Web3

AI Technology Animates Real-Life Scenes in Real Time

TOKYO, Dec 06 (News On Japan) - Over 300 small and medium-sized enterprises showcased their latest technologies at an exhibition in Tokyo, including cutting-edge animation technology utilizing generative AI.

The event, titled "Business Chance EXPO in TOKYO," was held on December 4th and featured innovations and ideas from a wide range of industries.

During a demonstration, a monitor equipped with a camera captured a reporter standing in front of it.

Shiroma Shota, a reporter from Nippon TV’s Economics Department, explained: "The camera transforms me and my suit into an animated version."

When the reporter made a peace sign, the animated character mimicked the action. The technology employs generative AI to convert the subject’s movements into animation almost in real time.

The company behind the innovation aims to enable small teams to produce animations efficiently using generative AI.

Source: 日本テレビ

Countdown to the New Year: Best Times to Visit Shrines for ‘Hatsumode’

With only a week left until the New Year, people are preparing for "hatsumode," the tradition of visiting a shrine or temple for the first time in the year. However, the first three days of January see heavy crowds at popular spots. Strategic planning around timing and location can help avoid congestion and make for a quieter visit.

Drone Footage Reveals Izu's Abandoned Hotels

Abandoned hotels in Shizuoka’s Izu Peninsula are becoming an increasing concern for local authorities. Once bustling with tourists during Japan’s economic boom, many hot spring resorts in Higashi-Izu Town have been left derelict, their structures crumbling and ownership unclear.

Japan Meteorological Agency Announces 3-Month Forecast

Temperatures are expected to remain unusually cold in January next year, with the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA) predicting colder-than-average conditions nationwide for the start of the year.

Struggles Continue in Noto Peninsula One Year After Earthquake

Nearly a year has passed since the Noto Peninsula earthquake struck on New Year’s Day, leaving the region grappling with recovery efforts and compounding challenges. In Suzu City’s Otani district, residents began moving into temporary housing earlier this month, following 11 months of hardship, including additional damage from September’s torrential rains.

New Japanese Passport Applications to Go Online

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has unveiled a new passport design set to be issued from March next year. The new system will allow online applications not only for renewals but also for new passport requests. Submitting an original family register certificate will no longer be required for online applications.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Web3 NEWS

Sharp to Sell Part of Sakai Factory to SoftBank for 100 Billion Yen

Sharp announced on December 20th that it will sell part of its Sakai factory, which previously produced LCD panels for televisions, to SoftBank for approximately 100 billion yen. SoftBank plans to use around 60% of the factory’s site, equivalent to about 450,000 square meters, to construct a large-scale data center aimed at advancing generative AI development.

Japan Employs AI to Boosts English Skills as Inbound Tourism Booms

Japan has set a new record for inbound tourists, with 33.38 million visitors from January to November this year, surpassing the previous high in 2019. Tokyo’s Asakusa district remains a popular destination, drawing large crowds of international visitors.

Nuclear Expert Says Gas Required In The Short Term To Fuel AI

The president of a group advising Japan's main utility claimed that the growth of artificial intelligence would cause a boom in energy consumption. The nuclear expert said this will initially be fueled by fossil fuels. He added, however, nuclear power will eventually replace fossil fuels. (WION)

Klarna CEO Says AI Is Replacing Workers

Klarna CEO Sebastian Siemiatkowski says AI has shown across-the-board benefits as he eyes an expansion into US banking under a new Trump administration. He says the company has replaced hundreds of workers with artificial intelligence and the moves have paid off. He joins Caroline Hyde on "Bloomberg Technology." (Bloomberg Technology)