Japan eyes $13bn in aid for chips, generative AI in stimulus budget

TSMC, Rapidus and Intel projects to receive support under METI proposal

Nov 09 (Nikkei) - Japan's government will seek 2 trillion yen ($13.2 billion) in budget funding to support chip production and advances in generative AI technology, including more aid for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC).

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) seeks about 650 billion yen in a proposed supplementary budget for Japanese chipmaker Rapidus' prototype production line and an Intel research center, as well as support for advanced semiconductor designs. ...continue reading

The only child in Japan's 'puppet village'

Kuranosuke Kato is the only child in the Japanese village of Ichinono, a community that has become so depopulated that locals joke it is home to more puppets than people. Two-year-old Kato is the first child being raised in the village in two decades. (South China Morning Post)

Foreign Residents in Japan Exceed 3.5 Million, Tokyo's Indian Community Thrives

This year, the number of foreign residents in Japan surpassed 3.5 million, marking a record high. In Tokyo’s "Little India," there may be clues on how to build a harmonious coexistence.

Flu Infections Reach Alarm Levels in Tokyo for the First Time in Six Years

Influenza infections in Tokyo have reached alarm levels for the first time in six years. As the virus spreads, restaurants and hotels are struggling with a surge in last-minute cancellations during their peak earning season.

Ishiba to Move Into Official Residence Amid Ghost Rumors

Prime Minister Ishiba, who plans to move into the official residence as early as December 28th, addressed rumors that the residence is haunted, stating, "I'm from the Oba-Q generation, so I'm not afraid."

Serial Cyanide Killer Chisako Kakehi Dies in Custody

Chisako Kakehi, 78, who was on death row for poisoning three men with cyanide compounds, has died while in custody, according to reports. Authorities believe she may have died of natural causes.

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AutoReserve AI Booking Calls Leave Restaurants Frustrated

AutoReserve AI booking calls are leaving Japanese restaurant owners increasingly frustrated. The service, designed to streamline reservations for customers, is causing confusion and operational issues for businesses.

AI-Powered Fire Detection System Introduced in Oarai Town, Ibaraki

As dry conditions persist and residential fires break out across Japan, Oarai Town in Ibaraki Prefecture has introduced an AI-powered "fire watchtower" to enhance early fire detection.

Japan Paves the Way for AI Research

Prime Minister Ishiba has directed relevant ministers to expedite the drafting of a new bill that balances accelerating innovation in artificial intelligence (AI) and addressing associated risks. The move aims to position Japan as a global leader in AI research, development, and implementation.

Sharp to Sell Part of Sakai Factory to SoftBank for 100 Billion Yen

Sharp announced on December 20th that it will sell part of its Sakai factory, which previously produced LCD panels for televisions, to SoftBank for approximately 100 billion yen. SoftBank plans to use around 60% of the factory’s site, equivalent to about 450,000 square meters, to construct a large-scale data center aimed at advancing generative AI development.

Japan Employs AI to Boosts English Skills as Inbound Tourism Booms

Japan has set a new record for inbound tourists, with 33.38 million visitors from January to November this year, surpassing the previous high in 2019. Tokyo’s Asakusa district remains a popular destination, drawing large crowds of international visitors.

Nuclear Expert Says Gas Required In The Short Term To Fuel AI

The president of a group advising Japan's main utility claimed that the growth of artificial intelligence would cause a boom in energy consumption. The nuclear expert said this will initially be fueled by fossil fuels. He added, however, nuclear power will eventually replace fossil fuels. (WION)

Klarna CEO Says AI Is Replacing Workers

Klarna CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski says AI has shown across-the-board benefits as he eyes an expansion into US banking under a new Trump administration. He says the company has replaced hundreds of workers with artificial intelligence and the moves have paid off. He joins Caroline Hyde on "Bloomberg Technology." (Bloomberg Technology)

Cyberattack Weak Points Analyzed Swiftly by AI

A new AI system capable of quickly identifying vulnerabilities in corporate networks against cyberattacks has been developed.

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