Financial Services
Latest news and updates on financial services for expats in Japan
Japan and US Launch Rare Joint Currency Intervention to Halt Yen's Fall
Japan and the US conducted rare coordinated currency interventions from July 30-August 1, 2026, to halt the yen's historic decline. The first such joi...
August 2, 2026
Japan and US Launch Coordinated Currency Intervention to Stabilize Yen
Japan and the U.S. launched their first coordinated currency intervention since 1998 to halt historic yen depreciation. The move affects expats' purch...
August 1, 2026
August Electricity and Gas Bills to Drop Thanks to Government Subsidies
Major electricity and gas providers will lower rates in August due to government subsidies offsetting energy price increases. The reductions will auto...
July 30, 2026
Payment Provider Zentoshin Bankruptcy Disrupts Restaurants Nationwide
Payment processor Zentoshin's bankruptcy is disrupting restaurants nationwide. METI and Financial Services Agency are investigating the company and it...
July 24, 2026
Yen Weakens to 163 Per Dollar Amid Middle East Crisis and Oil Surge
The yen weakened to 163 per dollar on July 22 due to Middle East tensions and rising oil prices, reducing purchasing power for expats while authoritie...
July 22, 2026
Yen Plunges to 163 Per Dollar, Lowest in Nearly 40 Years
The yen fell to 163 per dollar on July 21, its weakest in nearly 40 years, driven by Iran tensions. The decline significantly impacts expats' purchasi...
July 21, 2026
Apple Raises iPhone Prices in Japan by 10% Amid Yen Weakness
Apple increased iPhone prices in Japan by approximately 10% on July 18, 2026, due to yen weakness. Even budget models now exceed 100,000 yen, promptin...
July 18, 2026
Historic Yen Weakness: 61% of Japanese See Negative Economic Impact
61% of Japanese see negative economic impact from historic yen weakness at 162 per dollar. Expats face reduced purchasing power, higher import costs, ...
July 13, 2026
Credit Card Processor Zentoshin Bankruptcy Leaves Businesses Without Funds
Payment processor Zentoshin's bankruptcy leaves thousands of businesses unable to access sales revenue. Government establishes 378 consultation center...
July 10, 2026
Major Payment Processor Zentoshin Bankruptcy Leaves 20,000 Merchants Unpaid
Payment processor Zentoshin's bankruptcy has left over 20,000 merchants unpaid and unable to accept cards. The company allegedly engaged in accounting...
July 8, 2026
Aflac Life Insurance Reports Data Breach Affecting 4.38 Million Customers
Aflac Life Insurance Japan reported a data breach affecting 4.38 million customers through unauthorized access to its policyholder portal. Personal in...
June 30, 2026
July Food Price Increases Hit 2,566 Products Amid Rising Living Costs
Over 2,566 food products will increase in price this July, continuing a five-year trend of annual increases exceeding 10,000 items. Middle East instab...
June 30, 2026
Yen Plunges to 162 Per Dollar: What Foreign Residents Need to Know
The yen hit 162 per dollar on June 30, its weakest in 39.5 years, driven by US-Japan interest rate differences. Expats face higher import costs but st...
June 30, 2026
Shareholder Activism Surges at Japanese Companies as Board Battles Intensify
Shareholder activism reached record levels at Japanese AGMs in June 2026, with investors challenging management at Nissan, KADOKAWA, and Rohto Pharmac...
June 24, 2026
Japanese Yen Hits 161 Per Dollar as Intervention Concerns Mount
The yen weakened to 161 per dollar, approaching a 40-year low. Finance Minister Katayama confirmed Japan-U.S. agreement on potential intervention, cre...
June 23, 2026
Yen Hits 39-Year Low as Japan, U.S. Hold Emergency Currency Talks
The yen fell to 161.90 per dollar on June 22nd, its weakest in 39 years, prompting emergency talks between Japanese and U.S. finance officials amid gr...
June 22, 2026
Japan's Banks Prepare for AI Cyber Threats with Possible ATM Shutdowns
Japan's banking sector is preparing for AI-powered cyberattacks with potential ATM and service suspensions. The Japanese Bankers Association announced...
