Public Policy & Governance
Latest news and updates on public policy & governance for expats in Japan
Japan Weighs Naval Deployment as Hormuz Crisis Triggers Oil Reserve Release
Japan releases strategic oil reserves as Hormuz Strait tensions threaten supply routes. Government weighs naval deployment amid US pressure and Irania...
Record ¥122 Trillion Budget Clears Lower House, Moves to Senate Review
Japan's record ¥122 trillion fiscal 2026 budget passed the lower house on March 13 with LDP and Ishin support. Upper house deliberations begin March 1...
Iran's New Supreme Leader Threatens Retaliation, Maintains Hormuz Blockade
Iran's new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei vows to maintain the Hormuz Strait blockade and retaliate against U.S. and Israeli forces, potentially affe...
Japan Releases Oil Reserves as Hormuz Crisis Threatens Fuel Supply
Japan releases strategic oil reserves as Hormuz Strait blockade threatens supply. Government caps gasoline at 170 yen/liter. IEA coordinates 400-milli...
Iran Crisis Sparks Oil Price Surge, Japan Prepares Emergency Subsidies
Iran crisis drove oil to $119/barrel before dropping to $81. Japan's government plans gasoline and utility subsidies while preparing strategic reserve...
Japan Evacuates Citizens from Iran Amid Escalating Middle East Crisis
Japan evacuated 14 embassy staff from Iran to Azerbaijan and brought 107 citizens home via charter flights from Oman, with SDF aircraft deployed to th...
Imperial Family Attends WBC Match as Japan Defeats Australia at Tokyo Dome
The Imperial Family attended Japan's WBC victory over Australia at Tokyo Dome on March 8, 2026, marking a rare "tenran jiai" event. Japan won 4-3 with...
Japan Evacuates Citizens from Middle East as Iran Tensions Escalate
Japan evacuates citizens from Middle East amid U.S.-Iran tensions. Charter flights from Oman and Saudi Arabia, plus Self-Defense Force aircraft deploy...
U.S.-Iran Conflict Impacts Japan: Oil Surges, Nationals Detained, Evacuations Begin
U.S.-Iran conflict drives oil to $92/barrel, disrupts shipping through Hormuz Strait. Two Japanese detained in Iran; government begins Middle East eva...
Former Nikai Faction Regroups as New Policy Group After LDP Election Surge
Former Nikai faction members established a new LDP policy group after major election gains, focusing on legislative proposals rather than traditional ...
Former Democratic Party Leader Otsuka Kohei Dies at 66
Former House of Councillors member and Democratic Party leader Otsuka Kohei died at 66. He served as Cabinet Office Vice Minister during the DPJ admin...
U.S.-Iran Conflict Threatens Japan's Energy Security and Markets
U.S.-Iran military escalation threatens Japan's energy security as Qatar halts LNG production and Hormuz Strait tensions rise. Markets plunge while go...
U.S.-Iran Military Conflict: What Foreign Residents in Japan Need to Know
U.S.-Iran military conflict threatens Japan's oil supply through Hormuz Strait blockade. Government maintains 254-day oil reserves and pursues diploma...
Iran Crisis Escalates: Japan Responds to Middle East Tensions
U.S.-Israeli strikes killed Iran's Supreme Leader, triggering regional crisis. Japan's government is monitoring closely, considering evacuations, whil...
U.S.-Israel Strike Iran: Japan Evacuates Citizens Amid Regional Crisis
U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran prompt Japan to evacuate citizens and issue travel warnings. Airport closures and Strait of Hormuz disruption may affect f...
PM Takaichi's Gift Distribution to Lawmakers Triggers Political Debate
PM Takaichi acknowledged distributing catalog gifts to all LDP House members post-election, sparking opposition demands for explanations during parlia...
XG Producer and Music Company Staff Arrested in Major Cocaine Bust
Four music industry professionals, including XG's producer, were arrested for cocaine possession. The case highlights Japan's strict drug laws and sev...
Trump Administration Launches 10% Tariff After Court Blocks Reciprocal System
Trump administration replaced court-blocked reciprocal tariffs with new 10% import duties on February 24th, with plans to potentially increase to 15%,...
Police Misconduct Scandals Rock Japan: Career Officer and Traffic Fraud
A National Police Agency career officer faces sexual assault charges while seven Kanagawa officers were charged with traffic violation fraud affecting...
National Democratic Party Candidate Arrested for Vote Buying in Tokyo
A National Democratic Party candidate was arrested for vote buying in Tokyo's 7th district, allegedly paying a student for campaign work. The case hig...