AI and Machine Learning

Japan's hotel industry faces one of the worst labor shortages in the developed world, with over 60% of hotels reporting staff shortages. From AI chatbots and facial recognition check-in to cleaning robots and dynamic pricing, Japanese hotels are turning to technology as a lifeline. Explore real-world cases including the famous Henn na Hotel, which runs 144 rooms with just 7 staff, and the latest generative AI initiatives backed by Japan's tourism agency.

Fujitsu successfully piloted its LLM "Takane" with a Japanese central government agency, automatically classifying and summarizing approximately 120,000 characters of public comment data in about 10 minutes. The company aims to launch a comprehensive generative AI service for policy formulation and legislation by FY2026.

Hitachi's Physical AI strategy targets a roughly $125 billion market by 2030. Learn how Japan's manufacturing giant is using AI to preserve skilled workers' tacit knowledge and address labor shortages in social infrastructure.

Generative AI doubles computing demand every 5.5 months. Far from a 'bubble,' this is a structural transformation of the semiconductor industry. Explore NVIDIA's dominance, Japan's strengths in equipment and materials, and how Rapidus and TSMC Kumamoto are shaping the future of Japanese semiconductors.

Japanese researchers from RIKEN, Nippon Medical School, and Tohoku University developed a breakthrough AI method for cancer prognosis prediction. By incorporating medical knowledge through "intermediate reasoning scores," the system overcomes the dual challenges of institutional and specimen variations, achieving consistent predictions across different hospitals.

Researchers at the University of Tsukuba have developed an AI system that automatically detects whip sounds in horse racing. Using 192kHz high-fidelity audio and deep learning, the technology achieves 70% accuracy with potential for real-time detection, advancing race fairness and animal welfare.

SETI researchers propose revolutionary communication protocols using AI and large language models for extraterrestrial contact. Learn how humanity's first interstellar conversation could happen through AI ambassadors carrying our knowledge across the cosmos.

Kyushu Electric's CEO predicts 20-30% power demand increase by 2034 due to TSMC semiconductor expansion and AI data center growth. Japan's 7th Basic Energy Plan emphasizes renewables and nuclear power to meet surging electricity needs.

ATR, Kyoto University, and AIST have shown a humanoid robot slaloming on a skateboard. How its Cyborg AI works, why the task maps onto disaster response and construction sites, and where the project sits against US and Chinese rivals.