What are the latest news in Japan? August 31st, 2026
Economy & Markets
- Yen and Bond Pressures: The Japanese yen experienced volatility around the 160 per USD mark, while Japanese government bond yields reached multi-decade highs amid growing market expectations of a Bank of Japan interest rate hike. Indiatimes———
- Nikkei Pullback: The Nikkei 225 index declined roughly 2% as global central bank tightening expectations weighed on tech and export-oriented equities. -Indiatimes——–
- Consumer Prices: Price revisions are slated to affect nearly 5,000 food and household items starting in September due to persistent raw material and import costs.- japantoday.com———
- Naval Capability Milestone: A Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer returned to its home port in Sasebo following live-fire testing of Tomahawk cruise missile capabilities. -Japan Today——–
- Defense Infrastructure: The Ministry of Defense continues moving forward with land acquisitions in Kure to develop multi-functional defense logistics hubs.- Japan Today———
- Marriage Survey Findings: A government survey revealed that approximately 35% of unmarried young adults in Japan express no intention to marry, with the majority citing economic concerns, career priorities, and lifestyle autonomy as primary factors. -Japan Today——–
- Road Safety Regulations: Draft policy updates propose lowering speed limits on selected narrow residential roads from 60 km/h to 30 km/h to enhance pedestrian safety.- www.japantimes.co.jp———
- Weather and Heavy Rainfall: Regional authorities in central and western prefectures remain on alert for sudden localized downpours and landslides following late-summer weather systems.
- Airport Expansion: Tokyo’s Haneda Airport is preparing for the operational opening of its new Terminal 1 North Satellite facility. -soranews24.com——–