Overview
- The cabinet announced a new Disaster Agency to be established in 2026, with the government stating at least two regional hubs are needed in areas such as Hokkaido/Tohoku while prioritizing the headquarters first.
- Ministers held the inaugural meeting to ensure steady imports of essentials including LNG and wheat, with a policy framework targeted by next summer.
- The health ministry reported a record 3,770 cases of abuse against persons with disabilities in fiscal 2024, including three deaths from family abuse, citing increased reporting awareness as a factor.
- A new deputy-minister-level forum opened to improve access to specialist care for women’s health needs, with officials noting an estimated ¥3.4 trillion in economic losses tied to gendered health issues.
- The 2026 draft budget allocates ¥5.7 billion to shift junior high school club activities to community groups, alongside ¥8.2 billion secured in the fiscal 2025 supplementary budget.