French automotive giant Valeo and Japanese test & measurement leader Anritsu have jointly developed a digital twin verification environment for next-generation SDVs. The cloud-based solution eliminates the need for physical vehicles or test tracks, enabling comprehensive virtual testing of connected car systems. Joint demo to debut at MWC 2026.
A Japanese research team has developed a single organic crystal that glows red under UV light and green under near-infrared light. This dual-mode material could transform optical sensing, energy harvesting, and medical imaging. Here's what makes it groundbreaking.
Japanese space startup ALE announces "Starlight Challenge," its third attempt to create the world's first artificial shooting stars after two previous setbacks. Targeting a 2028 space demonstration and commercialization by 2029, this ambitious project blends space entertainment with atmospheric science research.
Japan's semiconductor giant Renesas Electronics reported a ¥51.7 billion net loss for FY2025—its first red ink in six years. Triggered by Wolfspeed's bankruptcy causing a $1.6 billion write-down, sluggish automotive demand, and a slow pivot to AI chips, the results raise questions about Japan's semiconductor strategy. We analyze what went wrong and what comes next.
Japanese semiconductor equipment makers are expanding their global presence amid the AI chip boom. Tokyo Electron dominates coater/developers with 90%+ share, SCREEN leads wafer cleaning, and Advantest tops semiconductor testing. We analyze how Japanese firms leverage precision manufacturing to thrive in a market projected to reach $156 billion by 2027—and the challenges they face from US and European rivals.
Kyoto-based precision instrument maker HORIBA has acquired Indian startup Pristine Deeptech to accelerate diamond wafer commercialization. Diamond is called the "ultimate semiconductor material" with properties far surpassing silicon. Learn about HORIBA's strategy to build an R&D hub in India for next-generation power semiconductors and quantum sensors.
Nagano-based IT company TOSYS has launched Japan's first commercial container data center featuring both water-cooling and liquid immersion cooling. Deployable in as little as 3 months, powered by renewable energy, and with plans for perovskite solar panels, this regional initiative is redefining Japan's data center strategy for the AI era.
A 1908 mansion built by Hakodate's wealthiest merchant is reborn as a 3-room heritage hotel. Japan's new "Kazeno Heritage" brand lets guests sleep inside nationally designated cultural properties — and help preserve them.
Japan's miso exports have surged 7x in 30 years, and natto sells for $20 at high-end NYC supermarkets. Driven by the gut health movement, plant-based eating, and top chefs' fascination, traditional Japanese fermented foods are reshaping global dining. Discover the science behind koji mold, Japan's "national fungus", and how a $250+ billion fermented food market is booming worldwide.
Japan's autonomous container ship "Genbu" has begun the world's first commercial operation with both bridge and engine room automation. Built from scratch over three years under the MEGURI2040 project, this AI-powered vessel features automatic route planning, collision avoidance, and self-docking, addressing Japan's critical crew shortage and logistics crisis.
From Ito-Yokado to Parco and Meitetsu Department Store, commercial facilities across Japan are shutting down at an alarming rate. With e-commerce growth, population decline, and aging buildings converging, redevelopment plans remain uncertain. We explore the impact on local economies and what comes next.
