AI-Powered Store Opens at Fukuoka Dome

Mar 23, 2025 | News On Japan

FUKUOKA - A new type of store will open this season at the home stadium of the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks, the Mizuho PayPay Dome: a cashier-free "smart store" that allows customers to shop without stopping to pay at a register.

Located near Gate 4, the "Hawks Smart Stand" uses artificial intelligence and 24 ceiling-mounted cameras to identify customer movements and purchases. On March 18th, ten days before the start of the professional baseball season, the store held a pre-opening trial for employees.

To enter the store, customers tap their credit card at the entrance. AI then tracks their movements, identifying items picked up and tallying the total upon exit. The system automatically charges the card used to enter. A receipt is generated online within about ten minutes, viewable by scanning a QR code inside the store.

One reporter tested the system by entering with a previously purchased gratin dish and then picking up a sweet potato dessert. The receipt reflected only the new purchase, showing the AI's precision in recognizing additional items.

The store is part of a collaboration between the Hawks and Secure, a company that develops AI-based security systems. The project aims to reduce congestion in the concourse on game days, when up to 40,000 fans can crowd the venue, and to address staff shortages.

"We started planning an unmanned store two years ago, as we recognized the issues of long lines and labor shortages," said Yuko Asayama, head of business operations at the Hawks. "We hope this solution improves convenience for fans and alleviates pressure on our staff."

During the system installation on March 12th, a technical glitch caused the card reader to malfunction temporarily. Secure attributed the issue to a possible system error between the store and cloud servers. The Hawks say they are conducting thorough tests to prevent problems at launch.

The Hawks Smart Stand will open for one day on March 23rd as a limited trial, followed by full-scale operation beginning on March 28th, the day of the Hawks' season opener.

Source: FBS

Typhoon No. 6 Approaches Okinawa Bringing Destructive Winds

As of 3 a.m. on May 31st, Typhoon No. 6 (Chan-hom) was moving north-northwest south of Okinawa and is forecast to pass near Okinawa Main Island between June 1st and June 2nd as a strong typhoon, with meteorologists warning of destructive winds, torrential rain and dangerous seas across Okinawa before the storm tracks northeastward along Japan's Pacific coast.

Bear Sighting Hoax Posts Trigger Police Investigation in Aomori

A series of false bear sighting reports posted to an online alert system operated by Aomori Prefecture has disrupted schools, prompted a police investigation, and raised concerns about the growing impact of misinformation on public safety.

Saw, Iron Pipes and Shovel Seized as 30 Teens Get Ready to Rumble

A social media dispute between a 17-year-old high school student from Tokyo's Itabashi Ward and a 16-year-old boy from Edogawa Ward escalated into a planned group fight involving around 30 youths, some of whom allegedly brought weapons including a rusty saw, iron pipes, a special baton and even a shovel.

Japan's Population Falls by 3.1 Million in Five Years to 123 Million

Japan's population stood at 123.05 million in 2025, according to preliminary results from the national census released by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, marking a decline of 3.097 million people over the past five years.

Japan Volleyball Player Busted Over Marijuana Possession

Volleyball player Shunichiro Sato, a member of Japan’s men’s national team, was arrested by the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department on suspicion of possessing marijuana after allegedly leaving a bag containing the drug at a pachinko parlor in Tokyo.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Web3 NEWS

Japan Can Still Compete in the AI Race, Says Former Digital Minister

Former Digital Minister Masaaki Taira, who oversees cybersecurity and artificial intelligence policy within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, said Japan still has opportunities to compete in the rapidly evolving AI sector, despite the dominance of major U.S. and Chinese developers.

How Should Society Navigate the AI Era?

Generative artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming part of everyday life, helping people with everything from studying and work-related tasks to choosing travel destinations and seeking relationship advice, raising questions about how society should engage with a technology that is evolving faster than ever.

Japanese Banks Among First to Test OpenAI's Most Powerful AI Systems

The Japanese government revealed on May 29th that U.S.-based OpenAI has granted access to its latest artificial intelligence technology to a select group of major financial institutions in Japan.

Cybersecurity Enters New Era as AI Unleashes Vulnerability Storm

Anthropic's newly developed AI system, Claude Mythos, is forcing companies to rethink cybersecurity as it dramatically accelerates the discovery of software vulnerabilities while simultaneously raising concerns about how attackers could exploit the technology.

Fujitsu to Invest 3 Trillion Yen in AI and Quantum Technologies

Fujitsu announced its long-term management vision through fiscal 2035, unveiling plans to invest approximately 3 trillion yen over the next decade in growth businesses centered on artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and other advanced fields as it seeks to significantly boost profitability.

What to know about payment gateway options in Ethiopia in 2026

Ethiopia’s digital economy continues to grow at an accelerating pace. Local merchants that previously relied entirely on cash have shifted to online operations one after another, and now face the practical pressure of having to provide compliant digital payment options.

JR West Tests AI to Warn of Sudden Torrential Rain

JR West announced on May 27th that it has begun a demonstration test of generative artificial intelligence developed in partnership with weather company Weathernews, based in Chiba City, to assist controllers in deciding whether to suspend train operations when sudden localized downpours exceeding operational restriction thresholds are forecast.

People Turn to AI for Life Advice

As consultations with generative AI attract growing attention, people on the streets were asked whether they had ever used AI for personal advice or emotional support, revealing a wide range of opinions and experiences.

< 2 3 4 5 >