Sparx Group (Tokyo) — Sparx Innovation for the Future Co., Ltd.—a subsidiary of Sparx Group Co., Ltd.—today announced that it established the Space Frontier Fund. The fund primarily aims to support human resources and technology development in space-related industries, to foster Japanese space companies that are competitive on the world stage, and to contribute to technological innovation throughout Japan.

Casting technologies that “promote the exploitation of space” as core technologies of the future, the Space Frontier Fund invests in start-ups and other organizations that boast innovative technologies in related sectors. Even as Covid-19 continues to have a significant impact on life and society, the fund helps accelerate the pace of innovation by financing companies’ and projects’ business development in technologies that will drive future growth.

The Space Frontier Fund began operations in June with its initial total capital of ¥8.2 billion (US$77 million) financed through contributions from its limited partners. By December 31, 2020, the goal is to have gathered a total of ¥15 billion (US$140) in capital through additional contributions from investors that endorse the objectives of the new fund.

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NEC (Tokyo) — NTT Corporation and NEC Corporation today agreed to form a capital and business alliance for the purpose of joint research and development and the global rollout of ICT products utilizing innovative optical and wireless technologies. The companies aim to improve their corporate value by expanding sales of products applying jointly developed technologies through this alliance. In addition, through these initiatives, the companies will contribute to enhancing industrial competitiveness of Japan and further ensuring safe and reliable communication infrastructure, playing leading roles in working with numerous communication equipment vendors.

Looking ahead into the world of Society 5.0 and post Covid-19, social and industrial digital transformation is accelerating, and communications infrastructure, which is the foundation for connecting vast amounts of data that connect people and things, is expected to increase capacity and become more sophisticated. This communication infrastructure is also required to be more safe and reliable as a core infrastructure. Such trends are common in countries around the world, and various players have entered the field as they conduct business activities globally.

Under these circumstances, NTT is promoting innovative research and development that promotes transformation of the world based on its medium-term management strategy, “Your Value Partner 2025.” Specifically, NTT has launched its IOWN initiative as a future research and development vision, and is working with global partners on innovation through, among others, developing game-changing technology.

NEC is focusing its efforts on solutions for society, and creating new business models and services through co-creation with various partners, utilizing network technologies such as 5G and digital technologies, including AI, biometrics, and security.

Through this alliance, NTT and NEC will jointly develop cutting-edge technologies and globally competitive products that utilize both companies’ strengths and originate from Japan, as they collaboratively form an optimal sales framework in order to further roll out such technologies and products to the global market.

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GEF (Singapore) — The Global Esports Federation today announced that it has entered a strategic partnership with Dentsu Inc. to promote the global development and growth of esports.

Chris Chan, President, Global Esports Federation said, “We are certain that this strategic partnership will strengthen the future prospects of the GEF, expanding the vital work that the team has already established. We look to Dentsu for their expertise to bring together the best of esports and sport, further fulfilling our mission to elevate esports and the world’s esports ecosystem.”

The GEF was launched in December 2019, in Singapore, to establish the voice and authority for the worldwide esports movement. The Federation brings together diverse leaders from esports, as well as traditional sporting organizations and athletes, with the vision to create a sustainable ecosystem for esports. Tencent is the Founding Global Partner of the GEF, while the Japan eSports Union (JeSU) is a member of the Federation. Hideki Okamura, Representative Director of JeSU, was recently appointed as a member of the GEF Board.

The strategic partnership will focus on joint efforts to develop new marketing programs and esports events. In collaboration with JeSU, Dentsu will lend its expertise and experience to collaborate with various game publishers, commercial partners and various international organizations to further elevate the credibility, legitimacy and prestige for esports.

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Fujitsu (Tokyo) — The new supercomputer Fugaku, which is being developed jointly by RIKEN and Fujitsu, has taken the top spot on the Graph500 list, a ranking of the world’s fastest supercomputers on data-intensive workloads. The top rank was won by a collaboration involving RIKEN, Kyushu University, Fixstars Corporation, and Fujitsu Limited. The award was announced on June 22.

In gaining the award, Fugaku far surpassed the capabilities of its predecessor, the K computer, which was decommissioned in 2019 to make way for Fugaku. Using 92,160 nodes (approximately 58% of the entire system), it solved a breadth-first search of a large scale graph with 1.1 trillion nodes and 17.6 trillion edges in approximately 0.25 seconds, earning it a score of 70,980 gigaTEPS, more than doubling the score of 31,303 gigaTEPS attained by the K computer and tripling the performance of the second place supercomputer, which is currently second on the list, with 23,756 gigaTEPS.

