KeyLang Daily News Japan - 2026年9月19日

📰 English Version

Hello, and welcome to KeyLang Daily News Japan for Saturday, September 19, 2026. Today we have twelve stories from across Japan, covering the economy, politics, society and the arts. As always, we report the facts and, where views differ, we present both sides. Let's begin.

💹 Bank of Japan Raises Policy Rate to 1.25 Percent

The Bank of Japan raised its key policy rate to one point two five percent from one point zero percent on Friday. The central bank said it acted in response to growing inflation risks, and the decision marks a faster pace of monetary tightening. Higher policy rates generally push up borrowing costs for mortgages and business loans. Some economists said the step should support the yen, while others warned it may weigh on households holding variable-rate loans.

🚨 Tropical Storm Dujuan to Approach Tokyo During Silver Week

Tropical Storm Dujuan is forecast to approach eastern Japan, including the Tokyo area, during the Silver Week holidays. Forecasters expect heavy rain, strong winds and high waves along the Pacific coast. Authorities have urged travelers to check train and flight information before leaving home. Local governments said they are preparing for possible flooding and landslides in mountain areas. Residents have been asked to follow warnings issued for their own区 area.

💹 Core Inflation Slows for the First Time in Four Months

Japan's core consumer price index rose one point seven percent in August from a year earlier. That was slower than the one point eight percent pace recorded in July, and the first slowdown in four months. The index excludes fresh food, whose prices move sharply with the weather. Analysts pointed to energy and food trends as key factors behind the change. The reading stayed below the Bank of Japan's two percent target.

💹 Government Searches for Funds After Food Tax Cut

The government is looking for funding sources after deciding to cut the consumption tax on food. Reports say the gap could reach about sixty-three billion dollars. Officials have pointed to rising tax revenue and reductions in subsidies as possible ways to fill it. However, defense spending and other demands leave little room for maneuver, analysts said. Supporters say the tax cut eases pressure on household budgets, while critics say it makes fiscal management harder.

🏛️ Takaichi and Trump Plan Talks in the United States

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and U.S. President Donald Trump are planning to hold talks in the United States on Tuesday, according to diplomatic sources. The two governments are said to be arranging the agenda. Trade, security and investment are expected to be among the main topics. Neither side has released a formal schedule at this point. Officials said the details could still change before the meeting takes place.

🏛️ Cabinet Support Stands at 53.4 Percent After Reshuffle

Support for Prime Minister Takaichi's Cabinet stood at fifty-three point four percent in a Kyodo News poll released Friday. That was up three point two points from the August survey, which was taken before the Cabinet reshuffle. The government said it will focus on prices and wages in the months ahead. Opposition parties said the administration still needs to explain its policy plans in detail. Parliament is expected to debate spending proposals in the coming session.

🏛️ Japan Weighs How to Return Rescued North Korean Sailors

Japanese authorities rescued North Korean sailors at sea on Thursday after their vessel sank. Officials said North Korean authorities had requested international assistance, which is described as a rare step. Tokyo is now considering how to return the crew members, because the two countries have no diplomatic relations. Similar cases in the past were handled through third countries or by transfers at sea. The government said it would decide based on the sailors' wishes and their safety.

🚨 Yamanashi to End Free Helicopter Rescues on Mount Fuji

Yamanashi Prefecture will stop offering free helicopter rescues to hikers who climb Mount Fuji outside the official season. The governor asked climbers not to treat the freedom to climb as the only thing that matters. Under the change, rescued offseason hikers will be asked to pay part of the cost. Supporters say the rule encourages responsible planning and reduces the burden on rescue teams. Some hikers said the fees could make people hesitate to call for help.

🚨 Bear Spotted Near Popular Trail on Mount Takao

A bear has been spotted near the most popular trail on Mount Takao, west of central Tokyo. Officials are calling for caution as the mountain enters its busiest hiking season in autumn. Visitors are advised to carry bells, walk in groups and avoid early morning and evening hours. Staff are checking the area and posting notices at trail entrances. No injuries have been reported so far, according to local authorities.

🎭 Andy Goldsworthy Wins Praemium Imperiale for Sculpture

British artist Andy Goldsworthy has won this year's Praemium Imperiale in the sculpture category. He is known as a pioneer of land art, using leaves, stone and weather itself as materials. Many of his works are temporary and slowly disappear as nature reclaims them. Organizers said even his permanent monuments are designed to change over time. The award is presented by the Japan Art Association and honors artists in five fields.

🎭 Japanese Craft Shown at London Design Festival

Japanese craft is being presented alongside contemporary design at this year's London Design Festival. Organizers said the exhibition highlights makers who combine traditional techniques with modern forms. Craft in Japan often sits between deep respect for skill and ongoing questions about its place in the art world. Participating studios showed ceramics, textiles and woodwork made for everyday use. The festival runs across several venues in the British capital.

🎭 New Gundam Base Stores to Open in the United States

Bandai Namco will open new Gundam Base stores in the United States, with one launching this month. The shops sell model kits and other goods related to the Mobile Suit Gundam series. The company said the expansion follows growing overseas demand for Japanese anime products. In Tokyo, the life-size Gundam statue closed to visitors at the end of August, and dismantling work has started. Fans overseas will now have a permanent place to shop.

That's all for today's Japan news. We covered the Bank of Japan's rate hike, a storm heading for the Tokyo area, and stories from politics, society and the arts. Before you go, take a moment with today's Key Phrases. Thank you for listening, and we'll see you again tomorrow.