Society

CES goes virtual amid pandemic

Jan 13 (NHK) - One of the world's largest technology-trade fairs has kicked off. The "Consumer Electronics Show" normally attracts over 100,000 visitors who crowd into a venue in Las Vegas.

This year, the coronavirus pandemic has forced the event to go fully online.

The media got a glimpse of CES on Monday. Participating companies showed off their products and services. Organizers say over 1,800 are taking part, less than half compared to last year.

Panasonic is showcasing a new technology called "emotion and physical condition sensing."

It takes images of people's faces and analyzes their features and subtle changes in expressions. The data reveals their physical condition, feelings and personalities, which are indicated in colors and shapes.

Agarie Mayu, who is involved in the technology's development, said it helps people make smooth communications. She added it also gives them a chance to see themselves in a new light.

Japanese telecom giant NTT is screening a video explaining the concept behind its next-generation communication infrastructure.

Officials say the high-speed network will harness optical technologies to dramatically change autonomous driving and farming.

New Red Lights for Japan's Police Cars

Japan's National Police Agency is introducing new patrol cars equipped with red lights designed to assist people with hearing impairments, flashing differently depending on whether the vehicle is on an emergency run or a routine patrol.

Over 300 New Geoglyphs Discovered by Yamagata University in Nazca

Yamagata University, which has been conducting research on the Nazca geoglyphs in Peru, announced the discovery of over 300 new geoglyphs, depicting a variety of subjects, including humans and animals.

University of Tokyo Raises Tuition Fees for First Time in 20 Years

The University of Tokyo has officially decided to increase tuition by approximately 110,000 yen for incoming undergraduate students starting next academic year, bringing the total to 642,960 yen.

Death toll rises to 9 in Japan's Ishikawa following heavy rain

Emergency officials say the death toll from record rainfall in Japan's Ishikawa Prefecture has risen to nine. (NHK)

Russian military plane intrudes into Japanese airspace, Tokyo lodges protest

A Japanese government spokesperson says a Russian military airplane entered Japanese airspace three times on Monday. (NHK)

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