As the world's environmental consciousness expands, the practice of upcycling food, the creative re-use of discarded food products, is gaining substantial traction in Japan. This innovative approach not only reduces waste but also presents fresh opportunities for culinary creations and other applications. One remarkable example of this movement is the transformation of cabbage cores – the tough inner part of cabbages that is often discarded. Partnering with the Co-Op Deli Consumers’ Co-operative Union based in Saitama, Kewpie Group has ingeniously repurposed these cores to craft delectable soup dishes like minestrone and potage. These items, known for their coarse texture and distinctive sweetness, are made available through a convenient home delivery service exclusively for registered members. Approximately seven tons of cabbage cores are projected to be utilized annually, significantly curtailing unnecessary waste. Despite traditionally being relegated to the trash bin due t...

Japan's tallest building, soaring to a height of approximately 1082 feet, was recently completed in central Tokyo and is set to open its doors on November 24th, as announced by developer Mori Building Co. on August 8th. Named the Mori JP Tower, this architectural marvel surpasses Osaka's Abeno Harukas building, previously the tallest at 984 feet. Situated in the redeveloped Azabudai Hills area northwest of Tokyo Tower in Minato Ward, the entire region will also welcome visitors on the same November day. Comprising three towering structures within an expansive 871,000 square foot space, the development also boasts an impressive 258,000 square feet of lush greenery, including a generous 65,000 square foot central plaza. The Mori JP Tower boasts an impressive 64 stories above ground, accompanied by five basement floors, housing a harmonious blend of offices, residences, medical facilities, and an international school. The additional two high-rise buildings will cater to reside...

The Saitama prefectural police, in collaboration with NTT East Corp., have successfully tested an AI-based telephone fraud detection system in Iruma, Saitama Prefecture. This innovative technology aims to combat fraudulent activities by promptly notifying victims' family members and neighbors whenever suspicious calls are identified. During a demonstration on July 27 th , a 74-year-old man received a call from an individual claiming to be his son, urgently requesting $34,000 for medical expenses following an accident. Through an AI-equipped device connected to the man's landline, the call was swiftly flagged as fraudulent based on the caller's message. T he system then automatically dialed registered contact numbers of family members, neighbors, and banks, issuing warnings about the detected fraudulent call. The trial, which took place from July 25 th to 28 th , involved the installation of devices on the landlines of eight households within the city. In one instance,...

Founded in 1804 by Kisuke Shimizu, a carpenter hailing from Etchu, now Toyama Prefecture, Shimizu Corporation took root. The inaugural location was nestled in the Kanda Kajicho district of Edo, present-day Tokyo. From its inception, Mr. Shimizu held an unwavering aspiration to wholeheartedly devote himself to the company's ventures, crafting reliable, top-tier structures. Presently, Shimizu Corp. diligently delves into knowledge and technology to meet clients' needs and, in a broader sense, contribute to society. Today, Kazuyuki Inoue, the President of Shimizu Corp., unveiled their latest achievement: a revolutionary AI-powered software tailored for designing energy-efficient buildings. Currently, it would typically take a major developer about a month to craft a sustainable building plan. However, this pioneering software has slashed the timeline to just one day, significantly enhancing precision throughout the process. The demand for environmentally conscious construction...

Subaru is gearing up for a significant shift in its business strategy, aiming to make electric vehicles (EVs) a major player in its lineup. The company's President, Atsushi Osaki, revealed a bold plan to ensure that electric vehicles account for 50% of the company's projected global vehicle sales of over 1.2 million units by 2030. During a recent business briefing, Mr. Osaki emphasized that Subaru would take steps to keep up with the fast-paced EV trend in its main market, the United States. The automaker plans to commence EV production in the U.S. around 2027 to 2028, a move aligned with the anticipated surge in EV adoption and potential tax incentives under the U.S. Inflation Reduction Act.  Subaru's previous commitment to increasing the combined share of hybrid and EV vehicles in global sales to at least 40% remains, while the company now also plans to export EVs produced in Japan to the U.S. Mr. Osaki assured stakeholders that Subaru will stay agile and adapt to sh...

Toyota Motor's President, Koji Sato, has reaffirmed the company's commitment to an extensive electrification strategy as a key step towards reducing carbon emissions. In a recent interview, Mr. Sato outlined Toyota 's multifaceted approach to decarbonization, which encompasses both electric and hybrid vehicles. Mr. Sato emphasized Toyota 's dedication to advancing electric and fuel cell vehicles, particularly those powered by hydrogen. He highlighted the forthcoming equilibrium between two main avenues: electricity and hydrogen. Mr. Sato firmly believes that electric vehicles have the potential to revolutionize the driving experience, making cars more captivating. He emphasized Toyota 's aspiration to engineer EVs that resonate with the craftsmanship ethos. Addressing hydrogen-powered vehicles, Mr. Sato outlined Toyota 's plan to prioritize commercial vehicles in this realm. He expressed the company's intention to stimulate hydrogen consumption, ultimat...

Toyota revealed its latest hybrid version of the Land Cruiser on August 3rd, marking its entry into North America and other key markets. This move aims to revive the popularity of this iconic sports utility vehicle while maintaining high profitability. The world's leading automaker plans to manufacture the new   Land Cruiser  model, which has its origins dating back to 1951, along with a smaller variant at two factories in Japan. These vehicles will be exported to overseas markets from Japan. While the North American market will exclusively receive the hybrid version, other regions like Europe or Australia will have the option of choosing between gasoline or diesel powertrains. Toyota is actively addressing environmental concerns by offering hybrid options that reduce carbon dioxide emissions. Hiroki Nakajima, Toyota 's chief technology officer, stated that the company is committed to meeting customer demands while promoting sustainability. The Land Cruiser models have ...