TOKYO, Jan 18 (News On Japan) –
In response to considerations over copyright infringement related to the event and use of generative AI, Japan’s Agency for Cultural Affairs has introduced plans to hunt public feedback throughout January on a draft proposal titled “Perspectives on AI and Copyright.”

This draft was ready by a subcommittee of the Council for Cultural Affairs. With the fast unfold of generative AI use and rising considerations from creators about copyright infringement by way of AI’s information studying and technology processes, the Agency for Cultural Affairs has been discussing what actions utilizing generative AI may represent copyright infringement.

A draft created on January fifteenth outlines Article 30-4 of the Copyright Law, which usually permits the training of copyrighted works by AI with out consent, however contains caveats for instances that “exceed the necessary limits” or “unfairly harm the interests of the copyright holder.” It means that actions similar to concentrating the training course of on particular creators’ works or utilizing information from web sites with search restrictions for studying might doubtlessly infringe on copyright. The Agency for Cultural Affairs intends to conduct a public remark interval on this draft inside January and compile a report by the tip of the fiscal 12 months.

Source: NHK

TOKYO, Jan 18 (News On Japan) –
In an effort to assist younger individuals who could require emergency contraception, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has introduced plans to launch a brand new initiative within the spring of 2024, whereby healthcare professionals, resembling nurses, will accompany people to medical services.

This service is an extension of the present “Tokyo Youth Health Support,” also called “Wakasapo,” which goals to supply session on well being and sexuality points for youngsters from center faculty age and up. Wakasapo has acquired quite a few inquiries from younger folks involved about potential unintended pregnancies. In response to those considerations, the Tokyo authorities has determined to develop its assist for these youths.

Specifically, beginning this spring, nurses and different counselors from Wakasapo will accompany those that have consulted with them and are in want of emergency contraception resulting from contraceptive failure or sexual violence. A consultant from the Tokyo authorities expressed their dedication, stating, “We want to become a safety net for young people, ensuring that no one has to face their worries and anxieties alone.”

Source: NHK

TOKYO, Jan 18 (News On Japan) –
The Nikkei Stock Average has seen a wave of shopping for orders over a variety of shares, with some fearing that overheating has left the market value considerably exceeded the ETF’s benchmark value, resulting in a possible danger for buyers.

Some strategists, nonetheless, are extra optimistic.

Takashi Hiroki, Chief Strategist at Monex Securities, commented, “With Japanese companies shifting from unprofitable ventures to more efficient earning models, this transformation is gradually being recognized by domestic and foreign investors, leading to a reevaluation of Japanese stocks. I think it might rise to around 42,000 yen by the end of the year.”

Daiwa Securities Group President Seiji Nakata forecasts the Nikkei to exceed 40,000 by year-end.

Source: 日経CNBC

TOKYO, Jan 18 (News On Japan) –
Uniqlo has filed a lawsuit in opposition to three corporations, together with the operator of the Chinese trend e-commerce website SHEIN, within the Tokyo District Court for promoting counterfeit shoulder baggage.

The firm is in search of an injunction to halt gross sales and roughly 160 million yen in damages. Uniqlo alleges that the shoulder baggage bought on SHEIN are imitations of its “Round Mini Shoulder Bag,” infringing on the Unfair Competition Prevention Act.

According to Uniqlo, even when the colours and patterns differ, the form of the bag’s physique and strap carefully resembles their product. The firm argues that this considerably undermines the excessive belief of their model and product high quality, therefore demanding a halt to the gross sales of the mentioned objects and in search of roughly 160 million yen in damages.

The firm grew to become conscious of the SHEIN merchandise in query by September final 12 months and had posted warnings to shoppers on its web site. This is the primary time the corporate has taken authorized motion in opposition to the sale of counterfeit items in Japan, and Fast Retailing, which operates Uniqlo, commented, “We will continue to take appropriate measures, including legal action, against any infringement of our group’s intellectual property.”

SHEIN SHEIN is a trend model headquartered in Singapore, based in China in 2008, and sells clothes exterior of China. Unlike different quick trend manufacturers, SHEIN operates an internet retail enterprise with out bodily shops and, in line with the corporate’s web site, sells merchandise in over 150 nations worldwide. By using small and medium-sized attire factories in southern China, akin to Guangdong Province, the corporate sells low-priced items and has garnered assist from younger ladies in international markets, together with the United States.

SHEIN launched a Japanese web site in December 2020 and established a everlasting showroom in Harajuku, Tokyo, in November of the earlier 12 months. With the proliferation of on-line procuring and a surge in app downloads worldwide, the corporate has considerably elevated its gross sales. Foreign media report that from January to September of final 12 months, SHEIN’s gross sales reached $24 billion, or roughly 3.5 trillion yen.

Source: NHK

TOKYO, Jan 18 (News On Japan) –
Tomoko Tamura, a member of the House of Councillors, is ready to take the helm as the primary feminine chief of the Communist Party, elevating questions whether or not the appointment might function a turning level for the celebration, which has seen a stoop in recognition.

The new Chairwoman of the Japanese Communist Party emphasizes the necessity for sweeping societal adjustments and inside celebration reforms to realize dramatic gender equality.

Tamura is especially remembered for her relentless scrutiny of the Abe administration over the “Cherry Blossom Viewing Party.” She criticized the occasion’s cancellation by the Prime Minister’s private determination, labeling it an instance of privatization. The occasion, identified for providing free participation, barrel sake, different alcohols, hors d’oeuvres, sweets, and souvenirs, might probably violate the Public Offices Election Law if funded personally by politicians.

A key expectation for Chairwoman Tamura is to extend celebration membership. The Communist Party faces challenges reminiscent of a decline in proportional illustration votes and a discount within the circulation of its newspaper, the “Shinbun Akahata.” Additionally, the ageing of its members has been cited as a reason for the celebration’s declining fortunes. The earlier chairman, Mr. Kazuo Shii, who served for 23 years and is now 69, confronted requires generational change inside the celebration. Tamura, at 58, represents this new technology.

Tamura, a member of the House of Councillors for the Japanese Communist Party, expresses her dedication to ending the political dominance of the Liberal Democratic Party and spearheading a major political advance for her personal celebration.

Source: ANNnewsCH

TOKYO, Jan 18 (News On Japan) –
In a case the place executives of Japan’s largest scout group, centered in Shinjuku’s Kabukicho district, have been arrested and indicted for significantly injuring a male member, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police have arrested 5 extra members on suspicion of confinement and indecent assault leading to harm.

According to the Metropolitan Police, in February of final 12 months, a 30-year-old male member of the scout group “Natural,” who had violated the group’s guidelines, was confined to an condo room and assaulted, leading to accidents that took six months to heal. The suspects are below suspicion of confinement and indecent assault leading to harm.

Executives of the group have already been arrested and indicted in relation to this case, and whereas the Metropolitan Police have been investigating different members, 5 people voluntarily handed themselves in at a police station on Wednesday and have been arrested.

This group is taken into account to be the most important home scout group in Tokyo, with over 1,000 members, and is suspected of illegally scouting girls in leisure districts throughout the nation, primarily in Kabukicho, and introducing them to intercourse institutions, from which they obtain a portion of the earnings.

The Metropolitan Police are additionally investigating the chance that these revenues might be a supply of funds for organized crime teams, and are working to make clear the precise scenario, together with the circulate of cash. It is reported that each one 5 people are sustaining their silence.

Source: NHK