KeyLang Daily News Japan - 2026年9月18日

📰 English Version

Hello, and welcome to KeyLang Daily News Japan for Friday, September 18, 2026. Today we bring you twelve stories from across Japan, covering the economy, politics, society, and culture. As always, we report the facts and, where views differ, we present both sides. Let's begin.

💹 Bank of Japan Expected to Raise Policy Rate to 1.25 Percent

The Bank of Japan is widely expected to raise its policy interest rate at a two-day meeting that began this week. Reports say the rate would move from one percent to one point two five percent, the highest level in thirty-one years. The central bank is said to be acting to counter the risk of continued inflation. A higher policy rate can lift returns on savings, but it may also raise borrowing costs for households and companies.

🏛️ Prime Minister Takaichi Reshuffles Her Cabinet for the First Time

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi reshuffled her Cabinet on Thursday. It was her first reshuffle since she took office last year. According to reports, several key ministers were kept in place, while a lawmaker from her coalition partner was given a ministerial post. The government has explained the changes as a way to maintain policy continuity. Opposition parties have said they will examine the new lineup closely in the coming Diet session.

💹 Food Tax Cut Leaves a Large Gap in Government Funding

The planned tax cut on food has left the government searching for funding worth about sixty-three billion dollars. Reports say rising tax revenue and reductions in subsidies could help fill part of the gap. However, demands for defense and other spending are also growing, leaving limited room for maneuver. Supporters of the cut say it eases pressure on household budgets. Others have argued that the country needs a clearer plan to keep public finances stable.

💹 Shipping Firm Warns of Extended Disruption to LNG Supplies

A Japanese shipping company has said the disruption around the Strait of Hormuz may continue for an extended period. Asian spot prices for liquefied natural gas have climbed to their highest level since 2022. The company noted that prices could rise further as winter approaches and heating demand increases. Japan depends heavily on imported LNG for power generation, so longer disruption could affect fuel costs. The situation is being watched closely by utilities and trading houses.

🏛️ Cabinet Approval Stays Above Sixty Percent for a Twelfth Month

A new Sankei-FNN poll shows support for the Takaichi Cabinet remaining above sixty percent for the twelfth straight month. Many respondents backed a reduction in the number of Lower House seats, and also supported the tax cut on food. At the same time, a large share of those surveyed opposed giving Cabinet posts to lawmakers linked to funding scandals. Polls reflect opinion at one point in time, and results can change with later developments.

🏛️ Tokyo to Repaint Streets Over Difficult Bicycle Lane Rule

Tokyo plans to repaint road markings on some streets after drivers reported a practical problem. Under road rules revised earlier this year, the current lane layout makes it almost impossible for cars to pass bicycles legally. The revised bicycle laws came into effect with new penalty tickets for offenses such as using a smartphone while riding. Officials say the repainting is intended to make the rules workable, while cyclists have called for wider and safer lanes.

🚨 Former Employee Arrested Over Alleged Leak of Trade Secrets

Police in Nagoya said a former employee of a major chemical company was arrested on Thursday. The person is suspected of leaking confidential information related to semiconductor technology. Investigators have not released details of how the information was allegedly passed on. The company said it is cooperating with the investigation and reviewing its internal controls. No verdict has been reached, and under Japanese law a suspect is presumed innocent until a court decides otherwise.

🚨 Japan's 15-Year-Olds Rank First Among OECD Countries

An international survey has placed Japan's fifteen-year-olds first in reading, mathematics, and science among OECD member countries. Average scores across the OECD continued to decline, according to the results. Education officials welcomed the outcome and pointed to classroom improvements in recent years. Some researchers have noted that test scores do not capture everything, including student well-being and gaps between schools. The survey is conducted every few years and is used to compare education systems.

🚨 New HIV and AIDS Cases Fall to Multi-Year Lows in 2025

Health authorities reported that the number of newly reported HIV carriers in Japan fell by thirty-eight to six hundred twenty-four in 2025. That is the lowest figure in twenty years. The number of people newly diagnosed with AIDS dropped by sixty-six to two hundred sixty-six. Officials said continued testing and early treatment remain important, because some infections are found only at a late stage. Local governments offer free and anonymous testing in many areas.

🎭 Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya Spotlight Non-Olympic Sports

The Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games are giving attention to sports that do not appear in the Olympics. Events include kabaddi, sepak takraw, and kurash, which have strong followings in parts of Asia. Mixed martial arts will make its first appearance at the Games, and esports returns with an expanded program. Organizers say the wide range of events reflects the diversity of the region. For many spectators in Japan, it is a first chance to watch these sports live.

🎭 Kiyomizudera Tops Overseas Searches for Kyoto Heritage Sites

A new survey has found that Kiyomizudera drew the most international search interest among Kyoto's World Heritage locations. The study covered seventeen sites and used one year of search data from thirty-two countries and regions. Kiyomizudera is known for its wooden stage overlooking the city. Tourism officials say such data helps them understand visitor interest and manage crowded areas. Some local residents have asked for stronger measures to reduce congestion around popular temples.

🎭 The Traditional Art of Gyotaku Fish Prints Finds New Forms

Gyotaku is the art of making ink prints directly from fish. In Japan, monochrome prints are often seen on the walls of fishing lodges and seafood restaurants. In recent years, artists have developed more colorful styles, and some digital services can create a print from a single photograph. Workshops around the country let visitors try the technique themselves. Supporters say the practice keeps a record of a catch while also working as a form of art.

That's all for today's Japan news. We covered twelve stories, from the expected interest rate decision and the Cabinet reshuffle to education results and the art of fish printing. Now, let's look at five useful phrases from today's stories. Thank you for listening, and see you tomorrow on KeyLang Daily News Japan.