SoftBank subsidiary SAIMEMORY partners with Intel to develop ZAM (Z-Angle Memory), a next-generation memory technology targeting 2-3x the capacity of HBM at half the power consumption. Discover how this revolutionary vertical stacking architecture aims to disrupt the Korean-dominated AI memory market and revive Japan's semiconductor legacy.

Shimizu Corporation's world-class SEP vessel "BLUE WIND" has arrived in Maizuru, Kyoto. Learn about this massive 142m construction ship with 2,500-ton crane capacity and Japan's offshore wind power development projects.

A 117-year-old Meiji-era prison designated as an Important Cultural Property is being transformed into HOSHINOYA Nara Prison, opening June 25, 2026. Experience luxury rooms created by connecting nine 5㎡ solitary cells, starting at $1,000/night. Discover Japan's first prison hotel.

Singapore startup Flint begins mass production of biodegradable paper batteries. Made from cellulose, decomposing in 6 weeks, with no lithium or cobalt. Pilot programs with Logitech and Amazon underway, AA/AAA formats expected in 2026. Could this be the solution to battery waste?

Discover why Japan's road markings like "STOP" signs aren't painted with regular paint, but created using special thermoplastic resin melted at 180-200°C. Learn about its 3-minute drying time in winter, glass bead reflectivity for night visibility, and the skilled craftsmen who work as "human printers" to apply it.

Japan's National Tax Agency is cracking down on a ¥50 billion real estate tax avoidance scheme used by the wealthy. Following the "tower mansion tax" reforms, new regulations now target rental buildings and real estate investment trusts. Under proposed 2026 tax reforms, investment properties purchased within 5 years of inheritance will be valued at market price. How does your country handle tax avoidance by the wealthy?

UTokyo Matsuo Lab spinoff Akari raises ¥5 billion ($33M) from Mitsubishi Electric, reaching ¥100 billion+ valuation. Learn how this 5-year-old AI startup achieved profitability from day one, partnered with 1,000+ companies, and is building the "next-generation industrial OS" for Japan's manufacturing sector.

Discover how Japanese food giant Ajinomoto dominates the global semiconductor market with its ABF insulating material. Learn the surprising story of how amino acid manufacturing expertise became essential for cutting-edge CPU production.

Japanese startup AirKamuy has developed a cardboard military drone priced at just $2,000—one-tenth the cost of conventional fixed-wing UAVs. The AirKamuy 150 assembles in 5 minutes, flies at 120 km/h for 2 hours, and is attracting attention from Japan's Ministry of Defense and Coast Guard. How is this disruptive innovation reshaping defense technology?

Mitsubishi Electric and Kyoto University have made a world-first discovery: graphite material that heals itself. HOPG's deformation resistance recovered from 41% to 97% within just 7 days. This breakthrough could revolutionize MEMS sensors in smartphones, wearables, and autonomous vehicles. A look at Japan's cutting-edge materials science.

Japan's perovskite solar cell market is projected to surge to nearly $26 billion globally by 2040, with key materials exceeding $9.5 billion. This flexible, lightweight technology invented in Japan could revolutionize renewable energy by enabling installation on walls, windows, and curved surfaces previously impossible for traditional solar panels.

UK aerospace startup Aeralis is developing a modular jet trainer that could succeed Japan's aging T-4 aircraft. With interchangeable components enabling basic to advanced training in one platform, and potential ties to GCAP cooperation, this innovative British design may transform pilot training worldwide.

An estimated 5 billion tons of gold are dissolved in Earth's oceans—20,000 times what humanity has ever mined. IHI's biosorption technology using algae has successfully extracted gold from hot springs and deep-sea vents. Could this breakthrough eventually set a ceiling on gold prices? We examine the science, economics, and challenges.

Bosch's groundbreaking sensors unveiled at CES 2026 are revolutionizing robotics. By combining the BMP585 pressure sensor with IMU technology, robots can now detect even the lightest touch—like a feather brushing against their fingers. Explore the frontier of humanoid robot tactile technology and the MEMS sensor market projected to reach $19.2 billion by 2030. How does your country view robot tactile technology?

Hitachi's Physical AI strategy targets a $140 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.

Mitsui Fudosan announces Japan's first full-electric passenger ferry "Nihonbashi e-LINER" with regular service between Nihonbashi and Toyosu starting April 2026. Zero CO2 emissions, silent operation, and emergency response capabilities define this next-generation urban water transport.

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.

Japan's print book and magazine sales fell below ¥1 trillion for the first time in 50 years. Yet major publishers are posting record profits through digital, IP licensing, and gaming ventures. Crisis or evolution? A deep dive into Japan's publishing transformation with Japanese public reactions.

Explore Fujitsu's groundbreaking explainable AI "Kozuchi XAI" for solar flare impact prediction. Learn how this collaborative research with Nagoya University and JAXA aims to protect astronauts and critical infrastructure from space weather hazards.

Major Chinese restaurant chains are rapidly expanding into Japan. From Haidilao hot pot to Yang Guo Fu malatang to MIXUE's budget drinks, we explore the brands entering Japan, the factors driving expansion including domestic competition and the Japanese Chinese population, and the impact on Japan's food service industry.