Hitachi Astemo Develops Autonomous Driving Technology for Safe Navigation on Narrow Roads
Hitachi Astemo has unveiled a new autonomous driving technology that uses 3D sensing to ensure safe and smooth navigation past oncoming vehicles on narrow roads and similar challenging situations. The company plans to enhance its cost competitiveness through the utilization of 3D sensing data captured by novel stereo cameras that offer improved cost benefits. The demand for autonomous driving solutions […]
Denso Launches Pilot Program to Eliminate CO2 Emissions
Denso has launched a new pilot program at its Nishio Plant in Japan as part of its ongoing efforts to completely eradicate CO2 emissions from its facilities. For several years, Denso has been focusing on the maximization of its Two Great Causes: Green and Peace of Mind. These principles are embedded within the company’s long-term policy for 2030, which is […]
Komatsu and Toyota to Develop Autonomous Light Vehicle for Mining Operations
Komatsu and Toyota have announced a joint venture to create an Autonomous Light Vehicle (ALV) that will integrate with Komatsu’s Autonomous Haulage System (AHS). The project aims to bolster safety and increase productivity in mining operations through advanced autonomous technologies. The ALV is currently undergoing testing at the companies’ proving grounds, and the partnership plans to have a proof of […]
Hitachi and Toshiba to Build Next-generation High Speed Trains for Taiwan
The Hitachi Toshiba Supreme Consortium (HTSC), consisting of Hitachi, Toshiba and Toshiba Infrastructure Systems & Solutions, has been awarded an order by the Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation (THSRC) to manufacture 12 sets of next-generation high-speed trains. The contract, valued at around 124 billion yen ($900 million), will see the consortium deliver 144 train cars based on the advanced N700S […]
Isuzu and Honda to Develop Fuel Cell-Powered Heavy-Duty Truck
Isuzu Motors and Honda Motor have signed a partnership agreement to develop a fuel cell-powered heavy-duty truck set for release in 2027. Under this agreement, Honda will develop and supply the fuel cell system for Isuzu’s forthcoming truck. The two companies have jointly developed a prototype fuel cell truck that has been licensed for use on public roads in Japan. […]
Fujitsu’s AI Technology Powers Toyota Gazoo Racing’s New Video Analysis System
Fujitsu is supporting the development of Toyota Gazoo Racing’s new video analysis system, using its advanced AI technology. The system made its debut at the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps racing event, held from April 27 to 29 at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium. Fujitsu’s sponsorship of Toyota Gazoo Racing, a participant in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), began […]
Mitsubishi Launches $400M Fund to Support Decarbonization
Mitsubishi Corporation has launched the Marunouchi Climate Tech Growth Fund, a new initiative aimed at investing in companies focused on climate tech and decarbonization. The fund is managed by Marunouchi Innovation Partners (MIP), a company jointly established by Mitsubishi, MUFG Bank (MUBK), and Pavilion Private Equity (PPE). With an initial closing of $400 million in capital commitments from investors, MIP […]
New Japan Cosmetic Industry Association Aims to Strengthen and Transform Cosmetic Industry
The Japan Cosmetic Industry Association (JCIA), chaired by Masahiko Uotani, CEO of Shiseido, was established on April 1, 2023, as a result of the integration of the Japan Cosmetic Industry Federation, the Tokyo Cosmetic Industry Association, the Chubu Cosmetic Industry Association, and the West Japan Cosmetic Industry Association. The JCIA aims to promote the sound development of the cosmetic industry […]
Japan Grants First Level 4 Autonomous Vehicle Approval
Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) have announced the country’s first approval for a Level 4 autonomous vehicle system. The approval, granted on March 30, is part of the RoAD to the L4 project, a joint initiative aimed at developing advanced mobility services. The project, launched in 2021, […]
Japan Launches Ouranos Initiative for Cross-Border Data Sharing and Collaboration
Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI), in collaboration with the Information Processing Promotion Agency (IPA), the Digital Architecture Design Center (DADC), and the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), has announced the “Ouranos Ecosystem” initiative. This project aims to design, research, develop, and promote the adoption of architecture for seamless collaboration between various information processing systems […]
