japan\ - The Purbottar

29 Oct

Japan Tests Hydrogen-Powered Bullet Train

Mohini Barmanjapan\

Japan has successfully completed the first test run of a hydrogen-powered Shinkansen bullet train, marking a major step toward zero-emission transport. Developed by East Japan Railway Company (JR East), the train, named “Hytrel,” uses hydrogen fuel cells to generate electricity instead of diesel or grid power. The test run between Tokyo and Sendai demonstrated impressive speed and efficiency, with no carbon emissions. Engineers say the technology could reduce Japan’s railway emissions by nearly 80% by 2040. The government plans to introduce hydrogen trains commercially by 2030. This development aligns with Japan’s goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. Neighboring countries,…

18 Oct

Japan’s Robot Caregivers Transform Elderly Healthcare

Mohini Barmanjapan\

In response to its aging population, Japan has introduced robotic caregivers in eldercare facilities across Tokyo and Osaka. These robots, equipped with artificial intelligence and emotional recognition software, assist with mobility, medication reminders, and companionship. The government-backed initiative aims to fill the growing shortage of human caregivers and improve quality of life for senior citizens. Early reports suggest patients feel “less lonely” and “more independent” with robotic assistance. Tech companies such as Panasonic and SoftBank are leading the innovation, and Japan’s Health Ministry plans to expand the program nationwide by 2027. Experts in India and Nepal have shown interest in…

18 Sep

Preparedness Efforts Strengthen After Recent Tremors

Mohini Barmanjapan\

Japan held a massive earthquake and tsunami drill across the country, involving more than one million participants, including schools, hospitals, and emergency services. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida observed the exercise, stressing the importance of readiness in a country frequently hit by natural disasters. The drill follows a series of moderate quakes in northern Japan last month, which renewed fears of a larger seismic event. Authorities also tested mobile alert systems to ensure citizens receive real-time warnings. Globally, Japan’s approach is seen as a model for disaster preparedness, relevant for earthquake-prone regions such as Nepal and northern India.

14 Jun

Tokyo Trials Robot Staff in Convenience Stores Amid Labour Shortage

Mohini Barmanjapan\

Tokyo has begun deploying humanoid robots in 20 of its convenience stores as part of a trial to combat the country’s deepening labor shortage. The robots, built by Japanese tech firm Telexistence, can stock shelves, answer customer questions, and even perform security checks. Store managers say the bots work three times faster than humans and can operate round the clock. “We’re not replacing workers; we’re filling gaps no one wants to work,” said a FamilyMart spokesperson. India’s retail tech sector is watching closely, especially large urban stores in metros like Bengaluru and Mumbai, where staffing remains a challenge. Discussions around…

27 May

Japan’s Traffic AI Could Inspire Urban Transport Upgrades in South Asia

Mohini Barmanjapan\

Tokyo has started testing a smart traffic control system using artificial intelligence and 5G networks in a bid to reduce congestion and improve emergency response times. The system, deployed in Shibuya and Minato wards, uses real-time data from traffic cameras and mobile devices to predict jams and reroute vehicles. City officials claim early tests have reduced commute times by up to 20%. Urban planners in India, Bangladesh, and Bhutan are closely observing Tokyo’s rollout, with feasibility studies planned in cities like Bengaluru and Dhaka.

07 May

Japan’s Robotics Industry Booms Amid Labor Shortage

Mohini Barmanjapan\

Faced with an aging population and a shrinking workforce, Japan has intensified its investment in robotics across sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, and agriculture. In Tokyo alone, hospitals now use AI-powered robots to assist in elderly care and surgeries. The government is offering subsidies to companies that automate tasks, while also encouraging foreign investments in robotic R&D. This move is being closely monitored by developing nations such as Bangladesh and Nepal, where robotics is slowly gaining attention as a future-ready sector. As Japan leads in robotics innovation, it sets a benchmark for how technology can balance demographic challenges.

10 Apr

Japan Approves Moon Mission with Reusable Rocket

Sonakshi Sarkarjapan\

Japan’s space agency JAXA has approved its next lunar mission, featuring a reusable rocket developed in collaboration with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The mission, set for early 2026, will deploy a lander and a robotic rover for extended surface exploration. The rocket—named H3R—is designed to return to Earth after launch, significantly cutting costs and environmental impact. This follows Japan’s successful SLIM mission earlier this year that landed with pinpoint accuracy. Space research bodies in India and Bangladesh have welcomed the announcement, with Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Space Centre officials suggesting collaboration talks. Nepal’s Tribhuvan University is also launching a new satellite…

08 Apr

Sustainable Living at Sea: Japan Unveils Ocean-Based Habitat

Sonakshi Sarkarjapan\

Japan has launched its first floating city prototype off the coast of Okinawa, as part of an ambitious experiment to combat rising sea levels and urban overcrowding. Designed by Tokyo-based Oceanix Corp, the project—named "Aqua Haven"—includes modular living units, solar-powered facilities, and desalination systems. The floating city, currently housing 500 residents in trial mode, is built to withstand typhoons and minor tsunamis. The Japanese government, in collaboration with the UN-Habitat program, sees this as a model for climate-resilient urban development. Countries vulnerable to flooding like Bangladesh, the Maldives, and coastal India have shown keen interest in adopting similar models. Experts…

05 Apr

Japan Launches World’s First Flying Taxi Service in Osaka

Sonakshi Sarkarjapan\

Japan has made aviation history by launching the world’s first flying taxi service in Osaka ahead of Expo 2025. The electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, developed by SkyDrive Inc., can carry two passengers and a pilot across urban areas, dramatically reducing commute times. The project, supported by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, has been in testing since 2022. The flying taxis will initially operate between Osaka's Kansai Airport and the Expo site, cutting a 40-minute road trip down to just 10 minutes. SkyDrive CEO Tomohiro Fukuzawa stated, “Our goal is to make air mobility accessible…

01 Apr

Japan Invests in AI for Disaster Management

Sonakshi Sarkarjapan\

Japan is set to revolutionize its disaster management system by integrating advanced artificial intelligence (AI) for early warning and response. The new system, developed in collaboration with top tech firms, will analyze seismic activity in real time, providing more accurate predictions of earthquakes and tsunamis. According to officials, AI-driven models have already shown a 30% improvement in forecasting compared to traditional methods. This initiative comes in response to the increasing frequency of natural disasters in the region, such as the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida emphasized the importance of AI in protecting lives and infrastructure. "With…