Food, utilities, social insurance — all going up at once
April 2026 brings multiple simultaneous price increases. Electricity (record renewable surcharge), gas (subsidy ended), food (200+ items), social insurance premiums, and landline phone charges are all increasing.
Health insurance and pension premium rates revised. SME employees particularly affected. Long-term care insurance also up for those 40+.
NTT East/West raising landline basic fees. Monthly base charges for subscriber phones revised.
Japan's MIC approved Japan Post's revised international mail terms on September 14, 2026. From January 1, 2027, International Reply Coupons are abolished and the size, weight and insured-mail rules change for mail sent abroad.
The Digital Agency started nationwide operation of the My Number Portal municipal application service on 27 Oct 2026; all procedures need a My Number Card login.
Japan's MHLW opened public comment on a draft Cabinet Order amending the Enforcement Order of the Social Welfare Act on Sept 25, 2026 (case 495260195, closes 00:00 Oct 25). Here is what it covers and how to submit an opinion.