One teenage patient died and two remain critical after receiving contaminated anticancer injections at Saitama Children's Medical Center in 2025. Police are investigating as the hospital pledges safety reforms.
Japan releases strategic oil reserves as Hormuz Strait blockade threatens supply. Government caps gasoline at 170 yen/liter. IEA coordinates 400-million-barrel global release starting March 16.
Iran crisis drove oil to $119/barrel before dropping to $81. Japan's government plans gasoline and utility subsidies while preparing strategic reserve releases with G7 coordination to protect residents from price shocks.
Japan evacuated 14 embassy staff from Iran to Azerbaijan and brought 107 citizens home via charter flights from Oman, with SDF aircraft deployed to the Maldives as backup amid escalating Middle East tensions.
The Imperial Family attended Japan's WBC victory over Australia at Tokyo Dome on March 8, 2026, marking a rare "tenran jiai" event. Japan won 4-3 with a comeback home run by Yoshida, topping their group.
Japan evacuates citizens from Middle East amid U.S.-Iran tensions. Charter flights from Oman and Saudi Arabia, plus Self-Defense Force aircraft deployed to Maldives as precaution.
U.S.-Iran conflict drives oil to $92/barrel, disrupts shipping through Hormuz Strait. Two Japanese detained in Iran; government begins Middle East evacuations March 7. Toyota cuts production 20,000 units.
Former Nikai faction members established a new LDP policy group after major election gains, focusing on legislative proposals rather than traditional factional politics, potentially influencing policies affecting foreign residents.
Former House of Councillors member and Democratic Party leader Otsuka Kohei died at 66. He served as Cabinet Office Vice Minister during the DPJ administration and led the party through significant reorganization.
U.S.-Iran military escalation threatens Japan's energy security as Qatar halts LNG production and Hormuz Strait tensions rise. Markets plunge while government monitors fuel costs and coordinates diplomatic response.
U.S.-Iran military conflict threatens Japan's oil supply through Hormuz Strait blockade. Government maintains 254-day oil reserves and pursues diplomatic de-escalation while supporting evacuations from affected regions.
U.S.-Israeli strikes killed Iran's Supreme Leader, triggering regional crisis. Japan's government is monitoring closely, considering evacuations, while experts warn of energy supply risks for Japan.
U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran prompt Japan to evacuate citizens and issue travel warnings. Airport closures and Strait of Hormuz disruption may affect flights and fuel prices in Japan.