Transportation & Infrastructure
Latest news and updates on transportation & infrastructure for expats in Japan
Transportation Costs Soar: Hokkaido Shinkansen Delays, US Car Import Rules Ease
Hokkaido Shinkansen faces ¥1.2 trillion cost increase, potentially delaying Sapporo extension. Meanwhile, US car imports become easier with simplified...
December 19, 2025
Honda Production Halts and Bus Driver Shortages Impact Japan Transit
Honda halts production at Japanese factories due to semiconductor shortages while Hokkaido tests inter-regional bus driver sharing to address critical...
December 17, 2025
Self-Driving Vehicles Launch at Japan's Major Airports and Cities
Japan launched driverless container tractors at Haneda and Narita airports in December 2025, while Nissan began autonomous vehicle trials for public t...
December 15, 2025
Severe Blizzards Paralyze Hokkaido Transportation, Flights Cancelled
Severe blizzards and hurricane-force winds hit Hokkaido on December 14, causing widespread flight cancellations at New Chitose Airport and dangerous t...
December 14, 2025
Multiple Transport Disruptions Hit Greater Tokyo and Global Air Travel
Rail disruptions hit JR Yokosuka and Keikyu lines on November 30th, while Airbus A320 technical issues cause global flight cancellations affecting int...
November 30, 2025
Airbus Software Glitch Grounds 95 ANA Flights, Disrupts Travel Nationwide
ANA canceled 95 domestic flights on November 29, affecting 13,200 passengers due to mandatory Airbus A320/A321 software updates. Long queues formed at...
November 29, 2025
Fatal Traffic Accidents and Rail Disruptions Highlight Safety Concerns
Recent fatal traffic accidents in Tokyo and Osaka, plus major JR rail disruptions, highlight transportation safety concerns for foreign residents navi...
November 27, 2025
Fatal Accidents Highlight Transportation Safety Concerns Across Japan
Recent fatal accidents in Tokyo and Fukuoka highlight ongoing transportation safety concerns. A stolen vehicle killed two in Adachi Ward, while a smal...
November 25, 2025
Japan-China Aviation Routes Suspended Amid Rising Diplomatic Tensions
Twelve Japan-China aviation routes suspended on November 24 amid diplomatic tensions over Taiwan remarks. Expats face travel disruptions as South Kore...
November 24, 2025
Fatal Aircraft Crash and Highway Pile-Up Highlight Transport Safety Issues
A small aircraft crash in Fukuoka killed three people, while highway pile-ups in Hiroshima injured 21, including four young children. Both incidents h...
November 23, 2025
Japan Modernizes Transport: Face Recognition Gates and Fuel Subsidies
Tobu Railway launches face recognition gates across Tochigi's Utsunomiya Line, while government fuel subsidies begin lowering gas prices ahead of Dece...
November 13, 2025
Signal Failures and Wildlife Intrusions Highlight Japan Transport Safety Gaps
Railway signal configuration errors discovered at 15 stations across 10 operators following Kawasaki collision. Bear intrusion closed Hanamaki Airport...
November 12, 2025
JR East to Add QR Payments to Suica, Adjusts Shinkansen Schedules
JR East will add QR payment to Mobile Suica by fall 2026 and move Tohoku/Joetsu Shinkansen final departures up to 20 minutes earlier from spring 2026 ...
November 11, 2025
Transportation Disruptions Hit Tokyo and Kanagawa as Weather Warnings Issued
Major rail disruptions affect Tokyo-Kanagawa commuters with Yokohama Line suspensions for track inspections and Keio Line recovery after trackside fir...
November 9, 2025
14-Hour Fire Disruption Paralyzes Key Tokyo Railway Line
A fire in Mitaka City halted Keio Inokashira Line service for 14 hours on November 8, affecting thousands of Tokyo commuters. The incident damaged tra...
November 8, 2025
Japan Tests Facial Recognition Gates and Flying Cars as Transit Evolves
JR East trials facial recognition gates in Niigata, flying cars demonstrate in Kanagawa, and service disruptions remind expats to maintain backup tran...
November 7, 2025
Tokyo's Transport Evolution: Yamanote Line Celebrates Century as Linear Shinkansen Advances
Tokyo's Yamanote Line celebrates 100 years as a complete loop, while JR Tokai reveals its next-generation maglev train interior, showcasing Japan's bl...
November 2, 2025