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Former Tokyo Election Rival to Support 'GovTech' Initiative

TOKYO, Nov 22 (News On Japan) - Takahiro Yasuno, an AI engineer who ran in the Tokyo gubernatorial election in July, has been appointed as an advisor to GovTech Tokyo, a public organization leading digital reforms in Tokyo's administration, sources revealed.

The July election, which saw a record 56 candidates, ended with Governor Yuriko Koike securing her third term. Yasuno, leveraging AI and other digital technologies in his campaign, gained over 150,000 votes, placing fifth and garnering significant attention.

According to several Tokyo Metropolitan Government officials, Yasuno was appointed advisor to GovTech Tokyo on November 13th. The organization focuses on administrative reforms through digital technology.

Tokyo plans to utilize AI for collecting citizen feedback in the near future and deemed Yasuno’s expertise crucial for this initiative.

Hermes Birkin Breaks Record as Japanese Collector Pays 1.47 Billion Yen

A first-generation Hermes Birkin bag has been sold at a Paris auction for approximately 1.47 billion yen, marking the highest price ever paid for a handbag. The winning bidder was a Japanese collector, and the sale was held by Sotheby’s.

Japan to Tighten Rules for Foreign License Conversion

The National Police Agency has announced a plan to tighten regulations on converting foreign driver's licenses to Japanese licenses—a process known as "gaimen kirikae"—by no longer allowing short-term visitors such as tourists to apply.

Massive Swarm of Dragonflies Terrifies Locals in Fukushima

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Japan Deploys Osprey to New Saga Base

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UNESCO Sides with Japan on Gunkanjima Heritage Dispute

Japan’s position on its handling of World Cultural Heritage sites, including Gunkanjima (Battleship Island) in Nagasaki City, has been upheld by the UNESCO World Heritage Committee, which rejected South Korea’s demand for a renewed review of Japan’s efforts.

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