Toyota to Conduct Autonomous Driving Trials on Odaiba's Public Roads

Feb 12, 2024 | News On Japan

TOKYO - Toyota Motor Corporation has announced plans to conduct a demonstration experiment using autonomous vehicles on the public roads of Odaiba, Tokyo, as early as July this year.

Previously, Toyota operated autonomous vehicles during the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics.

This upcoming experiment will be led by MONET Technologies, a joint venture funded by Toyota, SoftBank, and others.

The trials, set to commence in July, will operate under "Level 2" autonomy, where an in-vehicle operator will control the vehicle in response to specific conditions.

The ultimate goal of these experiments is to achieve "Level 4" autonomy, where vehicles can operate unmanned under certain conditions.

Honda is also advancing plans to launch an autonomous taxi service by early 2026, marking a significant step towards integrating autonomous vehicles into public transportation and addressing mobility challenges in urban environments.

Source: ANN

Typhoons Disrupt Weekend Travel Across Japan

Typhoon No. 7 continues to disrupt travel across Japan on June 27, with Japan Airlines warning that flights to and from Haneda, Narita and Nanki-Shirahama could be delayed or canceled, ANA canceling all flights to and from Hachijojima Airport, and JR East saying some Narita Line trains between Chiba and Narita Airport Terminal 1 were out of service because of the storm.

Typhoons Approach Kanto And Tokai In Succession

According to updates on the morning of June 27, two typhoons moving along Japan’s Pacific side are bringing a rare double threat to eastern Japan, with Typhoon No. 8 having passed close to Kanto during the morning and Typhoon No. 7 expected to follow later in the day, raising the risk of repeated heavy rain, landslides, flooding and river overflows from Tokai to the Tokyo region.

Japan Books Spot in World Cup Knockout Stage After Sweden Draw

Japan advanced to the knockout stage of the World Cup after a 1-1 draw with Sweden on June 25, finishing second in Group F and setting up a Round of 32 clash with Brazil in Houston.

Aomori Hit by Quake Measuring Upper 6 as Hachinohe Shakes Again

A powerful earthquake with a maximum seismic intensity of upper 6 struck off Iwate Prefecture at around 7:30 a.m. on June 25, shaking parts of Aomori Prefecture and leaving Hachinohe, which was hit by a similarly strong quake last December, facing fresh damage.

Strong Quake Hits Aomori Prefecture

A powerful earthquake registering a maximum intensity of 6 upper on Japan’s seismic scale struck Aomori Prefecture at around 7:30 a.m. today. According to the Japan Meteorological Agency, the epicenter was off the coast of Iwate Prefecture, with a depth of about 50 kilometers. The earthquake’s magnitude was estimated at 6.9.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Business NEWS

Nikkei Tumbles As AI Rally Reverses

Tokyo stocks fell sharply on June 26 as investors locked in profits from Japan’s record-setting AI-driven rally, with SoftBank Group and chip-related shares leading a broad retreat after reports that OpenAI may delay its initial public offering.

Japanese Household Assets Hit Record 2,386 Trillion Yen

Japanese households held 2,386 trillion yen in financial assets at the end of March, up 7.1% from a year earlier, as rising share prices, wider use of the new NISA investment program and the weaker yen lifted the value of assets held by individuals.

Inside The Shadow Market For Japan’s Temples And Shrines

The sale of religious corporations that operate temples and shrines across Japan is drawing growing scrutiny from authorities, who fear the transactions could be used for tax evasion and money laundering, as brokers openly advertise properties and corporate status for tens or even hundreds of millions of yen.

Nikkei Falls Again, Briefly Down 1,300 Yen on AI and Semiconductor Pullback

The Nikkei Stock Average fell for a second straight session in Tokyo as investors locked in profits from a rapid rally in artificial intelligence and semiconductor-related shares, briefly sending the benchmark down more than 1,300 yen before bargain hunting helped it recover part of the loss.

Japan’s Shipbuilders Look to Resume Construction of LNG Carriers

Imabari Shipbuilding, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, and Namura Shipbuilding are aiming to resume construction of liquefied natural gas carriers around 2035, as Japan’s shipbuilding industry looks for a path to recovery after losing much of the global market to lower-cost rivals in South Korea and China.

Japan And U.S. Discuss Response as Yen Weakens to 39-Year Low

Finance Minister Katayama held online talks with U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent as the yen approached its weakest level in about 39 years, with the two sides believed to have discussed possible responses, including foreign exchange intervention.

How to Buy from a Japanese Car Auction Without Getting Scammed?

Every year, thousands of people save money by buying through the Japanese auction process. But many do not realize they've paid too much until the vehicle arrives.

Nikkei Ends Above 72,000 For First Time As Record Run Extends

Tokyo stocks surged at the start of the week, with the Nikkei Stock Average closing above 72,000 for the first time and extending its record-setting streak to a sixth consecutive trading day.

< 2 3 4 5 >