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The EU Japan Centre is releasing a weekly press review covering Japan's economic and policy matters.
▶ AI robots may hold key to nursing Japan’s aging population
28 Feb, 2025
AIREC, a 150-kg AI-driven humanoid robot developed at Waseda University, is designed to assist with elderly care in Japan, which faces a severe shortage of care workers due to its aging population and declining birth rate. The robot can perform tasks like rolling patients onto their side, helping with daily activities, and even cooking. While AIREC is not expected to be ready for widespread use until 2030, it offers a potential solution to the growing need for care workers in the country. However, experts emphasize that robots and humans should work together in caregiving, as robots may struggle to fully understand the complexities of nursing care.
Asahi: https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15648410
AIREC: https://airec-waseda.jp/en/toppage_en/
▶ Technical Reference Document Released for Promoting Industrial Data Integration in the Ouranos Ecosystem
28 Feb, 2025
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and the Information-Technology Promotion Agency (IPA) have released a technical reference document titled "Whitepaper: Ouranos Ecosystem Dataspaces Reference Architecture Model (ODS-RAM)." This whitepaper is part of the efforts to promote the "Ouranos Ecosystem" initiative, aimed at facilitating the free flow of trusted data (DFFT) across industries and businesses through interconnected systems. The whitepaper outlines the architecture for the Ouranos Ecosystem Dataspaces (ODS), which is designed to enable industry-wide data integration while ensuring data sovereignty. It also sets the stage for future discussions and updates through collaboration with industry and academia to foster interoperability and service-driven data space development.
METI(Japanese): https://www.meti.go.jp/press/2024/02/20250228006/20250228006.html
Whitepaper: Ouranos Ecosystem Dataspeces Reference Architecture Model (Japanese): https://www.ipa.go.jp/digital/architecture/Individual-link/h5f8pg0000003h0k-att/ouranos-ecosystem-dataspaces-ram-white-paper.pdf
▶ Japan Cabinet OK’s Bill on AI Risk Management, Innovation; Govt, Ruling Parties Aim to Pass Bill in Current Diet Session
28 Feb, 2025
Japan's government approved a bill aimed at balancing the risks and benefits of artificial intelligence (AI). The bill promotes AI research and development for national security while addressing risks like misinformation, privacy violations, and criminal use. It requires companies to take corrective measures if they infringe on people's rights, but without penalty provisions. The bill stresses AI's importance for economic development and national security, and outlines Japan's commitment to international cooperation in AI standards. A new AI strategy headquarters, led by the prime minister, will oversee the implementation of the bill’s measures.
Yomiuri: https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/politics-government/20250228-241005/
▶ Japan Inc. faces pressure to change male-centric values
1 Mar, 2025
Japanese corporations are under pressure to address their male-dominated cultures and sexual harassment issues, highlighted by scandals like Fuji TV’s. Despite a law promoting women's workplace participation, women remain underrepresented in leadership roles. The #MeToo movement has sparked a shift in attitudes, revealing corporate mishandling of harassment cases. Organizations like Mimosas aim to raise awareness on sexual consent and educate younger generations for a more inclusive workplace.
Nikkei Asia: https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Gender/Japan-Inc.-faces-pressure-to-change-male-centric-values2
▶ Jungle theme park with dinosaur ride to open in Okinawa on July 25
1 Mar, 2025
Junglia Okinawa, a new jungle-themed park, will open on July 25 in Nakijin, Okinawa. The park, covering 60 hectares in the UNESCO World Heritage Yambaru region, will feature 22 attractions, including a dinosaur-themed ride and a balloon ride offering panoramic jungle views. It will also have an open-air bath with scenic views. The park aims to attract both domestic and international visitors, with ticket prices ranging from ¥6,930 for adults and ¥4,950 for children for Japanese visitors, and ¥8,800 and ¥5,940 for overseas travelers. The park is expected to create significant economic impact and job opportunities.
