Public Policy & Governance
Latest news and updates on public policy & governance for expats in Japan
Rice Prices Expected to Fall Further Despite Recent Market Fluctuations
Rice prices in Japan are expected to continue falling over the next three months due to increased inventory levels, potentially reducing grocery costs...
Tourism Boom Bypasses Most of Japan: 7 Prefectures Dominate Foreign Visits
Foreign tourists overwhelmingly concentrate in seven prefectures, with 72 of Japan's top 100 destinations located there, while 25 prefectures have no ...
Koji Suzuki, Creator of 'Ring' Horror Franchise, Dies at 68
Koji Suzuki, creator of the iconic "Ring" horror novel series, died May 8 at age 68. His work sparked the global J-horror phenomenon and established J...
Japan Debates Major Judicial Reform Limiting Prosecutors' Retrial Appeals
Japan's government and LDP are debating reforms to limit prosecutors' appeals in retrial cases, with disagreement over whether restrictions should app...
Japan and Philippines Establish Framework for Maritime Defense Vessel Transfer
Japan and the Philippines agreed to establish a working group to facilitate the transfer of used JMSDF escort vessels, following Japan's policy change...
Japan's Child Population Hits Record Low in 45th Year of Decline
Japan's child population fell to 13.29 million, down 350,000 from last year, marking 45 consecutive years of decline. The trend impacts education, lab...
Japan Taps Strategic Oil Reserves as Iran Crisis Threatens Energy Security
Japan began releasing strategic oil reserves on May 1-2 amid Iran-related uncertainties. The government aims to ensure stable energy supplies, though ...
PM Takaichi Strengthens Energy Security Through Southeast Asia Diplomacy
PM Takaichi's May 2026 visits to Vietnam and Australia focus on securing critical minerals and LNG supplies, aiming to strengthen Japan's energy secur...
Constitution Day Sparks Debate on Emergency Powers and Referendum Rules
Japan's 79th Constitution Day sparked debates on adding emergency powers and regulating referendum advertising. Ruling parties push amendments while o...
Natto and Gyoza Shortages Hit Japan as Iran Crisis Disrupts Packaging Supply
Natto and gyoza products face sales suspensions and up to 20% price increases due to packaging material shortages caused by Iran-related supply chain ...
Japan Secures Alternative Oil Supply Routes Amid Hormuz Strait Crisis
Japan has secured 60% of alternative oil supplies for May and will release 20 days of reserves to offset Hormuz Strait disruptions. Major energy compa...
Tokyo Gas Announces First Basic Rate Hike in 46 Years
Tokyo Gas will raise basic residential rates by 150 yen monthly starting October 2025, the first such increase in 46 years. Rising personnel costs dri...
TEPCO Appoints New Chairman Amid Push for Corporate Restructuring
TEPCO is appointing JIC president Keisuke Yokoo as chairman to drive corporate reforms. The change affects Tokyo area electricity consumers and may re...
Japan to Release Additional Oil from National Reserves Starting May 1st
Japan will release additional oil from national reserves starting May 1st to address supply stability concerns. The measure aims to stabilize fuel mar...
Japan Cuts Passport Fees by ¥7,000 Starting July 1st
Japan reduces passport fees by ¥7,000 for 10-year passports starting July 1st, 2026. The change benefits naturalized Japanese citizens but not foreign...
Japan Relaxes Defense Export Rules, Allows Lethal Weapons Sales Abroad
Japan abolished restrictions on lethal weapons exports on April 21, 2026, removing the "five categories" framework. The policy allows destroyer and mi...
Summer-Like Heat Wave Sweeps Japan: Health Precautions Urged
Japan faces unseasonable heat on April 20th with temperatures reaching 25°C or higher, particularly along the Sea of Japan coast. Authorities urge reg...
Japan Records 22,200 Isolated Deaths in 2024, 80% Among Men
Japan recorded 22,200 isolated deaths in 2024, up 360 from 2023, with 80% occurring among men. The trend highlights risks for expats living alone with...
Japanese Government Apologizes for 41 Errors in Budget Documentation
The Japanese government apologized for 41 errors in budget materials submitted to parliament. Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Sato pledged prevention m...
Aeon Cinema Raises Ticket Prices to 2,000 Yen for General Admission
Aeon Cinema will raise general admission tickets to 2,000 yen, citing the need to maintain quality viewing environments. The increase affects one of J...