Article Archive
Browse all published articles about living in Japan
Spring Wage Negotiations Begin Amid Economic Uncertainty in Japan
Japan's spring wage negotiations began January 27, with unions demanding record increases of 18,000 yen monthly. Economic uncertainty from trade tensi...
SoftBank Data Breach Exposes 8,000 Customers' Personal Information
SoftBank disclosed a data breach affecting up to 8,000 customers on January 27, exposing names, addresses, and phone numbers through their customer po...
Tax Relief and Social Insurance Reform Dominate Election Campaign Promises
Political parties promise consumption tax cuts or elimination and social insurance reductions to combat inflation. Foreign residents could see signifi...
Immigration Debate Heats Up as Conservative Parties Push for Restrictions
Conservative parties are making immigration restrictions a major campaign issue in Japan's upcoming election. While unlikely to affect current visa ho...
Japanese Courts Rule on Fukushima Liability and North Korea Repatriation
Supreme Court rejected government liability for Fukushima disaster while upholding TEPCO responsibility. Tokyo District Court issued landmark ruling o...
Corporate Compliance Scandals Hit Major Japanese Firms This Week
Major Japanese firms face compliance scandals: Lotte recalls gum with unapproved additives, Meiji Yasuda Life discovers 39 data breaches, and Tokyo Un...
Yen Surges Nearly 5 Yen Against Dollar Amid Intervention Fears
The yen strengthened nearly 5 yen to 153 per dollar on January 26 amid intervention fears, triggering a 1,100-point Nikkei drop. Gold hit $5,000/ounce...
Japan's House of Representatives Election: What Foreign Residents Need to Know
Japan's House of Representatives election runs January 27 to February 8, with 1,280 candidates competing for 465 seats. While most expats cannot vote,...
Record Snowfall Disrupts Transportation and Daily Life Across Japan
Record snowfall across Japan has caused massive transportation disruptions, stranding 7,000 at New Chitose Airport and canceling 960+ trains. Authorit...
Earthquake Strikes Kanto Region as Mt. Yakedake Alert Level Rises
A magnitude 3 earthquake struck Kanto on January 25th with no tsunami risk, while Mt. Yakedake's alert level rose to 2, restricting crater access due ...
University of Tokyo Professor Arrested in Major Bribery Scandal
A University of Tokyo professor was arrested for accepting bribes from a research partner organization. The case involves multiple academics receiving...
Japan's House of Representatives Election Campaign Officially Begins
Japan's House of Representatives election campaign begins January 27, with voting on February 8. Party leaders are debating economic policies and infl...
Yen Surges Past 155 Per Dollar on Japan Intervention Speculation
The yen surged over three yen against the dollar on January 23-24, reaching mid-155 range, as speculation mounted about coordinated Japan-U.S. rate ch...
Tokyo University Professor Arrested in ¥1.8 Million Bribery Scandal
A University of Tokyo medical professor was arrested for accepting ¥1.8 million in entertainment bribes related to research partnerships, highlighting...
Heavy Snowfall Disrupts Transportation and Daily Life Across Japan
Severe snowfall is disrupting transportation across Japan, with the Tokaido Shinkansen experiencing delays and highways affected. Peak snowfall expect...
Japan's Public Pensions Rise 2%, But Inflation Eats Away Real Value
Japan's public pensions will rise 1.9-2.0% in April 2026, but with inflation at 3.1%, recipients face a real purchasing power decline of over 1%, requ...
Yen Surges Amid Intervention Fears and Rising Interest Rates
The yen surged over two yen against the dollar on January 23 amid intervention fears and volatile trading. Long-term interest rates rose sharply, prom...
Japan Tightens Nationality Rules, Expands Worker Visas to 1.23 Million
Japan will accept 1.23 million foreign workers by 2029 under expanded visa programs while tightening citizenship requirements. Property purchase regul...
Japan Reviews Immigration Policies Amid Fraud Concerns and LDP Proposals
The LDP proposes stricter citizenship requirements and real estate regulations for foreigners, while authorities crack down on visa fraud in the Speci...
Heavy Snowfall Disrupts Transport and Election Preparations in Japan
Heavy snowfall across Japan's Sea of Japan coast is causing major transportation disruptions and affecting election preparations. Fukui Prefecture rec...