Article Archive
Browse all published articles about living in Japan
Japan Delays Decision on Medical Fee Changes for Seniors Aged 70+
Japan postpones decisions on medical fee changes for those 70+ until fiscal 2025. Current co-payment rates remain unchanged while government conducts ...
Japan's 2025 Tax Reform: Income Adjustments, Housing Benefits, and Higher Departure Tax
Japan's 2025 tax reforms include inflation-linked income tax adjustments, extended housing loan deductions with higher limits for used homes, and a tr...
Major Earthquake Strikes Northern Japan: New Warning System Activated
A magnitude 7-class earthquake struck northern Japan on December 8, injuring 50 people and triggering Japan's first "follow-up earthquake advisory." A...
Japan Proposes Healthcare Cost Reforms Affecting Expats and Elderly
Japan's health ministry proposes raising outpatient cost caps for those over 70 and charging care management fees for nursing home residents, potentia...
Japan's Tax Reform Debates: What Foreign Residents Need to Know
Japan's political parties are negotiating tax reforms affecting foreign residents, including income tax threshold increases, potential zero-percent co...
Major M7.6 Earthquake Strikes Northern Japan: What Expats Need to Know
A magnitude 7.6 earthquake struck northern Japan on December 8, causing injuries, infrastructure damage, and triggering Japan's first-ever follow-up e...
PM Takaichi Visits Noto Earthquake Sites, Pledges Full Recovery Support
PM Takaichi visited Noto earthquake sites on December 7, pledging full recovery support. The visit highlights ongoing government commitment to disaste...
China-Japan Military Tensions Rise After Radar Incident Near Okinawa
Chinese fighter jet locked radar on Japanese aircraft near Okinawa December 6, prompting strong protests. China also conducted first carrier operation...
Japan's Tax Reform Debate: Income Thresholds and Dependent Deductions in Flux
Japan's ruling and opposition parties are negotiating raising income tax thresholds to 1.78 million yen while dependent deductions remain uncertain. C...
Japan's Multi-Debt Crisis Surges as Interest Rates Climb to 18-Year Highs
Japan faces a dual financial crisis with multi-debt borrowers up 30% to 1.47 million and interest rates hitting 18-year highs. Expats should review de...
Japan's Healthcare System Faces Major Changes in Medical Fee Structure
Japan is revising medical fees paid to healthcare institutions, with increases likely for personnel costs. Prime Minister Takaichi also announced Japa...
China-Japan Military Tensions Escalate Near Okinawa With Radar Incident
Chinese fighter jets targeted Japanese aircraft with radar near Okinawa on December 6, while a Chinese carrier conducted flight operations nearby. The...
Rising Rates and Real Estate Fraud: What Japan Residents Need to Know
Japan's interest rates hit 18-year highs at 1.95%, increasing mortgage costs, while construction companies fraudulently impersonate condo residents to...
Japan's Healthcare System Faces Major Insurance and Cost Reforms in 2025
Japan will finalize major healthcare reforms by December 2025, increasing costs for prescription drugs similar to OTC medications while maintaining pr...
Japan Updates Earthquake Projections and Reforms Weather Warning Systems
Japan unveils new Tokyo earthquake projections estimating nearly 20,000 potential deaths and reforms weather warning systems for clarity. Changes take...
Japan's Ruling Party Drafts Comprehensive Foreign Resident Policy Reforms
Japan's ruling LDP is developing comprehensive immigration reforms through three working teams, with final recommendations due January 2025. Separatel...
Defense Tax Delayed, EV Levies Introduced, Healthcare Costs Rising in 2025
Japan delays defense income tax to 2027, introduces weight-based EV taxes in 2025, and increases healthcare costs for OTC-similar drugs while protecti...
Japan's 2025 Spring Wage Negotiations Target Record Increases Amid Inflation
Major Japanese unions demand record wage increases for 2025, with JAM seeking 21,500 yen monthly raises and Kikan Roren requesting 15,000 yen increase...
Japan Tightens Bank Security Amid Fraud Surge and Regional Consolidation
Japan is implementing stricter bank account verification requiring IC chip documents like My Number Cards, while expanding subsidies for regional bank...
Japan's Diet Battles Over Seat Cuts and Campaign Finance Reform
Japan's ruling and opposition parties clash over Diet seat reductions and campaign finance reform as the parliamentary session nears its end, with deb...