Japan Expands Investment Opportunities for Limited Partnership Funds
In a recent press release, the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has shed light on investment opportunities in security tokens and blockchain-based assets for Limited Partnership Funds (LPS). The new clarifications will enable LPS to expand their investment options and potentially boost the growth of digital assets in Japan. Security Tokens under the Financial Instruments and Exchange […]
JAMA Releases 2022 Standard Truck Market Trend Survey
The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) recently published the results of its biennial “Standard Truck Market Trend Survey” for fiscal 2022. The survey aims to provide a chronological overview of heavy-duty truck ownership, purchase, and usage patterns, as well as changes in transportation needs, responses, and the market environment surrounding the logistics industry. In contrast to the previous shipper survey […]
Spectee and NTT Business Solutions Launch New Disaster Prevention DX Service
Disaster prevention tech venture Spectee has announced a partnership with NTT Business Solutions to launch a new disaster prevention DX service, “Spectee Pro for elgana,” starting April 20, 2023. The service aims to enable quick and efficient information gathering and sharing during disasters by combining Spectee’s AI real-time crisis management service, “Spectee Pro,” with NTT Business Solutions’ business chat app, […]
JAMA Releases 2022 Small & Light Truck Market Trend Survey
The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) recently conducted a survey to understand the trends and challenges in the small and light truck market for fiscal 2022. This annual survey aims to examine the changes in ownership, purchase, and usage patterns of these vehicles and identify future market trends. The 2023 edition also focused on the impact of social and environmental […]
JETRO Announces Open Call for 2023 Export Business Subsidies for SMEs
The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) announced on April 19 a wide-ranging call for applications for indirect subsidy providers to participate in the “Export Business Model Research and Demonstration Project Subsidies for Medium-sized and Small Enterprises.” This initiative aims to construct new business models by private-sector operators to support the export of Japanese medium-sized and small enterprises. The project’s primary […]
Latest News
- Tosoh Compatibilizer Adopted as Recycling Aid for Kao Products May. 26, 2023Tosoh said it has developed Mersen S, an effective compatibilizer for material recycling of composite plastics such as multilayer films. The product is a special EVA resin with excellent compatibility with a wide range of resins and is used as a recycling aid for composite films. In an initiative with Kao Corporation, a major consumer […]
- Market Report: Rubber Sheets Showing Signs of Recovery in January-March May. 25, 2023Shipment volume of rubber sheets (plates) may be showing signs of recovery: after falling 10.2% year-on-year in 2022 according to data compiled by the Japan Rubber Manufacturers Association, shipments turned positive in the January-March period of 2023, rising 1.6% year-on-year to 4,242 tons. Although automobile production did not fully recover in 2022 and was affected […]
- Bridgestone’s Chemicals and Diversified Products Businesses Raise Profitability in First Quarter May. 24, 2023Bridgestone’s Chemicals & Diversified Products business achieved higher revenues in the first quarter (January-March) of fiscal 2023. In particular, the chemical products business, whose profitability has steadily been improving, and the diversified business in the Americas (pneumatic springs), which is expected to expand into EVs, are showing positive results. The key is seen to be […]
- Mitsubishi Chemical to Launch New Grades of Plant-Based Bioengineering Plastics May. 23, 2023Mitsubishi Chemical has in May begun offering samples of the Durabio plant-derived bioengineering plastics D93 Series, a new grade of Durabio with a higher degree of biomass plasticity. Durabio is a bio-based engineering plastic made from isosorbide, a renewable plant-derived raw material that reduces the consumption of petroleum, a depletable resource, and also contributes to […]
- Sumitomo Riko’s Full Year Sales up 24.2%, Automotive Supplies Strong May. 22, 2023In its business results for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023 (IFRS basis), Sumitomo Riko posted sales of 541.01 billion yen ($3.92 billion), up 21.3% year-on-year; business profit of 17.87 billion yen, up 176.3%; and net income of 6.68 billion yen, compared with a loss of 6.35 billion yen in the previous year. By […]
