Article Archive
Browse all published articles about living in Japan
Japan Faces Energy Supply Challenges as Iran Crisis Disrupts Fuel Routes
Japan faces energy supply concerns as Iran crisis blocks Hormuz Strait. Alternative fuel routes begin May, but electricity providers suspend new contr...
Japan Considers Energy Conservation Measures Amid Iran Oil Supply Concerns
Japan's government may request energy conservation cooperation as Iran tensions threaten oil supplies. PM Takaichi says all options remain open while ...
Japan Introduces Blue Ticket System for Bicycle Traffic Violations
Japan's new blue ticket system for bicycle violations launched April 1, 2026, allowing police to issue on-the-spot fines for infractions like smartpho...
Japan Launches Child Support Fund and Shared Custody Options in April 2026
Japan introduces a 250-yen monthly child support fund via health insurance and allows shared custody for divorced parents starting April 2026, affecti...
Middle East Crisis Threatens Japan's Supply Chain: Naphtha Shortage Impacts Multiple Industries
Middle East tensions are causing naphtha shortages in Japan, prompting government emergency measures. Price increases expected for clothing, construct...
April 2025: Nearly 2,800 Food Items Face Price Increases in Japan
Nearly 2,800 food items will increase in price across Japan this April 2025, the highest number since October 2024. Analysts warn Middle East tensions...
Major Japanese Banks Push Variable Housing Loan Rates Above 1%
Four major Japanese banks raised variable housing loan rates above 1% starting April 2026, affecting new borrowers. Expats should review existing mort...
Middle East Crisis Halts Auto Exports, Threatens Japan Supply Chains
Japanese automakers have halted Middle East exports due to Strait of Hormuz blockade. Manufacturers considering production cuts and alternative routes...
Japan's New Workplace Safety Rules for Older Workers Start April 2025
From April 2025, Japanese employers must make efforts to prevent workplace injuries among workers aged 60+, including workplace modifications and heal...
Japan Passes First Provisional Budget in 11 Years: What Expats Need to Know
Japan passed its first provisional budget in 11 years, worth ¥8.6 trillion, ensuring government services continue while the full 2026 budget remains u...
Express Train Door Opens Mid-Journey, Classified as Serious Incident
A door opened on the moving Limited Express Kaiji train, prompting authorities to classify it as a serious incident. Investigations are underway to de...
First Oil Tanker Reaches Japan via Alternative Route Amid Middle East Crisis
Japan received its first oil tanker via alternative route since Iran military operations began, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. Another tanker expecte...
Iwate Prefecture Experiences Multiple Earthquakes, No Tsunami Risk
Iwate Prefecture experienced earthquakes measuring up to seismic intensity 4 on March 26, with no tsunami threat. Foreign residents should review emer...
Japan Releases Strategic Oil Reserves as Iran Crisis Drives Fuel Costs Up
Japan began releasing strategic oil reserves on March 26 amid the Iran crisis, as fuel prices surge dramatically. Diesel costs have doubled in some ar...
SDF Member Arrested After Intrusion at Chinese Embassy in Tokyo
A 23-year-old GSDF member was arrested for intruding on Chinese Embassy grounds in Tokyo, allegedly to confront the ambassador about anti-Japan statem...
Japan Activates Emergency Oil Measures as Iran Crisis Threatens Supply
Japan activates emergency oil measures as Iran tensions threaten supply. Government establishes crisis council, releases strategic reserves, and alloc...
Japan Weighs Self-Defense Force Deployment to Hormuz Strait Amid US-Iran Crisis
Japan considers deploying Self-Defense Forces to Hormuz Strait as US-Iran tensions threaten critical oil shipping routes. Expats should prepare for po...
Insurance Scandal: Sony Life, Prudential Employees Borrowed Billions from Clients
Former employees at Sony Life and Prudential borrowed billions of yen from clients, with half still unpaid. The scandals highlight risks for expats wh...
Iran Crisis Disrupts Japan's Fuel Supply, Raising Costs for Expats
The Iran crisis is disrupting Japan's fuel supplies, causing transportation delays, manufacturing cuts at Nissan, and price increases for eggs and pet...
Japan Seeks US Energy Partnership Amid Iran Crisis and Regional Tensions
PM Takaichi's March 19 US summit will prioritize securing Alaskan oil amid Iran crisis. Japan seeks energy alternatives as Strait of Hormuz tensions t...