The auto industry, EVs, batteries, hydrogen and next-generation mobility.
JR Kyushu's new RK System will control trains over public cellular networks starting 2028—a Japan-first approach. How it compares to Europe's ERTMS and America's PTC, and what it means for aging societies everywhere.
JR Central reveals 'Doctor S', the successor to the beloved Doctor Yellow inspection train. Based on the N700S Shinkansen, it will start service in October 2026 and take over track-testing duties from January 2027. Here's why Japan runs dedicated inspection trains and how you might still spot the new yellow logo.
Honda faces its first-ever annual loss since going public in 1957, with up to $15.7 billion in EV-related write-downs. Three flagship EVs cancelled, Sony-Honda AFEELA scrapped, and China sales declining for 25 straight months. We break down the crisis, analyze Honda's hybrid pivot and May 2026 strategy reveal, and share Japanese and global reactions.
An in-depth look at Woven by Toyota, the software subsidiary steering Toyota's transformation. From the Arene platform's debut in the new RAV4 to the $1B Woven City experiment, we analyze how Toyota is fighting Tesla and BYD in the SDV era.
Trump tariffs triggered a massive production shift by Toyota, Honda, Nissan, and Subaru from Japan to the US. With $35 billion in annual tariff costs industry-wide, we explore each maker's strategy, the impact on 5.5 million Japanese jobs, and how this echoes the 1980s trade wars.
DENSO and the University of Tokyo signed a 10-year partnership starting April 2026 centered on Dynamic Wireless Power Transfer (DWPT). Learn how charging EVs while driving could shrink batteries, cut costs, and reshape energy infrastructure — plus how Japan's approach compares to Sweden, Israel, and the US.
Sony Honda Mobility has cancelled its AFEELA EV just months before its planned launch. With Honda posting a record $4.6 billion loss and abandoning its 2040 zero-engine goal, we analyze what went wrong—from Trump's EV policy rollback to BYD's rise—and what it means for Japan's auto industry.
Toyota Group's ¥5.9 trillion ($39B) tender offer for Toyota Industries — the founding company of the Toyota empire — has been completed, making it Japan's largest-ever domestic acquisition. We explore the Elliott Investment standoff, two price hikes, and what this means for Japanese corporate governance reform.
Tokyo conducted Japan's first operational-scenario flight test of the domestic eVTOL 'SKYDRIVE' at Tokyo Big Sight, featuring facial recognition boarding and a mobile vertiport terminal. With Tokyo targeting commercial urban flights by 2030, we compare Japan's progress with US rivals Joby and Archer in the global air taxi race.
Toyota announces mass production of water electrolysis systems by 2029, developed with Chiyoda Corporation. With 5MW domestic and 20MW international units, Toyota bets on hydrogen alongside EVs and hybrids. How Japan's multi-pathway strategy compares to the global EV-first approach.
Honda announces its first-ever net loss since going public, with losses of up to $43 billion from scrapping three North American Honda 0 Series EVs, acquiring LG battery joint venture assets, and writing down Chinese operations. With cumulative losses potentially reaching $157 billion, this signals a seismic shift in Japan's EV strategy. Analysis covers Toyota's hybrid vindication, the failed Nissan merger, executive pay cuts, and what it means for the global auto industry.