Japan Daily Update — 13 May 2026
Japan News Digest — Wednesday 13 May 2026
Here are today’s key stories from Japan Times and GaijinPot, curated for expats and travellers.
Crude oil from Azerbaijan arrives in Japan
Japan has diversified its energy imports with shipments now arriving from Azerbaijan, the U.S., and Russia. For expats and long-term residents, energy security and pricing affects everything from utilities to transportation costs.
Tokyo court rejects refugee’s bid for naturalization over limited Japanese skills
A court decision has highlighted the unclear and opaque criteria foreign residents face when applying for Japanese citizenship. If you’re considering naturalization or permanent residency, this case demonstrates the importance of understanding the “black box” of requirements you may encounter.
Japan and the U.S. in sync on the yen, Katayama says
Japan’s finance minister has suggested alignment with the U.S. on currency matters, though stopped short of confirming direct market intervention. Yen fluctuations impact expat salaries, remittances, and the cost of imported goods, making this diplomatic coordination worth monitoring.
Daiichi Sankyo bets on new cancer drugs to fuel future growth
The Japanese pharmaceutical giant is investing heavily in oncology, aiming to become a top-five global player by 2035. For expats with health insurance in Japan, this signals strengthening domestic healthcare innovation and potentially more advanced treatment options locally.
Black bear sightings in Japan more than doubled in 2025
Bear attacks reached a record 13 deaths in fiscal 2025, with sightings more than doubling from the previous year. If you’re planning hiking, camping, or rural travel in Japan, awareness of wildlife safety and local alerts has never been more important.
South Korea roils market by floating ‘citizen dividend’ from AI gains
South Korea’s proposal for AI-generated wealth redistribution briefly rattled regional markets before clarification stabilized sentiment. While focused on Korea, this reflects broader tech policy trends in Asia that may influence Japan’s own approach to AI taxation and corporate strategy.
Check back tomorrow for the latest Japan updates.
Compiled daily from Japan Times and GaijinPot. Updated every morning.