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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Reporters Without Borders has released its 2025 World Press Freedom Index, ranking Japan 66th out of 180 countries and regions surveyed, just behind Timor-Leste (65th) and Fiji (64th).

The Trump administration has imposed a 25% additional tariff on imported auto parts, including engines and transmissions, with the measure taking effect at 1:01 p.m. Japan time on May 3rd.

Plans are underway to install designated smoking areas inside the Expo site for the first time.

Okinawa Prefecture has issued a warning to watch out for habu snakes, which become more active as temperatures rise in May, particularly during farming and outdoor activities in mountainous areas.

A man has been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after driving into seven elementary school children near an Osaka school as they were walking home.

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