Original Source
Former Tehran Japanese School Principal Details Life Under Wartime Iran and Inflation
Internet Blackout and Local Conditions in Iran
More than two months have passed since the Iranian government cut off internet access following attacks by Israel and the United States. Takayuki Nishida, who served as principal of the Tehran Japanese School until March this year, revealed the conditions in Tehran in the June issue of 'Bungeishunju'. The Japanese school is currently closed for a year but aims to reopen next year. Local Iranian staff continue to guard the school and report daily on the situation via international calls.
Extreme Inflation and Public Discontent
Iranian citizens are grappling not only with uncertain ceasefire negotiations but also with daily difficulties caused by extreme inflation. Nishida stated that the exchange rate, which was 480,000 rials to 1 US dollar when he arrived in 2023, had more than doubled to 1,100,000 rials by mid-January this year, just before his return. Local staff converted their salaries into gold and silver instead of bank deposits to hedge against devaluation. Due to soaring prices, there was a period when fresh produce like eggs and milk became unavailable, leading to anti-government protests from December last year to January this year.
Limited Scope of Anti-Government Protests
Contrary to media reports, Nishida noted that large-scale demonstrations were not widespread across Tehran. The actual protests occurred in limited, pre-announced locations and times, and avoiding those areas ensured safety. He advised children and teachers to avoid going out after dark and to move away if loud noises were heard, adding that, apart from a few journalists, no Japanese nationals likely encountered the protests.
*Source: au Webポータル (2026-05-09)*
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