Web3

AI Analysis by KDDI and Toyota Identifies High-Risk Traffic Areas

TOKYO, Feb 22 (News On Japan) - KDDI and Toyota Motor Corporation announced on the 20th that they have developed a technology that uses AI to analyze and visualize high-risk traffic areas on maps.

This technology, which will be available for sale to local governments and others from the spring of 2024, is developed by analyzing KDDI's smartphone location data, Toyota vehicle driving data, and past accident information. It displays the level of danger on maps, color-coding factors such as bicycle traffic volume and the number of sudden brakes.

Furthermore, both companies announced that they are developing a technology that uses the location information of cars and bicycles to alert smartphones with an alarm 5-6 seconds in advance when multiple vehicles approach a blind intersection.

Source: テレ東BIZ

Japan Troops Begin Bear Countermeasures

The worsening string of bear incidents across Akita Prefecture has prompted the deployment of the Ground Self-Defense Force to assist in countermeasures. On November 5th, fifteen members of the 21st Infantry Regiment based at the Akita garrison were sent to Kazuno City, where they began support activities such as transporting box traps for capturing bears.

Kamiya Faces Takaichi in First Diet Debate Over Foreign Worker Policy

In the House of Councillors on November 6th, Prime Minister Takaichi faced her first major challenge from Sanseito leader Sohei Kamiya, who took the podium for the first time to question the government’s stance on accepting foreign workers. Both share conservative leanings, and Kamiya had been approached by Takaichi for cooperation during the prime ministerial election, but the session quickly turned into a pointed exchange over immigration and national priorities.

Typhoon No. 26 Forming, May Impact Japan

As of 3 p.m. on November 5th, a tropical depression over the sea near the Caroline Islands was slowly moving northward, with the Japan Meteorological Agency forecasting that it would develop into a typhoon within the next 24 hours. Once it forms, it will be designated as Typhoon No. 26.

Morning-After Pill to Be Sold Over the Counter by Year-End

Emergency contraceptive pills, used to prevent unintended pregnancies, are set to become available over the counter in Japan as early as by the end of this fiscal year, marking a major shift after nearly a decade of debate.

Crimes by U.S. Military Personnel Hit Record High in Okinawa

The number of U.S. military personnel arrested for criminal offenses in Okinawa has reached 77 so far this year, already surpassing the record total for all of 2024 as of the end of September.

MEDIA CHANNELS