As AI demand pushes terrestrial data centers to their limits in power and cooling, a new frontier is opening in orbit. Japan's NTT Group and SKY Perfect JSAT are leading the charge through their joint venture Space Compass, leveraging cutting-edge optical communication technology IOWN. Meanwhile, Google's Project Suncatcher and startup Starcloud are racing to build solar-powered AI infrastructure in space. Explore Japan's unique edge in inter-satellite optical communications and the future of orbital computing.
Osaka University spinoff Reimei has launched the world's first corporate clinical trial of a corneal epithelial cell sheet made from donor-derived iPS cells. Learn how this breakthrough could solve the global corneal donor shortage, restore vision for millions, and where Japan's regenerative medicine regulation stands versus the US FDA.
Auto mechanics in Japan now earn more than general office workers — a historic reversal driven by severe labor shortages. As blue-collar wages surge while white-collar pay stagnates, Japan's traditional belief that "university degree = desk job = higher income" is being challenged. We compare this shift with similar trends in the US and Germany.
Japan Fintech Week 2026 kicks off in Tokyo. From Japan's first deposit-backed stablecoin to SBI's $65M blockchain bond with XRP rewards, plus crypto regulation reform and digital yen developments — here's what's shaping Japan's financial future.
Canon is launching its first new KrF lithography system in 14 years, boosting throughput by 30% to challenge ASML's dominance. With a global NAND shortage creating opportunity and a $330 million factory expansion underway, Canon's multi-front strategy, including nanoimprint lithography and ArF dry re-entry, signals Japan's semiconductor equipment counterattack.
Japan's shadow banking sector is sending warning signals. With nonbank financial risks growing, real estate lending surpassing $730 billion, and credit risks shifting under BOJ rate hikes, we analyze the parallels with China's shadow banking crisis and US commercial real estate risks, plus how Japan's regulators are responding.
The "joints" (actuators) that humanoid robots need over 50 of per unit are the key to industry dominance. These critical components account for up to 60% of manufacturing costs, and two Japanese companies, Harmonic Drive Systems and Nabtesco, dominate the high-precision reducer market, each leading its own reducer type. As the market grows at 80% annually and mega-corporations from the US, China, and Korea enter the race, can Japan defend its "joint hegemony"?
Japan's Ministry of Defense has signed a landmark $1.8 billion contract for a satellite constellation project. A special purpose company "TriSat Constellation," formed by Mitsubishi Electric, SKY Perfect JSAT, and Mitsui, will lead the effort alongside domestic space startups like Synspective and iQPS. A deep dive into Japan's pivotal shift in space defense strategy.
Japan is executing its largest postwar industrial policy shift, committing over ¥10 trillion to semiconductors, achieving its 2% GDP defense target two years early (¥11T), and issuing ¥20 trillion in green transition bonds. From Rapidus's audacious 2nm chip bet to 29 niche companies with dominant global market shares, we break down the full picture — including fierce domestic debate and international reactions. What industries does your country treat as "national strategy"?
Consumer Reports' inaugural Safety Verdict for 2026 names Mazda the safest car brand, beating Volvo, Mercedes, and BMW. Discover what makes this Japanese automaker's safety philosophy unique and why Japanese brands dominate the top 10.
Rakuten and Google have announced Japan's first YouTube Shopping Affiliate partnership, letting viewers buy Rakuten Ichiba products directly from videos. A look at how Japan's largest e-commerce mall and the world's biggest video platform are merging into a new "V-commerce" era, and what it means for creators, shoppers, and online retail.
