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Japan’s Official Land Prices Rise for Fifth Straight Year

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TOKYO, Mar 17 (News On Japan) –
Japan’s nationwide common land costs throughout all makes use of rose for the fifth consecutive yr as of January 1st, 2026, reflecting a gradual financial restoration, in response to knowledge launched by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism.

The total enhance reached 2.8%, exceeding the earlier yr’s development charge amid continued enchancment in financial circumstances.

Residential land costs confirmed robust good points in central Tokyo, the place demand for condominiums in main city areas remained excessive, whereas some regional cities noticed restrained shopping for on account of rising development prices and land costs, leaving the nationwide common largely flat at 2.1%.

Commercial land costs, in the meantime, posted stronger development, with the nationwide common rising 4.3%, pushed by rising inbound tourism that boosted demand for motels and retail areas, in addition to continued growth of semiconductor-related services that supported demand for workplace house.

The highest land worth within the nation was recorded on the Yamano Music Ginza Main Store in Tokyo’s Chuo Ward, marking the twentieth consecutive yr the placement has topped the rankings.

Source: テレ東BIZ

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Geo Energy’s MBJ Infrastructure Reaches 80% Completion, Poised for 2026 Operations – Japan Industry News

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Geo Energy Resources Limited has introduced that its MBJ Integrated Infrastructure venture has reached 80% completion, with full operational readiness anticipated by early third quarter 2026. The venture, which features a 92-kilometer hauling highway and jetty in South Sumatera, is on observe for completion by June or July 2026.

Truck hauling trials are set to start in April 2026, following agreements with PT Citra Andalan Mobilindo Cemerlang and China North Vehicle Corporation Limited. These trials will assess varied operational parameters, guaranteeing the infrastructure’s readiness for full-scale operations.

The firm has secured two binding time period sheets with third-party coal producers for an combination haulage quantity of 9 million tonnes each year. This transfer is a part of Geo Energy’s technique to determine a brand new, recurring toll-based income stream from the MBJ infrastructure.

At full capability, the MBJ venture is anticipated to deal with round 50 million tonnes of haulage each year, doubtlessly producing as much as a further $300 million in EBITDA yearly for Geo Energy.

In parallel, the corporate has set a coal manufacturing goal of 11.5 to 12.5 million tonnes for 2026, topic to approvals from the Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources. The current surge in ICI4 coal costs to $59.97 per tonne as of March 13, 2026, might considerably enhance the corporate’s earnings, doubtlessly producing between $170 million and $200 million in EBITDA from coal gross sales alone.

Geo Energy’s Executive Chairman and CEO, Charles Antonny Melati, highlighted the strategic significance of the MBJ infrastructure, noting its potential to considerably improve the corporate’s monetary efficiency and help its long-term progress imaginative and prescient.

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Taiwan detects 28 Chinese sorties round itself

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Taipei [Taiwan], March 17 (ANI): Taiwan’s Ministry of National Defense detected the presence of 28 sorties of Chinese navy plane as of 08:01 am (native time) on Tuesday.

As per the MND, of the 28, 21 crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered the northern, central, southwestern and jap half ADIZ.

In a put up on X, the MND mentioned, ‘Overall 28 sorties of PLA plane in varied sorts (together with J-10, J-16, KJ-500, and so on.) detected from 0801hr immediately. 21 out of 28 sorties crossed the median line of the Taiwan Strait and entered the northern, central, southwestern and jap half ADIZ in conducting air-sea joint coaching together with different PLAN vessels. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the scenario and responded accordingly.’

https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/2033796762658599321?s=20

Earlier within the day, Taiwan detected the presence of two Chinese navy plane, eight Chinese naval vessels and an official ship working round itself. Both sorties entered Taiwan’s southwestern half ADIZ.

In a put up on X, it mentioned, ‘2 PLA plane, 8 PLAN vessels and 1 official ship working round Taiwan detected up till 6 a.m. (UTC+8) immediately. 2 out of two sorties entered Taiwan’s southwestern half ADIZ. ROC Armed Forces have monitored the scenario and responded.’

https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/2033709909464723554?s=20

China’s declare over Taiwan is a posh problem rooted in historic, political, and authorized arguments. Beijing asserts that Taiwan is an inseparable a part of China, a viewpoint embedded in nationwide coverage and upheld by home legal guidelines and worldwide statements.

