News archive
Past daily articles for learners.
- daily life
Japan's new weather alert system adds Level 4 Danger Warning
Japan's Meteorological Agency (JMA) overhauled its disaster weather alert system on May 28, 2026. Warning names for heavy rain, river flooding, landslides, and storm surges now include their alert level number directly (e.g., 'Level 3 Heavy Rain Warning'). The key addition is a new 'Danger Warning' at Level 4, filling the gap between Level 3 (Warning) and Level 5 (Special Warning). When Level 4 is issued, all residents should evacuate immediately to a safe location — including sturdy nearby buildings, not just designated shelters.
N5N4N3N2N1 - government
Japan makes university interviews mandatory from 2027
Japan's Ministry of Education (MEXT) issued new university admissions guidelines on May 27, 2026, requiring interviews to be included in comprehensive selection (AO) and recommendation-based pathways starting with the 2027 intake. The move aims to stop some universities from effectively basing admission decisions solely on academic test scores, which had been seen as disrupting high school students' learning.
N5N4N3N2N1 - society
Japan and Thailand Sign New Foreign Worker Program Deal
Japan and Thailand signed a memorandum of cooperation on June 4, 2026 for a new skill development and employment program for foreign workers. Launching in April 2027, it replaces the long-criticized technical intern training system. Thailand becomes the first country to partner with Japan under the new framework, which includes joint oversight of receiving companies and recruiting agencies.
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