KYOTO, Feb 04 (News On Japan) –
Once a thriving canal, Kyoto’s Takase River, which flows by means of the Kiyamachi leisure district in central Kyoto, has accomplished a long-running restoration undertaking after 15 years, reviving a waterway that prospered in the course of the Edo interval as a key hyperlink between town middle and Fushimi.
The river, later immortalized because the setting of Mori Ogai’s novel Takasebune, is a well known vacationer spot, however footage taken in 2010 confirmed sections of the riverbed uncovered after water ranges dropped so sharply that elements of the channel ran dry.
Kyoto City says water started leaking round 2006 from deteriorating stone embankments, inflicting repeated declines in water ranges, with downstream sections from Sanjo Street at one level utterly drying up.
In response, town launched restoration work in 2010, filling gaps within the stonework with concrete and laying protecting sheets alongside the riverbed to stop additional leakage, investing about 11 billion yen in a undertaking that has now restored a gradual movement of water.
The head of an area group lengthy concerned in cleansing and sustaining the river stated stagnant water had triggered algae to rot and produce foul odors, including that his preferrred is to show the Takase River right into a second “Philosopher’s Path.”
Kyoto Mayor Matsui Koji additionally stated he has already seen environmental adjustments following the restoration, stating that white herons have returned and fish are current regardless of comparatively low water ranges, describing the undertaking as a type of Kyoto-style city improvement that preserves custom whereas updating it for the current.
TOKYO, Feb 04 (News On Japan) –
A Thai lady who was 12 on the time arrived in Japan in June final yr and was launched by her mom to a therapeutic massage parlor in Tokyo’s Bunkyo Ward, the place she was illegally made to work and supply sexual providers, with Thai police officers indicating that six individuals, each Japanese and Thai, are suspected of being concerned.
In response to the case, a senior official of Japan’s National Police Agency visited Bangkok, Thailand’s capital, on February third to carry talks with the Thai police deputy commissioner and different officers on measures to fight worldwide human trafficking. The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation, together with sharing data to establish these accountable and enhancing safety for victims.
Ueki Yuriko, head of the Public Morals and Entertainment Business Environment Office on the National Police Agency’s Security Bureau, stated, “Such crimes are absolutely unacceptable, and that is why close cooperation between the police authorities of both countries is extremely important.”
Thai police deputy commissioner Tatchai stated there’s suspicion {that a} complete of six individuals, each Thai and Japanese, have been concerned within the case involving the lady, including that Thai authorities will proceed with the investigation in cooperation with their Japanese counterparts.
TOKYO, Feb 04 (News On Japan) –
From a single {photograph}, AI can now generate a movie-like video in as little as 4 hours, elevating pressing questions on what precautions society ought to take and the way such content material will be detected.
A video posted on social media seems life like at first look however is in reality completely faux, with shut inspection revealing that whereas opposition chief Noda’s head strikes, the shadow behind him stays mounted, together with different unnatural components reminiscent of one other social gathering chief’s head overlapping with on-screen captions.
According to Daisuke Furuta, editor-in-chief of the Japan Fact-Check Center, the variety of manipulated and fabricated pictures and movies created utilizing generative AI has elevated sharply since 2025, posing a rising risk forward of elections.
So how are these AI-generated movies made.
In one instance, former U.S. President Donald Trump is proven singing about world peace, adopted by Russian President Vladimir Putin passionately singing in regards to the worth of life, with each movies completely created utilizing generative AI.
The movies had been produced by AI video creator Taiga Aoyama, who creates and distributes AI-generated movies themed round well-known politicians on YouTube.
“Right now, if you study a little, anyone can create fake images,” Aoyama mentioned, including that that is merely the fact of present expertise.
Aoyama started distributing movies in July 2025, saying he turned his consideration to political figures after seeing on-line pleasure surrounding the House of Councillors election.
“Politicians have a certain level of publicity rights,” he mentioned. “I think it’s wrong to demean them, but if the content helps explain their views or positions in a clearer way, that kind of use could be acceptable.”
Aoyama says he taught himself tips on how to create AI movies by researching on-line, and demonstrated the method utilizing a single {photograph} of reporter Yota Muroya, taken throughout an interview, explaining that only one picture is sufficient to generate a video.
He enters a immediate instructing the AI to create pictures resembling a samurai-style film scene, as if the topic had been combating within the Sengoku interval, then feeds the unique {photograph} into the system, producing a brand new picture in about 30 seconds.
After repeating the method till the specified picture is created, he then instructs the AI to transform every picture into particular person video cuts, with music additionally generated completely by AI, finishing the method in roughly 4 hours.
