Society

Drone expo kicks off in Japan

Jun 15 (NHK) - Companies are showing off the latest drone technology for a trade show near Tokyo. Over 100 firms from Japan and elsewhere are taking part.

One of the drones comes with an underwater craft.

The machine can fly to a location over water and drop the device, which sends images from below the surface.

It could be used in the fishing industry to check on operations.

Sony Group developed a drone with artificial intelligence that analyzes images from five onboard cameras.

The machine can fly 90 kilometers an hour while automatically avoiding obstacles.

Kawanishi Izumi, a Senior Vice President of Sony Group, says letting drones fly over urban areas or beyond our line of sight requires high technology and excellent design. He says the company wants to develop such devices without compromise.

The Japanese government is trying to support domestic drone manufacturers from the viewpoint of national security. The three-day event lasts until Wednesday.

Mahoroba Hydrogen Fuel Cell Ship Debuts, Connecting Central Osaka and Expo Site in 60 Minutes

The hydrogen fuel cell ship "Mahoroba," designed to connect central Osaka with the Expo venue in Yumeshima in approximately 60 minutes, was unveiled to the media ahead of its commercial launch during the Expo period.

Two Sinkholes Merge Into One as Yashio Road Collapse Worsens

A road collapse in Yashio, Saitama Prefecture, has now entered its third day, approaching the 50-hour mark since the incident first occurred. A secondary collapse in the early hours has caused two separate holes to merge into one large sinkhole, complicating ongoing rescue efforts.

Japanese Clinics Gaining Popularity Among Travelers

From sudden severe pain during a gourmet-filled trip to chronic illness attacks that medication cannot treat, what kinds of symptoms bring foreign tourists to clinics?

Public Smoking Ban Across Osaka, Violators Fined 1,000 Yen

Starting January 27, Osaka City has implemented a citywide ban on smoking in public areas, including heated tobacco products, as part of preparations for the Osaka-Kansai Expo set to open in April.

Man Arrested in Nagano Triple Stabbing

A man has been arrested in connection with the stabbing of three individuals in front of JR Nagano Station in Nagano City, where one person was killed and two others sustained injuries of varying severity.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Society NEWS

Asuka-Fujiwara Palaces Set for UNESCO Nomination as Cultural Heritage

The Japanese government is set to nominate the "Asuka-Fujiwara Palaces" in Nara Prefecture for UNESCO World Heritage status, aiming for registration next summer.

Death Sentence Finalized for Kyoto Animation Arsonist Who Killed 36

Shinji Aoba, the defendant sentenced to death in the first trial for the Kyoto Animation arson-murder case that claimed 36 lives, has withdrawn his appeal, finalizing the death sentence.

'Great Cold Endurance Competition' Held at Mount Tsurumi

The annual 'Midwinter Endurance Tournament' was held at Tsurumi Mountain, standing 1,300 meters above sea level in Beppu City, Oita Prefecture.

Man Confesses: Gifu Stabbing Was Self-Harm, Not a Crime

Gifu Police have announced that what was initially reported as a stabbing incident in Gifu City was, in fact, an act of self-harm by the victim.

Man Admits to Dismembering Partner's Body With Farm Tools

Tokyo police are investigating a shocking case involving the disposal of a woman’s remains on the shores of Izu Oshima. The arrested suspect, 45-year-old Sōtatsu Yanase, who operates a tatami shop, has admitted to dismembering the body of his partner, Shizuka Takase, 37, using farm tools before disposing of her bones on the beach.