- Sumitomo Chemical to Withdraw From S-SBR Production in Singapore May. 22, 2023Sumitomo Chemical will withdraw from the production of solution-polymerized styrene-butadiene rubber (S-SBR) in Singapore by the middle of 2024 as part of the company’s restructuring process. The S-SBR plant in Singapore started commercial production in 2014. Its production capacity is 40,000 tons per year. Although the company will withdraw from S-SBR production in Singapore, it […]
- Asahi Kasei Posts 10.8% Growth in Net Sales May. 19, 2023Asahi Kasei reported net sales of 2.72 trillion yen ($19.69 billion), up 10.8% from the previous fiscal year, operating income of 128.352 billion yen, down 36.7%, ordinary income of 121.53 billion yen, down 42.7%, and a net loss of 91.31 billion yen (compared to 161.88 billion yen profit). Sales reached a record high. The environmental […]
- Shin-Etsu Polymer Reports Record High Full Year Sales May. 19, 2023Shin-Etsu Polymer reported a 16.9% year-on-year increase in net sales to 108.28 billion yen ($781.54 million), 31.0% increase in operating income to 12.74 billion yen, 28.2% increase in ordinary income to 12.98 billion yen, and a 35.2% increase in net income to 8.52 billion yen for the year ended March 31, 2023. “In the previous […]
- Organic Rubber Chemicals Production 15,555 Tons in 2022, Down 6.8% From Previous Year May. 18, 2023Last year, the production of rubber chemicals and materials was sluggish due to the automobile production cutbacks caused by the shortage of semiconductors and the difficulty in obtaining various raw materials from overseas and their rising prices, especially since the second half of the year, resulting in a downward trend in rubber chemicals and materials. […]
- NOK Posts Full Year Results, Sales up 4% May. 17, 2023NOK reported net sales of 709.96 billion yen ($5.19 billion), up 4.0% year-on-year, operating income of 15.37 billion yen, down 50.9%, ordinary income of 26.55 billion yen, down 42.5%, and net income of 13.32 billion yen, down 48.4%, for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2023. By segment, the sealing business posted sales of 347.06 […]
Hitachi Astemo Develops Autonomous Driving Technology for Safe Navigation on Narrow Roads May. 26, 2023. - Hitachi Astemo has unveiled a new autonomous driving technology that uses 3D sensing to ensure safe and smooth navigation past oncoming vehicles on narrow roads and similar challenging situations. The company plans to enhance its cost competitiveness through the utilization of 3D sensing data captured by novel stereo cameras that offer improved cost benefits. The demand for autonomous driving solutions […]
Denso Launches Pilot Program to Eliminate CO2 Emissions May. 24, 2023. - Denso has launched a new pilot program at its Nishio Plant in Japan as part of its ongoing efforts to completely eradicate CO2 emissions from its facilities. For several years, Denso has been focusing on the maximization of its Two Great Causes: Green and Peace of Mind. These principles are embedded within the company’s long-term policy for 2030, which is […]
Komatsu and Toyota to Develop Autonomous Light Vehicle for Mining Operations May. 22, 2023. - Komatsu and Toyota have announced a joint venture to create an Autonomous Light Vehicle (ALV) that will integrate with Komatsu’s Autonomous Haulage System (AHS). The project aims to bolster safety and increase productivity in mining operations through advanced autonomous technologies. The ALV is currently undergoing testing at the companies’ proving grounds, and the partnership plans to have a proof of […]
Hitachi and Toshiba to Build Next-generation High Speed Trains for Taiwan May. 19, 2023. - The Hitachi Toshiba Supreme Consortium (HTSC), consisting of Hitachi, Toshiba and Toshiba Infrastructure Systems & Solutions, has been awarded an order by the Taiwan High Speed Rail Corporation (THSRC) to manufacture 12 sets of next-generation high-speed trains. The contract, valued at around 124 billion yen ($900 million), will see the consortium deliver 144 train cars based on the advanced N700S […]
Isuzu and Honda to Develop Fuel Cell-Powered Heavy-Duty Truck May. 18, 2023. - Isuzu Motors and Honda Motor have signed a partnership agreement to develop a fuel cell-powered heavy-duty truck set for release in 2027. Under this agreement, Honda will develop and supply the fuel cell system for Isuzu’s forthcoming truck. The two companies have jointly developed a prototype fuel cell truck that has been licensed for use on public roads in Japan. […]