While Aoyama says he rigorously researches political figures upfront and intentionally produces solely clearly faux movies to keep away from deceptive viewers, he additionally acknowledges the risks posed by AI-generated content material.
“If someone without ethics studies a little and decides to spread fake news deliberately, they can distribute as much misinformation as they want,” he mentioned. “Viewers really need to be cautious.”
As faux movies proliferate, researchers are additionally growing AI methods to detect them.
In one demonstration, two movies are proven facet by facet, one actual and the opposite created utilizing generative AI, with variations tough to identify at first look.
Professor Isao Echizen of the National Institute of Informatics defined that AI-generated faces can now be mechanically flagged with a purple body, permitting methods to determine whether or not a face is actual or AI-generated.
This is achieved by coaching AI on giant volumes of each actual pictures and AI-generated pictures, enabling it to differentiate between the 2.
As AI creates faux movies and AI detects them, Echizen cautions that human judgment stays important.
“It is extremely important for users themselves to verify information by consulting reliable sources such as newspapers, television, and the results of fact-checking organizations, rather than relying solely on social media,” he mentioned.
TOKYO, Feb 04 (News On Japan) –
A automobile believed to have been utilized in an tried theft at Haneda Airport has been discovered on a riverbed in Kanagawa Prefecture, with investigators suspecting that the perpetrators tried to destroy proof by spraying the automotive with a pink fireplace extinguisher.
The case is a part of a collection of incidents in Japan and Hong Kong during which massive sums of money had been focused in fast succession, and police have now confirmed the invention of a automobile linked to the Haneda Airport case.
Footage filmed on January thirtieth reveals the automobile deserted on a riverbed in Atsugi, Kanagawa Prefecture.
The white automotive seen within the background is believed to be the automobile used within the tried theft at Haneda Airport final Friday, during which suspects tried to steal 190 million yen in money.
According to witnesses, the automotive’s license plates had been eliminated, and there have been additional uncommon indicators.
An individual who noticed the automobile mentioned, “The white car had turned pink, like the colors were mixed. It wasn’t a clean color,” including, “It looked like pink fire extinguisher powder.”
Nearby, elements of the bottom had been additionally stained pink.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department mentioned the automobile had been sprayed with pink fireplace extinguisher powder, main investigators to imagine the perpetrators tried to hide proof.
Police additionally mentioned the automotive had been stolen final month in Kasukabe, Saitama Prefecture.
Investigators imagine the suspects deserted the automobile and fled after switching to a different automotive, and are persevering with their investigation.
ABU DHABI, third February, 2026 (WAM) — Special Olympics UAE on Tuesday introduced the conclusion of its programme with the Japanese basketball membership, Alvark Tokyo, aimed toward exchanging technical experience, enhancing coaching strategies and selling social inclusion by way of basketball, following a go to by a delegation {of professional} Japanese coaches to the UAE.
Held beneath the auspices of the Japan International Cooperation Centre (JICE), the programme displays Special Olympics UAE’s efforts to develop worldwide cooperation with main sports activities organisations and help the rising reputation of basketball throughout the Special Olympics neighborhood.
More than 250 athletes from numerous golf equipment participated alongside Unified Partners from JAM Academy and Al Wahda Sports Club, increasing participation and reinforcing the idea of Unified Sports.
The programme featured sensible workshops, technical periods, and unified pleasant matches throughout numerous academic and sports activities establishments.
Talal Al Hashemi, National Director of Special Olympics UAE, stated, “This programme reflects our ongoing commitment to strengthening international partnerships that develop the inclusive sports ecosystem in the UAE.
“Our collaboration with Alvark Tokyo has added vital worth to our programming, particularly in capability constructing and offering our athletes with an expert coaching surroundings that emphasises high quality and self-discipline.”
(260203) — JAKARTA, Feb. 3, 2026 (Xinhua) — Reza Hossein Poor (C) of Afghanistan reacts through the quarterfinal match between Japan and Afghanistan on the AFC Futsal Asian Cup 2026 in Jakarta, Indonesia, Feb. 3, 2026. (Xinhua/Agung Kuncahya B.)
New Delhi [India], February 3 (ANI): Arun Ok Singh, former Indian Ambassador to the United States, on Tuesday termed the current discount in US tariffs on Indian exports as a major transfer that removes a ‘aggressive drawback’ for the nation.
Speaking to ANI, he famous that the deal helps right a months-long imbalance through which Indian sectors equivalent to gems and jewelry, textiles, and leather-based have been struggling towards rivals, together with Vietnam and Bangladesh. Ambassador Singh highlighted that whereas the deal supplies financial reduction, it has sparked a deeper debate relating to India’s ‘strategic autonomy’ and the reliability of the US as a associate beneath the Trump administration.