▶ Japan researchers create high-quality cat stem cells in world 1st
1 Mar, 2025
A Japanese research team led by Shingo Hatoya has created the world’s first high-quality feline iPS and ES cells, advancing veterinary medicine. These cells can help study diseases and develop treatments for conditions like feline kidney disease and diabetes. The breakthrough, published in September 2024, involves introducing additional genes to cat cells. The team plans to share the cells with research institutions to develop new therapies.
Mainichi: https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20250228/p2a/00m/0sc/030000c
▶ Japan researchers develop highly sensitive scent-tracking drone using moth antenna
1 Mar, 2025
Researchers in Japan have developed a drone that uses a silkworm moth antenna to track scents, an innovation that could assist in disaster search and rescue missions. The drone, measuring 10 cm, can detect scents up to 5 meters away, more than double the previous range. The moth antenna responds to odors by emitting electrical signals, enabling faster and more precise tracking than traditional gas sensors. The drone mimics insect behavior by hovering and rotating to track scents. Future plans include improving vertical tracking and experimenting with mosquito antennae to help locate disaster victims in areas that are difficult for rescue dogs to reach.
Mainichi: https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20250301/p2a/00m/0sc/013000c
▶ Japan-Thailand fund to provide growth funds to Japanese startups
4 Mar, 2025
The Development Bank of Japan (DBJ), Japan's Mercuria Holdings, and Thailand's Charoen Pokphand Group have launched an 18 billion yen ($120 million) fund focusing on minority investments (15%-49%) in Japanese companies. DBJ and CP Group will each contribute 9 billion yen, while Mercuria Investment will manage the fund. The fund aims for a 15%+ internal rate of return and plans to invest in approximately six companies, targeting growth and potential future sales. The fund will assist with capital for growth investments, joint investments, management buyouts, and divestitures. A similar fund with outside investors may be considered later.
Nikkei Asia: https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Finance/Japan-Thailand-fund-to-provide-growth-funds-to-Japanese-startups
▶ AUKUS sounds out Japan for joint research on AI drones
4 Mar, 2025
AUKUS (Australia, the U.K., and the U.S.) has proposed joint research with Japan on developing AI for drones that would accompany Japan's next-generation fighter jets. The drones, part of a larger collaboration on advanced technologies, would assist in surveillance, attack, and decision-making during missions. Japan is working on developing an advanced stealth fighter with the U.K. and Italy for deployment by 2035. This initiative follows earlier AI collaborations between Japan, the U.S., and Australia. Japan's decision to join the AUKUS drone AI research will depend on existing cooperative frameworks, with the aim of competing against China’s military advancements.
Nikkei Asia: https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/Defense/AUKUS-sounds-out-Japan-for-joint-research-on-AI-drones
▶ Japan to prioritize homegrown software for cybersecurity
4 Mar, 2025
Japan plans to prioritize domestic software for cybersecurity, offering subsidies and promoting technology standards to reduce reliance on foreign products. The strategy, led by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, aims to increase the market share of domestic cybersecurity products from under 10% to 40% over the next decade, targeting sales of over 3 trillion yen. Key aspects of the plan include supporting product development with financial rewards, expanding training programs, and aiming for global standardization of Japanese cyber technologies. This initiative comes in response to rising cyberattacks in Japan, with 2023 seeing a significant increase in cyber-related communications.
Nikkei Asia: https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/Cybersecurity/Japan-to-prioritize-homegrown-software-for-cybersecurity
▶ Japan jobless rate in Jan. unchanged at 2.5% amid tight labor market
4 Mar, 2025
Japan's unemployment rate remained steady at 2.5% in January for the fourth consecutive month, reflecting a tight labor market. The number of employed individuals rose by 0.2% to 68.27 million, while those unemployed increased by 1.2% to 1.74 million. The job availability ratio slightly increased to 1.26, indicating 126 jobs for every 100 job seekers. Job offers in the service sector and academic research grew, but there was a decline in the education and entertainment sectors. The rise in job seekers was partly attributed to inflation.
