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How Japan’s largest AI unicorn is shaping the future of deep learning

Mar 26 (CNBC International) - Widely considered Japan's leading artificial intelligence startup, Preferred Networks is on a mission to tackle "real-world" challenges through deep learning.

Founded in 2014, the company has embarked on several joint projects, ranging from autonomous driving to cutting-edge semiconductors.

By attracting major investors like Toyota, Preferred Networks has grown into Japan's largest unicorn, a private company valued at over $1 billion.

"We are trying to create a lot of new value in the world by focusing on computers and computer science, which we love," CEO Toru Nishikawa told CNBC's Christine Tan in the latest episode of Managing Asia.

"Our vision is to make the world a better place by making the latest technology available in the shortest possible time," Nishikawa added.

One of Preferred Networks' most ambitious projects to date is the development of AI-powered autonomous trucks, which aim to address Japan's declining and aging workforce in the trucking industry.

Shibuya Passes Plan for 2,000-Yen Fine for Littering

Shibuya Ward has approved an ordinance that would impose a 2,000-yen fine for littering on public streets, while also penalizing shops that fail to provide trash bins. The measure was passed on December 10th and targets both individuals who discard waste and businesses near major stations that offer takeout services, raising questions about whether the approach will meaningfully reduce trash on the streets.

Six-Time Women's Shogi Champ Challenges Maternity Restrictions

Shogi player Kana Fukuma, who currently holds six women’s titles, revealed on December 10th that she has submitted a formal request calling for revisions to the Japan Shogi Association’s rule that prevents players from competing in title matches during a set period before and after childbirth.

Popular Baby Names in Japan Reveal Cultural Shift

The most popular baby names of 2025 were led by Minato for boys and Sui for girls, according to rankings released by Meiji Yasuda Life, which highlighted continued enthusiasm for certain kanji characters and showed how naming trends have evolved since the survey began in the first year of the Taisho era.

Japan Issues Warning for Potential Large Aftershock

A powerful earthquake with a seismic intensity of 6+ struck Aomori late on December 8th, prompting the Meteorological Agency to issue a temporary tsunami warning for coastal areas along the Pacific side of the prefecture. While the warning has since been downgraded, the government is urging caution after authorities announced, for the first time, a heightened possibility of another large earthquake occurring off Hokkaido and the Sanriku coast.

Japan Adjusts Plan to Raise Departure Tax to 3,000 yen

A plan to sharply raise Japan’s departure tax is taking shape as the government and ruling coalition have begun coordinating a proposal to lift the current 1,000 yen levy to a flat 3,000 yen per person in next fiscal year’s tax reform, adding new momentum to calls for expanded funding to deal with overtourism across the country.

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AI Takes Center Stage at Robot Exhibition

Japan’s largest robotics exhibition, the 2025 International Robot Exhibition, opened at Tokyo Big Sight on December 3rd, bringing together a broad spectrum of cutting-edge technologies ranging from humanoid units to AI-powered industrial machines as 673 companies from Japan and abroad showcased the latest in robotics innovation.

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