News

Alaskan state representatives are embarking on a trip to Japan this month with the ambitious goal of securing investors for a large-scale natural gas project. This project, championed by President Trump, envisions transporting natural gas from Alaska's remote north via a massive pipeline, ultimately reaching Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan as liquefied natural gas (LNG).

Canadian convenience store giant Couche-Tard remains determined to acquire Seven & i Holdings, despite the latter's rejection of its offer, emphasizing a friendly approach and commitment to retaining local management. Seven & i, however, remains focused on boosting its own value and addressing antitrust concerns.

Japan's exports grew at an 11.4% annual pace in February, leading to a trade surplus of 584 billion yen ($3.9 billion) after two months of deficits. This positive development comes amidst concerns about President Donald Trump's potential tariff hikes, particularly on automobiles, which could significantly impact the Japanese economy.

Chinese electric vehicle giant BYD unveiled a new platform for its EVs that boasts ultra-fast charging capabilities, enabling cars to travel 400 kilometers on a 5-minute charge. The company also announced plans to build a charging network across China to support the new platform, addressing range anxiety and positioning BYD as a leader in the EV industry.

A touchless fingerprint authentication system is being tested at Haneda Airport for international travelers, aiming to streamline entry procedures and enhance security by accurately matching individuals' fingerprints with existing data. This technology, developed by Panasonic Connect Co., utilizes a camera to capture fingertip photos, eliminating the need for physical contact with a sensor and potentially reducing reference errors.