▶ Japan lower house OKs minority gov't's revised FY2025 draft budget
4 Mar, 2025
Japan's House of Representatives approved a revised 115.2 trillion yen ($773 billion) budget for fiscal 2025, after Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's minority government made concessions to gain opposition support. This marks the first budget reduction in 29 years, trimmed by about 340 billion yen, though it remains a record high. The budget's passage was delayed due to opposition pressure, and it may not be endorsed by the end of the fiscal year. Key amendments include subsidies for high school fees and an increase in the tax-free income threshold. Despite opposition objections, including calls for freezing medical cost increases, Ishiba is committed to continued talks.
▶ Japan to give Mongolia $3.7 million grant aid for infrastructure
5 Mar, 2025
Japan has pledged 545 million yen ($3.7 million) in grant aid to Mongolia to improve its infrastructure, including 275 million yen for air pollution monitors and 270 million yen for sewerage system development. The announcement followed talks between Japan's Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and Mongolian Foreign Minister Batmunkh Battsetseg in Tokyo, where they also reaffirmed cooperation on the issue of Japanese abductees by North Korea. Japan has been strengthening its ties with Mongolia, including providing a 1.3 billion yen air traffic control radar to Mongolia’s military under a new security assistance program.
Mainichi: https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20250305/p2g/00m/0in/004000c
▶ Decomposing Bacteria for Hard-to-Break-Down Polyurethane Found in Soil
5 Mar, 2025
A research team from Keio University and Mitsubishi Electric has successfully discovered microorganisms capable of decomposing polyurethane (PU), a plastic that is difficult to recycle. The team found three bacterial strains from soil that can break down PU films, including carbonate and ether-based PU. The decomposition process was confirmed by visible damage to the PU film surfaces and weight reduction. This breakthrough could provide a natural, eco-friendly solution for recycling PU, which is typically disposed of by landfilling or incineration. Future research will focus on identifying the enzymes responsible for the decomposition and improving the decomposition speed. The findings will be presented at the Japanese Society for Agricultural and Food Chemistry in March 2025.
Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (Press release/Japanese): https://www.mitsubishielectric.co.jp/news/2025/0305.pdf
Keio University (Japanese): https://www.keio.ac.jp/ja/press-releases/2025/3/5/28-165441/
▶ Japanese exporters brace for US tariffs, mull overseas output shift
5 Mar, 2025
Japanese exporters, including major automakers like Nissan, Toyota, Honda, and Mazda, are preparing for the potential impact of U.S. President Trump's proposed 25% tariffs on imports from Canada and Mexico. Honda expects a financial impact of about 700 billion yen annually if the tariffs are imposed. To mitigate this, Honda is considering adjusting its production plans. Other companies, such as an auto parts maker in Shizuoka and chemical giant Asahi Kasei, are also exploring shifting production between Canada and the U.S. to adapt to the new trade dynamics.
Mainichi: https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20250305/p2g/00m/0bu/006000c
▶ Japan, U.K. to advocate for free trade at first economic 2-plus-2
6 Mar, 2025
Japan and the U.K. will hold their first economic "two-plus-two" dialogue on Friday to emphasize the importance of free trade amid rising protectionist policies by the U.S. Officials from both countries, including Japan's Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and Economy Minister Yoji Muto, will meet in Tokyo with U.K. Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds. The discussions will focus on fair trade, economic security, and cooperation in offshore wind power. They also plan to address challenges posed by U.S. tariffs and explore working together on issues like chip and mineral supplies, innovation, and energy security. The dialogue aims to deepen their quasi-alliance and enhance global trade cooperation.
Nikkei Asia: https://shorturl.at/bx8oB
▶ Japan Goverment to Shelve Abolishment of NTT Law; Revisions to Drop Requirement for Uniform Landline Services
6 Mar, 2025
The Japanese government has postponed the planned abolishment of the law regulating NTT Corp. as part of draft bills to revise related legislation. Key restrictions, including the requirement for the government to hold at least one-third of NTT’s shares, will remain in place for now. The revisions will remove NTT's obligation to provide nationwide landline services from the NTT Law, instead requiring it to provide services in areas without other providers under the Telecommunications Business Law. The government plans to review the NTT Law within three years. The revised bills will also require NTT to obtain approval before selling or transferring key telecommunications infrastructure.
