Public Policy & Governance
Latest news and updates on public policy & governance for expats in Japan
Tokyo's Population Surge Continues as Rural Areas Face Voting Challenges
Tokyo gained over 65,000 net residents in 2025, continuing population concentration trends. Meanwhile, rural depopulation forces innovative solutions ...
February 3, 2026
Coordinated Cash Heists Target Money Couriers Across Tokyo
Coordinated robberies in Tokyo netted over 600 million yen from money couriers. Police found counterfeit plates on getaway vehicles, with some stolen ...
January 31, 2026
Cash Heists Target Currency Couriers: ¥400M Tokyo Robbery, ¥58M Hong Kong Attack
A series of cash robberies in Tokyo and Hong Kong targeted currency couriers, including a ¥400M Tokyo heist and ¥58M Hong Kong attack, revealing organ...
January 30, 2026
Japanese Courts Rule on Fukushima Liability and North Korea Repatriation
Supreme Court rejected government liability for Fukushima disaster while upholding TEPCO responsibility. Tokyo District Court issued landmark ruling o...
January 26, 2026
Corporate Compliance Scandals Hit Major Japanese Firms This Week
Major Japanese firms face compliance scandals: Lotte recalls gum with unapproved additives, Meiji Yasuda Life discovers 39 data breaches, and Tokyo Un...
January 26, 2026
Japan's House of Representatives Election: What Foreign Residents Need to Know
Japan's House of Representatives election runs January 27 to February 8, with 1,280 candidates competing for 465 seats. While most expats cannot vote,...
January 26, 2026
University of Tokyo Professor Arrested in Major Bribery Scandal
A University of Tokyo professor was arrested for accepting bribes from a research partner organization. The case involves multiple academics receiving...
January 25, 2026
Japan's House of Representatives Election Campaign Officially Begins
Japan's House of Representatives election campaign begins January 27, with voting on February 8. Party leaders are debating economic policies and infl...
January 24, 2026
Tokyo University Professor Arrested in ¥1.8 Million Bribery Scandal
A University of Tokyo medical professor was arrested for accepting ¥1.8 million in entertainment bribes related to research partnerships, highlighting...
January 24, 2026
Japan's Nuclear Restart Faces Setbacks: Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Halts, Hamaoka Under Investigation
TEPCO shut down Kashiwazaki-Kariwa reactor after 29 hours due to alarm malfunctions, while regulators will inspect Chubu Electric over suspected earth...
January 22, 2026
Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Plant Restarts: First TEPCO Reactor Since Fukushima
TEPCO restarted Kashiwazaki-Kariwa reactor Unit 6 on January 21, the first TEPCO nuclear restart since the 2011 Fukushima disaster, with scheduled ins...
January 21, 2026
Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Restart Delayed After Safety Alarm Failures
TEPCO postponed Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Plant Unit 6 restart after discovering alarm configuration errors during safety tests. No new restart date ...
January 19, 2026
Japan's Prime Minister Takaichi Calls Snap Election for February 8
Prime Minister Takaichi dissolved the Diet on January 19, calling a snap election for February 8—the shortest postwar campaign period. While expats ca...
January 19, 2026
PM Takaichi Announces Diet Dissolution and Snap Election
Prime Minister Takaichi will announce House of Representatives dissolution on January 19, triggering a snap election. The move follows coalition chang...
January 18, 2026
Snap Election Called as Political Veterans Exit Japanese Politics
PM Takaichi will dissolve parliament January 19, triggering snap elections to validate the LDP-Ishin coalition. Former PM Suga and other veterans are ...
January 17, 2026
Early Election Call and Opposition Merger Shake Up Japanese Politics
PM Takaichi calls early election for late January while opposition parties CDP and Komeito merge into Centrist Reform Alliance. Budget delays possible...
January 16, 2026
Major Political Shifts: Opposition Merger and Osaka Leadership Resigns
Opposition parties CDP and Komeito are forming a new centrist party ahead of February elections, while Osaka's governor and mayor resign to trigger sp...