Taiwan, nonetheless, maintains a definite id, functioning independently with its personal authorities, navy, and economic system. Taiwan’s standing stays a major level of worldwide debate, testing the rules of sovereignty, self-determination, and non-interference in worldwide regulation, as per the United Service Institution of India.

China’s declare to Taiwan originates from the Qing Dynasty’s annexation of the island in 1683 after defeating Ming loyalist Koxinga. However, Taiwan remained a peripheral area below restricted Qing management. The key shift got here in 1895, when the Qing ceded Taiwan to Japan after the First Sino-Japanese War, marking Taiwan as a Japanese colony for 50 years. After Japan’s defeat in World War II, Taiwan was returned to Chinese management, however the sovereignty switch was not formalised.

In 1949, the Chinese Civil War resulted within the institution of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) on the mainland, whereas the Republic of China (ROC) retreated to Taiwan, asserting its declare to manipulate all of China. This led to twin sovereignty claims: the PRC over the mainland and the ROC over Taiwan. Taiwan has operated as a de facto impartial state however has prevented declaring formal independence to forestall navy battle with the PRC, United Service Institution of India states. (ANI)

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Japan Launches First Personal iPS Cell Storage Service

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TOKYO, Mar 17 (News On Japan) –
A brand new service enabling people to protect their very own cells for future medical therapy is ready to launch in Japan, marking the nation’s first providing of long-term iPS cell storage for private use.

Teijin Regenet, a regenerative medication firm below the Teijin Group, introduced that it’s going to start a brand new service known as Bio Resource Reserve (BRR), which can manufacture and retailer induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells.

The service entails creating iPS cells from somatic cells present in a buyer’s blood and preserving them below ultra-low temperatures to allow them to be utilized in future therapies or surgical procedures if sickness happens. The mission will likely be operated collectively with life sciences firm iPS Portal.

Cell high quality is believed to say no with age, and the corporate says that producing iPS cells whereas people are nonetheless younger and wholesome might present benefits in future medical therapies.

The value is anticipated to exceed 10 million yen, making it a high-priced service.

This is the primary service of its form in Japan focusing on particular person clients, with functions set to open on April 1st.

Source: FNN

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Hong Kong Film and TV Market Expands Global Reach in thirtieth Edition – Japan Industry News

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The thirtieth Hong Kong International Film and TV Market (FILMART) commenced on March 17, 2026, on the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre, gathering business leaders to showcase productions and applied sciences whereas discussing worldwide market developments.

Organized by the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), FILMART options over 790 exhibitors from 38 nations and areas, marking a document excessive in worldwide participation. Emerging markets comparable to Belgium, Myanmar, Poland, Sri Lanka, and Uzbekistan are collaborating for the primary time.

The occasion is a part of the broader Entertainment Expo Hong Kong, which incorporates eight main leisure occasions. The opening ceremony was officiated by key figures comparable to Chan Kwok Ki, Chief Secretary for Administration of HKSAR, and Rosanna Law, Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism of HKSAR.

Exhibitors from the Chinese Mainland, together with Tencent Video, Bilibili, iQIYI, and Youku, are leveraging FILMART to increase their presence abroad. Hong Kong firms like Sil-Metropole Organisation and Mei Ah Entertainment are showcasing productions utilizing digital actuality and AI.

FILMART additionally hosts Producers Connect, which facilitates cross-regional co-production alternatives by bringing collectively over 100 producers from Hong Kong and overseas. A devoted discussion board on worldwide co-productions will characteristic business consultants like Peter Chan and Janet Yang.

The AI Hub, launched final 12 months, returns with an expanded presence, that includes firms like Alibaba Cloud and MiniMax. The AI Academy, supported by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, gives workshops on AI purposes in filmmaking.