Yomiuri: https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/politics-government/20250306-241812/
▶ Japan Industry Minister to Visit U.S. from Sun
6 Mar, 2025
The Japanese Diet has approved Industry Minister Yoji Muto's visit to the U.S. starting Sunday. Muto aims to meet with U.S. officials, including Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, to request an exemption for Japan from U.S. tariffs on steel, aluminum, and potentially auto imports. The visit comes as President Trump plans to impose 25% tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, with a one-month delay for auto imports. Muto is set to return to Japan on March 13.
Jiji: https://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2025030601266
▶ Japan affirms fighter jet cooperation with British foreign secretary
7 Mar, 2025
Japanese Defense Minister Gen Nakatani and British Foreign Secretary David Lammy confirmed continued collaboration on a trilateral project with Italy to develop a next-generation fighter jet by 2035. They also agreed to deepen bilateral ties, emphasizing the inseparable security of Europe and the Indo-Pacific. Lammy is visiting Tokyo for talks on global security and economic cooperation, with Japan and Britain strengthening their security partnership through joint defense drills.
Mainichi: https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20250307/p2g/00m/0na/011000c
▶ Japan to tighten restrictions on foreigners buying farmland
7 Mar, 2025
Japan will tighten restrictions on foreign nationals purchasing agricultural land starting April 1, requiring more information on their residency status. Farmland purchases must go through local agricultural committees, which will block acquisitions by foreigners with soon-to-expire residency or those planning to move away soon. The government is concerned about national security risks, such as foreign buyers halting food production or leaving land uncultivated. This follows earlier reporting requirements for foreign buyers and growing concerns over food supply stability amid global issues like climate change and the war in Ukraine.
Nikkei Asia: https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Agriculture/Japan-to-tighten-restrictions-on-foreigners-buying-farmland
▶ Japan to double recipients of defense aid in check on China
7 Mar, 2025
Japan plans to double the number of countries it provides free defense equipment to under its Official Security Assistance (OSA) program in fiscal 2025, with a budget of 8.1 billion yen. The program, launched in 2023, aims to strengthen security in developing countries and counter China’s influence in the region. Japan will target countries like the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea, offering non-conflict-related equipment such as radar and drones. The initiative is part of Japan's strategy to fill gaps left by potential declines in U.S. involvement in Asia, particularly under former President Trump’s "America First" policy. It also aims to improve deterrence in the Indo-Pacific by strengthening coastal surveillance and maritime security in Southeast Asia and the Pacific.
Nikkei Asia: https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-relations/Japan-to-double-recipients-of-defense-aid-in-check-on-China
▶ Japan's first 2MW next-generation agricultural solar power plant to be constructed in Tokushima Prefecture to achieve both agriculture and renewable energy generation
28 Feb, 2025
Idemitsu Kosan is building Japan's first 2MW next-generation agrivoltaic power plant in Tokushima Prefecture, aiming for completion by February 2026. This project combines solar energy generation with agriculture, using solar panels that adjust to maximize both crop growth and energy production. Building on the success of a smaller pilot in Chiba, the new facility will demonstrate scalability and support sustainable farming while contributing to Japan's renewable energy goals.
Idemitsu Kosan(Japanese): https://www.idemitsu.com/jp/news/2024/250228.pdf
▶ Itochu-linked green hydrogen startup begins production in Denmark
1 Mar, 2025
Danish company Everfuel, partly owned by Itochu and Osaka Gas, has started producing green hydrogen with a capacity of 3,000 tonnes annually, marking Denmark's first commercial production of clean hydrogen. The facility uses 20 MW of electricity for electrolysis, splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable energy. Everfuel's first customer is an energy company running a refinery nearby, and it aims to serve the mobility sector with hydrogen-powered trucks and buses. Itochu and Osaka Gas are considering increasing their stake in Everfuel, which marks Itochu’s first investment in a hydrogen producer.
