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The Japan Meteorological Agency issued an automatic earthquake alert on May 2, 2026. Details of the quake are still being updated. Residents are urged to follow official guidance and stay safe.
A preliminary 5.5-magnitude earthquake struck eastern Japan near Tokyo on Tuesday, disrupting some transport services. No major damage or casualties have been reported, and no tsunami warning was issued, according to Kyodo News. Authorities continue to monitor the situation.
Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi held a brief bilateral meeting with former U.S. President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the G7 summit. The Japanese government confirmed the encounter but did not disclose the substantive content. Analysts see the meeting as symbolic of ongoing high-level dialogue between the two major economies.
High-speed Shinkansen services on the Tohoku and Joetsu lines were suspended on June 8, 2026, after an earthquake in eastern Japan. The suspension was ordered to ensure passenger safety and inspect track infrastructure. No damage or casualties have been reported yet.
The Deputy Governor of the Bank of Japan (BOJ) affirmed that the central bank will continue to raise interest rates to achieve its 2% inflation target in a stable and sustainable manner. The statement comes as Japan's economy shows signs of recovery and inflationary pressures increase. Analysts view this as a key step toward normalizing monetary policy after a prolonged period of ultra-low rates.
Japan's cabinet on June 8 approved a basic plan to raise awareness of sexual minority issues, including pamphlets, training videos, and education for local staff and teachers. This follows the 2023 LGBTQ+ understanding promotion law, amid pressure for stronger rights protections.
Seven decades after Minamata disease was officially recognized in Japan, experts are calling for a comprehensive study of its fetal form. They argue that understanding the long-term effects is crucial for improving medical support and social policies for victims.
Preliminary data from a national medical research agency shows that severe cases of tick-borne illness in Japan have surpassed the record pace set in 2025. Scientists attribute the spread to climate change, which has extended tick activity seasons and expanded their range.
The Bank of Japan (BOJ) on June 18 raised its benchmark interest rate by 0.25 percentage points to 1.0%, the highest since 1995, driven by price pressures from Middle East conflict and rising oil prices. The move is part of a gradual exit from ultra-loose monetary policy, with core CPI rising 1.4% in April thanks to government energy controls. GDP grew 2.1% in Q1, indicating positive economic momentum.
