Olympus Pivots to Robotic Endoscopy, Signalling Shift in Surgical Workloads

Japan’s Olympus, a venerable name in medical imaging and diagnostics, is poised to revolutionize the field of endoscopic surgery, traditionally a hands-on, physician-driven discipline. The company envisions a future where…

Japanese Companies Face Over 20% Surge in Rare Earth Procurement Costs Amidst China’s Export Curbs

The cost of procuring rare earths among Japanese companies has jumped by more than a fifth since last year, a private-sector survey shows, reflecting the impact of China’s export restrictions.…

Japan’s Ultrafast Maglev Train Faces Renewed Scrutiny as Local Approval Sparks Urgency for Completion and Economic Returns

NAGOYA, Japan — The long-awaited green light for the next phase of Japan’s ambitious Linear Chuo Shinkansen maglev train project, following local approval in Yamanashi Prefecture, has reignited a critical…

Japanese Wireless Carrier KDDI Partners with VNPT to Launch Prepaid Brand in Vietnam Targeting Younger Consumers

Japanese wireless carrier KDDI is set to make a significant expansion into the burgeoning Southeast Asian market by launching a new mobile service in Vietnam later this year. The venture,…

Mitsubishi Estate Acquires Singapore-Based Habyt to Expand Mid- to Long-Term Rental Housing in Asia

TOKYO — Mitsubishi Estate has announced its strategic acquisition of Habyt, a prominent Singapore-based operator of furnished rental housing, signaling a significant acceleration of its global expansion strategy targeting the…

U.S. Military Leverages Advanced AI in Escalating Iran Conflict

TOKYO — The United States military has significantly amplified its reliance on artificial intelligence (AI) in its ongoing military operations against Iran, deploying sophisticated AI-driven systems for a wide spectrum…

Japan’s Retail Investors Emerge as a Powerful Force, Increasingly Backing Activist Investors and Demanding Corporate Change

The landscape of corporate governance in Japan is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the growing assertiveness of its retail investor base. A recent survey has illuminated this trend, revealing…

Shimokitazawa: Tokyo’s Bohemian Heartbeat Thrives Amidst Evolving Urban Landscape

On weekends, Shimokitazawa feels less like a Tokyo neighborhood than a village in a 1960s art-house film. Young Japanese sport green hair, guitar cases and bags stuffed with secondhand clothes.…

Kawasaki Heavy Industries Develops AI-Powered Shipbuilding Robot to Revolutionize Productivity and Safety

TOKYO – April 19, 2026 – Kawasaki Heavy Industries is spearheading a significant technological advancement in the maritime sector with the development of an artificial intelligence-equipped shipbuilding robot designed to…

Kazakhstan Poised to Seize Control of Karachaganak Gas Plant Amidst Partner Dispute

ALMATY, Kazakhstan — Kazakhstan is signaling a decisive shift in its energy landscape, with state-owned entities and their Chinese partner set to assume control over the construction of a critical…