Foreign residents in Japan faced a sobering reminder this week about the importance of corporate compliance as three major scandals emerged involving food safety violations, data breaches, and academic corruption. The cases, reported by NHK on January 26, 2026, highlight ongoing challenges in Japanese business ethics and regulatory oversight that could affect consumers and employees alike. The most immediate consumer concern involves Lotte, one of Japan's largest confectionery manufacturers, which announced a voluntary recall of certain gum products. According to NHK, the company discovered that some products contained food additives not approved for use in Japan. While Lotte emphasized that no health issues have been reported to date, the incident raises questions about quality control processes at major food manufacturers. For expats living in Japan, this serves as a reminder to monitor product recall announcements, which are typically posted on company websites and reported through major news outlets. The food safety violation comes amid heightened scrutiny of the food industry in Japan, where consumer trust is paramount. Foreign residents should note that Japan maintains strict food safety standards, and companies are generally quick to issue recalls when problems are identified. However, the Lotte case demonstrates that even established brands can experience compliance failures. Consumers who purchased the affected gum products should check Lotte's official website for specific product codes and return procedures. In the financial sector, Meiji Yasuda Life Insurance revealed that an internal investigation uncovered 39 cases of unauthorized access to confidential information. According to NHK, employees improperly obtained internal data from financial institutions where they were seconded or had business relationships. This disclosure follows similar incidents across Japan's life insurance industry, suggesting a systemic problem with data handling practices. For expats working in Japan's financial services sector or those with policies from affected companies, this incident underscores the importance of understanding how personal information is protected. While Japanese privacy laws are robust, enforcement depends on corporate compliance cultures. Customers should review their insurance contracts to understand data protection clauses and consider asking providers about their information security protocols. The Financial Services Agency, Japan's regulatory body, is likely to increase oversight following these revelations. Perhaps most troubling is the corruption case involving Tokyo University's medical school. NHK reported that a former professor who headed the dermatology department at the university hospital was arrested for accepting entertainment at high-end clubs from a general incorporated association. The entertainment allegedly served as kickbacks for providing favorable treatment regarding joint research projects. Reports suggest the association indicated it could provide over 10 million yen in benefits to the professors involved. This case is particularly significant for foreign researchers and academics working in Japan, as it exposes vulnerabilities in the oversight of university-industry partnerships. Japan's academic institutions have increasingly sought private sector collaboration to fund research, but this case demonstrates how such relationships can cross ethical boundaries. International researchers should familiarize themselves with their institution's conflict-of-interest policies and ensure all industry relationships are properly disclosed and approved. The convergence of these three scandals within a single news cycle reflects broader challenges in Japanese corporate governance. While Japan has strengthened compliance requirements in recent years, implementation remains uneven across sectors. For foreign residents, whether as consumers, employees, or business partners, these cases highlight the importance of due diligence when dealing with Japanese companies. Expats should stay informed about corporate compliance issues through English-language news sources and consider how these incidents might affect their daily lives, from the products they purchase to the companies they work for or invest in. Understanding the Japanese regulatory environment and knowing where to find recall information or file complaints with authorities like the Consumer Affairs Agency can help foreign residents protect their interests in Japan's complex business landscape.