58 itemsLatest information on daily life, prices, utilities, communication, and shopping
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.
Japan's MAFF set the government selling price of imported wheat for the October 2026 term at ¥70,020 per ton, a 12.0% increase. Here is what changed, how the twice-a-year system works, and what it means for your food budget.
Japan's Digital Agency is seeking public comments on draft amendments to the My Number order and the technical standards for individual number cards. Submit through e-Gov in Japanese between 31 August and 30 September 2026; foreign residents may also comment.
On September 18, 2026, Japan's MAFF released the Rice Monthly Report (September 2026), its regular compilation of rice price and supply-demand data. A primary source for foreign residents tracking grocery costs in Japan.
Japan's MAFF published August 2026 wholesale rice prices on Sept 18: ¥31,556 per 60kg of brown rice, down ¥930 (3%) from July, on 57,000 tons traded. Here is what the figure means for foreign residents.
On September 18, 2026, Japan's Consumer Affairs Agency published 26 serious product accidents, highlighting a caution about long-used electric fans and fires involving recalled rechargeable speakers imported by Anker Japan. Here is what foreign residents using second-hand or built-in appliances should check.
On September 14, 2026 the Consumer Affairs Agency announced the launch of the National Consumer Affairs Center's new site, "Consumer Trouble Navi" (consumer.go.jp). Here is what foreign residents and travelers in Japan should know about finding the right consultation desk and using hotline 188.
Japan's Digital Agency says a VPN-based intrusion into its Government Solution Service may have exposed about 246,000 records of ministry staff and contractors. No My Number or bank data was involved, but phishing risk is real.
On Sept 11, 2026 METI accepted wheeling-tariff change filings from 8 power grid operators. These grid fees are built into the retail electricity price every household in Japan pays — here is who is covered and how to check the new rates.
Japan's Consumer Affairs Agency published 27 serious product accidents on September 11, 2026. Fires occurred with an electric kettle, a rechargeable speaker, an electric-assist bicycle and a cordless pressure washer that were already under recall. Here is how to check your product and get a free replacement.
Japan's Consumer Affairs Agency has held nine sessions of its Consumer Contract Act review panel since November 2025, the 9th on September 9, 2026, and has published an interim report. Here is what foreigners who sign contracts in Japan should know now.
On September 8, 2026 Japan's Consumer Affairs Agency published 17 serious product accidents, including fires involving a recalled rechargeable speaker (imported by Anker Japan) and an air purifier (imported by Daikin). Here is how to check your product and get a free collection, exchange or refund.
On September 4, 2026, Japan's METI approved applications from eight general transmission and distribution utilities to revise their wheeling-service revenue outlooks. Wheeling charges are built into every electricity bill in Japan. Here is what was approved and how to check it.
On Sept 4, 2026 Japan's Consumer Affairs Agency published 24 serious product accidents, including fires from an already-recalled cordless pressure washer and lithium-battery chargers. How to check your appliances and claim a free recall exchange.
On September 3, 2026 Japan's Consumer Affairs Agency named three fraudulent sites (dccvd.com, dcvfert.top, mzisoe.top) that impersonate Tanaka Kikinzoku and Mikimoto through SNS ads and ship suspected counterfeit jewelry. Here is how to spot them and where to get help.
On September 2, 2026, Japan's National Consumer Affairs Center warned about trouble when selling jewelry and precious metals at shops. Complaints hit 937 in FY2025, about 5.7× in five years. In-store sales have no cooling-off right — here is what foreign residents and travelers should know.
On September 2, 2026, Japan's MEXT published the updated list of schools confirmed under the higher education tuition support program. Tuition waivers and grant-type scholarships apply only at schools on that list — here is how to check before you enroll.
Japan's Agriculture Ministry released its September 2026 vegetable growth and price outlook on Aug 28. Cucumbers and tomatoes are set to run above the five-year average in early September, while potatoes, onions and lettuce come in below it. Here is how to read it when you shop.
On September 1, 2026, Japan's Consumer Affairs Agency released a countermeasure package targeting scam businesses that collect money, collapse, and leave many consumers with serious financial losses. Here is what was published, where to get multilingual help, and how to protect yourself.