January 15, 2026
Snap Election Called: Political Realignment May Affect Expat Services
Prime Minister Takaichi calls snap election for February 8, 2026, amid major party realignments. Opposition parties may form new coalitions, potential...
January 14, 2026
Japan Braces for Snap Election as Regional Leadership Shakeups Unfold
PM Takaichi plans to dissolve Parliament on January 23rd for snap elections. Osaka's governor and mayor will resign to seek reelection supporting regi...
January 13, 2026
China Export Controls Threaten Japanese Supply Chains and Economy
China's new export controls on dual-use items have sparked widespread economic concern in Japan, with 70% of survey respondents worried about impacts....
January 13, 2026
Japan Tackles Rare Earth Dependencies as G7 Pushes Supply Chain Diversity
Japan joins G7 nations in addressing critical mineral supply chain vulnerabilities, with plans for domestic rare earth mining to reduce dependence on ...
January 12, 2026
Japan-South Korea Summit in Nara Signals Diplomatic Warming
Prime Minister Takaichi hosted South Korean President Lee in Nara on January 13, emphasizing future-oriented bilateral relations. The hometown summit ...
January 12, 2026
Diet Dissolution Looms as Coalition Talks Reshape Japan's Political Landscape
Prime Minister Takaichi may dissolve the House of Representatives when the Diet convenes January 23rd. Opposition parties are forming unusual alliance...
January 12, 2026
Early Election Speculation Grips Japan as Parties Rush to Prepare
Prime Minister Takaichi may dissolve parliament when the Diet convenes next week, triggering a snap election. All parties are preparing intensively as...
January 11, 2026
Japan Plans Major Security Strategy Review Amid Defense Policy Shift
Japan plans to establish an expert panel this spring to review its National Security Strategy and related defense documents. Public support for defens...
January 10, 2026
Japan Faces Snap Election: What Foreign Residents Should Know
Prime Minister Takaichi may dissolve Japan's lower house for snap elections at the upcoming Diet session. While existing visas remain unaffected, the ...
January 10, 2026
Nuclear Data Scandal Raises Safety Concerns as Power Companies Face Scrutiny
Chubu Electric faces government orders after manipulating earthquake data for Hamaoka Nuclear Plant. TEPCO submits new financial plan while renewable ...
January 9, 2026
Japan Plans Five-Year Red Bond Issuance as Diet Session Approaches
Japan plans to authorize five-year red bond issuance starting fiscal 2026 and submit 61 bills including National Intelligence Council establishment an...
January 9, 2026
Consumer Protection Crackdown: Major Retailers Face Penalties in Japan
Major Japanese retailers face penalties for consumer violations including food mislabeling, discriminatory pricing, and unclear promotions. Foreign re...
January 8, 2026
Hamaoka Nuclear Plant Safety Review Suspended Over Earthquake Concerns
Japan's nuclear regulator suspended safety reviews for Hamaoka Nuclear Plant after Chubu Electric allegedly underestimated earthquake risks. The entir...
January 7, 2026
China Export Controls Target Japan: Rare Earths and Tech Under Pressure
China's new export controls on dual-use items targeting Japan threaten rare earth supplies critical to tech and manufacturing. Tokyo markets fell as g...
January 7, 2026
Japan's Coalition Talks Intensify as Minority Government Seeks Stability
Japan's LDP seeks coalition expansion with the DPP for political stability, while opposition parties negotiate influence. Budget talks and policy dela...
January 6, 2026
Nuclear Safety Concerns Mount as Hamaoka Audit Faces Review
Chubu Electric faces allegations of underestimating earthquake risks at Hamaoka Nuclear Plant, prompting potential審査 審査 restart. Meanwhile, Shimane re...
January 6, 2026
Nuclear Safety Concerns and Battery Fire Risks Highlight Infrastructure Issues
Nuclear regulators suspended safety reviews at Hamaoka plant after Chubu Electric allegedly underestimated earthquake risks. Separately, industry will...