June 18, 2026
Yen Plunges to 161 Per Dollar: What Expats Need to Know
The yen fell to 161 per dollar on June 18, its weakest in nearly two years, driven by Fed rate hike expectations. This impacts expats' purchasing powe...
June 18, 2026
Bank of Japan Raises Rates to 1% - Highest Level Since 1995
The BOJ raised rates to 1%, the highest since 1995, to combat inflation from oil prices and yen weakness. Major banks will increase deposit rates to 0...
June 16, 2026
Bank of Japan Governor Ueda Hospitalized, to Miss Key Policy Meeting
BOJ Governor Ueda hospitalized June 9 for liver infection, expected two-week recovery. Will miss June 15-16 policy meeting but participate via written...
June 10, 2026
Bank of Japan Expected to Raise Interest Rates to 1% in June
The Bank of Japan is expected to raise rates to 1% on June 15, responding to inflation risks from oil prices and yen weakness. This will increase mort...
June 9, 2026
BOJ Governor Signals Rate Hike Possibility Despite Mideast Uncertainty
BOJ Governor Ueda signals potential interest rate hikes despite Middle East tensions, prioritizing domestic inflation concerns. The move could affect ...
June 3, 2026
Japan's Record 11.7 Trillion Yen Currency Intervention Impacts Expats
Japan's government spent a record 11.7 trillion yen strengthening the yen from 160 to 155 per dollar, affecting expat purchasing power, remittances, a...
May 29, 2026
Japan's Major Banks to Deploy OpenAI's Latest AI Model for Services
Japan's three megabanks will implement OpenAI's latest AI model for financial services, as announced by Financial Services Minister Katayama, potentia...
May 29, 2026
Rising Energy Costs Drive Price Increases for Home Goods and Summer Products
LIXIL will raise prices on home fixtures from August 2026 due to Middle Eastern tensions, while naphtha shortages threaten summer cooling product avai...
May 18, 2026
Middle East Crisis Triggers Price Hikes for Household Essentials in Japan
Middle East tensions are driving August 2026 price increases for paper products, diapers, and fertilizer in Japan. Major manufacturers cite rising raw...
May 15, 2026
Middle East Crisis Forces Calbee to Switch to Black-and-White Packaging
Calbee is switching some product packaging to black-and-white designs due to Middle East crisis disrupting ink and naphtha supplies, marking a visible...
May 11, 2026
Japan Deploys Estimated ¥4-5 Trillion in Golden Week Currency Intervention
Japan likely deployed ¥4-5 trillion in currency intervention during Golden Week, following April 30 action. Officials won't confirm but warn against s...
May 7, 2026
Yen Surges Past 155 Per Dollar in Suspected Market Intervention
The yen surged past 155 per dollar on May 6th in suspected government intervention, rising over 2 yen in 20 minutes. The movement affects expats' purc...
May 6, 2026
Yen Surges to 155 Range Against Dollar Amid Suspected Intervention
The yen surged to the 155 range against the dollar on May 4th amid suspected government intervention. Japan's Finance Minister declined to comment, wh...
May 4, 2026
Japan Conducts ¥5 Trillion Currency Intervention to Stabilize Yen
Japan's government and central bank conducted an estimated ¥5 trillion currency intervention on April 30, strengthening the yen from ¥157 to ¥155 per ...
May 1, 2026
Japan Intervenes in Currency Markets as Yen Plunges to 160 Per Dollar
Japan intervened in currency markets on April 30th after the yen hit 160 per dollar, pushing it back to the 155-156 range. The move affects expats' pu...
April 30, 2026
Yen Weakens to 160 Per Dollar as Middle East Tensions Drive Flight to Safety
The yen weakened to 160 per dollar on April 29 amid U.S.-Iran tensions, its lowest level in three weeks. The decline reduces purchasing power for expa...
