Sports

Toyota to Enter Racing Kart Business

AICHI, Jun 02 (News On Japan) - Toyota Motor has announced plans to enter the racing kart business, positioning the move as a strategic step toward preparing the next generation for the future of the automobile industry.

At the endurance race held at Fuji Speedway, Toyota once again fielded a vehicle powered by a hydrogen engine, with Chairman Akio Toyoda himself taking part as a driver. "Hydrogen engine vehicles have finally caught up with regular cars," Toyoda said, underscoring the company’s continued push for carbon-neutral mobility.

This year's event also saw several manufacturers using low-carbon gasoline in their race cars, highlighting the industry's accelerating shift toward decarbonization. At the venue, attendees were invited to test ride go-karts powered by carbon-neutral fuels.

The go-karts, designed as entry-level vehicles suitable even for children, are part of Toyota’s long-term initiative to inspire interest in cars and mobility from a young age.

"We want children to discover the joy of driving early on," said Naoaki Ito, the lead developer of Toyota’s new 'GR Kart' project. "That experience could shape their future—whether as mechanics, car dealers, or other roles in the automotive world."

Although the launch date has yet to be finalized, Toyota aims to offer the new kart at roughly a quarter of the price of existing models.

Source: TBS

Fujii Becomes Youngest Lifetime Triple Crown Holder in Shogi History

Shogi champion Sota Fujii, who defended his title in the prestigious Ryuo Tournament, expressed his joy on November 11th after becoming the youngest player in history to qualify for the lifetime title of "Eisei Ryuo" (Lifetime Ryuo).

Japan Plans to Triple Departure Tax to 3,000 Yen

Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) policy committee has drafted a resolution calling on the government to raise the “departure tax” to secure funds for overtourism countermeasures. The proposal seeks to increase the current 1,000 yen per-person levy to 3,000 yen, and to set the rate at 5,000 yen for travelers using business class or higher.

Tokyo Issues Influenza Epidemic Warning for First Time in 16 Years

Tokyo Metropolitan Government issued an influenza epidemic warning on November 13th after the number of reported cases reached the alert threshold, marking the first such announcement in November in 16 years.

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Mother of 12-Year-Old Thai Girl Caught In Prostitution Gets Arrest Warrant

The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department has obtained an arrest warrant for the mother of a 12-year-old Thai girl who was illegally employed at a massage parlor in Tokyo's Bunkyo Ward, on suspicion of violating the Child Welfare Act.

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