Article Archive
Browse all published articles about living in Japan
Japan Extends Gasoline Subsidies While Government Searches for Exit Plan
Japan extends gasoline subsidies through supplementary budget while government seeks phased exit strategy. PM Takaichi confirms commitment to economic...
Japan Debates Food Tax Cuts as Cost of Living Pressures Mount
Japanese political parties are debating reducing consumption tax on food items to address rising living costs. While the proposal could lower grocery ...
Severe Weather Alert: Linear Precipitation Band Risk in Southern Kyushu
Southern Kyushu faces severe weather with linear precipitation band risk on June 7th. Evacuation orders issued in Miyazaki affecting over 1,000 reside...
Japan Invests Additional ¥150 Billion in Rapidus Semiconductor Project
Japan invested an additional ¥150 billion in Rapidus semiconductor project, bringing total government support to ¥2.6 trillion. The initiative aims to...
Japan Sets Nuclear Reactor Replacement Target by 2040s for Energy Security
Japan plans to replace 2-5 aging nuclear reactors by the 2040s to maintain energy security and support carbon neutrality goals, though the policy face...
Supplementary Budget for Middle East Crisis Passes Lower House
Japan's Lower House approved a Middle East crisis supplementary budget on June 4, with final Upper House approval expected June 5. The measure passed ...
Japan Plans Support for Industries Affected by Food Tax Reduction
Japan's government plans support for restaurants, farmers, and fisheries concerned about impacts from proposed food tax reductions. Cross-party talks ...
Japan's Birth Rate Plummets to Historic Low with 671,000 Births in 2025
Japan recorded only 671,000 births in 2025, the tenth consecutive record low. This demographic crisis affects expats through changing immigration poli...
BOJ Governor Signals Rate Hike Possibility Despite Mideast Uncertainty
BOJ Governor Ueda signals potential interest rate hikes despite Middle East tensions, prioritizing domestic inflation concerns. The move could affect ...
Illegal Diabetes Drug Sales for Weight Loss Spark Health Warnings in Japan
Three people face prosecution for illegally selling diabetes medication via social media in Osaka. Authorities warn against using these prescription d...
Japan Eyes Food Tax Cut: System Updates Could Take Up to One Year
Japan's government estimates food tax reduction would require 5-12 months for retail system updates, depending on whether rates drop to 1% or zero. Cu...
Typhoon No. 6 Triggers Widespread Evacuations and Transport Chaos Across Japan
Typhoon No. 6 made landfall in Wakayama on June 3, triggering Japan's highest-level flood warnings, widespread evacuations, and major transportation c...
Japan's Supplementary Budget for Middle East Crisis Passes June 5
Japan's Diet will pass a Middle East crisis supplementary budget on June 5 after LDP and opposition parties agreed to fast-track approval, potentially...
Japan Pivots to US Naphtha Imports as Middle East Crisis Disrupts Supply
Japan's naphtha imports from the Middle East dropped 47% in April 2026, but US imports surged 209 times to compensate. The government expects supply l...
Medical Fees Rise in Japan: What Expats Need to Know from June 1st
Medical fees in Japan increase from June 1st, 2026, raising out-of-pocket costs for initial consultations, follow-up visits, and hospitalizations. The...
Japan Strengthens Defense Ties with Allies Amid Regional Tensions
Japan strengthened defense cooperation with the US, UK, Australia, and South Korea during May 2026 meetings, confirming fighter jet development, missi...
Typhoon 6 Grounds 260+ Flights as Okinawa, Kyushu Brace for Impact
Typhoon 6 is forcing cancellation of 260+ flights while approaching Okinawa and Kyushu with dangerous winds and heavy rain. The storm will impact west...
Japan's Record 11.7 Trillion Yen Currency Intervention Impacts Expats
Japan's government spent a record 11.7 trillion yen strengthening the yen from 160 to 155 per dollar, affecting expat purchasing power, remittances, a...
Japan's Major Banks to Deploy OpenAI's Latest AI Model for Services
Japan's three megabanks will implement OpenAI's latest AI model for financial services, as announced by Financial Services Minister Katayama, potentia...
Japan Considers 1% Food Tax Cut Starting April 2027
Japan is considering reducing consumption tax on food and beverages from 8% to 7% starting April 2027. The 1% cut could provide modest savings for exp...