Japan's Aomori Prefecture has requested assistance from the Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) for snow removal, marking the first such request in 21 years. Record-breaking snowfall, reaching 183 centimeters in Aomori City, has overwhelmed local efforts, leading to fatal accidents and posing significant risks to residents, particularly the elderly.
A modern Russian Navy corvette, the 'Gremyashchiy' (hull number 337), transited eastward through the Tsugaru Strait on February 1, 2026. Japan's Ministry of Defense confirmed the passage, stating the vessel was monitored by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force as part of routine surveillance of Russian naval activity near the Japanese archipelago.
A 22-year-old Australian snowboarder, Brooke Day, died at Tsugaike Mountain Resort near Nagano, Japan, after her backpack became entangled with a ski lift, leaving her suspended. The incident occurred on January 30, 2026, leading to cardiac arrest and her subsequent death.
Japan has commenced over-the-counter sales of the emergency contraceptive pill NorLevo, marking a significant shift in reproductive healthcare access. The pill is now available without a prescription, age limit, or parental consent, though purchase requires in-person consultation with a trained pharmacist. This move aligns Japan with international standards.
Japanese households are facing significant financial strain due to persistent price increases, with over 99% reporting a burden. In response, major political parties, including the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and the Centrist Reform Alliance, are proposing consumption tax cuts on various goods, particularly food, as a key campaign promise for the upcoming February 8 general election.
Japan has reiterated its dedication to strengthening judicial cooperation with the Philippines following a meeting between Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya and Philippine Justice Secretary Fredderick Vida on January 13, 2026. Discussions focused on legal frameworks, governance, and the rule of law, with appreciation expressed for effective law enforcement collaboration, including the deportation of Japanese fugitives. This engagement marks a continued effort to deepen bilateral ties, coinciding with the 70th anniversary of normalized diplomatic relations.
India and Japan successfully concluded the 11th edition of their Navy–JMSDF Staff Talks in New Delhi on January 29. The discussions focused on enhancing maritime cooperation, interoperability, and a collaborative approach to a Free and Open Indo-Pacific, aligning with shared visions like MAHASAGAR and OCEAN.
Japan and South Korea have agreed to resume bilateral naval search and rescue drills, known as SAREX, after a nine-year pause. The decision, made during a meeting between defense ministers Ahn Gyu-back and Shinjiro Koizumi in Yokosuka, aims to boost military exchange and trust, signaling improved bilateral relations.
The Tokyo metropolitan government has reissued an influenza advisory on January 29, 2026, marking the first time in 17 years such a measure has been taken after a previous warning was lifted within the same flu season. The advisory follows over 6,000 suspected outbreaks in schools and facilities, with patient numbers exceeding the advisory threshold.
A doctor told the Nagoya District Court that Sri Lankan detainee Wishma Sandamali's 2021 death in a Japanese immigration facility could have been prevented, citing multiple missed opportunities for medical intervention due to dehydration, starvation, and beriberi heart disease.
Chinese officials, including Ambassador Xiao Qian, have strongly opposed attempts by Japan's right-wing forces to revive militarism, citing recent remarks about Japan potentially acquiring nuclear weapons. Beijing views these actions, alongside increased defense spending and relaxed arms export restrictions, as a challenge to the post-World War II international order and a threat to regional stability.
Fujitsu and Tokai National Higher Education and Research System (THERS) have successfully developed new AI technology to predict solar radiation events. Utilizing Fujitsu's Wide Learning explainable AI, this innovation aims to enhance the safety of space exploration and protect critical infrastructure from space weather impacts.
The NTT Group, including NTT, NTT DOCOMO, and NTT DATA, will jointly exhibit at MWC Barcelona 2026 from March 2-5. They will present IOWN optical technologies and AI-powered services under the theme 'Photonics Unlocks an Intelligent Power-Optimized Future,' addressing energy consumption and enhancing digital infrastructure.
Japan's crucial annual wage negotiations, known as Shunto, have officially commenced. Labor unions are pushing for a third consecutive year of 5% or higher pay raises, building on significant increases in 2024 and 2025. The outcome is closely watched by the Bank of Japan and is vital for the nation's economic shift from deflation.
China's Ministry of Foreign Affairs has renewed its travel advisory for Japan, urging citizens to reconsider trips during the Lunar New Year. Citing a 'deteriorating security environment,' including a 'surge in crimes targeting Chinese citizens' and earthquakes, the advisory comes amidst escalating diplomatic tensions following Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's remarks on Taiwan.
Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi has declared she will resign if the ruling coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party and the Japan Innovation Party does not secure a majority in the upcoming House of Representatives election on February 8, 2026. This snap election, called three months into her premiership, aims to consolidate her authority.
Northern Japan is experiencing severe heavy snowfall, leading to widespread transportation disruptions. Thousands of travelers were stranded at New Chitose Airport, while record snow depths were reported in Sapporo and Aomori. The extreme weather has also resulted in casualties and numerous injuries from snow-related incidents.
Japan's U-23 national team clinched their third AFC U-23 Asian Cup title, and second consecutive, after a resounding 4-0 victory against China in the final held on January 24, 2026, in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Goals from Yuto Ozeki, Ryunosuke Sato, and a brace from Kosei Ogura sealed the dominant performance.
Japan's government has announced plans to accept up to 1.23 million foreign workers by the end of fiscal year 2028. This initiative, aimed at addressing severe labor shortages, will utilize expanded Specified Skilled Worker (SSW) visas and a new skill development program replacing the current technical intern system.
A six-vehicle pileup in Akasaka, Tokyo, on January 22, 2026, resulted in one fatality and eight injuries. A Cabinet Office vehicle, driven by a 69-year-old contracted worker, reportedly ran a red light and entered an intersection at high speed, triggering the chain-reaction crash. Police are investigating the incident as dangerous driving.
