Foresight
April: what's changing in Japan
Food prices, home delivery services, car-sharing... Everything that is changing in Japan from April.
- End of carpooling ban
The ban on carpooling will be lifted in certain areas (Tokyo, Kanagawa, Aichi, Kyoto) under certain conditions (days and times). Fares will still remain the same as for cabs.
Non-governmental organizations will be the main operators in areas where there is a shortage of cabs and other means of transport, with fares varying according to supply and demand.
- Rising food prices
Food prices are set to continue rising in April. According to data from Teikoku Databank, traditionally high prices for raw materials and energy, combined with rising logistics and labor costs, are expected to result in a rapid rise of over 3,000 items in April (mainly processed food products).
- Coronavirus vaccines to be paid for under certain conditions
The reimbursement of drugs and vaccines against the new coronavirus will be reviewed. For example, the Zocova coronavirus vaccine is expected to cost more than 15,000 yen for those benefiting from a 70% health insurance discount.
People over 65 will benefit from a “co-payment” of up to 7,000 yen, allowing them to be vaccinated once a year from autumn to winter.
Treatment for people under 65 will be considered as “voluntary vaccinations”, and the full amount will have to be paid by each individual in principle.
- Capping of overtime
Following the labor reform law passed in 2018, overtime will be capped in certain sector. These include doctors (960 hours a year - with the exception of doctors and trainees in charge of emergencies and in rural areas), drivers in the transport sector (960 hours a year) as well as construction workers (360 hours a year).
- Higher prices for medical consultations
Fees paid to health care providers will rise by 1.59%, with a further 2.5% increase planned for 2024, the aim being to increase the remuneration of nursing staff.
- Disability Discrimination Act comes into force
Commercial operators and administrative bodies are required to provide accommodation.
