A National Police Agency career officer faces sexual assault charges while seven Kanagawa officers were charged with traffic violation fraud affecting 2,700 cases. Authorities will refund 35 million yen in improperly collected fines.
A cargo ship collided with a stationary fishing boat off Toba, Mie Prefecture on February 20, killing two and injuring ten. The Coast Guard is investigating the incident involving the anchored recreational vessel.
A National Democratic Party candidate was arrested for vote buying in Tokyo's 7th district, allegedly paying a student for campaign work. The case highlights Japan's strict election laws and serious penalties for violations.
Prince Andrew arrested by UK police in unprecedented royal crisis. King Charles expresses deep concern as details remain undisclosed. British expats should monitor reliable sources for updates.
A 61-year-old man stabbed three strangers at Fukuoka City General Library on February 19th, seriously injuring one. Police arrested the suspect immediately on attempted murder charges.
Prime Minister Takaichi's new cabinet prioritizes eliminating consumption tax on food for two years and passing the FY2026 budget by March 31. All cabinet ministers were retained from the previous government.
A fatal arson attack in Higashihiroshima on February 16 resulted in one death after an intruder forced entry, attacked residents, and set fire to the home, prompting a murder investigation.
TEPCO resumed power generation at Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Plant Unit 6 on February 16, 2026, after 14 years. The reactor will enter commercial operation on March 18 if inspections proceed smoothly.
Police searched former Ito City Mayor Maki Takubo's home for over seven hours on February 14, investigating academic fraud allegations and potential election law violations.
A 17-year-old boy was killed and two teens injured in a stabbing in Osaka's Dotonbori district on February 14. Police are searching for a suspect in his twenties who may have known the victims.
Japan approves ¥300 million gene therapy under public insurance and expands palliative care beyond cancer patients, affecting all insured residents including expats.
Rakuten Group posted a 177.8 billion yen loss for its seventh straight year despite record sales, driven by mobile network investments. Core services like banking and e-commerce remain strong for expat users.
Seven-Eleven raises prices on 30 rice-based products including onigiri and bento from February 12, 2025, due to Japan's ongoing rice shortage. The increases affect staple convenience foods relied upon by many expats.