Article Archive
Browse all published articles about living in Japan
Yen Surges to 155 Range Against Dollar Amid Suspected Intervention
The yen surged to the 155 range against the dollar on May 4th amid suspected government intervention. Japan's Finance Minister declined to comment, wh...
Japan's Child Population Hits Record Low in 45th Year of Decline
Japan's child population fell to 13.29 million, down 350,000 from last year, marking 45 consecutive years of decline. The trend impacts education, lab...
Severe Weather System Brings Heavy Rain and Strong Winds Across Japan
A severe low-pressure system is bringing heavy rain and strong winds across Japan through May 4th, with violent winds expected in Tohoku. The Amami re...
Japan Taps Strategic Oil Reserves as Iran Crisis Threatens Energy Security
Japan began releasing strategic oil reserves on May 1-2 amid Iran-related uncertainties. The government aims to ensure stable energy supplies, though ...
PM Takaichi Strengthens Energy Security Through Southeast Asia Diplomacy
PM Takaichi's May 2026 visits to Vietnam and Australia focus on securing critical minerals and LNG supplies, aiming to strengthen Japan's energy secur...
Constitution Day Sparks Debate on Emergency Powers and Referendum Rules
Japan's 79th Constitution Day sparked debates on adding emergency powers and regulating referendum advertising. Ruling parties push amendments while o...
Natto and Gyoza Shortages Hit Japan as Iran Crisis Disrupts Packaging Supply
Natto and gyoza products face sales suspensions and up to 20% price increases due to packaging material shortages caused by Iran-related supply chain ...
Japan Conducts ¥5 Trillion Currency Intervention to Stabilize Yen
Japan's government and central bank conducted an estimated ¥5 trillion currency intervention on April 30, strengthening the yen from ¥157 to ¥155 per ...
Japan Intervenes in Currency Markets as Yen Plunges to 160 Per Dollar
Japan intervened in currency markets on April 30th after the yen hit 160 per dollar, pushing it back to the 155-156 range. The move affects expats' pu...
Yen Weakens to 160 Per Dollar as Middle East Tensions Drive Flight to Safety
The yen weakened to 160 per dollar on April 29 amid U.S.-Iran tensions, its lowest level in three weeks. The decline reduces purchasing power for expa...
Measles Cases Surge to 362 in Japan as Misinformation Spreads Online
Measles cases in Japan have surged to 362, rising over 50 in one week—the fastest spread since 2020. Health experts urge vaccination as misinformation...
Japan Proposes Raising Medical Costs for Seniors Aged 70 and Above
Japan's Finance Ministry proposes raising medical copayments to 30% for those aged 70+, aiming to reduce burdens on working-age residents. The change ...
Japan Secures Alternative Oil Supply Routes Amid Hormuz Strait Crisis
Japan has secured 60% of alternative oil supplies for May and will release 20 days of reserves to offset Hormuz Strait disruptions. Major energy compa...
Post-Earthquake Advisory Period Ends: Experts Warn Continued Preparedness Needed
Japan's week-long earthquake advisory for Hokkaido-Sanriku ended April 27, but experts warn seismic risks remain high. Continued preparedness is essen...
Tokyo Gas Announces First Basic Rate Hike in 46 Years
Tokyo Gas will raise basic residential rates by 150 yen monthly starting October 2025, the first such increase in 46 years. Rising personnel costs dri...
Multiple Wildfires Rage Across Northern Japan, Affecting Major Routes
Forest fires burn across Iwate, Fukushima, and Niigata prefectures, forcing evacuations of 458 people and closing major highways. Expats should monito...
Magnitude 5+ Earthquake Strikes Hokkaido, Nuclear Facilities Secure
A magnitude 5+ earthquake struck Hokkaido's Tokachi region on April 26, 2026, with no tsunami risk. All nuclear facilities reported no abnormalities, ...
TEPCO Appoints New Chairman Amid Push for Corporate Restructuring
TEPCO is appointing JIC president Keisuke Yokoo as chairman to drive corporate reforms. The change affects Tokyo area electricity consumers and may re...
Japan Introduces Shift System for Surgeons Under Work Reform Initiative
Japanese hospitals now allow surgeons to hand over operations mid-procedure under new work-hour reforms. The shift system aims to reduce physician ove...
Denso Withdraws Rohm Acquisition Bid, Reshaping Japan's Semiconductor Landscape
Denso withdraws its acquisition bid for Rohm after failing to gain management support. Rohm instead pursues power semiconductor alliance with Toshiba ...