Japan's Consumer Affairs Agency warns that trouble starting on social media — investment tips and side jobs promising easy money — continues across all ages. Some approaches appear to impersonate celebrities. If you are told to wire funds to an account in an individual's name, it is fraud. Call 188 for advice.
Japan's Consumer Affairs Agency published 19 serious product accidents on Sept 1, 2026 — fires involving already-recalled air conditioners and rechargeable speakers. How to check your model number and who to contact.
Japan's Digital Agency is inviting public comments on draft amendments to the ministerial order on individual numbers, My Number Cards and specific personal information under the My Number Act, plus revised technical standards for the cards. Submissions run from 0:00 on Aug 31, 2026 to 23:59 on Sep 30, 2026. Foreign residents holding or planning to hold a card should review the drafts.
On August 28, 2026, Japan's MEXT issued a notice to promote school enrollment for foreign children, with a guideline on tracking enrollment status and a sample query form to immigration. Here is what foreign families in Japan should know and do.
On August 28, 2026, Japan's MEXT issued a notice on strengthening Japanese language education, bundling support for foreign children's school enrollment, pre-school and pre-class初期 instruction, community Japanese programs and teacher training.
On Aug 28, 2026, Japan's MEXT released a package to strengthen Japanese-language support for foreign children and adults nationwide, and revised its guideline on promoting school enrollment for foreign children. Here is what it means for you.
Japan's Digital Agency publishes a list of private services that verify identity using the My Number Card card-alternative electronic record. The Sony Bank app was added on 27 August 2026, covering bank and securities account opening and payment apps.
MIC approved NHK's disaster waiver for households hit by the 2026 Kumamoto earthquake: four months of licence fees waived, about 5,000 contracts, roughly 50 million yen. Nationality does not matter.
On August 27, 2026 Japan's National Police Agency launched its own chatbot at npa.govbot.go.jp, built on "Govbot," the shared consultation chatbot used by national and local governments. Here is what foreign residents and visitors should know before using it.
On August 25, 2026 Japan's Digital Agency merged the Myna Portal App with the Digital Authentication App and released it as the "Myna App". Moving notifications, passport applications, insurance, medicine and pension records now sit behind one login. Here is what foreign residents should know.
Japan's Digital Agency updated its list of financial institutions and branches eligible for public benefit (koukin uketori) account registration on August 17, 2026, with lists by institution type, Excel files, and Mynaportal-only cases.
Japan's Agency for Natural Resources and Energy has opened a public comment on its review of gas system reform and future direction. Submissions run from 19:30 on Aug 14 to 23:59 on Sep 15, 2026 via e-Gov, case No. 620340003.
Japan's Financial Services Agency updated its alert on August 10, 2026: fake sites impersonating real brokerages steal login IDs and passwords, then strangers trade in your account. Here is how the scam works, why passkey multi-factor authentication matters, and who to contact.
On Aug 7, 2026, Japan's FSA and six other agencies jointly asked major SNS platforms to strengthen measures against impersonation fraud ads that misuse the names of celebrities and financial firms. Here is what foreign residents and visitors should know, plus where to get help.
On Aug 7, 2026, Japan's Consumer Affairs Agency and six other ministries jointly asked major SNS operators in writing to strengthen action on impersonation scam ads. What foreign residents and visitors should know.
On Aug 7, 2026, Japan's Digital Agency and six other ministries sent a written request to Google, LINE Yahoo, Meta, TikTok and X to strengthen voluntary action against deepfake impersonation fraud ads. Who was addressed, why it is a request rather than regulation, and which government contacts foreign residents can use.
On August 7, 2026, Japan's MIC and six other agencies jointly asked Google, LY Corp., Meta, TikTok and X to strengthen measures against deepfake impersonation ads, as investment scams starting from such ads keep growing.
On August 6, 2026, Japan's FSA and the National Police Agency jointly asked the crypto industry association to tighten anti-fraud steps: stricter account opening checks, temporary withdrawal holds after deposits or purchases, pre-registration of withdrawal addresses, and remitter-name matching.
On Aug 6, 2026, Japan's National Police Agency and six other ministries jointly asked Google, LINE Yahoo, Meta, TikTok and X to strengthen measures against impersonation scam ads on SNS. Here is what the request covers and how foreign residents can report ads.
