Business Sep 19, 2020
As COVID-19 persists, Japan looks to send in the robots
by Alex K.T. Martin
A new wave of service machines has emerged amid the coronavirus pandemic to help maintain safety and social distancing.
Baseball / Japanese Baseball Aug 12, 2020
Yokohama DeNA BayStars and KDDI launch virtual stadium project
by Kaz Nagatsuka
With the technology they have developed, fans are able to virtually walk around the concourses of Yokohama Stadium, or even onto the field.
Summer Paralympics Dec 5, 2019
Efforts are underway to familiarize the public with the rules of Paralympic sports through simulations making use of advanced technology and radio commentary ahead of the 2020 Games. Those involved in the projects believe the wider exposure could make the sports more fun to watch ...
Business | FOCUS Jul 19, 2019
Japan to step up study of stable coin regulations following G7 concern over Facebook's Libra project
by Ko Hirano
With the Group of Seven (G7) reaching agreement to push for the highest standards of regulation on Facebook Inc.'s proposed Libra digital currency, Japan plans to step up discussions on how to regulate and oversee the project that could offer faster and cheaper remittances. A ...
Business / Financial Markets Jun 24, 2019
Guardians of money bristle at Mark Zuckerberg's new financial order
Facebook Inc. was hours away from the formal announcement of its ambitious foray into financial services, but French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire was already broadcasting his discontent. 'It's out of the question" that the social-media giant's digital money compete with sovereign currencies, Le Maire ...
Business / Corporate Jun 20, 2019
Line Corp., the nation's largest messaging app, is close to obtaining a license to launch a cryptocurrency exchange in Japan, according to people familiar with the matter. The Financial Services Agency could issue the license as early as this month, with exchange operations starting a ...
Business Jun 18, 2019
Facebook reveals plans for Libra cryptocurrency, targeting first half of 2020 for launch
Facebook Inc. revealed plans on Tuesday to launch a cryptocurrency called Libra, the latest development in its effort to expand beyond social networking and move into e-commerce and global payments. Facebook has linked with 28 partners in a Geneva-based entity called the Libra Association, which ...
National Apr 1, 2019
Tokyo taxis show off true colors to make ride-hailing easier
by Hans Van Hook
With the Olympics — and an anticipated influx of even more foreign tourists — a little more than a year away, local companies are finding more ways to get in on the act of showcasing Japanese know-how and enhancing the overall experience of visitors. Take ...
National / Crime & Legal Mar 15, 2019
by Magdalena Osumi and Ryusei Takahashi
Mark Karpeles gets a suspended term for data manipulation related to the scandalous disappearance of 850,000 bitcoins in 2014 but is found not guilty of embezzlement.
National Sep 27, 2018
'Summer Davos' in China casts spotlight on technological advances beyond Silicon Valley
by Sayuri Daimon
The award-winning virtual reality film "Tree" offers a rare multisensory experience of becoming a rainforest tree from a seedling in just 15 minutes. Reading a short speech into a microphone analyzes your voice and tells who you are — your sex, height, skull type, ...
Commentary / Japan Apr 29, 2016
Digital textbooks are accompanied by caveats
by Walt Gardner
It's only a matter of time before the days of students lugging around backpacks full of heavy books are over.
Reader Mail Sep 4, 2011
Haruki Murakami is indeed a "global citizen." Millions have read his intriguing tales, which are page-turners in many languages. While some will read his works on screen, others will on paper. No matter which medium, his words will continue to grip, entertain and move readers ...