EntertainmentPulse, held alongside FILMART, addresses key business points comparable to world alternatives for brief dramas and movie financing. Industry leaders, together with Justin Deimen of Goldfinch International, will focus on financing methods within the Asian movie business.

The Hong Kong – Asia Film Financing Forum (HAF) runs concurrently, that includes 42 movie initiatives from 22 nations, offering a platform for business alternate and collaboration.

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Solar Panels Spread Across Fukushima Nuclear Disaster Areas

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FUKUSHIMA, Mar 12 (News On Japan) –
More than a decade after the nuclear catastrophe pressured all residents of Futaba in Fukushima Prefecture to evacuate, photo voltaic panels are actually spreading throughout the city, creating each alternatives and unease as reconstruction tax incentives appeal to vitality initiatives to the world.

Futaba was completely evacuated following the accident on the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear energy plant, and it took 11 years earlier than residents had been in a position to start returning. Although the city has solely simply began transferring ahead with its reconstruction, massive photo voltaic panel installations have begun showing in scattered places throughout the group.

These photo voltaic initiatives are being promoted partly via tax incentives designed to help reconstruction in areas affected by the catastrophe. However, the system has additionally drawn corporations looking for to cut back their tax burdens, main some residents to query whether or not the coverage is really benefiting the city’s restoration.

Among locals, the sudden unfold of photo voltaic amenities has created a way of discomfort. Some residents say the panels, put in on land that when supported properties, farms, or forests, really feel misplaced in a group nonetheless struggling to rebuild.

At the identical time, landowners face troublesome circumstances. Many properties stay troublesome to make use of as a result of lingering results of the catastrophe, declining populations, and restricted financial alternatives. For some residents, leasing land for photo voltaic initiatives has grow to be one of many few viable methods to generate earnings.

The enlargement of solar energy in Futaba subsequently highlights a sophisticated actuality: whereas renewable vitality initiatives could contribute to Japan’s vitality transition and supply monetary lifelines to landowners, additionally they elevate questions on how reconstruction insurance policies are shaping the way forward for communities nonetheless recovering from one of many nation’s worst disasters.

Source: TBS

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Huge Steel Pipe Breaks Through Osaka Road

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OSAKA, Mar 12 (News On Japan) –
A large metal pipe buried underground all of a sudden protruded from the bottom in Osaka’s Umeda district on March eleventh, prompting ongoing street closures and emergency response efforts as authorities think about reducing the uncovered part.

By the morning after the incident, restoration work had continued by way of the evening till round 5 a.m., however roughly 1.5 meters of the pipe remained sticking above the floor. Traffic restrictions are nonetheless in place across the website, stopping autos from passing by way of the realm.

According to the Osaka City Construction Bureau, crews labored in a single day injecting liquid across the pipe to stabilize the encircling floor. However, officers say it has confirmed troublesome to push the pipe additional again underground, and they’re now contemplating reducing off the portion that is still above the floor.

The location of the incident is straight away east of Hankyu’s Osaka-Umeda Station, a busy industrial district stuffed with buying malls and eating places the place giant numbers of individuals cross by way of day by day. Above the affected space runs Shin-Midosuji, a significant north–south artery connecting central Osaka with the Hokusetsu area. The street additionally leads towards Shin-Osaka Station.

At round 6:50 a.m. on March eleventh, a person passing by found the pipe protruding from the bottom and referred to as police, reporting that “concrete was falling.” Police and metropolis officers later confirmed {that a} metal pipe measuring about 27 meters in size and roughly 3.5 meters in diameter had pushed about 13 meters above the bottom. No accidents have been reported.

A lady who witnessed the scene stated, “I was surprised. I thought, what is this?”

Video filmed by the person who reported the incident captured the dramatic second as water sprayed forcefully across the pipe with a loud noise.

The man who made the report stated, “I was walking to work when I heard a loud booming sound from ahead. I thought maybe it was an accident, but when I looked closer, pieces of concrete were falling from above.”

Construction work had been underway on the website as a part of a sewer challenge designed to create amenities to retailer rainwater and forestall flooding round Osaka Station. Two days earlier, staff had been draining groundwater from the pipe.

