Japan to use AI at customs to stop drug smuggling
Japan Times -- Jan 21
Japan's Finance Ministry is promoting a program to introduce artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge technology to help customs agents crack down on increased smuggling of illegal drugs.
The program aims to establish the world’s most advanced inspection capabilities according to a plan announced by the ministry in June last year.
As part of the program, AI-based analysis will be used to sort through huge amounts of data on past cases of unlawful import activity, looking for patterns of false descriptions on such matters as price, quantity and weight of goods on import declarations. The information will help pin down importers who should be watched more closely.
To prevent the importing of illegal drugs, the ministry has already started testing a prototype nuclear quadrupole resonance (NQR) device that uses AI to check X-rayed items and identify possible drug smuggling.
The NQR device sends a pulse via radio waves and can detect drugs hidden in body cavities.
At present, drugs hidden in such a manner can only be confirmed using X-ray machines at hospitals. No country has yet adopted the technique to find illegal drugs.
- Japan Times
Famed baseball manga artist Mizushima dies at 82
Nikkei - Jan 18
Shinji Mizushima, a famed baseball-themed manga artist known for such works as "Dokaben" and "Abu-san," died of pneumonia on Jan. 10, his management office said Monday. He was 82.
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Nioteas TV - Jan 16
In this episode, we travel across Japan's largest tea growing region to learn different secrets farmers use to get the most out of their tea fields and we also learn how they maintain the health of their surrounding ecosystem.
Japan’s Pet Otter Obsession
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Otome Road | Tokyo Anime Central for Girls
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gulf-times.com - Jan 12
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A Day in a Dying Town in Japan
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Today, I wanted to show you a day in my life in Japan's dying town with my Japanese grandparents!
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thenewsmotion.com - Jan 11
Monday was Coming-of-Age Day in Japan, which marks the passage from the teen years to adulthood with many new adults celebrating at the famous Meiji Shrine in central Tokyo.
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NHK - Jan 11
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NHK - Jan 11
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WION - Jan 11
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Man arrested after holding "yakiniku" restaurant manager hostage
Kyodo - Jan 10
Police on Sunday arrested a 28-year-old man who held the manager of a "yakiniku" grilled meat restaurant in Tokyo hostage and claimed he had planted a bomb in the establishment, later telling police he wanted to eat grilled meat before being nabbed, investigative sources said.
Japanese partake in ice bath ritual to pray for pandemic end
Ruptly - Jan 10
A dozen people participated in a Shinto ritual whereby they bathed in icy waters at Teppou-zu Inari Shrine in Tokyo on Sunday to pray for the end of the pandemic.
Meet Japan's very busy "Do Nothing Rent-a-Man"
CBS - Jan 08
Throughout his 38 years, Shoji Morimoto had become accustomed to being told by family, classmates and co-workers that he was a "do-nothing" — the kind of guy who stood back and let others take the initiative.
Transgender woman referred to prosecutors for using Osaka ladies room
Kyodo - Jan 07
A transgender woman was referred to prosecutors Thursday for suspected trespassing after using the ladies room in a commercial facility in Osaka, in a case an expert on LGBT issues fears might lead to more prejudice and discrimination against sexual minorities.