Nikkei Asia: https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Energy/Itochu-linked-green-hydrogen-startup-begins-production-in-Denmark
▶ Mizuho exits custody business outside Japan in sale to State Street
1 Mar, 2025
Mizuho Financial Group has agreed to sell its European and U.S. custody businesses to State Street, due to challenges in growing in these markets. The deal, valued in the tens of billions of yen, involves assets under custody of $580 billion. Mizuho will continue offering custody services in Japan. The sale, expected between October and December, comes as Mizuho shifts focus to other areas, such as acquiring Greenhill and investing in Rakuten Card.
Nikkei Asia: https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Business-deals/Mizuho-exits-custody-business-outside-Japan-in-sale-to-State-Street
▶ Dengue vaccine from Takeda to sell in Japan as Southeast Asia travel rises
2 Mar, 2025
Takeda Pharmaceutical aims to sell its dengue vaccine in Japan, targeting increasing business travelers to regions where the disease is common. The vaccine, already available in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and Europe, is Takeda's first international product. Late-stage clinical trials began in January, and the company has yet to decide when to seek Japanese approval. The World Health Organization estimates 390 million dengue infections annually, with no effective treatment available. Takeda plans to produce 100 million doses annually and generate up to $2 billion in sales.
▶ SoftBank in talks to borrow $16 billion to fund AI, The Information reports
3 Mar, 2025
SoftBank Group CEO Masayoshi Son plans to borrow $16 billion to invest in AI, with an additional $8 billion potentially borrowed in 2026. The company is in talks to invest up to $25 billion in OpenAI, the owner of ChatGPT, alongside $15 billion already committed to Stargate, a joint venture with Oracle and OpenAI. SoftBank's total AI investments could reach $40 billion, supporting efforts to maintain U.S. leadership in the AI race against China. Stargate aims to invest $500 billion in the sector.
Asahi: https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/15652012
▶ Japan shipper ONE to invest $25bn in building vessels, port
3 Mar, 2025
Ocean Network Express (ONE) plans to invest $25 billion by fiscal 2030 to expand its fleet and operations. The company will build 42 new vessels by fiscal 2028, increasing its capacity by 30%, and invest in port development and acquisitions. As the world's sixth-largest container shipper, ONE aims to adapt to growing global demand for shipping, partly driven by geopolitical risks and U.S. tariffs. The global shipping industry is seeing expansion, with major players like MSC and Maersk also investing in new vessels. ONE is also partnering with MSC to share cargo space on Europe-Asia routes.
Nikkei Asia: https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Transportation/Japan-shipper-ONE-to-invest-25bn-in-building-vessels-port
▶ Japan's carmakers fight for software engineers in EV, self-driving push
3 Mar, 2025
Japanese carmakers, including Subaru, are actively seeking computer science talent to develop electrification and driver-assistance technologies for their vehicles. Subaru recently opened a new software engineering office in Tokyo’s Shibuya district to attract tech talent. The industry faces a shortage of around 33,000 software professionals this year, which is expected to grow to 51,000 by 2030. To address this, carmakers are offering more competitive salaries, flexible working conditions, and collaborating with tech startups. Despite efforts to recruit software engineers, many still perceive automakers as hardware-focused, making it harder to compete with tech companies for skilled workers.
Nikkei Asia: https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Automobiles/Japan-s-carmakers-fight-for-software-engineers-in-EV-self-driving-push
▶ Blackstone to buy Japan clinical trial company CMIC
4 Mar, 2025
Blackstone is set to acquire a 60% stake in CMIC, a leading Japanese contract research organization, to help boost drug development in Japan. The deal, valued at hundreds of millions of dollars, is expected to close by May 2025. CMIC, which handles clinical trials for drugmakers, will work with Blackstone to eventually list the company within five years. Blackstone, focusing on healthcare investments, has also acquired a stake in Japan's I'rom Group and aims to improve pharmaceutical development by attracting U.S. drugmakers to Japan.
