News

The world's first hydrogen-powered vending machine, installed at the Osaka Kansai Expo, generates its own electricity through a clean chemical reaction, producing zero carbon emissions and using half the electricity of a typical machine. This innovative technology offers a sustainable solution for beverage dispensing, particularly in locations without electrical sources.

The Japanese government is considering introducing human challenge trials, where healthy volunteers are deliberately exposed to viruses, to accelerate vaccine development and improve preparedness for future infectious disease outbreaks. This initiative aims to align Japan's vaccine clinical trials with international standards and address the lag in domestic vaccine development.

Russia has permanently banned nine Japanese citizens, including Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya, from entering the country in response to Japan's sanctions related to the Ukraine conflict. This follows similar measures taken against other countries, including the U.S. and Canada, in retaliation for their opposition to Russia's military campaign.

Billions in government subsidies have fueled the development of industrial parks in Fukushima, but attracting workers back to the region remains a major challenge. Despite the construction boom, most workers commute from nearby cities, highlighting the need for continued government support and innovative solutions to address the labor shortage.

Japan's trade surplus returned in February 2024, driven by strong export growth and despite concerns over President Donald Trump's potential auto tariffs. The Bank of Japan maintained its benchmark interest rate at 0.5%, acknowledging uncertainty in the global economic outlook due to Trump's policies.