According to the Osaka City Construction Bureau, buoyancy might have precipitated the pipe to rise through the building work, although the precise trigger stays underneath investigation.

Heavy congestion was reported throughout the realm following the incident. Shin-Midosuji, which runs instantly above the positioning, serves as considered one of Osaka’s fundamental transportation arteries linking town heart with Shin-Osaka and Senri New Town.

Footage from March eleventh confirmed extreme visitors jams on the southbound lanes heading from Shin-Osaka towards central Osaka. One taxi driver stated a visit that usually takes about half-hour took almost 4 hours.

Although visitors heading towards Shin-Osaka appeared considerably lighter, your complete Umeda space close to the entrances to Shin-Midosuji skilled vital congestion. One traveler reported {that a} taxi journey from Tenma to Shin-Osaka took almost an hour.

Partial street closures on Shin-Midosuji stay in impact as of the morning of March twelfth and are anticipated to proceed all through the day, elevating issues about additional disruptions.

Authorities are advising commuters to make use of trains at any time when potential when touring by way of the realm.

Source: YOMIURI

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Japan’s Young Doctors Flocking to Cosmetic Medicine

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OSAKA, Mar 12 (News On Japan) –
The variety of younger docs coming into beauty drugs instantly after finishing their preliminary medical coaching is quickly growing in Japan, elevating considerations throughout the healthcare business about the way forward for medical care and the coaching of physicians.

These docs are referred to as “chokubi,” referring to physicians who transfer instantly into beauty drugs after ending their two-year preliminary residency, with out gaining expertise in insured medical fields similar to inside drugs or surgical procedure. The pattern has been pushed partially by the tough working circumstances of hospital-based medical care and the upper earnings accessible in non-public beauty clinics.

At the identical time, some healthcare professionals warn that the shift might go away gaps in fundamental medical coaching and lift questions on how docs will reply if problems happen. If the variety of physicians specializing in beauty drugs continues to develop, there are fears that sufferers dealing with life-threatening circumstances might wrestle to obtain well timed remedy.

Fujisawa, who now serves as director of a beauty clinic in Kobe, beforehand labored as a pediatric surgeon at a college hospital a few decade in the past. Although the work of saving youngsters’s lives was rewarding, the scarcity of docs within the area meant the burden on every doctor was heavy.

In emergency conditions, Fujisawa generally labored shifts exceeding 30 hours. While he managed the workload in his youthful years, he finally started to fret about sustaining such a life-style over the long run. In his eighth 12 months as a health care provider, in his thirties, he determined to change careers and transfer into beauty surgical procedure.

The transfer introduced main modifications to his work and private life. Cosmetic drugs provided larger pay and predictable working hours, permitting him to spend extra time together with his household. Fujisawa says the surgical abilities he developed throughout his years in pediatric surgical procedure stay an necessary basis in his present work.

Meanwhile, physicians working in hospital-based drugs proceed to face demanding circumstances. At Hyogo Prefectural Amagasaki General Medical Center, about 30 docs work within the cardiology division, treating sufferers with coronary heart illness and responding to emergency instances across the clock.

Doctors there deal with each hospitalized sufferers and emergency arrivals 24 hours a day, twelve months a 12 months, usually working in a single day shifts about six instances a month. Because cardiovascular remedy requires teamwork, a number of physicians should coordinate intently to deal with every affected person.

With restricted employees, the workload positioned on every physician can develop into overwhelming. Some physicians say that after working hours stretch too far, even larger salaries can’t compensate for the shortage of time to spend on private life.

Becoming a health care provider in Japan requires graduating from medical faculty, passing the nationwide medical licensing examination, and finishing two years of preliminary residency throughout a number of specialties. Afterward, physicians sometimes select a specialty similar to inside drugs or surgical procedure and bear additional coaching.

In current years, nonetheless, extra docs have chosen to enter beauty drugs instantly after their preliminary residency.

According to the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the variety of such docs has elevated roughly tenfold over the previous decade.

