Article Archive
Browse all published articles about living in Japan
New Flu Variant Detected in Japan as Insurance Policy Changes Loom
A new H3 influenza variant has been detected in Japan while the government plans year-end decisions on insurance coverage for common medications, pote...
Multiple Major Incidents Highlight Emergency Response Challenges in Japan
Multiple serious incidents struck Japan on November 24, including a deadly stolen vehicle rampage in Tokyo's Adachi Ward killing one and injuring ten,...
Okinawa Water Crisis and Oita Fire Highlight Japan's Disaster Response
A water pipe rupture affecting 370,000 Okinawa households and a massive fire destroying 170 buildings in Oita highlight infrastructure vulnerabilities...
Japan Deploys Missile Defense to Yonaguni Island Amid Regional Security Concerns
Japan's Defense Minister is seeking support for new missile deployments on Yonaguni Island, emphasizing their role as deterrents against armed attacks...
Fatal Aircraft Crash and Highway Pile-Up Highlight Transport Safety Issues
A small aircraft crash in Fukuoka killed three people, while highway pile-ups in Hiroshima injured 21, including four young children. Both incidents h...
Major Fires in Oita and Ibaraki Test Japan's Disaster Response Systems
Large-scale fires in Oita and Ibaraki highlight Japan's disaster response challenges. Oita City is simplifying disaster certificate processes to help ...
Japan-China Relations Deteriorate as Taiwan Remarks Spark Diplomatic Crisis
China suspended Hong Kong consulate exchanges and Foreign Minister Wang Yi strongly criticized PM Takaichi over Taiwan remarks. No Japan-China leader ...
Japan's Social Welfare Reforms: Living Standards and Support Programs
Japan's welfare system faces major changes: 3 million households will receive supplementary welfare payments after court ruling, income thresholds may...
Niigata Governor Approves Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Restart After Years of Delay
Niigata Governor approved restarting Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant after 14 years offline. The decision advances Japan's energy security goals whil...
Yen Weakens to 157 Per Dollar as Japan Signals Possible Intervention
The yen weakened to 157 per dollar on November 21, prompting Finance Minister Katayama to warn that government intervention is under consideration. Th...
Japan-China Tensions Rise: Travel Warnings, Flight Cuts Impact Residents
China-Japan tensions over Taiwan remarks lead to travel warnings, flight cancellations on Osaka-Shanghai routes, and postponed business meetings, affe...
Japan Reviews High-Cost Medical Care System Amid Insurance Reform Push
Japan's government is reviewing the High-Cost Medical Care Benefit System's outpatient provisions, potentially affecting how all residents manage expe...
Japan's October Inflation Reaches 3.0% as Food and Energy Costs Rise
Japan's inflation hit 3.0% in October, driven by food and energy costs. Rice prices dropped slightly, while the government plans 5.3% wage increases f...
Japan Unveils ¥21 Trillion Stimulus Package Amid Tax Reforms
Japan's ¥21.3 trillion stimulus includes utility subsidies and local grants. Gasoline tax cuts take effect December 31, while income tax reforms are u...
China-Japan Tensions Escalate: Trade Events Cancelled, Safety Concerns Rise
China-Japan relations have sharply deteriorated after PM Takaichi's Taiwan remarks, leading to cancelled trade events, postponed trilateral meetings, ...
Security Breaches at Nuclear Plants Raise Safety Concerns for Japan Residents
Security breaches at two nuclear plants and debates over Japan's non-nuclear principles raise safety concerns. Falsified records and mishandled classi...
Japan's Healthcare System Faces Cost Pressures as Reforms Loom
Japan's healthcare system faces financial strain from inflation, prompting medical associations to seek government support. Proposed reforms may incre...
Japan's Tax Reform Debates: What Income and Corporate Changes Mean for You
Japan's government is negotiating tax reforms including raising income tax thresholds and adjusting corporate taxes. The changes, part of a 21.3 trill...
Japan's Tax Reform Debates Heat Up: What Foreign Residents Need to Know
Japan's coalition parties are advancing campaign finance reforms while the LDP examines tax changes affecting income thresholds and corporate taxes, w...
Economic Pressures Mount as Japan Faces Utility Subsidies and Market Volatility
Japan introduces 7,000 yen utility subsidies starting January 2025 amid market concerns about fiscal expansion. The yen weakens to 10-month lows while...