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Japan is in the midst of a semiconductor renaissance. Japan Advanced Semiconductor Manufacturing (JASM) — a joint venture between Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. (TSMC), Sony, Denso and Toyota — kicked off production at its first fab plant at the end of last year and has already announced plans to build a second factory. Both facilities are located in Kumamoto, fast emerging as Japan’s semiconductor hub. In a significant leap forward, Rapidus — a foundry aiming to produce 2-nanometer semiconductors — was launched in collaboration with the American IBM and Belgium’s Interuniversity Microelectronics Center (Imec), with a new facility under construction in Hokkaido. Source link

The wildfire in Iwate Prefecture is quickly becoming one of the largest in decades, destroying 2,100 hectares of land, so far, in the past five days — or three times the yearly average of around 700 hectares that such infernos raze across the country. But why is the latest wildfire in Ofunato city so difficult to extinguish? The unusually dry weather, strong winds and the city’s terrain have made the situation worse than usual, but experts say there are also other reasons behind it. Although forest fires rarely make the front page in Japan, they occur more frequently than people think, with around 1,200 reported cases throughout the nation each year, usually between January and May. This translates to about four fires a day that destroy about 2 hectares of forest — or 100 meters by 200 meters’ worth of land. Source link

The Maritime Self-Defense Force’s destroyer Akizuki passed through the Taiwan Strait in early February, government officials have said, in an apparent move to counter China’s increasingly aggressive behavior in the East and South China Seas. It was just the second time that an MSDF vessel had passed through the waters separating Taiwan from mainland China, after the destroyer Sazanami joined ships from Australia and New Zealand in September. In the February passage, however, the Akizuki sailed alone. Source link

The “rice of industry.” This is how the economy ministry referred to semiconductors in the first iteration of Japan’s landmark chip strategy in 2021. The metaphor captures how indispensable this technology has become to the long-term viability, and even survival, of Japanese industries and manufacturing. Source link

This is a sponsored story, created and edited exclusively by Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s Tokyo Updates website. Golden Gai (meaning “Golden District”) lies in the space between Shinjuku’s upscale department stores and its glowing nightlife district. Once the home of Tokyo’s black market, this 6,600 square meter district has nearly 300 tiny bars that attract locals and visitors eager to immerse themselves in Tokyo’s rich history with a drink in hand. We spoke with three key figures of Golden Gai: former chairperson Bunmei Tobayama, current chairperson Kei Sekine and long-time bar owner Kazuko Sawano, to uncover the essence of this cultural gem. A journey through time Tobayama, the revered former chairperson of Golden Gai, embodies the spirit of this vibrant district. He has witnessed its transformation from a hidden haven for counter-culture artists to a celebrated cultural landmark. “In the early days, this place was a sanctuary for artists and rebels,” he reflects, recalling when literary giants like Yukio Mishima sought solace here. “Each bar has its own personality, creating a unique atmosphere for conversation and creativity.” Born in 1947 in Nagano Prefecture, a region west of Tokyo renowned for its picturesque landscapes and cultural heritage, Tobayama’s journey to Tokyo’s arts scene seemed destined. An actor by trade, he began his career as a pharmaceutical worker but was captivated by Tokyo’s avant-garde energy when he moved to Shinjuku at 20. Bunmei Tobayama shares his background and the rich history of both Golden Gai and his bar, Kurakura. | Ryo Fujishima “Golden Gai originated as a post-war entertainment district, which helped shape the vibrant atmosphere the neighborhood is known for today,” he explains. “Back then, such areas were a refuge for outsiders and creatives where unconventional minds gathered under dim lights to exchange ideas freely.” It was a time when art and rebellion walked hand-in-hand, a sentiment that still permeates the narrow lanes today. Preserving Golden Gai has been fraught with challenges, as developers have threatened to reshape Shinjuku’s gritty landscape. “There were times when it seemed Golden Gai might vanish entirely,” he recalls, acutely aware that its disappearance would mean losing a piece of Shinjuku’s soul. Together with bar owners and patrons, Tobayama fought to maintain its unique charm, knowing that the alleys carried not only memories but the very essence of Tokyo’s creative spirit. In 1972, he took over Kurakura, a bar that became a hub for creatives. “Kurakura is more than a bar,” he insists. “It welcomed everyone, from film critics to bohemian actors, offering a refuge for late-night conversations.” The bar soon became renowned for fostering creativity and camaraderie, where voices of dissent and passion filled the air, fueling countless artistic dreams. As Golden Gai gained international acclaim, particularly after its mention in the Michelin Guide, Tobayama welcomes new visitors, hoping they appreciate its spirit. “Golden Gai thrives on conversation and respect—a place for listening and sharing,” he emphasizes. He fondly reminisces about a profound conversation with musician Ryuichi Sakamoto shortly before his passing, underscoring the deep connections formed within these walls. A new age Sekine, the current chairperson, brings a fresh perspective to Golden Gai. His bar — bar plastic model — pays homage to the vibrant pop culture of the ’80s and ’90s. A symbol of his determination to craft a personal experience, the bar is designed as a haven where every item and song evokes nostalgia. “I wanted to create a place filled with my favorite things, much like building my own toy model. It’s a space where people feel as if they’re slipping back in time,” he shares, highlighting the retro decor that fills the space. Sekine’s journey to bar ownership was unconventional. Initially involved in the film industry, he was first introduced to Golden Gai during a memorable night that reignited his passion. Around 2003, he noticed a surge of young bar owners infusing the district with renewed energy and creativity. “It’s wonderful to see so many new faces,” he acknowledges but stresses the importance of appreciating Golden Gai’s history and spirit. Kei Sekine reflects on his journey and the evolution of Golden Gai, blending tradition with innovation in his current role as chairperson. | Ryo Fujishima Reflecting on the changing landscape, Sekine observes that while Golden Gai retains its charm, its clientele has become increasingly international. “Social media has broadened our reach, attracting visitors from around the world,” he notes. “During the pandemic, I started streaming on Twitch, and customers have come to visit after joining the live stream.” The allure of the ’80s continues to draw people, and he appreciates the unique interpretations visitors bring. When discussing Golden Gai’s essence, Sekine says, “It’s about connection and community. Despite its small size, each bar offers a unique atmosphere, allowing for a diverse range of experiences.” He hopes to preserve the core values of creativity and camaraderie that have always defined this place. A community of acceptance Sawano, the owner of bar Buzz for over 22 years, shares her story of spontaneity and courage. Leaving a stable job at a Swiss company, she opened her bar, which has since become a welcoming haven adorned with black-and-white photos of icons like Marilyn Monroe. Sawano was introduced to Golden Gai by a friend who unveiled its magic. For her, Golden Gai’s allure lies in its diversity. “You can flow in and out of shops depending on your mood,” she explains, emphasizing that with nearly 300 bars, there’s always something new to discover. Bar owner Sawano Kazuko shares her story of spontaneity and acceptance, highlighting the welcoming atmosphere of Golden Gai. | Ryo Fujishima Sawano values the community’s acceptance and individuality. A memorable encounter involved a stunning individual in a kimono who revealed himself to be a man in drag. She saw the same man the next day, hand-in-hand with what she assumed was his wife. “No one is judgmental here; everyone holds space for each other,” she reflects. During our conversation, a Swedish man visiting with his nephew joined us, sharing how he had

