Sumitomo and NEC to Develop AI-Powered Safety System for Construction Sites Mar. 25, 2026. - Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd. (SHI) and NEC Corporation are set to begin a joint development of an innovative system designed to enhance safety at construction sites. The project, commencing in April 2026, aims to automatically identify near-miss incidents using camera footage and sensor data from hydraulic excavators. In the construction industry, operations are often affected by unpredictable elements such as […]
NEC Invests in AGI7 to Enhance Physical AI Capabilities Mar. 25, 2026. - NEC Corporation's venture capital fund has invested in AGI7, Inc., a company known for its Physical AI platform, Alpha Vision. This investment aims to address growing demands for AI solutions in various sectors, including retail, logistics, and construction. Alpha Vision enables AI agents to understand and respond to events in physical spaces, leveraging existing camera infrastructures. The platform's AI agents […]
Fujitsu and University of Osaka Advance Quantum Computing for Industrial Applications Mar. 25, 2026. - Fujitsu Limited and the Center for Quantum Information and Quantum Biology at The University of Osaka have announced a significant advancement in quantum computing technology, aimed at enhancing the industrial application of quantum computers. This development focuses on the early fault-tolerant quantum computing (early-FTQC) era. The breakthrough combines the third version of the STAR architecture, a highly efficient phase rotation […]
Polyplastics’ DURACON POM Transforming Material Handling Efficiency Mar. 25, 2026. - Polyplastics Co., Ltd.'s DURACON(R) POM resin has been chosen for use in an innovative crawler track transport system by Tokyo-based CuboRex Co., Ltd., aiming to enhance efficiency in factory and construction settings. The system, distinguished by its structural crawler covering made of DURACON POM, promises improved work performance over traditional caster carts. Selected for its robust load-bearing capacity and friction […]
Hitachi Launches Plant-Based Lubricant to Reduce CO2 Emissions Mar. 24, 2026. - Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems Co., Ltd. has introduced a new plant-based lubricant, GREEN SCREW OIL, for oil-flooded screw air compressors, significantly cutting CO2 emissions during manufacturing. The lubricant, derived from plant materials that absorb CO2 through photosynthesis, reduces manufacturing-stage CO2 emissions by approximately 90% compared to conventional synthetic oils. Across its entire lifecycle, including disposal, it can cut emissions by […]
Fujitsu and Umios Complete Pilot for Seafood Traceability System Mar. 24, 2026. - Fujitsu Limited and Umios Corporation have completed a pilot project for an electronic traceability system designed to track and visualize seafood distribution information. The initiative, conducted on February 1, 2026, focused on bluefin tuna farmed by the Umios Group in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. This system allows consumers to verify distribution details from farm to retail via smartphone, aiming to combat […]
Eisai and Biogen Report High Persistence in Lecanemab Treatment for Alzheimer’s Mar. 23, 2026. - Eisai Co., Ltd. and Biogen Inc. have announced promising real-world findings on the long-term treatment persistence of their Alzheimer's drug, lecanemab. The analysis, presented at the 20th International Conference on Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases in Copenhagen, revealed that most patients continue treatment beyond the initial 18 months. The study, utilizing the PurpleLab CLEAR Claims database, assessed 10,763 individuals in the […]
Hitachi Wins 2026 Catalyst Award for Workplace Inclusion Efforts Mar. 23, 2026. - Hitachi, Ltd. (TSE:6501) has been recognized with the 2026 Catalyst Award for its commitment to embedding inclusion as a core component of its global management and business strategies. The award, presented by Catalyst, a nonprofit organization focused on workplace inclusion, acknowledges Hitachi's efforts in fostering a more inclusive corporate culture. The company's “Together, We Are Stronger” initiative has been instrumental […]
Latest News
- Yokohama Rubber Closes Salem Plant in the United States Mar. 25, 2026Yokohama Rubber has closed its Salem plant in Virginia on March 18. The company had initially planned to scale down...
- Market Report: Fluororubber Sheets Strong on Semiconductor Demand Mar. 24, 2026Demand for specialty rubber sheets such as fluororubber and silicone rubber is strong. Fluororubber sheets are seeing expanding demand, particularly...
- Zeon Recognized as a Health & Productivity Management Outstanding Organization 2026 Mar. 23, 2026Zeon has been certified for the eighth consecutive year as a Health & Productivity Management Outstanding Organization 2026 (Large Enterprise...
- Toyo Tires to Build New TBR Plant as It Targets 50% Sales Increase in North America Mar. 19, 2026Toyo Tires President and CEO Takashi Shimizu has announced plans to construct a new plant dedicated to truck and bus...
- Toyo Tires Unveils New Mid-Term Plan, Plan ’26 Mar. 18, 2026Toyo Tires has formulated a new five-year mid-term management plan, “Plan ’26,” which runs through fiscal 2030. The company will...
- Dow Chemical Japan Announces Price Increase for Elastomer Products Mar. 17, 2026Dow Chemical Japan announced on March 12 that it will raise prices for its elastomer products. The company said that...
- Tsurumi Chemical to Raise Prices on All Sulfur Products Effective April 1 Mar. 17, 2026Tsurumi Chemical will raise prices on all sulfur-related products beginning with shipments on April 1. The company explained that the...
- Japan’s Synthetic Rubber Supply at Risk Amid Heavy Reliance on Naphtha Mar. 16, 2026Rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East are raising concerns over the stability of raw material supplies for Japan’s synthetic...
- Ube Reorganizes Europe Operations With New Subsidiary, Strengthens Regional Setup Mar. 13, 2026Ube said that its Board of Directors has approved the establishment of Ube Polymers & Chemicals Europe (UPCE). The move...
- NOK Named Yearbook Member in S&P Global’s Sustainability Yearbook 2026 Mar. 12, 2026NOK has been selected as a Yearbook Member in the Auto Components category of S&P Global’s Sustainability Yearbook 2026, earning...
Insight:
Japan’s Political System
Japan is a large and firmly established democracy in form of a constitutional monarchy in Asia. Learn more
Insight:
Japan’s Chemical Industry
People often do not realize that almost everything they touch in daily life originates in the chemical industry. The Japanese chemical industry is the third largest in the world. And it is the second largest manufacturing industry in Japan. Learn more
Insight:
Japan’s Automotive Industry
Japan is one of the most important auto-making countries in the world. Brands like Toyota, Honda or Suzuki are household names worldwide. Learn more
Insight:
Japan’s Machinery Industry
Japan has one of the most important industrial machinery industries in the world. It is home to a broad range of famous brands, globally renowned for their history and high quality. Learn more
Insight:
Japan’s Rubber Industry
Tires, cars, or buildings: Modern life is unthinkable without rubber. And Japan boasts one of the most developed rubber industries worldwide. Learn more
Insight:
Japan’s Newspaper Structure
Most people in the West are familiar with 3-tiered newspaper structures. Japan’s 5-tier system is more differentiated. Learn more
