Society

Casio to quit compact digital camera market

May 11 (the-japan-news.com) - Casio Computer Co. has decided to end its compact digital camera business after over 20 years of operation, due to a rapid decline in demand.

Casio will terminate production of such cameras as their profitability has deteriorated markedly as smartphone cameras keep evolving, the company said Wednesday.

In 1995, Casio launched the QV-10, the first digital camera for consumers in the world with a liquid crystal display, allowing users to immediately check images taken.

The model became popular and led to an expansion in the compact digital camera market. But due to the rise of smartphones with cameras, Casioâ€™s camera sales shrank in a decade to less than 10 percent of the peak level of 6.85 million units, recorded in fiscal 2007.

In fiscal 2017, which ended in March, the company suffered a loss in its digital camera division for the second straight year.

Typhoon No. 24 (Fung-shen) Moves Toward Vietnam, Heavy Rain Forecast For Japan

Typhoon No. 24 (Fung-shen) is strengthening over the South China Sea and is expected to make landfall in Vietnam later this week, according to forecasts. Satellite images on October 20th show extensive cloud coverage over the central South China Sea. After passing over the Philippines, Fung-shen temporarily weakened but is projected to intensify again as it continues westward through Tuesday.

Real-Life Water Police: Protecting Tokyo’s Seas and Rivers

Tokyo’s seas and rivers, once considered lawless backwaters beyond the reach of regular policing, are now under constant watch by a dedicated force known as the “water police,” specialists who patrol the capital’s waterways, chase down smugglers, stop reckless jet ski riders, and carry out dramatic rescue missions to save lives.

Tourist Graffiti Threatens Kyoto’s Iconic Bamboo Forest

Kyoto’s world-famous Arashiyama district, a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists, is facing a growing problem of graffiti etched into the bamboo along its iconic “Bamboo Grove Path,” with more than 350 stalks now damaged — a practice that experts warn could eventually cause bamboo to weaken, fall, and even injure visitors.

Japanese Streaming Services Struggle Against Netflix

Japan’s streaming industry is under growing pressure as foreign giants tighten their grip on the domestic market, with Netflix’s latest move to secure exclusive broadcast rights in Japan for every game of the World Baseball Classic next March highlighting the widening gap.

Japan Tightens Rules on Foreign Business Visas

Investigators from the Immigration Services Agency conducted on-site inspections in Osaka on October 14th amid a surge in so-called 'paper companies' created by foreign nationals seeking residency.

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