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In Hiroshima’s Takehara, the Yuki-Hime “smart sea bus” completed a test cruise with only one minor hiccup when it unnecessarily slowed and turned, highlighting the progress in maritime autonomous technologies. The trial, conducted by Eight Knot Inc., showcased a suite of sensors and automated systems designed to improve navigation safety and efficiency while addressing labor shortages in the shipping industry.

OpenAI, the research and development company behind the popular ChatGPT chatbot, has secured a $40 billion investment led by SoftBank Group, valuing the company at $300 billion. This significant funding will enable OpenAI to further its research and development efforts, expand its computational infrastructure, and enhance its AI tools.

A deaf athlete demonstrated SureTalk, an AI-powered sign language translator app developed by SoftBank in collaboration with the University of Electro-Communications, at an event in Chiba. The app recognizes sign language gestures and translates them into text, with ongoing efforts to refine its accuracy and expand its database through input from diverse users.

Japan's space agency, JAXA, plans to significantly increase the launch frequency of its H3 rocket, aiming for at least seven launches annually from the Tanegashima Space Center. This ambitious goal requires upgrades to the center, including additional liquid oxygen storage tanks and satellite assembly buildings, with the aim of achieving one-month intervals between launches.

Japan’s new immigration law revisions have led to the deportation of at least 17 asylum seekers, including a Sudanese man who fled conflict with just the belongings in his backpack. Meanwhile, a supplementary protection certification program for individuals escaping warfare has been introduced, sparking debates over the balance between preventing abuse of the system and protecting vulnerable refugees.