Foreign residents in Japan are facing two significant safety developments this week: serious irregularities at a major nuclear power plant and new safety standards for portable power devices increasingly used during emergencies. According to NHK, Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority has suspended safety reviews for reactors at the Hamaoka Nuclear Power Plant in Shizuoka Prefecture after discovering that operator Chubu Electric Power may have deliberately underestimated earthquake risks. The suspension affects Units 3 and 4, which the company has been seeking to restart as part of Japan's broader energy strategy. The irregularities center on how Chubu Electric selected data to assess potential earthquake impacts at the facility. NHK reports that the company appears to have intentionally chosen specific data sets that resulted in lower estimates of expected ground motion during seismic events. This manipulation could mean the plant's earthquake preparedness measures are inadequate for the actual risks it faces—a critical concern given Japan's location in one of the world's most seismically active regions. The Nuclear Regulation Authority announced on January 5 that it would hold a special meeting on January 7 to discuss how to proceed with oversight of the facility. This represents a significant setback for Chubu Electric's restart plans and raises broader questions about data integrity in Japan's nuclear safety review process. For expats living in or near Shizuoka Prefecture, this development underscores the importance of understanding local emergency procedures. The Hamaoka plant, located along the Pacific coast, has long been considered one of Japan's most vulnerable nuclear facilities due to its proximity to the Nankai Trough, where experts predict a major earthquake could occur within coming decades. Meanwhile, a separate safety issue is prompting action on portable power stations—devices that many foreign residents have purchased for emergency preparedness following natural disasters or power outages. According to NHK, an industry association of manufacturers will establish unified safety standards for the first time in response to repeated incidents of lithium-ion battery fires in these devices. These portable power stations have become increasingly popular among both Japanese citizens and foreign residents for camping, outdoor activities, and emergency backup power. They typically contain large lithium-ion batteries that can charge phones, laptops, and small appliances. However, the batteries pose fire risks if they malfunction, are damaged, or are improperly charged. The new safety standards being developed by the industry group represent the first coordinated effort to address these risks systematically. While specific details of the standards have not yet been announced, the initiative follows multiple reported incidents of devices catching fire during use or charging. For expats who own portable power stations or are considering purchasing one, this development suggests several practical steps. First, check whether your current device is from a reputable manufacturer that participates in industry safety initiatives. Second, follow all manufacturer guidelines for charging and storage, particularly regarding temperature limits and avoiding physical damage. Third, consider waiting for products certified under the new standards before making future purchases. Both developments highlight ongoing challenges in Japan's infrastructure safety landscape. The nuclear plant irregularities demonstrate that even heavily regulated industries require constant vigilance, while the portable battery issue shows how rapidly adopted technologies can outpace safety frameworks. Foreign residents should stay informed about both issues through official channels. For nuclear safety information, the Nuclear Regulation Authority provides updates in multiple languages. For consumer product safety, the Consumer Affairs Agency offers guidance on identifying and reporting dangerous products. These incidents serve as reminders that living in Japan requires awareness of both large-scale infrastructure risks and everyday consumer safety concerns. Staying informed and prepared remains essential for all residents, regardless of nationality.