Prince Hisahito, who could become emperor one day if the country’s succession laws are not changed, told his first news conference on Monday that he will strive to fulfill his royal duties. The prince is second in line behind his father Crown Prince Akishino, who is Emperor Naruhito’s younger brother. Naruhito’s daughter, 23-year-old Aiko, is not eligible as Japanese law stipulates that only male members of the royal family can ascend the throne. Hisahito, who turned 18 last year, plans to start studies at the University of Tsukuba, north of Tokyo, next month, specializing in biology. “Mindful that I’m an adult member of the royal family, I intend to fulfill my duty seriously and carefully, while taking advice from those around me,” he said. Dressed in a dark suit and a tie, the prince looked a little tense at first but started to smile as the news conference progressed. He said he was concerned about climate change and that his hobby was growing vegetables and rice. “Sometimes tomatoes are bitten by bugs and the rice is eaten by sparrows. But I feel delighted when I’ve managed to harvest vegetables and rice and eat them with my family,” the prince said. Source link

A producer of the hit Japanese anime film “Your Name” has been handed a four-year prison sentence on charges of committing obscene acts against minors. Koichiro Ito was convicted of “violating laws on child prostitution and pornography” as well as non-consensual sex and the filming of indecent images, a Wakayama District Court spokesperson said on Monday. Ito, one of the producers of the critically acclaimed 2016 film, was sentenced on Friday. Regional broadcasters reported that Ito was accused of paying a 15-year-old girl ¥20,000 ($130) for sex in 2023, and demanding that another teenager take and send him explicit photos of herself. Prosecutors had sought six years’ imprisonment for Ito, who pleaded guilty in the first hearing, broadcaster KTV said. “Your Name,” directed by Makoto Shinkai, was a huge commercial success in Japan. It won Best Animation at the 2016 Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards. Ito was also a producer for Shinkai’s 2022 animated film “Suzume.” “I’m greatly shocked to see the news about an arrest of someone related to our work,” Shinkai posted on social media platform X last month. “First of all I express my deepest sympathy toward the victims. I also feel very sorry for causing worries to people who love and support our work,” he added. “I don’t think the value of our output is undermined by this incident, but it is natural to receive looks of disbelief. That is very regrettable and deplorable.” Source link

Osaka Prefectural Police on Saturday arrested a 41-year-old man on charges of abandoning a body after a child was found encased in concrete inside a metal box used for clothing in an apartment unit. According to the arrest warrant, Noriyuki Iimori, an unemployed man from Osaka’s Hirano Ward, allegedly abandoned the body, which had been encased in concrete inside the box, after moving it to the unit of an apartment complex in the city of Yao, Osaka Prefecture, last November. Imaging analysis later confirmed that the remains are of a child approximately 1 meter tall. When police contacted Iimori, he admitted to the charges, saying that “a child, around 7 years old” was inside. Source link

Japan Tobacco, Philip Morris International and British American Tobacco have agreed to pay 32.5 billion Canadian dollars (¥3.4 trillion) to settle their litigation in Canada over health risks from tobacco products, Japan Tobacco said Monday. For the settlement, Japan Tobacco plans to record nearly ¥400 billion in loss allowances as sales expenses. The three companies will continue paying amounts calculated based on their earnings until the sum of their payments reach the agreed level. The proposed settlement is subject to court approval. In 2015, a court in the Canadian province of Quebec ordered Canadian subsidiaries of the three companies to compensate smokers, and an appeals court supported the ruling. The three subsidiaries were seeking to settle the litigation through court-supervised mediation. Source link

London – Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is hoping the glamor of the Champions League can galvanize his injury-ravaged squad from its Premier League funk. The Gunners’ dream of a first league title in 21 years appears over after falling 13 points behind runaway leader Liverpool. Conquering Europe for the first time now appears to be Arsenal’s only chance of ending a five-year trophy drought, and a kind last-16 draw with PSV Eindhoven could buy Arteta time to get some of his key attackers back. Source link