Japan Daily Update — 15 July 2026
Japan News Digest – Wednesday 15 July 2026
Your daily roundup of news from Japan Times and GaijinPot, curated for expats and travellers.
Rising interest rates increase loan burdens for students in Japan
If you’re studying in Japan or considering further education here, this development directly affects your finances. Higher rates on loan-type scholarships could increase repayment balances by over ¥1 million, making it crucial to understand your loan terms before committing.
Overseas remittances from Japan top ¥1 trillion for the first time
Foreign workers in Japan are sending record amounts of money home, with remittances reaching ¥1.004 trillion and doubling since 2015. This reflects the growing importance of international workers to Japan’s economy and shows the scale of financial ties many expats maintain with their home countries.
Japan to boost measures against heatstroke and cold at evacuation centers
If you’re living in Japan during typhoon or earthquake season, evacuation centers may become part of your emergency experience. The government is improving conditions after residents spent long hours at inadequately temperature-controlled centers following last year’s earthquake.
Three firms raided over suspected Seven-Eleven refrigeration bid-rigging
Japan’s competition authorities are investigating bid-rigging in Seven-Eleven’s refrigeration equipment contracts, highlighting ongoing corporate integrity concerns. For expats doing business in Japan, this underscores the importance of understanding fair competition practices.
International conference on bluefin tuna fails to strike agreement
Japan’s push to increase bluefin tuna catch quotas reflects ongoing debates about sustainable fishing in the Pacific. If you’re interested in Japanese food culture or environmental issues, this negotiation affects both local cuisine availability and ocean conservation efforts.
Check back tomorrow for the latest Japan updates.
Compiled daily from Japan Times and GaijinPot. Updated every morning.