2026, ending years of deadlock and allowing Linear Shinkansen construction to proceed through the prefecture.