Latest news in Japan? September 18th, 2026
18-09-2026
Key Developments in Japan (September 18, 2026)
Bank of Japan Policy Move: The Bank of Japan raised its benchmark interest rate by 25 basis points to 1.25%, reaching a 31-year high following a 7–2 vote at the conclusion of its monetary policy meeting, aimed at curbing inflation risks.
2026 Asian Games Countdown: Final preparations and early preliminary competitions are underway across Aichi Prefecture and Nagoya ahead of the official opening ceremony on Saturday, September 19.
Severe Weather Monitoring: Meteorologists and disaster agencies are monitoring Typhoon Dujuan as it moves north toward the Kanto region, with heavy rain advisories issued ahead of the upcoming multi-day holiday period.
Energy & Infrastructure: Kansai Electric Power announced a manual shutdown of Reactor No. 3 at the Mihama nuclear plant in Fukui Prefecture following water leakage detected in non-radioactive equipment, with authorities confirming zero radiation impact.