Article Archive
Browse all published articles about living in Japan
China Export Controls Threaten Japanese Supply Chains and Economy
China's new export controls on dual-use items have sparked widespread economic concern in Japan, with 70% of survey respondents worried about impacts....
Japan's Markets Surge as Election Speculation Drives Yen to 159 Per Dollar
Japan's yen fell to 159 per dollar amid election speculation, while stocks hit record highs and interest rates reached 27-year peaks. These shifts aff...
Japan Tackles Rare Earth Dependencies as G7 Pushes Supply Chain Diversity
Japan joins G7 nations in addressing critical mineral supply chain vulnerabilities, with plans for domestic rare earth mining to reduce dependence on ...
Japan-South Korea Summit in Nara Signals Diplomatic Warming
Prime Minister Takaichi hosted South Korean President Lee in Nara on January 13, emphasizing future-oriented bilateral relations. The hometown summit ...
Diet Dissolution Looms as Coalition Talks Reshape Japan's Political Landscape
Prime Minister Takaichi may dissolve the House of Representatives when the Diet convenes January 23rd. Opposition parties are forming unusual alliance...
Recent Earthquakes Highlight Japan's Seismic Activity and Preparedness Needs
Recent earthquakes across Japan, including magnitude 5-strong tremors in Shimane and Tottori causing 14 injuries, highlight the importance of disaster...
Early Election Speculation Grips Japan as Parties Rush to Prepare
Prime Minister Takaichi may dissolve parliament when the Diet convenes next week, triggering a snap election. All parties are preparing intensively as...
Severe Winter Weather Disrupts Transportation and Daily Life Across Japan
Severe winter weather is causing major transportation disruptions across Japan's Japan Sea coast through January 12, with heavy snow, blizzards, and s...
Japan Plans Major Security Strategy Review Amid Defense Policy Shift
Japan plans to establish an expert panel this spring to review its National Security Strategy and related defense documents. Public support for defens...
Earthquake Activity Continues Across Japan: What Expats Need to Know
Multiple earthquakes struck Japan on January 10, including magnitude 3 tremors in Ishikawa and the Ogasawara Islands. Tottori continues recovery from ...
Severe Winter Storms Threaten Japan: Essential Safety Guide for Residents
A major winter storm will bring heavy snow and blizzards across Japan January 11-12, from Hokkaido to Kyushu. Recent snow-related fatality highlights ...
Japan Faces Snap Election: What Foreign Residents Should Know
Prime Minister Takaichi may dissolve Japan's lower house for snap elections at the upcoming Diet session. While existing visas remain unaffected, the ...
Rice Prices Hit Record Highs as Winter Bonuses Reach New Peak
Rice prices reached a record ¥4,416 per 5kg in early January 2025, while winter bonuses at major firms hit ¥957,184. Household spending increased 2.9%...
Nuclear Data Scandal Raises Safety Concerns as Power Companies Face Scrutiny
Chubu Electric faces government orders after manipulating earthquake data for Hamaoka Nuclear Plant. TEPCO submits new financial plan while renewable ...
Japan Plans Five-Year Red Bond Issuance as Diet Session Approaches
Japan plans to authorize five-year red bond issuance starting fiscal 2026 and submit 61 bills including National Intelligence Council establishment an...
Yen Weakens to 158 Per Dollar: What Foreign Residents Need to Know
The yen weakened to 158 per dollar on January 9, its lowest level in nearly a year, driven by strong U.S. employment data and uncertainty about Japan'...
Multiple Earthquakes, Wildfire, and Winter Storm Alert Challenge Japan
Multiple earthquakes hit Akita and Chiba on January 9, while a Yamanashi wildfire continues and severe winter weather threatens widespread disruptions...
Consumer Protection Crackdown: Major Retailers Face Penalties in Japan
Major Japanese retailers face penalties for consumer violations including food mislabeling, discriminatory pricing, and unclear promotions. Foreign re...
Japan Faces Multiple Disasters as AI-Generated Fake Videos Complicate Response
Japan faces ongoing earthquake aftershocks, a major Yamanashi wildfire requiring evacuations, and AI-generated fake disaster videos. Expats should ver...
Real Wages Fall for 11th Straight Month as Living Costs Outpace Pay Rises
Real wages in Japan fell for the 11th consecutive month through November 2024 despite nominal pay increases, as inflation outpaces earnings. New child...