Japan's health ministry has opened a public comment period on proposed revisions to the list of designated intractable diseases and related severity criteria used for medical subsidy eligibility.
Typhoon 26 approaches Okinawa and Amami with high waves and strong winds, while heavy rains from an autumn front affect northern to western Japan, requiring preparation and caution.
Tokyo Metro disclosed that nearly 59,000 email addresses from its points service members were potentially leaked through unauthorized access. Train operations remain unaffected, but users should watch for phishing attempts.
JR Kyushu and SBI Holdings have agreed to partner on new financial services launching in fiscal 2027. The collaboration aims to diversify JR Kyushu's business while leveraging SBI's financial technology expertise.
NTT Docomo will raise prices on over 50 plans this December due to inflation and infrastructure costs. Foreign residents should review their current plans and prepare for higher monthly bills.
Tokyo's used condominium prices fell 0.2% in August to 112 million yen for 70 square meters, the first monthly decline in 28 months, potentially offering new opportunities for expat buyers.
The yen has weakened to 158-159 against the dollar due to US rate hike expectations, affecting expats' purchasing power, remittances, and import costs while benefiting those receiving foreign currency income.
Typhoon 26 is forecast to approach Okinawa with strong winds starting September 26th, possibly making direct landfall by September 28th. The storm may continue toward mainland Japan, though the forecast path remains uncertain.
JCOM internet services experienced an 11-hour nationwide outage on September 23, affecting millions of users from 9 AM until full restoration at 8 PM, impacting remote workers and expats across Japan.
An ANA flight made an emergency landing at Naha Airport on September 23, 2026, due to suspected engine trouble. Three passengers suffered minor injuries during evacuation. Transport Safety Board investigating.
Typhoon 25 caused record rainfall in Kanto, killing 2 and leaving 4 missing. Landslide risks remain high despite clearing weather. Transportation disruptions continue across the Tokyo area.
NHK has resumed door-to-door fee collection through external contractors after suspending the practice in 2023. Foreign residents with TV-capable equipment should expect potential visits and understand their legal obligations.
Japan's 65+ population reaches record 29.6% of total, with 9.43 million seniors working. The aging society affects healthcare access, labor markets, and public services for all residents including expats.