Society

Japan to Tighten Foreign Driver’s License Conversion: New Rules from October 2025

Japan will strengthen its foreign driver’s license conversion system from October 2025, prohibiting short-term visitors and tourists from obtaining a Japanese license using hotel addresses. The move follows a rise in accidents involving foreign drivers, especially Chinese nationals, and comes amid relaxed visa policies that increased Chinese tourism and license applications. The new rules require proof of residence and tougher exams.

2025.07.13

PoliticsSocietyTrends

Japan’s “Tax Hell” Amid Soaring Prices—Tax Cuts Emerge as Key Issue in the 2025 Upper House Election

With rising prices and a growing tax burden squeezing Japanese households, tax cuts have become a central issue in the 2025 Upper House election. This article explains the current challenges and the major parties’ policies in plain language.

2025.07.12

EconomySociety

Explaining the Controversy Over the “Luckily, the Noto Peninsula Earthquake Happened” Remark

A simple explanation of why the "Luckily, the Noto Peninsula earthquake happened" remark by a Japanese politician became controversial. Understand the background, public reaction, and lessons learned from this incident.

2025.07.10

Society

Supreme Court Rules Sex Industry Excluded from COVID Relief Is Not Unconstitutional: Easy Explanation

In June 2025, Japan’s Supreme Court ruled that excluding the sex industry from COVID-19 relief payments does not violate the Constitution. Why was the sex industry left out? This article explains the court’s reasoning and dissenting opinions in simple terms for everyone to understand.

2025.07.08

PoliticsSociety

Japan’s “Ice Age Generation”: Why Many Are Too Busy Surviving to Vote

Discover why Japan’s “Ice Age Generation”—those who struggled to find stable jobs during the employment crisis—often feel too overwhelmed by daily survival to participate in elections. This article explores their challenges and the reasons behind their political disengagement.

2025.07.07

PoliticsSociety

2025 Japanese Upper House Election: Comparing Major Parties’ Economic and Tax Policy Pledges

A concise comparison of the economic and tax policy pledges by major parties in Japan’s 2025 House of Councillors election. Find out how the LDP, CDP, Komeito, Ishin, DPP, JCP, and others approach consumption tax, income tax, and household support. Voting is quick—make your voice count!

2025.07.06

Society

Nurse Arrested for Stealing Patient’s Credit Card at Kawasaki Hospital: Major Privacy Breach

A 24-year-old nurse at Asao General Hospital in Kawasaki, Japan, was arrested for stealing an elderly patient’s credit card information and making unauthorized purchases totaling $15,000. Learn more about this serious privacy violation and its impact on trust in medical institutions.

2025.07.04

Society

Itabashi Apartment Rent Hike Incident: How a Sudden 2.5x Increase by a Foreign Owner Sparked Outrage in Tokyo

A sudden 2.5x rent increase by a new Chinese owner at a Tokyo apartment in Itabashi Ward sparked controversy in 2025, highlighting differences in real estate practices between Japan and China and raising concerns about tenant rights and foreign ownership.

2025.06.29

EconomySociety

Japan’s Foreign License Conversion Loophole: Rising Accidents and Global Trust Issues

Discover how Japan’s simplified foreign driver’s license conversion system is leading to a surge in traffic accidents and damaging the global reputation of Japanese licenses. Learn about the policy background, international impact, and upcoming reforms to restore safety and trust.

2025.06.29

Disaster & EmergencyInternationalSociety