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As dry conditions persist and residential fires break out across Japan, Oarai Town in Ibaraki Prefecture has introduced an AI-powered "fire watchtower" to enhance early fire detection.

Prime Minister Ishiba has directed relevant ministers to expedite the drafting of a new bill that balances accelerating innovation in artificial intelligence (AI) and addressing associated risks. The move aims to position Japan as a global leader in AI research, development, and implementation.

Sharp announced on December 20th that it will sell part of its Sakai factory, which previously produced LCD panels for televisions, to SoftBank for approximately 100 billion yen. SoftBank plans to use around 60% of the factory’s site, equivalent to about 450,000 square meters, to construct a large-scale data center aimed at advancing generative AI development.

Japan has set a new record for inbound tourists, with 33.38 million visitors from January to November this year, surpassing the previous high in 2019. Tokyo’s Asakusa district remains a popular destination, drawing large crowds of international visitors.