Public Policy & Governance
Latest news and updates on public policy & governance for expats in Japan
Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Plant Resumes Operations, Powering Tokyo Region
TEPCO's Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Plant Unit 6 began commercial operations on April 16, 2026, supplying electricity to Tokyo for the first time since...
TOTO Halts Bathroom Orders as Iran Crisis Disrupts Supply Chains
TOTO suspended system bathroom orders from April 13 due to petroleum supply disruptions from the Iran crisis. Expats planning renovations or moving in...
Tokyo's Ogasawara Village Effectively Greenlights Nuclear Waste Survey
Ogasawara Village Mayor effectively approved a nuclear waste literature survey for Minamitorishima by deferring the decision to national government, m...
Iran Crisis Drives Fuel Prices Up: Japan Orders Direct Oil Sales
Japan's government orders oil companies to prioritize critical facilities amid Iran-driven fuel price surge. Bathhouses reduce hours, strategic reserv...
Japan Secures Alternative Oil Supply Routes as Iran Crisis Escalates
Japan has secured alternative oil routes bypassing the Strait of Hormuz amid Iran tensions, ensuring supplies beyond the new year. The government plan...
Japan Signals Public Spending Cuts as Energy Crisis Looms
Japan's government signals upcoming public spending cuts and potential energy conservation requests amid rising costs. New policies will ensure govern...
Japan Secures Oil Supply Through Alternative Routes Amid Iran Crisis
Japan has secured alternative oil supplies bypassing the Strait of Hormuz, reaching 60% of normal levels by May 2026. The government is cautiously con...
Japan Enables Digital Wills and Reforms Guardianship System
Japan's government approved Civil Code amendments allowing digital will creation and ending lifetime adult guardianship requirements, offering more fl...
Japan Faces Energy Supply Challenges as Iran Crisis Disrupts Fuel Routes
Japan faces energy supply concerns as Iran crisis blocks Hormuz Strait. Alternative fuel routes begin May, but electricity providers suspend new contr...
Japan Considers Energy Conservation Measures Amid Iran Oil Supply Concerns
Japan's government may request energy conservation cooperation as Iran tensions threaten oil supplies. PM Takaichi says all options remain open while ...
Japan Launches Child Support Fund and Shared Custody Options in April 2026
Japan introduces a 250-yen monthly child support fund via health insurance and allows shared custody for divorced parents starting April 2026, affecti...
Middle East Crisis Threatens Japan's Supply Chain: Naphtha Shortage Impacts Multiple Industries
Middle East tensions are causing naphtha shortages in Japan, prompting government emergency measures. Price increases expected for clothing, construct...
April 2025: Nearly 2,800 Food Items Face Price Increases in Japan
Nearly 2,800 food items will increase in price across Japan this April 2025, the highest number since October 2024. Analysts warn Middle East tensions...
Japan Passes First Provisional Budget in 11 Years: What Expats Need to Know
Japan passed its first provisional budget in 11 years, worth ¥8.6 trillion, ensuring government services continue while the full 2026 budget remains u...
First Oil Tanker Reaches Japan via Alternative Route Amid Middle East Crisis
Japan received its first oil tanker via alternative route since Iran military operations began, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. Another tanker expecte...
Japan Releases Strategic Oil Reserves as Iran Crisis Drives Fuel Costs Up
Japan began releasing strategic oil reserves on March 26 amid the Iran crisis, as fuel prices surge dramatically. Diesel costs have doubled in some ar...
SDF Member Arrested After Intrusion at Chinese Embassy in Tokyo
A 23-year-old GSDF member was arrested for intruding on Chinese Embassy grounds in Tokyo, allegedly to confront the ambassador about anti-Japan statem...
Japan Activates Emergency Oil Measures as Iran Crisis Threatens Supply
Japan activates emergency oil measures as Iran tensions threaten supply. Government establishes crisis council, releases strategic reserves, and alloc...
Japan Weighs Self-Defense Force Deployment to Hormuz Strait Amid US-Iran Crisis
Japan considers deploying Self-Defense Forces to Hormuz Strait as US-Iran tensions threaten critical oil shipping routes. Expats should prepare for po...
Japan Seeks US Energy Partnership Amid Iran Crisis and Regional Tensions
PM Takaichi's March 19 US summit will prioritize securing Alaskan oil amid Iran crisis. Japan seeks energy alternatives as Strait of Hormuz tensions t...