Japan's NCAC announced on Aug 5, 2026 that FY2025 consultations to the Consumer Hotline for Tourists hit a record 698 (FY2024: 513) — 493 from visitors, 153 from foreign residents. Seven languages are supported via interpreters.
On Aug 4, 2026 Japan's Consumer Affairs Agency issued an alert under Article 38(1) of the Consumer Safety Act naming three fake shopping sites — 竜の野, STORE専門ショップ and Sie市場店 — that posed as cheap sellers of rare, limited-edition goods but never shipped after payment.
Japan's revised Mobile Phone Fraud Prevention Act was promulgated on May 29, 2026. On August 3 the MIC published the direction for the ministerial rules that will shape ID checks and anti-misuse measures for phone contracts.
On July 31, 2026, Japan's Consumer Affairs Agency disclosed 26 serious product accidents—fires and more—tied to lithium-battery chargers, cordless earbuds and rechargeable pressure washers, with recalls. Check if your device is affected and stop using it.
In July 2026 Japan's Immigration Services Agency published a Ministry of Justice project-team report on creating a "Japanese Language and Daily Life Learning Program" (working title) for foreign residents, including accompanying family. Scope and timing are still under government study.
From May 2026 meter reading, the renewable energy surcharge rises from ¥3.98 to ¥4.18/kWh. ~¥52/month more for 260kWh usage. Winter heating costs increase further. Electricity bills have been rising continuously since 2024.
Energy subsidy ended with March 2026 usage. ¥3,000+/month increase from April. Renewable surcharge hits record ¥3.98/kWh.
April 2026: electricity (+¥450/month), gas (+¥170/month), 200+ food items, and social insurance all going up simultaneously.
Effective April 1, 2026. Online mobile contract ID verification is unified under Public Personal Authentication (JPKI) via My Number Card. Those without one must sign up in person.
From April 2026, a "Child Care Support Levy" is added to health insurance premiums (~0.23%, ~¥500/month). All insured persons — including single, childless foreigners — pay equally. Take-home pay decreases.
In April 2026, Japan launches the Kodomo Dare-demo Tsuen system nationwide — part-time childcare with no employment requirement. Children aged 6 months to under 3 who are not enrolled in nursery can attend up to 10 hours a month for about ¥300 per hour.
From April 2026, Japan removes the income cap on the High School Enrollment Support Fund, so households qualify regardless of income, and the private-school cap rises to ¥457,200/year. But foreign students must meet residence-status rules: Student status is excluded and Dependent status has extra conditions.
Himeji Castle introduces dual pricing. Himeji residents ¥1,000, others ¥2,500. Residence card with Himeji address gets resident rate.
Next-gen My Number Card in 2026. New design, gender removed from face, 10-year validity. My Number Insurance Card function built in.
Complete guide to Japanese garbage sorting rules. Categories, collection days, and penalties for violations explained.
The revised Broadcast Act of October 1, 2025 makes viewing NHK's new online service NHK ONE subject to the fee. With no TV and an internet-only viewing application, it costs ¥1,100/month (¥965 in Okinawa). Merely owning a smartphone creates no obligation, and TV license holders pay nothing extra.
From July 2025, all four Mt. Fuji trails (Yamanashi's Yoshida and Shizuoka's Fujinomiya, Gotemba, Subashiri) require a ¥4,000 entry fee and advance web reservation. Entry is blocked 2pm–3am, and the Yoshida trail caps climbers at 4,000 per day to curb reckless overnight climbing.
Since around 2025, water rate hikes have been spreading across Japan's municipalities, driven by aging pipes laid in the high-growth era and falling fee revenue as the population shrinks. A 2025 study by the Finance Ministry's Policy Research Institute estimates that utilities not covering renewal costs would need an average hike of about 80% to reach full cost recovery. All residents, foreigners included, are affected.
From April 2025, families supporting three or more dependent children get free university tuition and entrance fees, with no income cap — up to about ¥700,000/yr + ¥260,000 at private universities. Certain residence statuses only; student-visa holders excluded.
From October 2024, Japan greatly expanded its Child Allowance (jido teate). The income cap was removed, and eligibility now extends from junior-high age up to high-school age (until the first March 31 after a child turns 18). Payments for a third or later child rise to ¥30,000/month, and are now made six times a year in even months instead of three. Eligible families who have not applied must do so.