News On Japan

Is 'AI' the saviour of struggling restaurant industry?

TOKYO, Sep 07 (News On Japan) - The restaurant industry, grappling with labor shortages and other challenges, is attracting attention for its use of AI.

The restaurant industry is increasingly investing in IT, including the use of AI, according to research by Fuji Chimera Institute. It is predicted that IT investments will reach 106.5 billion yen this fiscal year.

In fast-food restaurants, AI-driven services include using AI cameras on self-checkout counters. Customers who have registered with facial recognition and other methods can simply present their face to complete their payment.

In the future, AI is being developed to remember customer preferences, such as ingredients they want to avoid due to allergies, and to suggest menu items accordingly.

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Japan’s position on its handling of World Cultural Heritage sites, including Gunkanjima (Battleship Island) in Nagasaki City, has been upheld by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, which rejected South Korea’s demand for a renewed review of Japan’s efforts.

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While visiting Mongolia, the Emperor of Japan toured a water facility in Ulaanbaatar that receives support from Japan.

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The Emperor and Empress have arrived in Mongolia for their first official visit to the country as Japan’s imperial couple.

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