January 5, 2026
Japan Launches New Legal Support System for Crime Victims
Japan's Legal Support Center launches a continuous legal assistance program for crime victims starting January 13, 2026, providing early-stage lawyer ...
January 4, 2026
Japan's New Prime Minister Takaichi Holds First Call with Trump
Prime Minister Takaichi and President Trump held their first phone call, agreeing to deepen economic and security cooperation. A spring U.S. visit is ...
January 2, 2026
Japan Post Plans Major Consolidation: 20% of Distribution Centers to Close by 2028
Japan Post will consolidate 20% of distribution centers by 2028 due to declining mail volume, though local post offices will remain open. The changes ...
January 1, 2026
New Year's Day Tragedies Highlight Safety Risks for Japan Residents
Multiple fatal accidents on New Year's Day included mochi choking deaths, a fall at a sunrise viewing site, and a child's balcony fall, highlighting s...
January 1, 2026
Japan-China Business Ties Strained as Economic Delegation Postponed
Japan-China business relations face strain as economic delegation postpones January visit amid diplomatic tensions. Despite political friction, China'...
December 31, 2025
New PM Moves to Official Residence as Tokyo Debates Household Waste Fees
PM Takaichi moved to the official residence on December 29 for crisis readiness. Tokyo Governor Koike's household waste fee proposal faces public oppo...
December 29, 2025
Tokyo Warns of Rising Battery Fires and Payment Scams Targeting Residents
Tokyo reports 228 lithium-ion battery fires through September 2025, exceeding previous records. Simultaneously, QR code payment scams have reached all...
December 29, 2025
Fatal Escalator Accident and Wolf Escape Expose Safety Gaps at Public Facilities
A five-year-old boy died at a Hokkaido ski resort when an escalator's emergency stop failed, while a wolf escaped at Tokyo's Tama Zoo the same day, ra...
December 28, 2025
Policy Updates: ID Requirements at Hotels and Tokyo Waste Fees Coming
Foreign residents face ID requirement questions at hotels, upcoming paid garbage collection in Tokyo's 23 wards, and reminders to verify municipal ben...
December 27, 2025
Japan Approves Record ¥122 Trillion Budget Amid Rice Voucher Debate
Japan's record ¥122 trillion budget includes controversial rice vouchers largely rejected by municipalities, plus tax reforms raising the minimum taxa...
December 26, 2025
Japan Approves Record ¥122 Trillion Budget with Major Tax Reforms Ahead
Japan approved a record ¥122.31 trillion budget for fiscal 2026, up ¥7 trillion from this year. The government plans to introduce refundable tax credi...
December 25, 2025
Japan's Defense Policy Shifts Spark Domestic and International Controversy
Japan's defense policies face controversy as ruling and opposition parties debate military equipment transfer guidelines while a government official's...
December 21, 2025
73% of Japanese Residents Concerned About Rising Prices, Survey Shows
A Cabinet Office survey shows 73% of Japanese residents worry about inflation, the highest since 1998. Rising costs affect groceries, utilities, and d...
December 21, 2025
Japan's FY2025 Budget Hits Record ¥120 Trillion: What Expats Need to Know
Japan's FY2025 budget reaches record ¥120 trillion, driven by aging society costs, healthcare fee increases, defense spending, and ¥1 trillion AI inve...
December 21, 2025
Japan Tightens Solar Power Regulations Amid Safety and Cost Concerns
Japan is tightening solar power regulations through expanded environmental assessments, mandatory third-party safety inspections, and potential subsid...
December 15, 2025
Japan's Political Reform Debate: Diet Seat Cuts vs. Campaign Finance
Japan's ruling LDP pushes for Diet seat reduction before December 2025 session ends, while opposition prioritizes campaign finance reform, creating a ...
December 14, 2025
Japan Proposes Free Childbirth Coverage Plus Cash Benefits for Mothers
Japan proposes covering all childbirth costs through public insurance while adding cash benefits for pregnant women. The Ministry of Health presented ...
