Japan launches its disaster prevention agency
Japan’s disaster prevention agency began work on 2 November 2026. Under its founding law, it will coordinate ministries’ responses to major earthquakes and other disasters.
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Japan’s tax refund change brings first departure checks at Narita
On the first day of Japan’s new tax refund system, 1 November 2026, TVB showed travellers using Narita airport kiosks before checking in their baggage. Eligible purchases are now paid for including tax, with refunds following customs confirmation that the goods are leaving Japan.
Quad announces over $85 million in planned AI assistance for the Indo-Pacific
The United States, Japan, India and Australia announced in Atlanta on 31 October 2026 their intention to provide over $85 million in technical and financial assistance to expand access to what they describe as trusted AI in the Indo-Pacific.
Japan opens AI prototype for drafting parliamentary answers
Japan’s Digital Agency announced on 30 October 2026 that about 180,000 staff could access a prototype helping draft government answers to Parliament. The tool is integrated into Gennai, the government’s AI platform.
Rybakina withdraws before Tokyo quarterfinal against Fernandez
Elena Rybakina withdrew from Tokyo's Pan Pacific Open on 30 October 2026 before her quarterfinal against Leylah Fernandez. The Kazakh player said she had neck inflammation and pain; the Canadian advances to the semifinals without playing the match.
Tokyo team reports 3D chemical cell imaging at 19.2 volumes per second
University of Tokyo researchers report a microscopy method capable of reconstructing 19.2 three-dimensional chemical images per second. Their study, published in Nature Communications on 30 October 2026, describes laboratory observations of living cells.
Bank of Japan holds rate at 1.25% and speeds up ETF sales
The Bank of Japan kept its policy rate around 1.25% on 30 October 2026. It also decided to accelerate sales of its exchange-traded funds, or ETFs, from January 2027.
Toyota and Waymo plan initial autonomous bZ4X operations in Japan in 2027
Toyota and Waymo announced a new phase of their collaboration on 30 October 2026: a fleet of Toyota bZ4X vehicles equipped for autonomous driving is scheduled to begin initial operations in Japan in 2027.
Matsue school meal poisoning affects 307 as histamine is identified
Authorities in Matsue, Japan, announced on 30 October 2026 that poisoning following school meals was linked to histamine detected in a fish dish. The number affected reached 307 and the meal preparation centre was ordered to suspend operations for five days.
Japan: Gennai users report saving about 110 minutes a week
Japan’s Digital Agency published a survey of its Gennai AI platform on 30 October 2026, with responses from 6,439 government staff. It estimates time savings of 1.83 hours, or about 110 minutes, per user per week.
Tokushima describes how protein droplets modulate the cell skeleton
A team at Tokushima University in Japan reports that the composition of protein droplets can change their stiffness and their effects on actin fibres, which support cells. The study appeared in the Journal of Cell Science on 29 October 2026, according to the university's 30 October statement.
Tokyo and Berlin deepen AI and economic security cooperation
Sanae Takaichi and Friedrich Merz agreed in Tokyo on 28 October 2026 to strengthen technological cooperation and economic security. They issued a joint leaders’ statement and two sectoral declarations.
Open files
File Japan: deploying government AI Gennai
Japan opens AI prototype for drafting parliamentary answers
This dossier follows Japan’s Gennai government AI trial, its applications, evaluations and human oversight requirements.
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File Tokyo International Film Festival 2026
Tokyo Women In Motion talk brings Japanese cinema and diversity into focus
This dossier follows the 2026 Tokyo International Film Festival, its programme, gatherings and competition results.
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