News

Ministers from Britain and Japan met in Tokyo for their inaugural "two-plus-two" dialogue on economy, agreeing to support a rules-based international trade system amid concerns over rising protectionism and tariff threats. The four officials also pledged to collaborate on reforms at the World Trade Organization, address nonmarket practices, and promote the clean energy transition in developing nations.

NEC Corp and Coedo Brewery have partnered to create a new range of craft beers called “Life Brewing Craft” using NEC’s Agentic AI, which tailors recipes to mirror the diverse tastes of different generations. The innovative approach leverages data analysis on consumer characteristics and historical trends to reduce recipe development time while capturing the unique flavor preferences of various age groups.

Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba hosted a private dinner with 15 first-time ruling party lawmakers, where he shared insights from his early days in politics and provided advice on campaign strategies and policy engagement. The event, which also featured a gift of 100,000 yen gift certificates and a modest meal paid for by Ishiba himself, raised questions about its political nature under campaign finance regulations.

Researchers at Chiba University are developing space farming techniques to grow fresh produce on the moon, aiming to establish a self-sufficient lunar farm by the 2040s. Their work also holds potential for revolutionizing agriculture on Earth through innovative cultivation methods and sustainable food production systems.

Starbucks Coffee Japan Ltd. is reaching out to older customers through hands-on barista and exercise experiences, aiming to expand its customer base and create meaningful connections with people of all ages. These initiatives include barista experience events for seniors and early morning radio exercise sessions in store parking lots, fostering a welcoming atmosphere for older generations in Japan.