Nikkei Asia: https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Business-deals/Blackstone-to-buy-Japan-clinical-trial-company-CMIC
▶ Toyota to hand out shareholder perks to entice retail investors
4 Mar, 2025
Toyota Motor is introducing perks for investors, offering ¥30,000 in digital credits for its Toyota Wallet app and a chance to win motorsport event tickets for shareholders who have held at least 1,000 shares for five years or more. This marks the company’s first shareholder benefit program, aimed at attracting long-term retail investors. Toyota’s move follows similar initiatives by other Japanese firms like Kura Sushi and Rakuten Group, who have also offered perks to boost retail investment. Despite a recent 11% drop in Toyota’s shares, the company is taking steps to improve shareholder relations ahead of its annual general meeting in June.
Japan Times: https://www.japantimes.co.jp/business/2025/03/04/companies/toyota-shareholder-perks/
▶ Japan's KDDI tests drone delivery to remote mountain village
4 Mar, 2025
KDDI successfully tested a drone delivery service in the Japanese village of Urayama, aiming to improve logistics for isolated communities with many older adults. The drone delivered a 3.3-kilogram package, including food, over 7.1 kilometers in about 12 minutes, using satellite internet for areas with no cell service. Urayama, with a population of only 67 people, faces challenges due to its steep terrain and aging population. This field test, in partnership with Lawson and Chichibu city, is part of a three-year initiative to address logistical issues in rural Japan. However, cost efficiency and ease of use for older residents, many of whom don’t use smartphones, remain key challenges for the service’s future.
Nikkei Asia: https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Technology/Japan-s-KDDI-tests-drone-delivery-to-remote-mountain-village
▶ Launch of Hybrid Hydrogen-Blended Boiler Capable of Switching Between Hydrogen Co-Firing and City Gas-Only Operation – Contributing to Carbon Neutrality in Industry by Adapting to Variability in Hydrogen Fuel Supply
4 Mar, 2025
IHI's subsidiary, IHI General Boilers, has developed and launched the "K-750CS," a compact natural gas and hydrogen co-firing boiler. It allows flexible operation with adjustable hydrogen ratios (10%, 20%, 30%) to reduce CO2 emissions, achieving up to a 30% hydrogen co-firing rate. The boiler has been tested at Toyota's Kyushu Miyata Plant and offers a smooth switch between natural gas and hydrogen modes, ensuring efficient operation. Key features include low NOx emissions, enhanced safety mechanisms, and adaptability to future carbon-neutral fuels like ammonia. IHI General Boilers aims to contribute to industrial carbon neutrality with its expanding lineup of eco-friendly boilers.
IHI: https://www.ihi.co.jp/all_news/2024/industrial_general_machine/1201288_13680.html
▶ Japan's Mercari enters mobile telecom business
4 Mar, 2025
Mercari has launched Mercari Mobile, a mobile virtual network operator (MVNO) offering discounted services. Users can buy and sell leftover data allowances, earning credits for Mercari’s other services. The service, initially using NTT Docomo’s network, targets existing Mercari users and aims to integrate with its e-commerce and fintech platforms. It differentiates itself by allowing data plan customization and credit rewards.
Nikkei Asia: https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Telecommunication/Japan-s-Mercari-enters-mobile-telecom-business
▶ Japanese Startup’s Lunar Lander on Course to Land June 6; Set to Be 1st Japanese Private Company to Achieve Moon Landing
5 Mar, 2025
Tokyo-based startup ispace's lunar lander, Resilience, is set to land on the moon on June 6 at the earliest. Launched in January from Florida's Kennedy Space Center, it reached a point 8,400 kilometers from the moon in February and used its gravity to adjust course. Resilience will enter lunar orbit on May 6 and spend a month correcting its path before beginning its descent on June 6. If successful, ispace will become the first Japanese private company to land on the moon, and the third private company globally to do so.
Yomiuri: https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/business/companies/20250305-241785/
▶ Japan's Shimadzu launches world's 1st commercial optical lattice clock
5 Mar, 2025
Shimadzu Corp. has begun selling an optical lattice clock that is the most accurate on the market, with a deviation of less than one second over 10 billion years. The clock, measuring 114 cm in width, 109.3 cm in height, and 65 cm in depth, is priced at 500 million yen ($3.3 million) each, with a target of selling 10 units over three years. Developed in collaboration with the University of Tokyo, the miniaturized clock can be used outdoors and has potential applications in monitoring geological phenomena. Optical lattice clocks, invented in 2001, are candidates for redefining the second by 2030.
