Web3

Sharp Unveils New AQUOS Smartphones with Generative AI Features

TOKYO, May 30 (News On Japan) - Sharp announced on May 29th that it will release new models of its AQUOS smartphone series equipped with generative AI, with sales beginning in late June or later. The lineup will include both high-end and basic models.

The high-end model features a schedule management function that uses generative AI to automatically transcribe phone conversations into memos and register them in the calendar. The camera also includes an AI function that can erase unwanted shadows from images.

A Sharp representative stated, "We are continuing to refine our AI technology. While it currently supports functions like calling and photography, we aim to expand its application to other areas in order to deliver meaningful value to users."

Source: テレ東BIZ

Host Club Owner First in Japan Arrested Over Debt Collection

A host club operator in Nagoya has been arrested for allegedly threatening a female customer at her home in an attempt to collect about 1 million yen in unpaid club bills. This marks the first such arrest in Japan following the enforcement of revised regulations on the adult entertainment industry.

Nissan to Shut Down Oppama Plant in 2027

Nissan Motor announced on the evening of July 15th that it will end vehicle production at its key Oppama Plant in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, by the end of fiscal 2027. Company President Ivan Espinosa held a press conference at 5 p.m. to explain the decision.

Late-Night Crowd of Train Photographers Causes Chaos

About 300 railway enthusiasts gathered near JR Ōmiya Station in Saitama City around 3 a.m. on July 13th, creating chaos that escalated to the point of police intervention.

Clothes Removed by Deepfake AI in 30 Seconds

Sexual deepfakes, created using generative AI, are rapidly emerging as a new form of digital abuse, with cases increasing across Japan. Without their knowledge, individuals—especially minors—are finding their photos misused to produce sexually explicit images or videos, often in under a minute.

Japan's Ruling Bloc Faces Tough Battle to Keep Majority

The ruling coalition is facing an increasingly difficult battle to retain its majority in Japan’s House of Councillors, according to a mid-campaign opinion poll by FNN ahead of the July 20th election. Meanwhile, the minor party Sanseitō is showing strong momentum and could see a significant boost in its number of seats.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Web3 NEWS

How One Japanese Town Succeeded in AI Transformation

Japan continues to lag behind other countries in digital transformation (DX), including in the use of generative AI. However, one local government has emerged as a leader in implementing effective DX initiatives, offering valuable lessons for overcoming the nation’s status as an AI laggard.

Fake AI Robot Dog Ads Spark Consumer Backlash

A growing number of consumers in Japan are falling victim to fake online ads that falsely claim endorsements from well-known companies and universities. In one such case, a licensed psychologist in Nagoya paid approximately 4,500 yen for an "AI robot dog" that turned out to be little more than a cheap toy resembling something from the Showa era.

Clothes Removed by Deepfake AI in 30 Seconds

Japan's Trade Ministry to Support Rakuten's Next-Generation AI Model

The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry has decided to support Rakuten Group’s development of a next-generation generative AI base model, according to reporting by TV Tokyo. Rakuten is expected to begin developing a large language model in August with 700 billion parameters—one of the largest in Japan.

What Japan’s Election System Looks Like to an AI Expert

Artificial intelligence may pose both opportunities and threats to democracy, says Yutaka Matsuo, a leading AI researcher at the University of Tokyo, who warns that voters must remain vigilant about the influence of AI-generated content in political campaigns.