News

SoftBank Corp. is collaborating with Tokyo's University of Electro-Communications to enhance SureTalk, an AI-driven application that translates sign language gestures into written language. Currently implemented by local governments and showcased at international events, the goal is to expand its usability in everyday facilities for improved communication.

Japan's economy grew at a slower pace than initially reported in the October-December quarter, weighed down by weaker consumption but still supporting the case for further interest rate hikes. Government officials and analysts expressed concern about risks from U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff policies and soft consumption affected by higher prices.

Nissan has appointed Chief Planning Officer Ivan Espinosa as the new CEO, replacing Makoto Uchida effective April 1, following financial struggles and collapsed merger talks with Honda. Espinosa's promotion comes as the company aims to accelerate its transition to electric vehicles, while uncertainty remains about potential revivals of partnership discussions.

Japan's H3 rocket successfully launched the Michibiki No. 6 satellite, a key step in developing Japan's own satellite navigation system to reduce reliance on foreign data. Demonstrating increasing reliability, the H3 rocket will become the country's main launch vehicle, with efforts underway to boost its launch capacity further.

Intuitive Machines' Athena lander touched down on the moon but encountered technical difficulties, raising questions about its orientation. This landing marks the second lunar touchdown within a week under NASA's commercial lunar delivery program, highlighting the growing role of private companies in lunar exploration.