Public Policy & Governance
Latest news and updates on public policy & governance for expats in Japan
Coca-Cola Japan Raises Prices on 165 Products from September 2026
Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan will raise prices on 165 products from September 2026 due to Middle East crisis impacts on materials. A 500ml PET bottle will...
chocoZAP Expands Women-Only Gym Locations Amid Growing Demand
chocoZAP is expanding to 300 women-only gym locations due to strong demand, offering female expats more comfortable workout options at the chain's sig...
Japan's Gasoline Subsidy Faces Cuts as Government Reviews Fiscal Impact
Japan's ruling party is reviewing gasoline subsidies that keep prices at 170 yen per liter, citing fiscal pressures. Changes could increase fuel costs...
My Number Card Debate: Digital Minister Resists LDP Mandatory Push
Digital Minister Matsumoto urges caution on LDP proposal to mandate My Number Cards, questioning effectiveness without penalties. Foreign residents sh...
Japan's Civil Courts Go Fully Digital: What Expats Need to Know
Japan's civil courts launched a fully digital filing system on May 21, 2026, allowing online lawsuit submissions and case management. The change impro...
Naphtha Shortage Triggers Plastic Crisis: Garbage Bags Vanish from Shelves
A naphtha shortage is disrupting plastic production across Japan, causing garbage bags to sell out in stores. While ethylene production increased 3.6%...
Japan-South Korea Summit Strengthens Energy Security Partnership
Japan and South Korea agreed to establish energy cooperation framework including stockpile enhancement and crisis response mechanisms, aiming to stren...
Japan Considers Summer Electricity and Gas Bill Support for Households
Japan's government is developing electricity and gas bill support for July-September 2026 as Middle East instability affects energy prices. Officials ...
World-First: Fully Farmed Eel Goes on Sale in Japan This Week
Japan launches world's first commercial sales of completely farmed Japanese eel this week, offering a sustainable alternative to endangered wild popul...
Japan Mulls Supplementary Budget for Energy Support as Middle East Tensions Rise
Japan's government is considering a supplementary budget to subsidize summer electricity and gas bills if Middle East tensions cause prolonged energy ...
Japan Eyes Supplementary Budget for Energy Support Amid Middle East Crisis
Japan's government is considering a supplementary budget to subsidize electricity and gas bills if Middle East tensions cause prolonged energy price i...
Japan Post to Raise Postal Rates and Close 500 Collection Points by 2028
Japan Post will raise postal rates around 2027 and close 500 collection centers by 2028 due to declining mail volumes. Foreign residents should prepar...
Japan Moves to Limit Prosecution Appeals in Criminal Retrial Cases
Japan's ruling party approved Criminal Procedure Law amendments restricting prosecutors from appealing retrial decisions. The changes await Diet appro...
Japanese Firms Navigate Middle East Crisis with Supply Chain Adjustments
Japanese companies adjust operations as Middle East crisis disrupts supply chains. ENEOS tanker successfully transits Hormuz Strait while Kagome redes...
Japan to Review Age Limits for Children on Bicycle Seats
Japan's National Public Safety Commission announced it will review current age and size limits for children riding in bicycle seats, potentially expan...
Japan Delays Bill to Expand Legal Use of Maiden Names
Japan postponed a bill expanding legal maiden name usage as official aliases due to a crowded Diet schedule. The delay affects married individuals, pa...
Japan Considers Energy Subsidies as Middle East Crisis Threatens Summer Bills
Japan's government is considering electricity and gas subsidies for summer 2026 due to Middle East tensions threatening energy price increases, potent...
Japan Moves to Restrict Prosecutors' Appeal Rights in Retrial Cases
Japan's government will propose restricting prosecutors' appeals against retrial decisions, enshrining the prohibition in the Criminal Procedure Code ...
Japan's Emergency Powers Framework Sparks Constitutional Debate
Japan's House of Representatives revealed a constitutional emergency powers framework allowing term extensions and emergency decrees during disasters ...
Iran Crisis Triggers Product Shortages: Garbage Bags, Snack Packaging Affected
Middle East tensions are causing packaging material shortages in Japan, affecting garbage bags and snack food designs. Municipalities are relaxing was...