Honda to launch unmanned autonomous taxi service in Odaiba in January 2026
TOKYO, Nov 18 (News On Japan) - Honda is set to launch an unmanned autonomous taxi service in Tokyo's Odaiba area in about two years.
The initiative was announced by Honda during a meeting with various governmental departments focused on the application of autonomous driving technology. Starting in January 2026, the service will first be introduced in Odaiba, Tokyo, and later expanded to include parts of the Chuo Ward, with an initial target fleet of around 500 vehicles.
Discussions in the meeting held on the 17th revolved around the regulations for 'Level 4' services, which involve fully automated driving in restricted areas.
Water level of Japan's largest lake drops, affecting shipping operations
NHK - Dec 05
The water level of Lake Biwa, which is Japan's largest lake, has plunged due to a lack of rain, causing trouble for some ship operators.
Aurora observed in Hokkaido for first time since 2003
Japan Times - Dec 04
A red aurora has been observed in Hokkaido, with the phenomenon visible to the naked eye.
Japan 'hotspot' for climate change: study
News On Japan - Dec 02
The results of a five-year study by universities and research institutions on the effects of global warming around Japan have been announced, revealing Japan as a "hotspot" significantly affected by climate change.
Japan experiences hottest-ever autumn
NHK - Dec 02
Weather officials in Japan say the country's average temperature this autumn was the highest since record-keeping began 125 years ago.
World’s biggest experimental nuclear fusion reactor launched in Japan
The Guardian - Dec 02
The world’s biggest operational experimental nuclear fusion reactor – a technology in its infancy but billed by some as the answer to humanity’s future energy needs – has been inaugurated in Naka, Japan.
Japan Volcano News | Explosive Volcanic Eruption On Niijima Island, 150km From Tokyo
CNN-News18 - Nov 30
An explosive eruption last week sent volcanic rock hurtling into the sea around Niijima Island, located 970 km (600 miles) from the Japanese capital Tokyo.
Oxford quantum computing spinout announces $100M funding round led by Japan’s SBI
cointelegraph.com - Nov 29
Oxford University physics spinout Oxford Quantum Circuits (OQC) recently announced the launch of Toshiko, a 32-qubit quantum computing services platform, alongside a $100-million Series B funding round led by Japan’s SBI Group’s investment arm.
Japan's NTT teams up with Amazon to offer satellite internet
Nikkei - Nov 29
Telecom carrier NTT has teamed up with Amazon to launch a satellite internet service in Japan with a trial scheduled for as early as 2024, the companies said on Tuesday, in a move aimed at challenging rival operator SpaceX in the fledgling sector.
Understanding Chronic Pain: Insights from Brooklyn's Top Pain Doctors
newsonjapan.com - Nov 29
Chronic pain develops as a subtle yet widespread challenge in the bustling urban setting of Brooklyn, New York, affecting countless lives.
Japan begins trial of over-the-counter 'morning-after pill' sales
Kyodo - Nov 28
Japan began trial over-the-counter sales of morning-after pills on Tuesday as the nation takes a major step toward joining dozens of others that make the emergency contraception drugs available without a doctor's prescription.
NYC's Pain Management Clinics: Pioneering Strategies for International Expansion into the Japanese Market
newsonjapan.com - Nov 27
Pain management clinics have long been at the forefront of novel treatment procedures in New York City, providing relief and hope to many patients suffering from chronic pain.
Japan detects season's first bird flu case, to cull 40,000 birds
Reuters - Nov 26
Japan detected the first case of highly pathogenic H5-type bird flu this season at a poultry farm in the south of the country, public broadcaster NHK reported on Saturday.
'Aibo' the robot dog prays at Shichi-Go-San in Fukuoka
News On Japan - Nov 24
It's Shichi-Go-San, the Japanese festival season for celebrating the healthy growth of children, with Aibo the robot dog giving prayer at a shrine in Fukuoka, on Friday.
Ancient Aliens: Japan's WILD Extraterrestrial Energy
HISTORY - Nov 24
Japan has had multiple incidents that may have included the work of aliens. See more in this compilation from Ancient Aliens.
Japan's government spends hours in Minecraft to reveal a wild real-world infrastructure project
tweaktown.com - Nov 23
Minecraft isn't just a game where you can let your imagination and creativity run wild; it can also be used to demonstrate real-world projects, or at least that is what Japan's government appears to be doing.
Gaming Is Changing Forever: Will Japan Keep the Pace?
newsonjapan.com - Nov 21
For many of us, particularly those of a certain age, Japan is the country that built the gaming industry.
