All About Japan

Ammonia Just May Be the Fuel of the Future

Heavy-industry manufacturer IHI Corporation is experimenting with a technology that uses ammonia to generate thermal power.

An Ancient Japanese Legend Restored to View: Prince Shotoku in 8K

A new use of technology gives us better access to fragile treasures from Japan's past. See how, in a very special Tokyo museum.

Time Travel with Japan's "Warlord" Clocks

Tokyo's Daimyo Clock Museum showcases unique Japanese clocks and the old way of measuring time used in the Edo period.

The World's First Disposable Paper Razor

One company is doing its part in reducing its use of single-use plastics with a completely disposable paper razor.

Good Reads: "War on Wheels" and Keirin Cycling

A review of the fascinating new book on Japan's unique sport: "The War on Wheels – Inside the Keirin and Japan’s Cycling Subculture" by Justin McCurry

Hayabusa2 Returns with Asteroid Samples

Japan’s Hayabusa2 space explorer brought 5.4 grams of substances believed to be from the asteroid Ryugu on a capsule that returned to Earth earlier this month.

App Improves Communication Hindered By Masks

An app is helping to facilitate communication in the new normal for the hearing impaired, the elderly, and people who speak different languages.

Uber Eats Starts Medication Delivery Trials

Convenience store chain giant Lawson is teaming up with Uber Eats to deliver medication to those who need it.

The Japanese Village That Inspired Steve Jobs

Tsubame-Sanjo is one of Japan’s leading metalworking hubs, boasting time-honored craftsmanship that has caught the eye of many big-name manufacturers, including Apple.

Astronaut Hoshide Excited About Tokyo Olympics

Japanese astronaut Hoshide Akihiko said in an interview with Nippon TV that he looks forward to the Tokyo Olympics while on his upcoming mission as commander of the International Space Station.

Hayabusa2 Capsule on Display at Museum

A capsule of Japan’s Hayabusa2 space explorer is put on display at a museum near Tokyo. The container returned to Earth in December, bringing back materials from the asteroid Ryugu.

Fugaku Reigns as World’s Fastest Supercomputer

Riken institute said Japan’s Fugaku remains the world’s fastest supercomputer in international rankings released twice a year.

Delivery Robots Take a Trial Lap Around Tokyo

Project officials have begun testing in Tokyo the use of delivery robots that handle orders from multiple stores.

Autonomous Buses Planned for Olympic Village

Toyota Motor has conducted a demonstration of e-Palette self-driving buses planned for the Olympic village next year.

An Inside Look at the Next-Gen Bullet Train

The press got to join a test-run of East Japan Railway Company's next-generation bullet train, ALFA-X, on October 27.

Architectural Techniques to Join UNESCO Ranks

Japan’s traditional wooden architectural techniques are set to be recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.

AI Takes Guesswork out of Choosing Sake

This artificial intelligence sommelier helps you choose the sake of your preference just by giving it descriptive expressions.

Tech That Measures Congestion in Indoor Areas

Officials tested a system at Tokyo Dome that uses state-of-the-art technology to measure congestion in indoor arenas.

Hitachi Created Finger Vein Recognition System

Conglomerate company Hitachi developed a new biometric system that can recognize users by the veins in their fingers.

Honda to Sell World 1st Level 3 Automated Car

Honda Motor plans to start selling the world’s first commercially available Level 3 automated cars by the end of March 2021. Level 3 vehicles can drive autonomously by detecting the environment around them, not needing driver input.

know-before-you-go