Sony sets sights on metaverse gold with sports animation purchase

TOKYO, Nov 23 (Nikkei) - Sony is looking to add sports to movies, music and games as a new core pillar of its entertainment business, acquiring technology companies to help it create 3D content for the metaverse.

The Japanese company recently acquired all outstanding shares of Dutch startup Beyond Sports, which specializes in using 3D animation to produce content from actual sports games or match data. The purchase price has not been disclosed, but is believed to be around 5 billion to 10 billion yen ($35.36 million to $70.72 million).

Sony's purchase of Beyond Sports was handled through U.K.-based Hawk-Eye Innovations, which develops camera systems that track the movement of balls in sporting events. Hawk-Eye was acquired by Sony in 2011.

Hawk-Eye's technology has become invaluable to the sports world. Its camera systems are used in more than 20,000 sports games and matches every year, in more than 90 countries. ...continue reading

New Japanese Passport Applications to Go Online

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has unveiled a new passport design set to be issued from March next year. The new system will allow online applications not only for renewals but also for new passport requests. Submitting an original family register certificate will no longer be required for online applications.

Future of Solar Power: Japan's Breakthrough Technology

The next generation of solar cells, known as perovskite solar panels, are ultra-thin, lightweight, and bendable. The Japanese government has set a goal of achieving the equivalent of the energy output from 20 nuclear reactors with perovskite solar cells by 2040. With their use set to expand in various locations next year, 2024 is being called "the dawn of domestic perovskite."

Record 7,000 Teachers in Japan on Leave Due to Mental Health

The number of teachers taking mental health leave reached a record high of 7,119 in the 2023 fiscal year at public schools across Japan.

Japan Reports 60% Rise in Non-Consensual Intercourse Cases

Japan's Ministry of Justice has released this year’s crime white paper, revealing that the number of recognized penal code offenses increased for the second consecutive year.

Giant Dragon Removed from Osaka Ramen Shop

The operating company of 'Kinryu Ramen' in the bustling district of Minami, Osaka, announced on Thursday that the iconic giant dragon sign was being removed as part of the process to rebuild the aging store.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Business NEWS

Japan's Doctors Shift to Aesthetics

The number of aesthetic clinics in Japan, offering services like skin enhancement, has surged by 40% over the past three years. A growing trend, known as 'Chokubi,' involves newly trained doctors immediately joining aesthetic clinics after completing their clinical internships.

Carlos Ghosn on Nissan-Honda Talks, China EVs, Trump

Carlos Ghosn, the ex-chairman of Nissan, speaks to Bloomberg's Manus Cranny about the Japanese automaker's potential deal with Honda. He also comments on China's dominance of the electric vehicle market and what auto CEOs are thinking about trade during Donald Trump's second presidency. Ghosn is currently suing Nissan for defamation after his arrest in Japan in November 2018 and charges of financial misconduct, which he denies. (Bloomberg)

Foxconn in Talks With Renault Over Nissan Stake Acquisition

Taiwanese electronics giant Foxconn is reportedly in talks with Renault, the French automotive major and a key shareholder of Nissan, to acquire a stake in the Japanese automaker. Taiwanese media reported the negotiations, highlighting a potential shakeup in Nissan's stakeholder structure.

Sony Acquires Majority Stake in Kadokawa, Investing 50 Billion Yen

Sony announced plans to acquire a significant stake in publishing giant Kadokawa, investing approximately 50 billion yen to become its largest shareholder.

Amazon Joins Japan’s Growing Hometown Tax Donation Program

E-commerce giant Amazon is entering Japan’s hometown tax donation program, known as 'Furusato Nozei,' which has seen continued growth in donation amounts.

Impacts of Yen Depreciation on Travel Agencies

JTB’s President Eijiro Yamakita addressed the challenges facing the travel industry due to the weak yen during a panel discussion. While outbound travel has only recovered to about 60% of pre-pandemic levels, Yamakita emphasized the importance of fostering "engagement" to drive recovery.

Japanese Automakers Set to Merge

Two of Japan’s leading automakers, Honda and Nissan, are reportedly advancing discussions on a management integration. The backdrop to this significant development appears to involve growing competition from China.

Honda CEO Does Not Rule Out Possibility of Merger With Nissan

Honda CEO Toshihiro Mibe has stated that while "nothing has been decided" regarding a merger with Nissan Motor, he did not rule out the possibility.

< 2 3 4 5 >