April 29, 2026
Shiga Bank and Ikeda Senshu Holdings Move Toward Capital Alliance
Shiga Bank and Ikeda Senshu Holdings are finalizing a capital alliance, reflecting regional bank consolidation trends. The partnership aims to strengt...
April 16, 2026
Rice Prices in Japan Expected to Drop Due to High Inventory Levels
Rice prices in Japan are expected to fall over the next three months due to high inventory levels. Industry outlook index at 27 signals continued down...
April 6, 2026
Major Japanese Banks Push Variable Housing Loan Rates Above 1%
Four major Japanese banks raised variable housing loan rates above 1% starting April 2026, affecting new borrowers. Expats should review existing mort...
March 31, 2026
Insurance Scandal: Sony Life, Prudential Employees Borrowed Billions from Clients
Former employees at Sony Life and Prudential borrowed billions of yen from clients, with half still unpaid. The scandals highlight risks for expats wh...
March 18, 2026
Rakuten Reports Record Sales But 7th Straight Annual Loss
Rakuten Group posted a 177.8 billion yen loss for its seventh straight year despite record sales, driven by mobile network investments. Core services ...
February 12, 2026
Insider Trading Scandal Rocks Nidec TOB as Dow Hits Historic Milestone
Tokyo prosecutors arrested a fourth person in Nidec insider trading case while Japanese corporate earnings held steady. The Dow hit 50,000 as global m...
February 7, 2026
Toyota Appoints New CEO as Japanese Automakers Face Tariff Pressures
Toyota reaches historic 50 trillion yen revenue while appointing new CEO, as SUBARU faces 70% profit decline from tariffs and Kirin sells U.S. whiskey...
February 6, 2026
Market Volatility and Corporate Shake-ups Challenge Expat Portfolios
Market turbulence affects expat investors as Japanese corporations restructure, the yen weakens to 156 per dollar, and AI concerns shake tech stocks, ...
February 4, 2026
Nikkei Soars to Record High as Yen Weakens and BOJ Begins ETF Sales
The Nikkei hit a record 54,720 on February 3 amid yen weakness, while the BOJ began selling its ETF holdings. These developments significantly impact ...
February 3, 2026
Japan's Economy in Focus: Stable Jobs, Rising Prices, Record Egg Costs
Japan's December unemployment held steady at 2.6% with improving job openings, while Tokyo inflation reached 2% in January. Egg prices hit record high...
January 30, 2026
Rising Costs Hit Japan: Utilities, Gold, and Rice Prices Surge
Utility bills rise in February despite subsidies due to fuel costs. Gold hits record 30,000 yen per gram. Rice imports surge 96-fold as domestic price...
January 29, 2026
Yen Volatility Intensifies as US Treasury Rules Out Market Intervention
The yen fluctuated sharply on January 28, ranging from 152 to 154 per dollar, as US Treasury Secretary Bessent denied market intervention while Presid...
January 28, 2026
Major Bank Fraud Ring Used Fake MyNumber Cards to Steal ¥600 Million
Police arrested four suspects who used fake MyNumber cards to open 160+ bank accounts and commit ¥600 million in fraud. The group distributed cards ac...
January 28, 2026
Yen Surges Nearly 5 Yen Against Dollar Amid Intervention Fears
The yen strengthened nearly 5 yen to 153 per dollar on January 26 amid intervention fears, triggering a 1,100-point Nikkei drop. Gold hit $5,000/ounce...
January 26, 2026
Yen Surges Past 155 Per Dollar on Japan Intervention Speculation
The yen surged over three yen against the dollar on January 23-24, reaching mid-155 range, as speculation mounted about coordinated Japan-U.S. rate ch...
January 24, 2026
Japan's Public Pensions Rise 2%, But Inflation Eats Away Real Value
Japan's public pensions will rise 1.9-2.0% in April 2026, but with inflation at 3.1%, recipients face a real purchasing power decline of over 1%, requ...
January 23, 2026
Yen Surges Amid Intervention Fears and Rising Interest Rates
The yen surged over two yen against the dollar on January 23 amid intervention fears and volatile trading. Long-term interest rates rose sharply, prom...
