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...

Four of Japan's leading motorcycle manufacturers announced on Wednesday their collaboration in the development of hydrogen-powered engines. Honda, Kawasaki, Suzuki, and Yamaha will establish a dedicated research and development organization next month, aligning with Japan's commitment to promoting hydrogen as a clean energy source. The aim is to introduce these engines in two-wheelers and other forms of transportation in the future, responding to increasingly stringent regulations on gasoline-powered vehicles and the global trend towards electric vehicles. Unlike all-electric models, Japanese motorcycle makers are keen on exploring hydrogen as an alternative option that can be integrated into their existing engines. The potential of hydrogen as a next-generation clean energy source is enormous, according to Yamaha President Yoshihiro Hidaka, who expressed his optimism during a press conference. In addition to the four motorcycle manufacturers, Toyota Motor Corp., which has be...

On April 14th, 2023, the JR Group, which operates the Japan Railways network, announced that it will substantially increase the cost of the Japan Rail Pass. This increase is set to take effect in October 2023, with an exact date yet to be announced. The new pricing structure will see the regular pass increase from JPY 29,650 to JPY 50,000, an increase of 69%. The 14-day pass will rise from JPY 47,250 to JPY 80,000 (69% increase), and the 21-day pass will increase from JPY 60,450 to JPY 100,000 (65% increase). Similarly, the Green Car passes will also experience similar increases in price. Despite these price hikes, the Japan Rail Pass will still not cover Nozomi and Mizuho trains, which are the fastest services on the Shinkansen network. To use these services, pass holders will need to purchase additional tickets, the details of which will be announced at a later point in time. However, the pass will offer new discounts at selected sightseeing spots and attractions. Undoubtedly, thes...

If you're planning to move to Japan with your furry friend, there are a few steps that you need to take to ensure a smooth transition. Japan has strict regulations regarding pet importation to ensure that their borders remain free of diseases and parasites. Here are the steps you need to take to bring your pet to Japan. Research Japan's pet import requirements: Japan has strict import requirements for pets, which vary based on the animal's breed, age, and country of origin. You can find information about Japan's pet import regulations on the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries website. Microchip your pet : Japan requires all pets to have a microchip implanted, which serves as identification. The microchip must meet the ISO standard (ISO 11784 and 11785). Your veterinarian can implant the microchip. Vaccinate your pet : Your pet must be up-to-date on all required vaccinations, including rabies. If your pet is not up-to-date on its vaccinations, you'll...