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Rakuten Mobile to use ‘platinum’ band in 2024 for cheap
Japan’s upstart MNO Rakuten Mobile says it hopes to introduce services over the so-called ‘platinum band’ (900 MHz) from March 2024 – at minimal cost. Read more…
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Secondhand iPhones are racking up big sales in Japan
A tumbling yen has put new iPhones out of reach for some Japanese shoppers and sparked a growing secondhand trade in a major market for Apple. Read more…
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Cyborg cockroaches will save you in the future
Japanese researchers can mount “backpacks” of solar cells and electronics on cockroaches and control their motion remotely. Here’s why they want to do that. Read more…
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Rakuten Mobile is bleeding users after dropping free data plan
Rakuten Mobile is dropping its free plan for users whose monthly data usage stays below 1GB, prompting an exodus of subs to its rivals. Read more…
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SRv6 Flex-Algo powers SoftBank’s new 5G dynamic network slicing
SoftBank completes SRv6 deployment in its 5G network and uses the SRv6 Flex-Algo feature to implement dynamic network slicing. Read more…
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Japanese MNOs are divided over spectrum auction proposal
Japan’s MNOs are not happy with a proposal to embrace an auction system for allocating radio frequency spectrum Read more…
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Japan quake deals another blow to global chipset supply chain
Renesas, Murata, Sony and other precision parts makers halt some operations in Japan after a 7.4 quake jolts the country’s northeast. Read more…
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Kojima cyberattack highlights the importance of SME security
The cyberattack on Toyota supplier Kojima Industries shows how more vulnerable small firms can pose a big threat to major corporations. Read more…
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Japan may impose tighter curbs to counter cyberattacks
Japan will consider tighter curbs on companies in security-sensitive sectors that procure overseas software to counter cyberattacks. Read more…
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Balmuda finds out the hard way smartphones are harder than toasters
Japan’s Balmuda, best known for high-end toasters, has cratered its stock price after halting sales of its poorly-received smartphone. Read more…
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What do racehorses, Japanese pop star idols and gacha have in common?
“Uma Musume Pretty Derby” game has found a niche by bridging horse racing and women pop stars known as “idols” and gacha money. Read more…
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Toshiba will split into three to pacify (some) shareholders: will not go private
Toshiba Corp outlined plans on Friday to split into three independent companies, seeking to appease activist shareholders. Read more…
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Japan’s banking regulator steps in to fix Mizuho’s computer flaws
Japan’s banking regulator takes role in overseeing computer systems at Mizuho Financial’s retail banking arm after glitches exposed failings. Read more…
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Smart robots can revitalise Japan growth, competitiveness: Softbank CEO
SoftBank Group Corp Chief Executive Masayoshi Son on Wednesday said so-called smart robots can revitalise Japan’s economy and competitiveness Read more…
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Is Toshiba embroiled in Japan’s ‘worst corporate scandal in a decade?’
Toshiba: Japan’s trade minister he was not planning to order up a probe into allegations made by an independent investigation. Read more…
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PayPay surges ahead in Japan’s digital payments race
PayPay emerges as key driver of government-supported consumer shift away from cash as Japan grapples with labour shortages, social distancing Read more…
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Japan’s manga comic industry gets South Korean tech shakeup via apps
Two South Korean technology companies are borrowing from mobile gaming to shake up – and dominate – Japan’s storied manga industry. Read more…
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Japan – COVID-19 machine takes nose sample, gives results in 80 minutes
Prototype automated COVID-19 testing machine uses a robotic arm to take a sample from a person’s nose, delivers results in about 80 minutes. Read more…
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Facial recognition with masks – no problem for new NEC system
Japan’s NEC Corp has launched a facial recognition system that identifies people even when they are wearing masks. Read more…
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Japanese town deploys robot wolves to scare away bears
A Japanese town has deployed robot wolves in an effort to scare away bears that have become an increasingly dangerous nuisance. Read more…