January 23, 2026
Japan Welcomes Record 42.68 Million Foreign Visitors, Spending Hits ¥9.45 Trillion
Japan welcomed a record 42.68 million foreign visitors in 2025, generating ¥9.45 trillion in spending. The tourism boom has energized the economy and ...
January 21, 2026
Market Turmoil: Rising Rates and Yen Weakness Threaten Expat Savings
Japan's interest rates hit 27-year highs while the yen weakened and global stocks plunged on January 20, creating financial uncertainty for expats man...
January 20, 2026
Japan's Long-term Interest Rates Hit 27-Year High Amid Economic Shifts
Japan's 10-year bond yields hit 2.275%, the highest since 1999, while over 80% expect continued inflation. The shifts affect mortgages, savings, and c...
January 19, 2026
Insurance Fraud and Email Scams Expose Financial Vulnerabilities in Japan
Over 100 Prudential Life employees defrauded 500+ customers of 3.1 billion yen, while a separate email scam cost one company 100 million yen, exposing...
January 16, 2026
Japan's Economic Landscape: TSMC Profits Soar While Gas Prices Drop
Gasoline prices drop for ninth week to 155.1 yen/liter while corporate goods inflation rises 3.2%. TSMC reports record profits, yen strengthens, and m...
January 15, 2026
Japan's Markets Surge to Record Highs Amid Political Uncertainty
Japan's stock market hit record highs above 54,000 yen while the yen weakened and interest rates reached 27-year peaks amid speculation of political c...
January 14, 2026
Japan's Markets Surge as Election Speculation Drives Yen to 159 Per Dollar
Japan's yen fell to 159 per dollar amid election speculation, while stocks hit record highs and interest rates reached 27-year peaks. These shifts aff...
January 13, 2026
Rice Prices Hit Record Highs as Winter Bonuses Reach New Peak
Rice prices reached a record ¥4,416 per 5kg in early January 2025, while winter bonuses at major firms hit ¥957,184. Household spending increased 2.9%...
January 9, 2026
Yen Weakens to 158 Per Dollar: What Foreign Residents Need to Know
The yen weakened to 158 per dollar on January 9, its lowest level in nearly a year, driven by strong U.S. employment data and uncertainty about Japan'...
January 9, 2026
Japan's Markets Surge as Interest Rates Hit 27-Year High
Japan's stock market hit a two-month high while long-term interest rates reached 27-year peaks. Major corporate investments and currency movements sig...
January 6, 2026
Japan's Financial Markets Start 2026 Strong Amid Rate Hikes and Yen Weakness
Japan's markets opened 2026 with stocks surging past 52,000, interest rates hitting 27-year highs at 2.125%, and the yen weakening against the dollar ...
January 5, 2026
BOJ Rate Hike Signals Strengthen Yen, Impact Stock Markets
The yen strengthened against the dollar on December 29, 2024, while Japanese stocks fell as markets anticipated continued BOJ rate hikes, directly imp...
December 29, 2025
Rising Prices and Bank Rate Hikes: Financial Changes Ahead for Japan Residents
Japan Post Bank raises savings rates to 0.3% from February 2025, but 3,500 food items face price increases. Rice and egg prices hit record highs while...
December 26, 2025
Japan's Retail Sector Faces Regulatory Scrutiny and Market Shifts
Japan's Fair Trade Commission penalized Ropia for labor violations, while utility prices drop in January due to government subsidies. Rice imports sur...
December 25, 2025
Japan's Interest Rates Hit 26-Year High as BOJ Signals More Hikes Ahead
Japan's long-term interest rates reached 2.1%, the highest in 26 years, as the BOJ signals continued rate hikes. Foreign residents should prepare for ...
December 22, 2025
Japan Launches Police-Bank Partnership to Combat Surging Fraud Losses
Japan is establishing a Financial Crime Prevention Center bringing police and bank staff together to track and recover fraud losses. The initiative ad...