Reflecting on the catalyst for the settlement, he famous that the US stance shifted noticeably after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s diplomatic engagements in China and Russia.
‘Till the Prime Minister’s go to to China for the SCO Summit, feedback from individuals round President Trump have been very essential. But after the optics of the PM’s conferences with President Putin and President Xi, the tone modified. President Trump started posting that India and PM Modi are nice pals,’ Singh mentioned.
He additional famous that the India-EU commerce settlement acted as a serious driver.
‘The US administration felt it was time to maneuver from its inflexible place as a result of it feared European firms would achieve higher market entry to India’s rising financial system, leaving US firms at a drawback,’ Singh added.
Addressing the friction over India’s buy of Russian oil, Singh dismissed it as a ‘manufactured thorn.’ He emphasised that India won’t enable its bilateral relationships to be dictated by a 3rd get together.
‘India will take choices primarily based by itself pursuits. Russian oil purchases have been inside the framework of US sanctions and the value cap. If Venezuelan oil turns into out there at higher costs, India might shift, but it surely will not cut back purchases to zero simply because President Trump says so,’ the previous diplomat asserted.
He drew a parallel with US-Pakistan relations, stating, ‘India doesn’t say we can’t have a relationship with you if in case you have a optimistic relationship with Pakistan. Similarly, the US can’t make their relationship with India depending on India’s different bilateral ties.’
Despite the ‘upswing’ in relations following the commerce deal, Singh suggested a coverage of ‘hedging’ to make sure India isn’t security-dependent on the US, in contrast to Japan or South Korea.
‘Even as we deepen the partnership with the US, which is the world’s largest shopper market and a frontrunner in know-how, we should diversify. We should make sure the US doesn’t have coercive energy over us,’ Singh mentioned.
He lauded each nations for retaining essential pillars of cooperation, equivalent to defence and know-how, useful even throughout the top of commerce tensions. He cited the current 10-year defence framework settlement and ongoing dialogues on essential minerals as proof of a resilient partnership.
‘The proven fact that defence coverage dialogues and ministerial visits continued throughout the troublesome section exhibits each side worth the connection. With this irritant [tariffs] out of the best way, the main focus will return to deepening ties, albeit with a extra cautious and diversified method,’ he concluded. (ANI)
New Delhi, [India] February 3 (ANI): Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone Ltd (APSEZ) reported a powerful monetary efficiency for the third quarter of FY26, with consolidated EBITDA rising 20% year-on-year to Rs 5,786 crore, pushed by strong progress throughout home ports, logistics, marine and worldwide operations.
Revenue for the quarter elevated 22% YoY to Rs 9,705 crore, whereas revenue after tax grew 21% to Rs 3,043 crore.
For the 9 months ended December 31, 2025, EBITDA stood at Rs 16,832 crore, up 20% YoY, supported by regular cargo progress and bettering asset utilisation.
On the again of better-than-expected efficiency, the corporate raised its FY26 EBITDA steering by Rs 800 crore to Rs 22,800 crore, exceeding the higher finish of its earlier forecast. APSEZ stated the improve displays larger natural progress and the consolidation of NQXT Australia within the fourth quarter of FY26.
Logistics income surged 62% YoY to Rs 1,121 crore in Q3 FY26, led by the fast growth of asset-light providers similar to trucking and worldwide freight networks. The marine enterprise additionally posted robust progress, with income leaping 91% YoY to Rs 773 crore and EBITDA rising 135% to Rs 428 crore, supported by ongoing vessel acquisitions.
International ports crossed a key milestone through the quarter, with income exceeding Rs 1,000 crore for the primary time at Rs 1,067 crore, up 20% YoY, whereas EBITDA from the section greater than doubled. Domestic ports continued to anchor efficiency, with EBITDA reaching a lifetime excessive of Rs 4,877 crore and APSEZ sustaining an all-India container market share of 45.8%.
During the quarter, APSEZ accomplished the acquisition of NQXT Australia, strengthening its worldwide footprint alongside the East-West commerce hall. The firm reiterated its long-term goal of reaching 1 billion tonnes of cargo throughput by 2030.
Ashwani Gupta, Whole-time Director & CEO of APSEZ, stated, ‘As India’s largest and the world’s fastest-growing Integrated Transport Utility, APSEZ has as soon as once more delivered a powerful and resilient efficiency. Sustained momentum throughout our 4 enterprise pillars, mixed with the consolidation of NQXT, has enabled us to lift the higher finish of our FY26 EBITDA steering by a sturdy Rs 800 Crore. Even after the NQXT acquisition, our leverage stays unchanged, underscoring the power of our stability sheet and our disciplined method to capital allocation.’
