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 […]
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 […]
MOF Mints Silver Coins to Celebrate Expo 2025 Osaka
The Ministry of Finance (MOF) has announced plans to issue five types of commemorative silver coins to celebrate the upcoming Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan. These limited-edition coins will be released in three installments before the Expo begins, with the first issue being a stunning 1,000-yen silver coin. The beautifully crafted coins will feature a face value of 1,000 yen, […]
Japan Paves Way for Automated Delivery Robots on Public Roads
The logistics industry has been facing significant challenges, including labor shortages. To address this issue, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) in Japan has been working to support the development and introduction of automated delivery robots in society. With the recent revision of the Road Traffic Act, these robots are allowed to operate on public roads starting April […]
Japan’s Industrialization: Key Players and Milestones
Japan’s industrialization in the late 19th and early 20th centuries is a fascinating and remarkable story of a nation that transformed itself from an isolated feudal society into a modern industrial powerhouse. The history of Japan’s industrialization is filled with challenges, determination, and the foresight of visionaries who played a vital role in various development steps. This story delves into […]
Namikata Terminal to Become Clean Energy Hub for Fuel Ammonia
Seven major Japanese companies, including Shikoku Electric Power Company, Taiyo Oil Company, Taiyo Nippon Sanso Company, Mazda Motor Corporation, Mitsubishi Corporation, Namikata Terminal Company, and Mitsubishi Corporation Clean Energy, have formed the “Council for Utilizing Namikata Terminal as a Hub for Introducing Fuel Ammonia.” The Council will explore the possibility of transforming the Namikata Terminal in Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture, […]
NEC Develops World’s First High-Sensitivity Uncooled Infrared Image Sensor Using Carbon Nanotubes
NEC Corporation has announced the development of the world’s first high-sensitivity uncooled infrared image sensor using high-purity semiconducting carbon nanotubes (CNTs). The groundbreaking technology is expected to have practical applications by 2025. Infrared image sensors detect infrared rays emitted by people and objects, even in the dark. This makes them essential for various applications, including night vision for vehicles, aircraft […]
JETRO: An Invaluable Resource for Companies Looking to do Business in Japan
The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) is a non-profit government organization established in 1958 to promote and facilitate trade and investment between Japan and the rest of the world. It is responsible for supporting Japanese businesses and promoting foreign investment in Japan, and it operates offices in over 70 countries worldwide. Services offered to companies interested in doing business in […]
NTT and NEC Partner Up to Promote Decarbonization
Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (NTT) and NEC Corporation have joined forces to reduce the environmental impact of their businesses and promote a decarbonized society. The companies have signed a basic agreement and started collaborating on various initiatives to achieve their goals. Under the agreement, NTT Anode Energy will provide 100% renewable energy to NEC Platforms’ Fukushima Plant, which produces […]