Ishida Taro, director of a beauty clinic in Tokyo, is a type of docs who entered the sector instantly after his residency. He says hierarchical methods at college hospitals generally restrict alternatives for youthful docs to carry out surgical procedures, with many spending lengthy durations helping senior physicians with out gaining hands-on expertise.

Ishida initially entered medical faculty with goals of changing into a pediatrician like his father, who runs an inside drugs clinic. However, observing the extraordinary working circumstances of senior docs throughout his coaching led him to rethink his path. The considerably larger salaries in beauty drugs additionally performed a task in his resolution.

Hospital docs might earn round 4.5 million yen yearly, he says, whereas giant beauty clinics can supply beginning salaries of round 25 million yen, even for brand new physicians.

The distinction stems from how medical charges are decided. In insured medical remedy, which covers most sicknesses, the federal government units the costs for procedures. Cosmetic drugs, in contrast, is classed as non-public follow, permitting docs and clinics to set their very own charges. As a consequence, revenue margins—and docs’ incomes—are usually larger.

However, some physicians working in insured medical care specific concern concerning the pattern. They query whether or not docs who transfer instantly into beauty drugs have acquired ample fundamental medical abilities and the way they’d deal with critical problems in the event that they happen.

Ultimately, the best threat, they are saying, falls on sufferers.

At the identical time, Ishida argues that merely criticizing the pattern is not going to remedy the issue. If the working circumstances and compensation in insured medical care stay tough, younger docs will proceed to decide on various paths.

In response to those challenges, some hospitals are introducing reforms geared toward enhancing docs’ working environments.

Kobe University Hospital has begun implementing “task shifting,” a system that transfers sure duties historically dealt with by docs to different medical professionals. Clinical laboratory technologists, for instance, now conduct some examination procedures that have been beforehand carried out by physicians.

In the cardiology division, the place round 50 sufferers are hospitalized and greater than 100 are handled together with outpatients, docs had struggled to handle the heavy workload of examinations, paperwork, and affected person care.

By delegating duties similar to electrocardiogram testing and different examinations to specialised employees, docs are in a position to focus extra on prognosis and remedy.

The modifications have additionally introduced advantages for sufferers. Doctors say they now have extra time to talk with sufferers and focus on remedy, enhancing the standard of care.

Taniguchi, a heart specialist with greater than 20 years of expertise, says enhancing work-life steadiness within the medical area is important if hospitals hope to draw younger docs.

Although the job is bodily demanding, Taniguchi says the second when a affected person who arrived in vital situation walks out of the hospital wholesome once more stays deeply rewarding.

He hopes youthful docs will have the ability to expertise that sense of success as nicely.

If the variety of physicians selecting beauty drugs continues to develop, some warn that emergency care might develop into tougher to entry when lives are on the road. The rise of “chokubi” docs has uncovered deeper contradictions throughout the healthcare system—one wherein dedication alone can’t maintain the workforce.

Improving working circumstances and creating an setting the place docs need to proceed working towards insured medical care has develop into an pressing problem for Japan’s healthcare system.

Source: YOMIURI

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Monks Protest Shinkansen Route

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OSAKA, Mar 12 (News On Japan) –
A fierce debate has erupted in western Japan over plans to increase the Hokuriku Shinkansen from Tsuruga in Fukui Prefecture to Shin-Osaka, as competing route proposals, political rivalries, and native opposition have thrown the decades-long mission again into uncertainty.

The Hokuriku Shinkansen at the moment runs from Tokyo via Kanazawa and is deliberate to finally attain Shin-Osaka, with the extension from Tsuruga forming a vital section of that imaginative and prescient. The unique plan dates again to 1973 below the administration of Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka, who argued that improved transportation infrastructure was important to elevating nationwide revenue.

After roughly 40 years of debate, a route operating from Obama in Fukui Prefecture via Kyoto—the so-called Obama–Kyoto route—was chosen in 2016, largely because of its anticipated comfort and connectivity. However, the difficulty has not too long ago been reopened, with the ruling coalition’s mission committee, fashioned by the Liberal Democratic Party and Nippon Ishin no Kai, agreeing to evaluate eight potential route choices.

