Web3

Japan's SBI to take big stake in AI unicorn Preferred Networks

Aug 27 (Nikkei) - Japanese financial services group SBI Holdings plans to invest around 10 billion yen ($69 million) in Tokyo-based Preferred Networks and work with the startup on designing chips for artificial intelligence, Nikkei has learned.

Preferred Networks is preparing for a private placement of shares to about 10 mostly Japanese companies. SBI is expected to play the leading role in this fundraising round, making it one of the startup's top investors alongside Toyota Motor.

SBI is expected to announce the investment plan on Tuesday. The move is part of an entry into the semiconductor industry announced last year.

Preferred Networks was founded in 2014 and has an estimated valuation of around 300 billion yen, making it one of Japan's most valuable unicorns.

Moths Threaten Kyoto’s Famous Bamboo Shoots

Kyoto’s prized bamboo shoots, a seasonal delicacy that graces dining tables each spring, are facing an unprecedented crisis this year. The culprit is the Chinese bamboo moth (Sinachiku nomeiga), whose larvae feed on bamboo leaves, weakening the plants and severely reducing harvest yields.

Typhoon No. 25 (Kalmaegi) Moves West, No Direct Impact on Japan

Typhoon No. 25 (Kalmaegi) is currently located east of the Philippines and moving west-northwest. The storm is expected to continue on a westward track, passing near the Philippines before entering the South China Sea. Weather agencies forecast that the typhoon will not have a direct impact on Japan.

Shibuya Crowds Subdued in Rain Soaked Halloween

Halloween Eve in Shibuya still drew a festive atmosphere, with people gathering in costume and enjoying the night. Tokyo police deployed several hundred officers, including the well-known “DJ police,” to manage the crowds and prevent congestion at the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing.

Takaichi and Xi Hold 10-Second Handshake

Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi and Chinese President Xi Jinping stood side by side before the cameras on October 31st at 5 p.m. for a moment that drew intense attention. “Hello, please this way,” said Xi as the two leaders exchanged a handshake lasting roughly 10 seconds in front of their national flags. Takaichi’s expression was stiff at first but softened slightly into a faint smile, while Xi’s face remained largely unchanged.

Record 12 Killed in Bear Attacks Across Japan

Bear attacks are reaching unprecedented levels across Japan, with a record 12 fatalities so far this year as sightings continue daily from mountain towns to city centers, disrupting schools and local institutions.

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Heated Battle Over Data Center Cooling

As generative AI rapidly expands, new cooling technologies are becoming essential. AI servers running these models are equipped with numerous GPUs, generating immense heat, and attention is now focused on liquid cooling technology.

KDDI Expands AI Infrastructure

KDDI announced on October 28th that it will begin operating a new data center in late January 2026 at the site of the former Sharp factory in Sakai City, Osaka Prefecture.

Bring Your Memories to Life with a CEWE Online Photo Album

Memories are the silent witnesses of our most beautiful moments. They live in the curve of a smile, in the glow of a sunset, or in a child’s first hesitant steps. Each photograph holds a story, an emotion, a fragment of time that deserves to be cherished.