Web3

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.

Typhoon No. 24 (Fung-shen) Moves Toward Vietnam, Heavy Rain Forecast For Japan

Typhoon No. 24 (Fung-shen) is strengthening over the South China Sea and is expected to make landfall in Vietnam later this week, according to forecasts. Satellite images on October 20th show extensive cloud coverage over the central South China Sea. After passing over the Philippines, Fung-shen temporarily weakened but is projected to intensify again as it continues westward through Tuesday.

Real-Life Water Police: Protecting Tokyo’s Seas and Rivers

Tokyo’s seas and rivers, once considered lawless backwaters beyond the reach of regular policing, are now under constant watch by a dedicated force known as the “water police,” specialists who patrol the capital’s waterways, chase down smugglers, stop reckless jet ski riders, and carry out dramatic rescue missions to save lives.

Tourist Graffiti Threatens Kyoto’s Iconic Bamboo Forest

Kyoto’s world-famous Arashiyama district, a popular destination for both domestic and international tourists, is facing a growing problem of graffiti etched into the bamboo along its iconic “Bamboo Grove Path,” with more than 350 stalks now damaged — a practice that experts warn could eventually cause bamboo to weaken, fall, and even injure visitors.

Japanese Streaming Services Struggle Against Netflix

Japan’s streaming industry is under growing pressure as foreign giants tighten their grip on the domestic market, with Netflix’s latest move to secure exclusive broadcast rights in Japan for every game of the World Baseball Classic next March highlighting the widening gap.

Japan Tightens Rules on Foreign Business Visas

Investigators from the Immigration Services Agency conducted on-site inspections in Osaka on October 14th amid a surge in so-called 'paper companies' created by foreign nationals seeking residency.

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