Among the alternate options into consideration are routes linking the road with the Tokaido Shinkansen at Maibara Station and routes operating alongside the western aspect of Lake Biwa. The committee hopes to slim the choices to a single route through the present Diet session earlier than July.

The renewed debate was triggered partly by rising opposition inside Kyoto, notably from the Kyoto Buddhist Association. Buddhist monks have staged protests carrying banners declaring the mission a “millennium mistake,” warning that the Obama–Kyoto route, which might run via tunnels beneath Kyoto metropolis, may harm underground water methods very important to the area.

More than 39,000 signatures opposing the mission have already been collected, with organizers planning to submit the petition to the nationwide authorities. Opponents argue that altering underground water flows may have severe penalties for Kyoto’s cultural heritage and industries that depend on pure water sources.

“If we stay silent now, the impact could reach our grandchildren 50 years from now,” one monk stated, stressing the significance of defending Kyoto’s setting and traditions.

Rising building prices have additional difficult the difficulty. Inflation and different components have pushed estimated bills far past preliminary projections, with the full doubtlessly reaching as a lot as 5.3 trillion yen.

Political developments have additionally reignited the talk. In final yr’s House of Councillors election in Kyoto, a candidate from Nippon Ishin no Kai who campaigned on reconsidering the Obama–Kyoto route gained the highest spot, defeating Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker Shoji Nishida, a powerful supporter of the route.

Nishida maintains that the Obama–Kyoto route stays the simplest possibility, arguing {that a} direct line linking the Sea of Japan aspect with Kyoto would guarantee an entire and environment friendly community. He additionally prompt that persistent opposition in Kyoto has contributed considerably to delays within the mission.

Others within the ruling coalition, nevertheless, insist that limiting dialogue to a single route would ignore the need of voters and the necessity for a good analysis of alternate options.

While politicians debate, a number of municipalities have renewed efforts to draw the path to their areas. Kameoka City, positioned subsequent to Kyoto, has revived its long-standing proposal for a route passing via the realm. City officers argue that the Kameoka route may shorten the space, cut back building prices, and permit the mission to proceed extra shortly.

Mayor Katsunori Taniguchi stated town plans to reinstall promotional signage supporting the route, including, “We believe the Kameoka route is the number one option.”

Further north, Maizuru City on the Sea of Japan coast has additionally stepped up its marketing campaign. Two of the proposed routes would move via town, and native leaders see the mission as a possibility to strengthen regional infrastructure.

Maizuru hosts the one Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force base on the Sea of Japan aspect and likewise homes a regional coast guard headquarters. City officers argue {that a} Shinkansen connection would enhance transportation capability throughout disasters or emergencies, together with a possible Nankai Trough earthquake.

As competitors between areas intensifies, the talk has grown more and more heated, elevating questions on whether or not the long-delayed mission can lastly transfer ahead.

Journalist Koji Hara, who has been carefully following the difficulty, stated the Obama–Kyoto route nonetheless deserves severe consideration due to its comparatively direct alignment and potential to regulate building prices.

However, Hara additionally confused that political and regional pursuits have performed a big function in prolonging the dispute.

“There are likely many interests involved,” he stated. “But regardless of that, the most important thing is to decide quickly, build it quickly, and make effective use of it.”

More than half a century after the mission was first proposed, the Hokuriku Shinkansen extension to Osaka stays unresolved, leaving many to wonder if the road will ever attain its meant vacation spot.

Source: KTV NEWS

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Nissan, Uber to Collaborate on Autonomous Driving

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TOKYO, Mar 12 (News On Japan) –
Nissan Motor, U.S. ride-hailing large Uber Technologies, and autonomous driving developer Wayve introduced on March twelfth that they may collaborate on a self-driving taxi enterprise.

The corporations plan to equip autos based mostly on Nissan’s electrical automotive Leaf with an AI-powered autonomous driving system developed by Wayve, permitting the autos for use by Uber’s ride-hailing app.

The three corporations purpose to start trial operations in Tokyo within the second half of 2026.

Source: テレ東BIZ

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