Web3

Yomiuri Shimbun Files Lawsuit Against Perplexity for Unauthorized Use of AI-Generated Content

TOKYO, Aug 09 (News On Japan) - Yomiuri Shimbun has filed a lawsuit seeking over 2.1 billion yen in damages against U.S.-based AI startup Perplexity, alleging the company used its news articles and photos without permission in its generative AI search services.

Perplexity, which operates in the generative AI sector in the United States, offers a service where users input questions and receive automated answers generated by AI.

According to Yomiuri Shimbun Holdings, approximately 120,000 of its articles were used between February and June 2025 to produce responses via the service. The company argues that such free-riding undermines the value of accurate journalism supported by thorough reporting and poses a threat to the foundations of democracy.

This marks the first time a major Japanese media organization has taken legal action against a generative AI company over the use of its content.

Source: FNN

Japan Names 40C-Plus Days

Japan already classifies days with highs of 30C or above as manatsubi (midsummer days) and those reaching 35C or above as moshobi (extremely hot days). It has now introduced a new term for days when temperatures climb to 40C or higher.

Father Admits Killing and Body Abandonment in Kyoto

Police investigating the death of an 11-year-old boy whose body was found in a forest in Kyoto Prefecture believe his father moved the remains between several locations over a number of days in an apparent attempt to conceal the crime.

Strong Typhoon Raises High Surf Risk for Pacific Areas of Japan This Weekend

A large and powerful Typhoon No. 4, internationally named Sinlaku, was located near the Mariana Islands and moving north-northeast as of the latest update. The storm is expected to gradually shift its course eastward and pass southeast of the Ogasawara Islands around April 18, before making its closest approach around April 19.

Japan to Release 50 Million Stockpiled Medical Gloves

Japan will release around 50 million stockpiled medical gloves from next month as concerns grow over shortages of medical supplies linked to tensions in the Middle East, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said.

Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route Fully Reopens

The Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route connecting Toyama and Nagano fully reopened on April 15th, marking the start of the spring tourism season along one of Japan’s most celebrated mountain routes.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Web3 NEWS

SoftBank to Exclusively Sell AI Smartphone in Japan

SoftBank said on April 17 that it will exclusively sell in Japan an AI-equipped smartphone developed for the Japanese market by U.S. startup Brain Technologies.

Tokyo Deploys AI to Keep Parks Safe

Tokyo metropolitan authorities on Friday began a trial use of AI-based tree inspections at Kinuta Park in Setagaya Ward after a series of fallen trees since last month raised safety concerns.

AI Predicts Heatstroke Risks

A comprehensive security and disaster prevention exhibition opened at Intex Osaka in Suminoe Ward, Osaka, bringing together 157 companies specializing in crisis management technologies.

Oracle Announces 1.2 Trillion Yen Investment in Japan AI

U.S. technology giant Oracle announced it will invest approximately 1.2 trillion yen in Japan’s artificial intelligence and cloud sectors, marking the latest in a series of large-scale investments by foreign firms.

Nissan Targets AI Autonomous Driving

Nissan Motor on April 14th unveiled its long-term vision, aiming to equip approximately 90% of its vehicle lineup with AI-powered autonomous driving technology as it seeks to rebuild its business.

Nara Pushes AI to Improve Public Services

Nara City has unveiled the results of its efforts to integrate artificial intelligence into municipal operations, aiming to address labor shortages and better respond to increasingly diverse citizen needs.

Four Companies Form New Firm for Domestic AI Development

SoftBank, NEC, Honda, and Sony Group have jointly established a new company aimed at developing domestically produced artificial intelligence, as Japan seeks to regain competitiveness in the rapidly advancing global AI sector.

Japan Moves to Classify Crypto Assets as Financial Products

The Japanese government approved a bill on April 10th to revise the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act, aiming to classify crypto assets such as Bitcoin as financial products subject to regulation.

< 2 3 4 5 >