Sharp's iconic Sakai LCD factory, once the symbol of "LCD Sharp," is being transformed into one of Asia's largest AI data centers by KDDI and SoftBank. By repurposing the massive power and cooling infrastructure from the ¥430 billion facility, they brought a cutting-edge AI hub online in under a year, a powerful symbol of Japan's industrial transformation in the AI era.
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.
NVIDIA's Vera Rubin, AMD's full Instinct MI400 lineup and Helios rack, and Intel's Core Ultra Series 3 on 18A. What the three companies showed at CES 2026, and how their numbers and strategies diverge from the data center to the AI PC.
The Duolingo English Test introduces "Ear Scan" technology that uses machine learning to detect hidden wireless earbuds and audio devices, helping keep online testing fair for university admissions worldwide.
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.
According to the latest forecast by SEAJ (Semiconductor Equipment Association of Japan), sales of Japanese-made semiconductor manufacturing equipment are projected to reach ¥5.5 trillion in FY2026, up 12% YoY, exceeding ¥5 trillion for the first time in history. Expanding investment in advanced AI semiconductors is driving growth, with Japanese companies like Tokyo Electron expected to gain global market share.
Author Ken Honda cites a ghostwriter charging 50,000 yen, about $350, per letter. Actual Japanese market rates run 1,000 to 5,500 yen, an order of magnitude lower. So what does it say that the price can be argued for at all in the AI era?
JTB Research Institute's 2025 survey reveals 70% of travelers book via smartphone, with generative AI usage surging from 9.7% to 28.8%. Discover how technology is reshaping Japan's travel landscape, from AI trip planning to e-sports tourism.
Japan's Fair Trade Commission launches investigation into unauthorized use of news articles by AI search services. Major newspapers sue Perplexity for copyright infringement. Analysis of antitrust concerns and market dominance issues in generative AI industry.
Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry allocates approximately 300 billion yen for generative AI in its 2026 budget proposal. Supporting domestic AI development with 1 trillion yen over 5 years in partnership with private companies like SoftBank. Also advancing next-generation nuclear reactor development to strengthen Japan's industrial competitiveness.
On December 22, 2025, MEXT presented a plan to a Central Council for Education working group: fold AI and data science fundamentals into Mathematics I, the mandatory high school course, via two new units, and dissolve the Mathematics A/B/C split into a single subject. From the 2032 curriculum, every student takes it, humanities track included.
As generative AI drives data center construction boom, Japan faces severe power supply constraints. Peak power demand from new data centers and chip plants is projected to grow about 13-fold by fiscal 2034. GPU servers consume 10x more power than conventional systems, requiring massive cooling energy. Exploring Japan's infrastructure challenges and solutions.
Philosophy-related skills on LinkedIn increased 6x in 5 years. Learn why global giants like Google and Apple hire in-house philosophers and their crucial role in AI ethics, governance, and corporate compliance in the modern business landscape.
Japan's ¥3 trillion ($20 billion) public-private push for domestic AI is underway. Noetra, a new company founded by SoftBank, NEC, Sony Group, and Honda, has been selected for ¥387.3 billion in government support for fiscal 2026. A look at Japan's bid to build a 1-trillion-parameter foundation model and physical AI.
Japan's new smartphone competition law, effective December 18, 2025, brings major changes to Google Play's billing system. Learn about external payment redirects, third-party payment options, and how these regulations impact both users and developers, along with reactions from Japanese consumers.