What's changing in Japan

Residence application fees, the minimum wage in all 47 prefectures, food prices, beer and chu-hai tax, parcel rates and a new rule protecting staff from abusive customers. What is already decided for October 2026, and what you need to do.

Cyclists aged 16 and over can be fined on the spot in Japan since April 1, 2026: 5,000 yen for riding without a light, 12,000 yen for a phone in your hand. The full National Police Agency list.