The Japanese Self-Defense Forces (SDF) have been conducting a trial run of SpaceX's Starlink satellite constellation since March, as confirmed by government sources. This strategic move is aimed at bolstering the SDF's communication capabilities in response to China and Russia's efforts to enhance their satellite attack capabilities. Starting from 2024, there are plans to fully utilize the high-speed communication service offered by SpaceX. Additionally, the SDF is in the process of making arrangements to utilize military satellites from the United States and other nations. The Starlink satellite constellation consists of numerous small satellites positioned in low orbit, approximately 342 miles above Earth. Notably, Ukraine's forces turned to Starlink for internet access following disruptions in communication during Russia's invasion of Ukraine. This access enabled Ukraine to launch counteroffensives against Russia. To equip their Air, Ground, and Maritime unit...

The chairman of a prominent Japanese business lobby, Takeshi Niinami, recently presented Prime Minister Fumio Kishida with almost 600 signatures in support of a declaration aimed at achieving a diverse society that includes SGM ("Sexual and Gender Minority"). The declaration, primarily compiled by Chairman Niinami from the Japan Association of Corporate Executives (Keizai Doyukai), emphasizes the significance of fostering a culture where individuals of diverse backgrounds can thrive, regardless of their gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, age, or disability. It further states that the business leaders in Japan are committed to spearheading organizational changes and collaborating with key stakeholders to implement these changes on a broader societal level. To urge the Japanese government into action, the initiative sought support from business executives and other association members, ultimately gathering 568 signatures. Notably, senior executives from Japan-bas...

Toyota Motor Corp. has announced a partnership with a startup company based in Kyoto Prefecture to develop next-generation perovskite solar cells (PSCs). These cells, which are expected to be used in automobiles by 2026, offer several advantages over traditional crystalline silicon solar panels used on house roofs. They are lighter, thinner, and flexible, making them suitable for fitting the shape of a car roof. PSCs are created by coating a panel with a special organic compound that absorbs light. When used as a power source in electric vehicles, they are expected to extend the cruising range. Toyota and the startup company, EneCoat Technologies Co., signed a contract for joint development in May. EneCoat, supported by Kyoto University, specializes in applying uniform coats of organic compounds and will focus on developing materials and power generation elements. Toyota, on the other hand, will concentrate on developing the technology to install the cells on automobiles. Toyota alre...

Lawson Inc., a convenience store chain operator, is revolutionizing accessibility for the hearing-impaired community by conducting a groundbreaking test using remotely controlled avatars that communicate through sign language. Lawson's verification test, which began on June 2nd at a Tokyo store in Shinagawa Ward, aims to assess customers' ability to understand the expressions conveyed by the avatars. Trained employees known as "Lawson Avatar Operators" (LAOs) remotely operate the avatars from the company's main office or their homes using personal computers and a camera feed from the store. This enables LAOs to respond to customer inquiries using the avatar displayed on a screen. While Lawson already employs English-speaking LAOs to assist non-Japanese customers, this new initiative takes it a step further by providing avatars that communicate with customers in sign language. The avatars meticulously mirror the facial expressions, hand movements, and finger ge...

The Japanese government's recent decision to expand the residency status for foreign workers with specified skills has been well-received by the business community. However, it remains to be seen whether this move will effectively address the labor shortages in the country, which are exacerbated by a declining population. The government has decided to broaden the sectors covered by the Type 2 status, which is granted to highly skilled individuals who have passed skill tests. General workers are given the Type 1 status, allowing them to live in Japan for up to five years. In contrast, Type 2 status holders can renew their residency indefinitely and are even allowed to bring their families to the country. The recent decision includes nine new sectors, such as automobile repair and maintenance, aviation, accommodations, agriculture, and food services, within the scope of the Type 2 status. The chairman of the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren), Masakazu Tokura, emphasized the i...

Subaru Corporation is set to introduce its groundbreaking EyeSight driver assist technology to a manual transmission automobile for the very first time. This move marks a departure from the norm, as EyeSight has traditionally been available exclusively on automatic transmission models. The eagerly anticipated unveiling of Subaru's upgraded BRZ sports car this autumn will showcase this groundbreaking integration. EyeSight relies on advanced camera technology to capture objects in three dimensions, enabling it to effectively control the brakes and help prevent collisions. Additionally, it optimizes driving speed to maintain a safe and consistent distance from the vehicle ahead. Previously, manual vehicles were not equipped with EyeSight due to their higher likelihood of stalling compared to automatic counterparts. This was due to EyeSight's reliance on automatic braking. However, in order to bring this cutting-edge technology to the manual BRZ, Subaru has made adjustments to ...

Tokyo is set to host its first-ever Formula E race, marking a significant milestone for the world's premier electric vehicle racing circuit. The announcement came from the Tokyo metropolitan government, revealing that the race will take place on March 30 th 2024. The event will be held on closed public roads encircling the Tokyo Big Sight convention center, located in Koto Ward on the picturesque Tokyo Bay waterfront. Similar to Formula One, the FIA Formula E World Championship is a series of races held across the globe. However, Formula E differentiates itself by exclusively featuring all-electric vehicles, thereby eliminating the emission of loud noises and exhaust fumes associated with traditional motorsports. With its inaugural season commencing in 2014, Formula E has rapidly gained traction and popularity. Now in its 10th season, the championship boasts 17 rounds scheduled worldwide, with Tokyo's race serving as the seventh installment of the season. Tokyo Governor Yu...

Suzuki Motor Corporation and Japanese start-up SkyDrive Inc. have joined forces to commence the production of flying cars in spring 2024. This collaboration positions Suzuki as a key player in the rapidly growing industry of flying vehicles. Flying cars, which are aircraft capable of vertical takeoff and landing using multiple rotors, are primarily designed to transport a small number of people and some models can also operate on land. As part of the agreement, SkyDrive will establish a wholly-owned production subsidiary that will assemble the vehicles at Suzuki's plant located in Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan. This announcement follows SkyDrive's recent unveiling, during the Paris Airshow, of a plan to enhance the design of its upcoming vehicle. The new design, boasting an overall length of approximately 13 meters and a height of 3 meters, will enable the vehicle to accommodate three passengers instead of two and increase the maximum flight range from 10 to 15 kilometer...

An increasing number of Japanese businesses are adopting English as their official language within specialized departments, marking a significant shift from the past when it was implemented company-wide. Fast Retailing Co., the operator of the Uniqlo clothing store chain, and e-commerce marketplace giant Rakuten Group Inc. made headlines a decade ago when they announced plans to designate English as their lingua franca. However, the second wave of this language transition has just recently begun, according to Masuyo Ando, chair of Progos Inc., a Tokyo-based company offering English education support programs for businesses. Phased Implementation At the Tokyo headquarters of cloud service provider Money Forward Inc., a digital technologist from  India , and his Japanese coworker, conversed in English. They were discussing a programming problem that had caused a malfunction in a prototype system. This  digital technologist , who hails from India and graduated from a local en...