Article Archive
Browse all published articles about living in Japan
Naphtha Shortage Triggers Plastic Crisis: Garbage Bags Vanish from Shelves
A naphtha shortage is disrupting plastic production across Japan, causing garbage bags to sell out in stores. While ethylene production increased 3.6%...
Fatal Drug Alert: 20 Deaths Linked to Vasculitis Treatment in Japan
Japan's health ministry warns of 20 deaths linked to vasculitis drug Tabneos, all involving severe liver damage. Enhanced monitoring and new safety wa...
Japan-South Korea Summit Strengthens Energy Security Partnership
Japan and South Korea agreed to establish energy cooperation framework including stockpile enhancement and crisis response mechanisms, aiming to stren...
Japan Considers Summer Electricity and Gas Bill Support for Households
Japan's government is developing electricity and gas bill support for July-September 2026 as Middle East instability affects energy prices. Officials ...
World-First: Fully Farmed Eel Goes on Sale in Japan This Week
Japan launches world's first commercial sales of completely farmed Japanese eel this week, offering a sustainable alternative to endangered wild popul...
Japan's Discretionary Work System Expansion Faces Strong Union Opposition
Japan's government plans to expand the discretionary work system, which exempts workers from overtime pay, despite strong opposition from Rengo union....
Rising Energy Costs Drive Price Increases for Home Goods and Summer Products
LIXIL will raise prices on home fixtures from August 2026 due to Middle Eastern tensions, while naphtha shortages threaten summer cooling product avai...
Japan Assesses Low Domestic Risk from Congo Ebola Outbreak
Japanese health officials assess domestic Ebola risk as low despite WHO emergency declaration for Congo outbreak. Government holds response meeting wh...
G7 Finance Ministers Target AI Security Risks Amid Financial Concerns
G7 finance ministers met in Paris to address AI security threats, particularly the Claude Mythos model. Japan's government is urging companies to dete...
Japan Mulls Supplementary Budget for Energy Support as Middle East Tensions Rise
Japan's government is considering a supplementary budget to subsidize summer electricity and gas bills if Middle East tensions cause prolonged energy ...
Japan Braces for Dangerous Heat Wave: Essential Prevention Tips for Expats
Japan faces dangerous heat wave with temperatures reaching 35°C in some regions. Medical experts warn against hesitating to use air conditioning, emph...
Blood Vessel Inflammation Drug Linked to 20 Deaths in Japan
Kissei Pharmaceutical issued a safety alert after 20 deaths among patients taking Tabneos for vasculitis. The company recommends no new prescriptions ...
Japan Eyes Supplementary Budget for Energy Support Amid Middle East Crisis
Japan's government is considering a supplementary budget to subsidize electricity and gas bills if Middle East tensions cause prolonged energy price i...
Middle East Crisis Triggers Price Hikes for Household Essentials in Japan
Middle East tensions are driving August 2026 price increases for paper products, diapers, and fertilizer in Japan. Major manufacturers cite rising raw...
Magnitude 6.3 Earthquake Hits Miyagi: What Foreign Residents Need to Know
A magnitude 6.3 earthquake struck off Miyagi Prefecture on May 15th, registering intensity 5-, with no tsunami generated. Authorities warn of potentia...
Japan Post to Raise Postal Rates and Close 500 Collection Points by 2028
Japan Post will raise postal rates around 2027 and close 500 collection centers by 2028 due to declining mail volumes. Foreign residents should prepar...
Japan Moves to Limit Prosecution Appeals in Criminal Retrial Cases
Japan's ruling party approved Criminal Procedure Law amendments restricting prosecutors from appealing retrial decisions. The changes await Diet appro...
Japanese Firms Navigate Middle East Crisis with Supply Chain Adjustments
Japanese companies adjust operations as Middle East crisis disrupts supply chains. ENEOS tanker successfully transits Hormuz Strait while Kagome redes...
Japan to Review Age Limits for Children on Bicycle Seats
Japan's National Public Safety Commission announced it will review current age and size limits for children riding in bicycle seats, potentially expan...
Japan Releases Medical Glove Stockpile Amid Middle East Supply Crisis
Japan's government is releasing medical glove stockpiles at 5,980 yen per unit starting May 18 due to Middle East supply disruptions. Healthcare facil...