Fujitsu’s AI Technology Powers Toyota Gazoo Racing’s New Video Analysis System May. 16, 2023. - Fujitsu is supporting the development of Toyota Gazoo Racing’s new video analysis system, using its advanced AI technology. The system made its debut at the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps racing event, held from April 27 to 29 at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium. Fujitsu’s sponsorship of Toyota Gazoo Racing, a participant in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), began […]
New Japan Cosmetic Industry Association Aims to Strengthen and Transform Cosmetic Industry May. 4, 2023. - The Japan Cosmetic Industry Association (JCIA), chaired by Masahiko Uotani, CEO of Shiseido, was established on April 1, 2023, as a result of the integration of the Japan Cosmetic Industry Federation, the Tokyo Cosmetic Industry Association, the Chubu Cosmetic Industry Association, and the West Japan Cosmetic Industry Association. The JCIA aims to promote the sound development of the cosmetic industry […]
Japan Launches Ouranos Initiative for Cross-Border Data Sharing and Collaboration May. 1, 2023. - Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI), in collaboration with the Information Processing Promotion Agency (IPA), the Digital Architecture Design Center (DADC), and the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), has announced the “Ouranos Ecosystem” initiative. This project aims to design, research, develop, and promote the adoption of architecture for seamless collaboration between various information processing systems […]
Japan Expands Investment Opportunities for Limited Partnership Funds Apr. 28, 2023. - In a recent press release, the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) has shed light on investment opportunities in security tokens and blockchain-based assets for Limited Partnership Funds (LPS). The new clarifications will enable LPS to expand their investment options and potentially boost the growth of digital assets in Japan. Security Tokens under the Financial Instruments and Exchange […]
JAMA Releases 2022 Standard Truck Market Trend Survey Apr. 27, 2023. - The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) recently published the results of its biennial “Standard Truck Market Trend Survey” for fiscal 2022. The survey aims to provide a chronological overview of heavy-duty truck ownership, purchase, and usage patterns, as well as changes in transportation needs, responses, and the market environment surrounding the logistics industry. In contrast to the previous shipper survey […]
JAMA Releases 2022 Small & Light Truck Market Trend Survey Apr. 25, 2023. - The Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) recently conducted a survey to understand the trends and challenges in the small and light truck market for fiscal 2022. This annual survey aims to examine the changes in ownership, purchase, and usage patterns of these vehicles and identify future market trends. The 2023 edition also focused on the impact of social and environmental […]
JETRO Announces Open Call for 2023 Export Business Subsidies for SMEs Apr. 24, 2023. - The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) announced on April 19 a wide-ranging call for applications for indirect subsidy providers to participate in the “Export Business Model Research and Demonstration Project Subsidies for Medium-sized and Small Enterprises.” This initiative aims to construct new business models by private-sector operators to support the export of Japanese medium-sized and small enterprises. The project’s primary […]
Insight:
Japan’s Political System
Japan is a large and firmly established democracy in form of a constitutional monarchy in Asia. Learn more
Insight:
Japan’s Chemical Industry
People often do not realize that almost everything they touch in daily life originates in the chemical industry. The Japanese chemical industry is the third largest in the world. And it is the second largest manufacturing industry in Japan. Learn more
Insight:
Japan’s Automotive Industry
Japan is one of the most important auto-making countries in the world. Brands like Toyota, Honda or Suzuki are household names worldwide. Learn more
Insight:
Japan’s Machinery Industry
Japan has one of the most important industrial machinery industries in the world. It is home to a broad range of famous brands, globally renowned for their history and high quality. Learn more
Insight:
Japan’s Rubber Industry
Tires, cars, or buildings: Modern life is unthinkable without rubber. And Japan boasts one of the most developed rubber industries worldwide. Learn more
Insight:
Japan’s Newspaper Structure
Most people in the West are familiar with 3-tiered newspaper structures. Japan’s 5-tier system is more differentiated. Learn more
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