Foreign residents in Japan face a mixed bag of transportation news this week, with significant passport fee reductions announced alongside troubling airline system failures and railway safety penalties that highlight ongoing infrastructure concerns. Passport Fees to Drop Significantly in 2025 In welcome news for expats, Japan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced substantial reductions to passport application fees, according to NHK. Starting July 2025, the cost of a 10-year passport will decrease by 7,000 yen to approximately 9,000 yen. The ministry plans to submit necessary legislation to the ordinary Diet session beginning in January to implement these changes. This represents a significant cost saving for foreign residents who hold Japanese passports through naturalization or those assisting family members with applications. The current 10-year passport fee of 16,000 yen has been a considerable expense, and the reduction to 9,000 yen brings Japan more in line with international standards. Five-year passport fees are also expected to see proportional reductions, though specific amounts have not yet been disclosed. For expats planning to apply for or renew Japanese passports, waiting until July 2025 could result in substantial savings. However, those whose passports expire before then should proceed with renewals as normal, as passport applications typically require several months of validity remaining. Airline System Failures Disrupt Booking Services Japan's two major carriers experienced significant technical difficulties on December 23, raising concerns about system reliability during the busy year-end travel season. According to NHK, both All Nippon Airways (ANA) and Japan Airlines (JAL) suffered simultaneous reservation system outages that prevented customers from making new bookings for both domestic and international flights. The disruption began early Monday morning and affected the airlines' online booking platforms. While both carriers reported that systems were restored by midday, the incident occurred during a critical period when many residents, including expats, are finalizing holiday travel plans. For foreign residents, this incident serves as a reminder to book flights well in advance of travel dates and to have backup plans when possible. The simultaneous nature of the outage affecting both major carriers is particularly concerning, as it left travelers with limited alternatives during the disruption. Passengers should consider purchasing travel insurance that covers booking disruptions and maintain flexibility in travel schedules when possible. Tokyu Railway Faces Penalties After Collision In a significant safety enforcement action, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism revoked Tokyu Corporation's certification for electrical facility design on December 23, according to NHK. The penalty follows an October collision and derailment accident in Kawasaki City involving two Tokyu trains. This administrative action represents one of the most serious penalties the ministry can impose on a railway operator. The certification revocation means Tokyu must work under enhanced oversight and cannot independently certify certain electrical infrastructure designs, potentially affecting future expansion or modification projects. For expats using Tokyu lines—which serve major residential areas popular with foreign residents including Yokohama, Shibuya, and areas along the Den-en-toshi Line—the immediate impact on daily services should be minimal. However, the incident underscores the importance of railway safety and the government's willingness to impose strict penalties when operators fail to meet standards. The October accident investigation revealed issues with electrical facility design that contributed to the collision. While no serious injuries were reported, the incident prompted a comprehensive review of Tokyu's safety protocols. Looking Ahead These three developments illustrate the dynamic nature of Japan's transportation infrastructure. While passport fee reductions offer tangible benefits to residents, the airline system failures and railway penalties remind expats of the importance of staying informed about transportation issues and planning accordingly. Foreign residents should monitor official announcements, particularly regarding the passport fee legislation's progress through the Diet and any further developments in airline system reliability and railway safety measures.