Article Archive
Browse all published articles about living in Japan
Otsuchi Wildfire Enters Fifth Day as 1,300 Personnel Battle Blaze
A wildfire in Otsuchi, Iwate Prefecture has entered its fifth day with 1,300 firefighters battling the blaze. Experts warn of prolonged emergency as f...
Japan Moves Forward with Co-Payment Increases for OTC-Similar Drugs
Japan's lower house committee approved health insurance amendments requiring additional patient fees for OTC-similar prescription drugs, advancing cos...
Japan to Release Additional Oil from National Reserves Starting May 1st
Japan will release additional oil from national reserves starting May 1st to address supply stability concerns. The measure aims to stabilize fuel mar...
Japan Cuts Passport Fees by ¥7,000 Starting July 1st
Japan reduces passport fees by ¥7,000 for 10-year passports starting July 1st, 2026. The change benefits naturalized Japanese citizens but not foreign...
Tokushima University Cited for Paid Leave Violations Amid Labor Reform Talks
Tokushima University received a labor violation notice for paid leave practices, while Japan's labor minister announced reviews of working time system...
Food Tax Elimination Proposal Sparks Concerns from Japan's Producers
Agriculture and fishery groups express concerns about proposed food tax elimination, citing complexity as producers would still pay consumption tax on...
Japan Relaxes Defense Export Rules, Allows Lethal Weapons Sales Abroad
Japan abolished restrictions on lethal weapons exports on April 21, 2026, removing the "five categories" framework. The policy allows destroyer and mi...
Tokyo New Condominium Prices Soar to Record 137.84 Million Yen
New condominium prices in Tokyo's 23 wards reached a record 137.84 million yen in fiscal 2025, up 18% year-on-year. The surge impacts expats' purchasi...
JR Yokohama Line Disrupted as Train Doors Fail at Higashi-Kanagawa Station
A JR Yokohama Line train experienced door failures at Higashi-Kanagawa Station on April 19, forcing passengers to transfer at Yokohama Station and cau...
Summer-Like Heat Wave Sweeps Japan: Health Precautions Urged
Japan faces unseasonable heat on April 20th with temperatures reaching 25°C or higher, particularly along the Sea of Japan coast. Authorities urge reg...
Strong Earthquakes Strike Nagano: What Foreign Residents Need to Know
Multiple magnitude 5.0 earthquakes struck northern Nagano on April 18, with Omachi experiencing intensity 5+ shaking. Authorities warn similar earthqu...
Japan Records 22,200 Isolated Deaths in 2024, 80% Among Men
Japan recorded 22,200 isolated deaths in 2024, up 360 from 2023, with 80% occurring among men. The trend highlights risks for expats living alone with...
Japan's Justice Ministry to Tackle AI Misuse of Images and Voices
Japan's Justice Ministry is establishing an expert panel to create a legal framework addressing unauthorized AI use of personal images and voices, par...
Japanese Government Apologizes for 41 Errors in Budget Documentation
The Japanese government apologized for 41 errors in budget materials submitted to parliament. Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Sato pledged prevention m...
Aeon Cinema Raises Ticket Prices to 2,000 Yen for General Admission
Aeon Cinema will raise general admission tickets to 2,000 yen, citing the need to maintain quality viewing environments. The increase affects one of J...
Shiga Bank and Ikeda Senshu Holdings Move Toward Capital Alliance
Shiga Bank and Ikeda Senshu Holdings are finalizing a capital alliance, reflecting regional bank consolidation trends. The partnership aims to strengt...
Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Plant Resumes Operations, Powering Tokyo Region
TEPCO's Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Plant Unit 6 began commercial operations on April 16, 2026, supplying electricity to Tokyo for the first time since...
Japan to Release 50 Million Medical Gloves Amid Middle East Supply Concerns
Japan will release 50 million medical gloves from national stockpiles in May 2026 due to Middle East supply concerns. Some hospitals already face pric...
Osaka Tax Bureau Employee Leaks 250+ Taxpayer Records in Phone Scam
An Osaka tax bureau employee leaked 250+ taxpayer records after being deceived by a scammer impersonating a police officer. The breach affects individ...
Measles Cases Exceed 200 in Japan, Fastest Spread Since 2020
Measles cases in Japan have reached 236, the fastest increase since 2020. Health authorities urge vaccination verification, especially for children an...