Mainichi: https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20250305/p2g/00m/0bu/044000c
▶ Unmanned Aerial Vehicles Being Developed by MHI Used in Demonstration of Automated Transport and Unloading of Heavy Cargo in Disaster Areas
5 Mar, 2025
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), in collaboration with the Japan UAS Industrial Development Association (JUIDA), participated in the Nankai Rescue 2024 disaster response training, focusing on the use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). The exercise demonstrated the successful use of small and medium-sized UAVs for disaster response: small UAVs assessed damage, while medium UAVs transported heavy cargo, including 150 kg of drinking water, in strong winds and unloaded it using a winch. MHI plans to enhance UAV functionality, including satellite communication for remote areas, and aims to use them for early damage surveys and transporting relief supplies to isolated areas. The company continues to improve UAV safety and reliability for both civilian and defense applications.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries: https://www.mhi.com/news/250305.html
▶ Japan's Sumitomo Mitsui exits from global climate coalition for banks
5 Mar, 2025
Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group has left the U.N.-backed Net Zero Banking Alliance, following the departure of major U.S. banks after President Trump’s return. The alliance, committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, was launched in 2021 under President Biden's leadership. A Sumitomo Mitsui official stated the group can continue its decarbonization efforts without membership. In Japan, five banks, including Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group, Mizuho Financial Group, and Nomura Holdings, remain in the alliance, while MUFG has not made a final decision but is engaged in discussions.
Mainichi: https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20250305/p2g/00m/0bu/005000c
▶ Kubota to expand business in Africa, Southeast Asia from India
5 Mar, 2025
Kubota plans to expand its production in India to double tractor output and market share by 2030, aiming to use India as a base for exports to Africa and cost reduction in Southeast Asia. The company forecasts significant growth in Africa's tractor market, targeting 4,000 tractor exports annually by 2028. Kubota sees potential in Africa's growing rice production and aims to have service outlets in all 54 African countries. It acquired Escorts Kubota in 2022 to enhance manufacturing and combine cost-effective production with Japanese quality. Kubota is also leveraging its Indian supply chain to support operations in Southeast Asia, particularly Thailand.
Nikkei Asia: https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Agriculture/Kubota-to-expand-business-in-Africa-Southeast-Asia-from-India
▶ Japan's NEC supplies 5G tech to India, Taiwan firms
6 Mar, 2025
Japanese tech company NEC has begun supplying 5G wireless network technology to businesses in India and Taiwan, partnering with firms like Tejas Networks, a subsidiary of India's Tata Group. NEC is focusing on virtualized 5G networks, which use software to handle data control instead of traditional base stations. The company plans to collaborate with local firms abroad to manufacture equipment, reducing costs and allowing it to focus on software development. NEC aims to take advantage of global demand to replace Chinese-made telecom equipment, as many countries are removing Huawei and other Chinese products from their networks.
Nikkei Asia: https://asia.nikkei.com/Spotlight/5G-networks/Japan-s-NEC-supplies-5G-tech-to-India-Taiwan-firms
▶ Japan's Trial Holdings to buy supermarket chain Seiyu from KKR
6 Mar, 2025
Japan's Trial Holdings announced it will acquire the Seiyu supermarket chain for 382.6 billion yen ($2.55 billion) from U.S. private equity fund KKR. Trial will use existing cash and bank borrowings for the purchase, making Seiyu a wholly owned subsidiary. KKR had acquired a 65% stake in Seiyu from Walmart in 2021 and later bought an additional 20% from Rakuten in 2023. Walmart will also sell its 15% stake to Trial. Other bidders for Seiyu included Aeon and Pan Pacific International Holdings.
