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,...

Japan's major mobile phone carriers are diving headfirst into the realm of the "metaverse" virtual world services, but there's a catch—they're struggling to turn a profit from these ventures. In their quest to attract and retain customers, these carriers are striving to distinguish their metaverse services by enabling a whopping 10,000 avatars to connect simultaneously. It's an ambitious goal that requires innovation and creativity. One player in the metaverse game is NTT Docomo Inc., which established NTT Qonoq Inc., a subsidiary dedicated to metaverse-related businesses. Unlike other platforms, NTT Qonoq's metaverse space doesn't require users to download a separate app. Instead, it allows them to easily and freely connect via their smartphones and computers. It's all about convenience and accessibility.   Inside this metaverse space, users can immerse themselves in various scenes, like witnessing Godzilla engaged in a fierce battle against...

A thrilling new era of transportation is taking flight as a startup soars to success with its groundbreaking flying vehicle! SkyDrive Inc., the ingenious mastermind behind the SD-05 model, has just received its very first orders from both individuals and corporate clients. With a staggering price tag of $1.5 million (200 million yen), this cutting-edge flying marvel is set to revolutionize the way we travel through the skies. Picture this: a compact aircraft with vertical takeoff and landing capabilities, powered by electricity and equipped with a range of 6.2 miles. With a maximum speed of 62 mph, it's not just fast, it's furiously fast! It's important to note that the price tag of this awe-inspiring flying vehicle doesn't encompass the realm of running costs.   "We're not just building a flying vehicle; we're paving the way for a new era of air taxis," exclaims a SkyDrive representative. With the SD-05, their dream of making air travel accessib...

Japan has always been an attractive destination for foreigners to work, and recently, the number of foreign residents in Japan surpassed the 3 million-mark.  According to the Immigration Services Agency, the number of foreign residents in Japan rose by 11.4% from a year earlier, hitting a record high of 3,075,213 people. This figure includes around 760,000 people from China, the largest group by nationality, 490,000 individuals from Vietnam, and 411,000 from South Korea. This means that Japanese corporations are now hiring more foreigners, and it opens up new opportunities for skilled employees to work in Japan. So, what should you expect when you land a job in Japan, and how will the influx of foreigners impact Japanese corporations? First, let's talk about what to expect when you land a job in Japan. As mentioned in my other articles, Japan has a unique work culture, which may be different from what you're used to in your home country. However, with the increasing number of...

When it comes to doing business with Japan, many foreigners tend to view the country as a modern and technologically advanced dreamland of culture, innovation, and efficiency. However, as one spends any significant amount of time there, one will quickly come to realize that Japan might not be the futuristic place they thought, at least not in terms of how business is conducted. In fact, Japan's business culture is rooted in tradition, hierarchy, and meticulous attention to detail. While the streets of Harajuku or Akihabara may showcase Japan's cutting-edge fashion and electronics, the reality of conducting business in Japan is much more conservative and formal. One example of this is the continued use of fax machines by many Japanese firms, which can be surprising for foreigners who come from more digitalized countries.   While this technology may seem archaic to many, it is still widely used in Japan, where it is considered a reliable and secure way to communicate importan...