News On Japan

Google Launches AI Overview Feature in Japan, Competing with ChatGPT

TOKYO, Aug 18 (News On Japan) - Google has announced the launch of a new AI-powered feature in six countries, including Japan and the United Kingdom.

For instance, when searching for "gifts for missing a wedding," the AI will summarize relevant online information, providing details such as "The standard amount is about half to a third of what you would give if attending."

Previously, users needed to open websites displayed in search results to verify information, but this new feature streamlines the process by providing concise summaries.

The move is seen as an attempt to counter the threat posed by ChatGPT, which has emerged as a significant competitor to Google Search.

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Lawson and KDDI have teamed up to launch a 'convenience store of the future' that integrates the latest technology with communications, aiming to address labor shortages and enhance store operations.

A boy attending a Japanese school in China has been attacked by a man. The student is being treated at a hospital. (NHK)

The tail of the dragon on the signboard of 'Kinryu Ramen Dotonbori' in Osaka's Dotonbori area that was cut off after it extended into a neighboring property, has found a new home thanks to a nearby crab restaurant.

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The village of Onna in Okinawa has recorded the highest land price increase in Japan, with prices for some areas rising by 29%. The average nationwide land price has increased by 1.4% for the third consecutive year, but the sharpest growth is seen in residential areas like Onna Village.

Land prices across Japan have been rising for four consecutive years, with North Kanto emerging as a key area of interest due to its favorable living conditions.

Sharp, a major home appliance manufacturer, has unveiled its first electric vehicle (EV) as part of its move into the electric vehicle market, with a five-seater 'extended livingroom' EV Sharp van.

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Japanese food businesses are intensifying their expansion efforts in China, where consumption has stagnated due to rising food prices. We investigate the factors driving these Japanese companies to accelerate their operations in the Chinese market.

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Ricoh announced on September 12th that it will reduce its workforce by approximately 2,000 employees globally by March 2025. With the market for office equipment shrinking due to the advancement of digitalization, the company plans to restructure its overseas sales and service operations while focusing its management resources on supporting digital transformation (DX).