News On Japan

Japan raises retirement age of civil servants

Apr 03 (independent.co.ug) - The retirement age for national and local civil workers in Japan was raised Saturday from the current 60 to 61 as the new fiscal year begins.

The move came as part of the country’s initiatives to alleviate workforce shortages partly reflecting the nation’s shrinking population.

For the retirement age to reach 65 in fiscal 2031, it will be increased by one year every two years.

Those who retire at 60 will experience a no-income period as Japan’s state pension age is increased to 65, the issue of which is currently handled through a re-employment method. ...continue reading

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The Niseko area at the foot of Mount Yotei, about a two-hour drive from Sapporo, is now in the spotlight once again as one of Japan’s top resort destinations prepares for the peak ski season. Fueled by surging inbound demand, construction of hotels and leisure facilities is rapidly expanding across the region—but local residents are increasingly alarmed by the rise in illegal land development and unauthorized building extensions.

The Budget Committee of the House of Representatives opened on November 7th, with Prime Minister Takaichi facing her first full-scale debate since taking office.

A power outage that halted operations on the Sapporo Municipal Subway on November 3rd was caused by an aluminum-coated balloon. Investigations have revealed that similar troubles have occurred across various transportation systems in Japan.

The National Police Agency announced on November 6th that it has revised the National Public Safety Commission regulations to allow police officers to use rifles for bear control. The amendment will take effect on November 13th.

In the House of Councillors on November 6th, Prime Minister Takaichi faced her first major challenge from Sanseito leader Sohei Kamiya, who took the podium for the first time to question the government’s stance on accepting foreign workers.

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The worsening string of bear incidents across Akita Prefecture has prompted the deployment of the Ground Self-Defense Force to assist in countermeasures. On November 5th, fifteen members of the 21st Infantry Regiment based at the Akita garrison were sent to Kazuno City, where they began support activities such as transporting box traps for capturing bears.

In the House of Councillors on November 6th, Prime Minister Takaichi faced her first major challenge from Sanseito leader Sohei Kamiya, who took the podium for the first time to question the government’s stance on accepting foreign workers.

Prime Minister Takaichi began her responses in the House of Councillors on November 5th with an apology over political funds issues, as parliamentary questioning continued following her policy speech.

The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare plans to introduce a new system starting in June 2027 that will, in principle, deny changes or renewals of residence status for foreign residents who fail to pay their national health insurance premiums despite repeated requests for payment.

China’s Foreign Ministry announced that it will extend visa-free entry for Japan, France, and 43 other countries until the end of December 2026, as the government seeks to attract more overseas investment and tourists amid a prolonged economic slowdown.

As the new Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, begins her term, many countries are sending in facilitation letters and also pledging their commitment to mutually beneficial ties.

Japan’s worsening bear problem has prompted calls for national intervention, but legal and operational barriers have complicated the government’s response. In 2025, bear attacks have reached record levels, leaving 12 people dead—double the previous high of six fatalities in 2023.

The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Japan Innovation Party (Ishin) confirmed during a meeting in Tokyo that they will establish a new council this week composed of each party’s policy chiefs to deepen cooperation on policy matters.