Article Archive
Browse all published articles about living in Japan
Six Japanese Nationals Detained in Malaysia Over Fraud Targeting Japan
Malaysian police detained six Japanese nationals suspected of running special fraud operations targeting Japan from western Malaysia. The case highlig...
Typhoon No. 25 Disrupts Holiday Weekend Across Kanto Region
Typhoon No. 25 approaches Kanto September 21-22, bringing month's worth of rain in one day. Transportation cancellations and event disruptions expecte...
Bank of Japan Raises Interest Rates to 1.25%, More Hikes Expected
The Bank of Japan raised its policy rate to 1.25% on September 18th, with experts predicting further increases to around 2%. Foreign residents should ...
Typhoon No. 25 Targets Kanto Region: Travel Disruptions Expected This Weekend
Typhoon No. 25 will approach Kanto on September 21st evening, bringing heavy rain and strong winds. Transportation disruptions expected; residents sho...
Rice Prices Drop Below 3,000 Yen as Government Buyback Takes Effect
Rice prices fell to 2,971 yen per 5kg, the first time below 3,000 yen since 2024. The government will buy back 210,000 tons of reserve rice, signaling...
Bank of Japan Raises Rates to 1.25% Amid Yen Volatility and Market Turmoil
The BOJ raised rates to 1.25% on September 18, but unclear guidance triggered yen weakness to 158 per dollar, prompting intervention warnings and crea...
Bank of Japan Set to Raise Interest Rates to 1.25% This Week
The Bank of Japan meets September 17th with expectations of raising interest rates to 1.25%. The decision will affect expats' savings returns, loan co...
Alzheimer's Drug Lecanemab Now Available as At-Home Injection in Japan
Japan approved at-home subcutaneous injection of Alzheimer's drug lecanemab on September 16, 2026, eliminating hospital visits for infusions. The chan...
Fed Raises Rates for First Time Since 2023, Yen Weakens to 156 Per Dollar
The Fed raised rates 0.25% for the first time since 2023, causing the Dow to drop 900 points and pushing the yen to 156 per dollar, directly impacting...
Financial Regulators Launch Inspection of Sony Life Insurance
Japan's Financial Services Agency has launched an inspection of Sony Life Insurance. Expats with policies should ensure contact details are current an...
Japan's Long-Term Interest Rates Surge to 3.035%, Highest in 30 Years
Japan's long-term interest rates reached 3.035% on September 15, the highest in 30 years. This affects expats through higher mortgage costs, stronger ...
Japan's Land Prices Rise for Fifth Year as Housing Demand Stays Strong
Japan's land prices rose 1.5% in 2026, marking five consecutive years of growth driven by strong housing demand and tourism recovery. The trend affect...
Japan to Cut Food Consumption Tax to 1% Starting April 2026
Japan will reduce consumption tax on food items to 1% from April 2026 for two years. Restaurant dining remains at 10%, while groceries drop from 8% to...
Over 11,000 Lose Health Coverage in Japan Insurance Fraud Crackdown
Japanese authorities revoked health insurance for 11,610 people across 38 companies involved in fraudulent schemes to reduce premiums. Foreign residen...
Chubu Electric Executives Resign Over Hamaoka Nuclear Data Falsification
Chubu Electric's president and chairman resigned after data falsification in Hamaoka Nuclear Plant restart applications. The company withdrew its regu...
Ishin Party Joins Government as Coalition Reshapes Japanese Politics
PM Takaichi forms coalition with Ishin Party, appointing Secretary-General Nakatsukasa to cabinet. LDP personnel changes include Hideki Murai as Diet ...
Okinawa Elects Pro-Base Governor, Ending Decades of Opposition
Genta Koza won Okinawa's gubernatorial election on September 13, 2026, defeating incumbent Denny Tamaki and becoming the first pro-base relocation gov...
Chubu Electric Power Leadership Resigns Over Nuclear Data Scandal
Chubu Electric Power's president and chairman will resign over earthquake data falsification at Hamaoka Nuclear Plant. The scandal affects safety revi...
Saudi Pipeline Attack Threatens Alternative Oil Route, Raising Energy Concerns
Saudi Arabia's East-West Pipeline, a key alternative to Hormuz Strait oil routes, was attacked by drones and suspended operations. The incident raises...
Mass Food Poisoning Strikes Kyoto Athletics Championship, 28 Hospitalized
Twenty-eight staff members were hospitalized with food poisoning at Kyoto's athletics championship on September 12, 2026, after consuming contaminated...