December 20, 2025
BOJ Rate Hike to 0.75% Sparks Yen Slide to 157 Per Dollar
The BOJ raised rates to 0.75%, but the yen weakened to 157 per dollar as markets expect slow future hikes. Variable mortgage rates will rise while cur...
December 19, 2025
Bank of Japan Rate Hike to 0.75% Signals New Era for Expat Finances
Bank of Japan's expected rate hike to 0.75% on December 19 will affect expat savings returns, loan payments, and currency exchange rates, marking Japa...
December 18, 2025
Bank of Japan Poised for Rate Hike: What It Means for Your Wallet
The Bank of Japan is expected to raise interest rates to 0.75%, the highest in 30 years, affecting savings returns, loan costs, and currency exchange ...
December 17, 2025
Japan's Supplementary Budget Passes Amid Rice Price Support Debate
Japan's supplementary budget passed December 16, 2025, with most localities rejecting proposed rice coupons for alternative support. Rice reserve syst...
December 16, 2025
Megabanks Pledge ¥2 Trillion to Rapidus as Yen Strengthens on Fed Rate Cut
Japan's megabanks pledged up to ¥2 trillion to semiconductor maker Rapidus while the yen strengthened following the Fed's rate cut, causing export sto...
December 11, 2025
Japan Expands NISA Tax Benefits and Reforms Agricultural Bank Oversight
Japan is removing age restrictions on NISA tsumitate accounts and considering allowing minors to participate. Separately, Norinchukin Bank will add ex...
December 9, 2025
Japan's Multi-Debt Crisis Surges as Interest Rates Climb to 18-Year Highs
Japan faces a dual financial crisis with multi-debt borrowers up 30% to 1.47 million and interest rates hitting 18-year highs. Expats should review de...
December 6, 2025
Rising Rates and Real Estate Fraud: What Japan Residents Need to Know
Japan's interest rates hit 18-year highs at 1.95%, increasing mortgage costs, while construction companies fraudulently impersonate condo residents to...
December 5, 2025
Japan Tightens Bank Security Amid Fraud Surge and Regional Consolidation
Japan is implementing stricter bank account verification requiring IC chip documents like My Number Cards, while expanding subsidies for regional bank...
December 4, 2025
AI Wealth Management and Japanese Robotics Attract Major Investment
US wealth platform Range raises $60M for AI financial services while Tokyo's Mujin secures 36.4B yen for robotics, highlighting investment trends in f...
December 3, 2025
Japan Overhauls Financial System: NISA Expansion, Crypto Rules, and Banking Shifts
Japan plans to remove NISA age limits for long-term investments, classify cryptocurrencies as regulated financial products with new protections, and i...
December 2, 2025
Securities Account Hijacking Scheme Targets Japan Investors
Two suspects arrested for hijacking securities accounts and manipulating low-priced stocks, raising 100 million yen through fraudulent trades and asse...
November 29, 2025
Foreign Investment in Tokyo Real Estate Surges as Yen Weakens
Foreign investment in Tokyo real estate is surging, led by Taiwanese and Chinese buyers, while the yen fluctuates and digital payment systems expand, ...
November 25, 2025
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...
November 21, 2025
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...
November 21, 2025
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...
November 19, 2025
Yen Plunges to Historic Low Against Euro as Japan's Economy Contracts
The yen hit a historic low of 180 per euro on November 17 as Japan's economy contracted 1.8% in Q3, creating significant financial implications for ex...
November 17, 2025
Japan's Major Banks Hit Record Profits Amid Rising Interest Rates
Japan's three major banks achieved record interim profits driven by rising interest rates, while a Fukushima credit union faces regulatory action for ...
November 14, 2025
Japan's Digital Shift: Streamlined Address Changes and AI Banking Arrive
Japan launches unified online address change system from November 17, while MUFG partners with OpenAI for AI banking services, promising easier admini...
November 12, 2025
Yen Weakens to 154 Per Dollar as Nikkei Surges Past 52,000 for First Time
The yen weakened to 154 per dollar while the Nikkei closed above 52,000 for the first time on October 31st, 2025, driven by diverging monetary policie...
October 31, 2025