Japan will introduce police body-worn cameras nationwide from April 2027 to prevent disputes during questioning and traffic stops. The cameras aim to ensure proper police conduct and provide objective records of encounters.
Yellow Hat's reservation system was breached, potentially exposing 1.8 million customers' names and phone numbers. Foreign residents who used the service should watch for scam attempts.
September utility bills will increase nationwide due to rising LNG prices and reduced government subsidies. All major electricity and city gas providers are raising rates, affecting households across Japan.
The Hokuriku region faces continued heavy rainfall and flooding risks through August 31, following record precipitation on August 27. Ishikawa and Toyama prefectures remain particularly vulnerable.
Major Japanese supermarkets including Aeon are cutting prices on hundreds of items as consumer spending weakens. The limited-time campaigns offer expats opportunities for household savings amid persistent inflation.
The Constitutional Democratic Party rejected merging with the Centrist Reform Alliance and Komeito after local branches objected. The decision maintains Japan's fragmented opposition landscape.
Japan's daycare waiting list increased to 2,435 children in April 2026, the first rise in nine years. A severe childcare worker shortage is preventing facilities from accepting more children despite available space.
Japan's agriculture ministry will buy back 150,000 tons of reserve rice in September 2026, focusing on 2025-harvest rice currently held in private inventories to rebuild strategic reserves.
JMA issued Level 5 emergency warnings for Ishikawa and Toyama on August 27 due to catastrophic rainfall from linear rainbands, causing flooding, landslides, and river overflow with immediate danger to life.
Japan's government released AI intellectual property protection guidelines requiring transparency in training data collection. The framework balances AI innovation with creator rights protection for companies operating in Japan.
Japan's Digital Agency launched a unified My Number app on August 25, 2026, consolidating two previous applications to simplify online identity verification and government procedures for all residents, including expats.
Suzuki unveiled its first electric kei-class vehicle, launching this autumn amid growing competition. The move brings eco-friendly options to Japan's popular compact car segment, offering expats new choices.
Japan's Justice Ministry is considering criminalizing buyers who solicit prostitution, addressing inequality in current laws that only penalize sellers. The reform could significantly impact foreign residents' legal status.