Japan news and trends

Japan Considers Loosening Crypto Rules as Companies Launch Blockchain Initiatives
Blockchain // September 17, 2024

Japan is reportedly considering whether to loosen its rules for the crypto industry. This consideration is being driven in part by a growing number of Japanese firms that are exploring blockchain-related initiatives, Bloomberg reported Tuesday (Sept. 17). Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has prioritized Web3, but...

Sheeva.AI and Intralink Partner to Promote in-Vehicle Payments in Japan
Partnerships // September 12, 2024

Sheeva.AI and Intralink teamed up to promote Sheeva.AI’s in-vehicle payments and location-based services solutions in Japan. The solutions, which are already offered in India and the United States, will be promoted in Japan by Intralink, a United Kingdom-based business development consultancy that specializes in bringing...

Nvidia-Backed Sakana AI to Build ‘World-Class AI Lab’ in Japan
Artificial Intelligence // September 04, 2024

Tokyo-based artificial intelligence firm Sakana AI raised over $100 million in a Series A funding round and formed a collaboration with Nvidia. The funding round was led by New Enterprise Associates, Khosla Ventures and Lux Capital, with participation from Nvidia, Sakana AI said in a...

Japan’s Boomers and Seniors Don’t Like Digital. Why That’s a Problem.
Connected Economy // July 19, 2024

In the Land of the Rising Sun, where tradition meets technology, Japan is navigating a digital crossroads. Despite pioneering 3G technology and boasting a vibrant mobile culture, the nation finds itself grappling with a curious paradox: While at the forefront of technological innovation, its digital...

Interviews & Exclusives
Japan’s Boomers and Seniors Don’t Like Digital. Why That’s a Problem.

July 19, 2024
In the Land of the Rising Sun, where tradition meets technology, Japan is navigating a digital crossroads. Despite pioneering 3G technology and boasting a vibrant mobile culture, the nation finds itself grappling with a curious paradox: While at the forefront of technological innovation, its digital engagement metrics tell a different story. In a society where […]

Uber Eats Takes Its Robot Delivery Show on the Road

February 22, 2024
As on-demand delivery aggregators look to automation to reduce labor costs, Uber sees the opportunity to roll out autonomous sidewalk robots in dense cities worldwide — but only for certain...

Mexico and Malaysia Poised for Massive Real-Time Payments Growth by 2026

May 01, 2023
Real-time payment systems have become increasingly popular around the world due to the rise of digital payments and the need for faster and more efficient financial transactions. Some of the...

Crypto Industry Continues Balancing Contagion With Cleanup Post-FTX

January 18, 2023
Crypto continues battling through a historic shock to its system, while industry lessons accumulate. In just the past two weeks alone, bitcoin (BTC) has risen 30% on the year hitting...

Quick Reads
Japan Considers Loosening Crypto Rules as Companies Launch Blockchain Initiatives

September 17, 2024
Japan is reportedly considering whether to loosen its rules for the crypto industry. This consideration is being driven in part by a growing number of Japanese firms that are exploring blockchain-related initiatives, Bloomberg reported Tuesday (Sept. 17). Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has prioritized Web3, but his tenure is nearing an end, and it is not […]

Sheeva.AI and Intralink Partner to Promote in-Vehicle Payments in Japan

September 12, 2024
Sheeva.AI and Intralink teamed up to promote Sheeva.AI’s in-vehicle payments and location-based services solutions in Japan. The solutions, which are already offered in India and the United States, will be...

Nvidia-Backed Sakana AI to Build ‘World-Class AI Lab’ in Japan

September 04, 2024
Tokyo-based artificial intelligence firm Sakana AI raised over $100 million in a Series A funding round and formed a collaboration with Nvidia. The funding round was led by New Enterprise...

Ripple Aims to Fund XRP Ledger Projects in Japan and Korea

June 11, 2024
Ripple wants to support innovation of the XRP Ledger in Japan and South Korea. The enterprise blockchain and cryptocurrency solutions company announced in a Tuesday (June 11) press release the...