December 12, 2025
China-Japan Military Tensions Rise After Radar Incident Near Okinawa
Chinese fighter jet locked radar on Japanese aircraft near Okinawa December 6, prompting strong protests. China also conducted first carrier operation...
December 7, 2025
China-Japan Military Tensions Escalate Near Okinawa With Radar Incident
Chinese fighter jets targeted Japanese aircraft with radar near Okinawa on December 6, while a Chinese carrier conducted flight operations nearby. The...
December 6, 2025
Japan's Diet Battles Over Seat Cuts and Campaign Finance Reform
Japan's ruling and opposition parties clash over Diet seat reductions and campaign finance reform as the parliamentary session nears its end, with deb...
December 4, 2025
Japan's Diet Debates Seat Cuts, Campaign Finance, and Lawmaker Salaries
Japan's Diet debates cutting 45 House seats, reforming campaign finance, and scrapping lawmaker pay raises. Multiple parties propose competing plans a...
December 3, 2025
Nearly 10 Japanese Residents Stranded in Indonesia Flooding Disaster
Nearly 10 Japanese residents are stranded in Indonesia's Aceh province following deadly floods that killed over 400 people. Indonesian authorities are...
November 30, 2025
Japan's Political Landscape Shifts as Coalition Secures Majority
Japan's ruling coalition secured a House majority while negotiating parliamentary reforms and budget priorities. Cross-party discussions signal potent...
November 30, 2025
Japan's Food Prices Hit Record Highs as Cost of Living Crisis Deepens
Food prices in Japan reached record highs in November 2025, with over 20,000 items affected. Eggs hit their highest November price since 1993, while o...
November 28, 2025
Japan Introduces Minimum Child Support Payments for Divorced Parents
Japan will implement mandatory minimum child support of 20,000 yen monthly per child starting April 2026 for divorces without formal support agreement...
November 28, 2025
Japan Approves 18.3 Trillion Yen Stimulus Budget to Combat Inflation
Japan approved an 18.3 trillion yen supplementary budget to combat inflation, financed largely through new government bonds. The package focuses on co...
November 27, 2025
Japan's Budget Expansion: What Rising Tax Revenue Means for Residents
Japan plans 11.6 trillion yen in new bonds while tax revenue hits record 80 trillion yen, driven by wage increases and rising prices. Expanded local g...
November 26, 2025
Two Japanese Leaders Resign Over Sexual Misconduct Allegations
Fukui Governor and Maebashi Mayor both resigned November 25 over sexual misconduct allegations. Foreign residents in these areas may experience tempor...
November 25, 2025
Multiple Major Incidents Highlight Emergency Response Challenges in Japan
Multiple serious incidents struck Japan on November 24, including a deadly stolen vehicle rampage in Tokyo's Adachi Ward killing one and injuring ten,...
November 24, 2025
Japan Deploys Missile Defense to Yonaguni Island Amid Regional Security Concerns
Japan's Defense Minister is seeking support for new missile deployments on Yonaguni Island, emphasizing their role as deterrents against armed attacks...
November 23, 2025
Japan-China Relations Deteriorate as Taiwan Remarks Spark Diplomatic Crisis
China suspended Hong Kong consulate exchanges and Foreign Minister Wang Yi strongly criticized PM Takaichi over Taiwan remarks. No Japan-China leader ...
November 23, 2025
Japan's Social Welfare Reforms: Living Standards and Support Programs
Japan's welfare system faces major changes: 3 million households will receive supplementary welfare payments after court ruling, income thresholds may...
November 22, 2025
Niigata Governor Approves Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Restart After Years of Delay
Niigata Governor approved restarting Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant after 14 years offline. The decision advances Japan's energy security goals whil...
November 22, 2025
Japan-China Tensions Rise: Travel Warnings, Flight Cuts Impact Residents
China-Japan tensions over Taiwan remarks lead to travel warnings, flight cancellations on Osaka-Shanghai routes, and postponed business meetings, affe...
