JR East is set to enter the QR code payment market under the name “teppay,” as competition intensifies following the withdrawal of services such as LINE Pay, raising questions over whether the railway operator can carve out a position while differentiating the service from its widely used Suica platform. (News On Japan)

The government approved a basic policy at a Cabinet meeting on March 31st aimed at securing shelters for residents in the event of armed attacks, with a focus on promoting the use of private underground facilities such as shopping malls and parking areas, which are considered to offer high levels of safety. (News On Japan)

Prime Minister Takaichi announced that a task force has been established under Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Akazawa, who has been appointed minister in charge of securing the stable supply of critical materials, as Japan moves to respond to the worsening situation in the Middle East. (News On Japan)

Long-running tensions surrounding Iran are expected to push up household electricity bills, with Japanese power companies bracing for higher costs this summer as crude oil prices remain elevated, even as Japan has shifted its energy mix toward renewables, now accounting for more than 20% of total power generation following the Great East Japan Earthquake. (News On Japan)

Former Ito mayor Maki Takubo was indicted while remaining out of custody over an academic credentials fraud scandal in Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture. (News On Japan)

A large number of people gathered at Ishikari-Numata Station in western Hokkaido on March 31st to witness the final run of the JR Rumoi Line, bringing an end to its 116-year history as trains made their last journey through snow-covered rice fields. (News On Japan)

A new type of fraud exploiting multi-function copy machines at convenience stores has been reported across Japan, where victims are deceived into printing fake legal documents and handing over money. (News On Japan)

A new “blue ticket” system for bicycles will be introduced on April 1, targeting riders aged 16 and older with monetary penalties for traffic violations, as authorities move to tighten enforcement amid rising accident numbers. (News On Japan)