Article Archive
Browse all published articles about living in Japan
Securities Account Hijacking Scheme Targets Japan Investors
Two suspects arrested for hijacking securities accounts and manipulating low-priced stocks, raising 100 million yen through fraudulent trades and asse...
Japan's Largest Labor Union Demands 5% Pay Raise for Third Straight Year
Rengo demands 5% wage increases for 2025, marking three consecutive years of aggressive pay raise requests. The push comes amid stable unemployment bu...
Major Banks Raise Fixed Mortgage Rates as Long-Term Rates Peak
Major Japanese banks raised December fixed mortgage rates as long-term interest rates hit 17-year highs. Expats seeking home loans face higher costs a...
Japan's Food Prices Hit Record Highs as Cost of Living Crisis Deepens
Food prices in Japan reached record highs in November 2025, with over 20,000 items affected. Eggs hit their highest November price since 1993, while o...
Japan Introduces Minimum Child Support Payments for Divorced Parents
Japan will implement mandatory minimum child support of 20,000 yen monthly per child starting April 2026 for divorces without formal support agreement...
Fatal Traffic Accidents and Rail Disruptions Highlight Safety Concerns
Recent fatal traffic accidents in Tokyo and Osaka, plus major JR rail disruptions, highlight transportation safety concerns for foreign residents navi...
Japan Approves 18.3 Trillion Yen Stimulus Budget to Combat Inflation
Japan approved an 18.3 trillion yen supplementary budget to combat inflation, financed largely through new government bonds. The package focuses on co...
Japan's Gasoline Tax Cuts and Corporate Tax Reforms: What Expats Need to Know
Japan is cutting gasoline taxes with provisional rates ending December 31, reducing fuel costs for drivers. Corporate tax reforms are under debate, wi...
Japan's Healthcare Reforms: What Changes Mean for Your Family's Coverage
Japan plans to expand National Health Insurance premium relief to high school-age children by April 2027, while adding surcharges to medications simil...
Japan Plans Immigration Fee Hikes and Tighter Nationality Rules
Japan will raise residence permit fees in fiscal 2025 and tighten nationality requirements. The government also plans to track foreign nationals' prop...
Japan's Tech Sector Advances with Semiconductor Expansion and AI Alliance
Rapidus plans second semiconductor factory in Hokkaido by 2027, while nine Japanese firms launch Enable AI Foundry alliance to democratize AI developm...
Japan's Budget Expansion: What Rising Tax Revenue Means for Residents
Japan plans 11.6 trillion yen in new bonds while tax revenue hits record 80 trillion yen, driven by wage increases and rising prices. Expanded local g...
Japan Tightens Immigration Rules Over Unpaid Medical Bills
Japan is lowering the threshold for reporting unpaid medical bills to immigration authorities, potentially affecting future entry for foreign visitors...
Japan's Healthcare Crisis: Hospital Deficits and Coming Insurance Reforms
Japan's hospitals face average deficits of 140 million yen despite subsidies, while 37% of care facilities operate at losses. The government proposes ...
Fuel Subsidies Expand as Japan Prepares to Abolish Gas Tax Surcharge
Japan expands fuel subsidies from November 27 and will abolish provisional gas tax rates in December, potentially reducing fuel costs. Local governors...
Foreign Investment in Tokyo Real Estate Surges as Yen Weakens
Foreign investment in Tokyo real estate is surging, led by Taiwanese and Chinese buyers, while the yen fluctuates and digital payment systems expand, ...
Fatal Accidents Highlight Transportation Safety Concerns Across Japan
Recent fatal accidents in Tokyo and Fukuoka highlight ongoing transportation safety concerns. A stolen vehicle killed two in Adachi Ward, while a smal...
Japan Announces Major Tax Reforms and Economic Support Measures
Japan is implementing major tax cuts including gasoline tax abolition by year-end and potential automobile tax elimination, while expanding SME suppor...
Two Japanese Leaders Resign Over Sexual Misconduct Allegations
Fukui Governor and Maebashi Mayor both resigned November 25 over sexual misconduct allegations. Foreign residents in these areas may experience tempor...
Japan-China Aviation Routes Suspended Amid Rising Diplomatic Tensions
Twelve Japan-China aviation routes suspended on November 24 amid diplomatic tensions over Taiwan remarks. Expats face travel disruptions as South Kore...