Tokyo University professor Yutaka Matsuo said he expects the global balance of power in artificial intelligence to change sharply in 2026, arguing that breakthroughs in chips, robotics and autonomous driving could quickly reshape which companies, and which countries, lead the field.
An era of “physical AI,” in which artificial intelligence directly controls and moves objects in the real world, is beginning, and while Japan has lagged behind in generative AI, the country is now aiming to regain ground by leveraging its long-standing strengths in manufacturing and robotics.
The Asia-Pacific casino gambling market is set to expand significantly over the coming decade or so.
The world’s largest technology showcase, CES 2026, is opening in the United States, with a new keyword drawing attention this year: “physical AI,” a concept focused on making everyday life easier through machines that combine artificial intelligence with physical bodies.
In many parts of the world, digital entertainment didn’t arrive through living-room consoles or high-end computers—it arrived in a pocket.
Quantum computing is beginning to attract attention as the next major investment theme following the rapid rise of artificial intelligence, with growing interest reflected not only in technology circles but also among individual investors attending seminars and market briefings.
Cryptocurrencies have long been a tool for investors to protect the value of their assets. In Japan, where the value of the Yen has been consistently dropping for months, investors are turning to Ethereum as a hedge against the inflation of their local currency.
A new chapter is emerging in the race for AI semiconductors, as a Japanese startup founded by former PlayStation chip engineers sets its sights on challenging industry giant Nvidia with a radically different approach to processor design.