November 21, 2025
Japan Unveils ¥21 Trillion Stimulus Package Amid Tax Reforms
Japan's ¥21.3 trillion stimulus includes utility subsidies and local grants. Gasoline tax cuts take effect December 31, while income tax reforms are u...
November 21, 2025
China-Japan Tensions Escalate: Trade Events Cancelled, Safety Concerns Rise
China-Japan relations have sharply deteriorated after PM Takaichi's Taiwan remarks, leading to cancelled trade events, postponed trilateral meetings, ...
November 20, 2025
Security Breaches at Nuclear Plants Raise Safety Concerns for Japan Residents
Security breaches at two nuclear plants and debates over Japan's non-nuclear principles raise safety concerns. Falsified records and mishandled classi...
November 20, 2025
China-Japan Relations Plummet: Travel Warnings and Seafood Ban Hit Economy
China has issued travel warnings and halted Japanese seafood imports following PM Takaichi's Taiwan remarks, impacting tourism and trade sectors where...
November 19, 2025
Japan-China Tensions Escalate Over Taiwan Remarks: What Expats Should Know
Japan-China diplomatic tensions escalated after PM Takaichi's Taiwan remarks, with China demanding retraction. November 18 talks ended in stalemate, w...
November 18, 2025
Takaichi Government's Fiscal Expansion Triggers Market Turbulence in Japan
The Takaichi administration's aggressive fiscal policy sparked market volatility on November 18, with stocks falling 1,600 points and bond yields hitt...
November 18, 2025
Japan-China Tensions Escalate: What Foreign Residents Need to Know
Japan-China tensions over Taiwan remarks have triggered travel warnings, with China discouraging visits to Japan. Japanese embassy alerts citizens in ...
November 17, 2025
Japan Unveils 17 Trillion Yen Economic Package to Combat Rising Costs
Japan's government is finalizing a 17 trillion yen economic stimulus package focused on utility subsidies to combat rising living costs, with benefits...
November 16, 2025
Japan-China Tensions Escalate Over Taiwan Comments, Affecting Students
China warns citizens about studying in Japan following PM Takaichi's Taiwan comments, escalating diplomatic tensions. Japan's Foreign Ministry is moni...
November 16, 2025
China Issues Japan Travel Advisory: What Foreign Residents Should Know
China advised citizens to avoid Japan travel, with airlines offering free cancellations. Foreign residents in tourism sectors may face economic impact...
November 15, 2025
Japan Expands Gasoline Subsidies to Ease Rising Fuel Costs for Drivers
Japan expands gasoline subsidies to oil wholesalers from November 13, pushing prices lower after reaching 173.5 yen per liter. The automatic relief be...
November 12, 2025
China-Japan Tensions Flare Over Taiwan Remarks and Diplomatic Threats
China-Japan relations have sharply deteriorated after PM Takaichi's Taiwan remarks prompted threats from China's Osaka consul general. Beijing defende...
November 10, 2025
US Tariffs Squeeze Japanese Automakers as Government Plans Economic Response
US tariffs have reduced Japanese automaker profits by over 40%, prompting government plans for economic countermeasures focusing on AI, semiconductors...
November 10, 2025
Japan Announces New Relief Measures for Electricity, Gas, and Food Costs
Japan's government is preparing winter relief for electricity and gas bills plus food cost support through municipal grants. Consumption tax cuts rema...
November 9, 2025
Japan Launches Regional Development Strategy and Rice Voucher Program
Japan's government is establishing a Prime Minister-led task force for regional economic development while planning rice vouchers as part of economic ...
November 8, 2025
Japan Shifts Economic Policy: Budget Reforms and Fiscal Target Changes
Japan's government is reconsidering fiscal targets, reviewing SME subsidies, and appointing pro-stimulus economic advisors. Changes may affect healthc...
November 7, 2025
Japan's Major Events Face Budget Overruns and Venue Relocations
The 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya faces costs exceeding triple original estimates, while Osaka Expo exhibits relocate to Awaji Island and Yokohama prepar...
November 2, 2025