APSEZ additionally noticed a number of credit standing upgrades. Japan Credit Rating Agency assigned an ‘A-/Stable’ ranking, a notch above India’s sovereign ranking, whereas Moody’s revised its outlook to ‘Stable’ and reaffirmed its ‘Baa3’ ranking, citing the corporate’s robust monetary profile and governance requirements. (ANI)
New Delhi [India], February 3 (ANI): As day one of many Asian Rifle/Pistol Championship is ready to begin, the Pistol shooters will take goal on the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Ranges within the nationwide capital on Wednesday.
According to a press launch, the medals within the 10m Air pistol occasions might be determined tomorrow.
Indian shooters, led by World Champion Samrat Rana, World Cup Final Champion Suruchi Singh, Olympic medallist Manu Bhaker, and Esha Singh, will goal to offer the hosts a robust begin within the continental occasion.
Four finals might be held tomorrow, together with the senior males’s and girls’s, together with the finals of Junior and Youth males. Suruchi Singh and Samrat Rana might be one of many favourites to win the gold medal together with Manu Bhaker and Esha Singh within the girls’s occasion. World quantity 4 and world silver medallist Ho Ching Shing from Hong Kong strains up as one of many favourites for the ladies’s 10m air pistol.
She has made the continental closing on 4 events, profitable silver in 2019. A darkish horse for a medal might be Cheng Yen-Ching of Chinese Taipei, ranked sixteenth on the planet. The 19-year-old gave a stable efficiency in her World Championship debut and completed fifth on her ISSF World Cup debut in Munich. Thu Vinh Trinh of Vietnam, a two-time Asian bronze medallist and two-time Olympic finalist, will even characteristic.
Current World Champion Samrat Rana will lead the Indian males’s facet together with world quantity two and world bronze medallist Varun Tomar and Sharvan Kumar, who completed twelfth within the World Championship.
Valeriy Rakhimzhan of Kazakhstan, the world quantity eight and the ISSF World Cup silver medallist from Munich, who positioned fourth final yr in Shymkent, Hsieh Hsiang-Chen of Chinese Taipei and Uzbekistan’s world quantity 25 Mukhammad Kamalov, who positioned ninth on the 2025 World Championship, would be the predominant opponents for the Indian shooters.
Junior and youth athletes will even be in motion tomorrow, with Jonathan Gavin Antony, Mukesh Nelavalli, Deaflympics medallist Abhinav Deshwal, Himanshu Rana and Priyanshu Yadav taking the sphere within the Junior class, and Darren Ok Dawn, Girish Gupta, Abhay Dhama, Mandeep Chauhan, Dhairya Prashar and Hardik Bansal might be in motion within the youth class.
The hosts have entered the biggest squad of 118 athletes, with Kazakhstan fielding the second greatest contingent of 35 athletes. Regional powerhouses Korea and Japan have additionally fielded sturdy squads, and Shooters from Chinese Taipei, Vietnam and Hong Kong are additionally anticipated to place in good performances. (ANI)
Polyplastics Co., Ltd., a pacesetter in engineering thermoplastics, has introduced the event of two new Durafide polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) grades that incorporate mechanically recycled content material. The new grades, Durafide rG-PPS 1140A1R00 and 1140A1R30, function 100% and 30% recycled glass fiber-reinforced PPS content material, respectively, and are set for launch within the coming months.
The introduction of those new supplies is a part of Polyplastics’ Duracycle initiative, which goals for 100% circularity in engineering plastics. These grades are being supplied by a re-compounding service that reprocesses course of scrap from prospects into new merchandise underneath the corporate’s “Open PIR Mechanical Recycling Scheme.”
The PPS course of scrap collected from accomplice corporations undergoes rigorous inspection, sorting, and reformulation to make sure high-quality manufacturing. The re-compounded supplies are topic to the identical high quality assurance protocols as virgin supplies and will likely be distributed by Polyplastics’ world gross sales community. However, the gathering course of presently focuses on particular grades of glass-filled Durafide PPS supplies.
For the continued success of its re-compounding enterprise and the institution of the “Open PIR Mechanical Recycling Scheme,” Polyplastics is concentrated on creating new functions and strengthening assortment routes. This initiative seeks partnerships not solely with present prospects but additionally throughout varied waste-to-value industries.
The firm is exploring the addition of extra mechanically recycled PPS grades to its lineup to fulfill market calls for. Polyplastics goals to determine self-contained “local production for local consumption” recycling chains worldwide. By increasing the vary of constituent supplies to incorporate post-consumer recycled (PCR) content material, Polyplastics plans to reinforce its functionality to provide high-quality, dependable recycled supplies, thereby lowering environmental affect and higher serving various buyer wants.