Nikkei Asia: https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Business-deals/Japan-s-Trial-Holdings-to-buy-supermarket-chain-Seiyu-from-KKR
▶ Idemitsu Kosan Secures Japan's First Clean Ammonia Pipeline FEED Contract – Supporting Large-Scale Clean Ammonia Supply Chain Development at Industrial Complexes
6 Mar, 2025
JFE Engineering has been awarded the FEED (Front-End Engineering Design) contract for the ammonia pipeline installation and associated work as part of Idemitsu Kosan's clean ammonia supply project at the Shunan industrial complex. This marks the first-ever clean ammonia pipeline FEED project in Japan. The project aims to establish a carbon-free ammonia supply system at the complex by 2030. JFE Engineering will leverage its expertise in pipeline construction to support the development of the clean ammonia infrastructure, with plans for expansion to other regions in the future. The company is committed to contributing to Japan’s 2050 carbon neutrality goals through the development of sustainable energy solutions like ammonia, hydrogen, and renewable energy.
JFE Engineering Corporation (Japanese): https://www.jfe-eng.co.jp/news/2025/20250306.html
▶ Japan's Daikin aims to be a top three AC maker in Africa
6 Mar, 2025
Daikin Industries aims to become one of the "top three" air conditioner brands in Africa within the next three to five years, currently holding a 2% market share across the continent. The company leads in East Africa, particularly in multi-split air conditioners for offices and commercial buildings, with a 35% market share. Daikin plans to export 100,000 units from India to Africa from 2025-2026. The company is focusing on expanding its presence in East and South Africa, Nigeria, Senegal, and Ivory Coast, using a multi-tier pricing strategy. In India, Daikin is a market leader with a 17% share in room air conditioners and 60% in multi-split systems, with plans to increase production capacity.
Nikkei Asia: https://asia.nikkei.com/Editor-s-Picks/Interview/Japan-s-Daikin-aims-to-be-a-top-three-AC-maker-in-Africa
▶ Toyota releases its cheapest EV to date in China
7 Mar, 2025
Toyota has launched its most affordable electric vehicle, the bZ3X, in China, priced at around $15,000. The five-seat SUV offers a range of 430 to 610 kilometers per charge and features cost-effective batteries and advanced driver assistance systems. Toyota plans to strengthen its presence in China's competitive EV market with this model and a new Lexus EV factory in Shanghai by 2027.
Nikkei Asia: https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Automobiles/Electric-vehicles/Toyota-releases-its-cheapest-EV-to-date-in-China
▶ Kawasaki Heavy delivers $470m submarine to Japan
7 Mar, 2025
Kawasaki Heavy Industries transferred its fourth advanced Taigei-class submarine, the Raigei, to Japan's Defense Ministry on Thursday. The submarine, costing $470 million, is 84 meters long and can carry a crew of around 70, including accommodations for female members. It features a new diesel engine and lithium-ion batteries for extended operations. However, the handover follows a scandal involving fictitious transactions with subcontractors that overcharged the Defense Ministry, with the proceeds used for slush funds. Kawasaki Heavy is conducting an ongoing investigation and plans to take disciplinary actions.
Nikkei Asia: https://asia.nikkei.com/Business/Aerospace-Defense-Industries/Kawasaki-Heavy-delivers-470m-submarine-to-Japan
▶ Japanese firms aim for one giant leap in space development
7 Mar, 2025
Japanese construction companies are advancing autonomous technologies to support the Artemis lunar exploration project, which aims to establish a permanent human base on the Moon. Companies like Taisei Corp. and Kajima Corp. are developing specialized construction techniques and vehicles for the Moon's harsh environment. Taisei is testing an autonomous vehicle for lunar surface mapping, while Kajima envisions "Lunar Glass," a rotating structure that would generate artificial gravity. These efforts are part of Japan's broader goal to contribute to the Moon base construction and space exploration, alongside the U.S. and other partners. The Artemis mission could eventually pave the way for human exploration of Mars.
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Joint venture established in 1987 by the European Commission (DG GROW) and the Japanese Government (METI) for promoting all forms of industrial, trade and investment cooperation between the EU and Japan.
The EU-Japan Centre’s activities are subject to the allocation of a Grant Agreement by the European Commission for 2024-2026