Fugaku, located at the RIKEN Center for Computational Science in Kobe, is being developed under a national plan to develop Japan’s next generation flagship supercomputer to carry out a wide range of applications that will address social and scientific issues of high priority. It will be put to use in applications aimed at achieving the Society 5.0 plan, which aims to realize a smart society that creates new value. Fugaku will start public service in fiscal 2021

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Nissan (Yokohama) — Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. and Sunwoda Electric Vehicle Battery Co., Ltd. will begin studying joint development of next-generation vehicle batteries for Nissan’s e-Power vehicles.

The two companies will also discuss the development of an efficient production system to ensure stable supply capacity for jointly developed batteries. Nissan and Sunwoda aim to conclude a final agreement by the end of this year, based on the specific content and conditions of the study.

Nissan is expanding its global lineup of electric cars and e-Power models. The company’s e-Power technology consists of an electric motor that delivers power directly to the wheels, and an onboard gasoline engine that generates electricity for the motor. Nissan will expand the 100% electric motor-driven e-Power technology globally into the B- and C-segments. Nissan expects to sell more than 1 million electrified vehicles annually by the end of fiscal year 2023.

Sunwoda has an established global track record in the development of lithium-ion batteries, mainly used in consumer electronics and automotive batteries. Nissan is confident that Sunwoda’s deep-rooted technological expertise will contribute to Nissan’s e-Power strategy.

Further discussions by the companies will focus on combining Nissan’s expertise in electric vehicles and battery technology with Sunwoda’s next-generation battery development capabilities and production capacity, with an eye to strengthening competitiveness in the Chinese market and globally. The companies are also considering the joint establishment of a secure supply structure geared toward future global business opportunities.

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Sumitomo Corporation (Tokyo) — Sumitomo Corporation has concluded an agreement with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government on the preliminary trial installation and verification of smart poles being carried out by the government. Together with NEC Corporation, Sumitomo Corporation intends to install two types of smart poles in the Nishi-Shinjuku area of Tokyo by the end of June 2020.

In its “Tokyo Data Highway Basic Strategy,” formulated in August 2019, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government calls for constructing an ultra-high-speed mobile Internet network in Tokyo. As part of that effort, the government is looking to install smart poles at an early date in the Nishi-Shinjuku area, a priority improvement zone. Smart poles are multi-functional poles equipped with communication base stations, wi-fi, street lighting, signage, etc., and they are expected to serve as infrastructure useful for the provision of new community services.

In partnering with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Sumitomo Corporation and NEC will be installing two types of smart poles in the Nishi-Shinjuku area by the end of June 2020 to verify their utility under both ordinary and emergency circumstances. More specifically, the two companies plan to install two models of NEC’s “Smart Street Lighting” equipped with functions such as digital signage and pedestrian traffic flow analysis cameras; one model will be outfitted with a 5G shared antenna system for joint use by multiple telecommunications carriers, while the other, a site-sharing model, will be equipped with 5G base stations for multiple telecommunications carriers.

With the aim of bringing 5G shared antenna systems into full-scale use by March 2021, efforts will be made to extend these systems across the entire metropolis and to help develop services for Tokyo residents and visitors through the construction of efficient infrastructure by accumulating knowledge on the installation and operation of smart poles.

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Rakuten (Tokyo) — Rakuten, Inc. today announced that it will launch the new takeout support service Rakuten Realtime Takeout on May 7, 2020. The service makes it possible for customers to pre-order and pay for products from restaurants, cafes and other eateries. Starting today, Rakuten will begin accepting applications to introduce this service from business customers nationwide. In response to the spread of Covid-19, initial fees and monthly usage fees for this service will be made free of charge for a limited time, until October 31.

Rakuten Realtime Takeout enables users to select products available for takeout from eateries in their neighborhoods via their smartphone or computer website, and complete pre-order and payment using their Rakuten ID, making it possible to pick up orders in real time without waiting inside the restaurant. Users will also be able to earn Rakuten Points according to the purchase amount and use earned points when paying. For the launch, this service will be available at 187 eateries in Tokyo located near Shibuya Station and Gotanda Station, with plans to expand to eateries nationwide.

This service provides business owners with a simple solution for introducing takeout services at their establishments. The restaurant industry has experienced a marked increase in demand for eateries to provide takeout services due to the Covid-19 pandemic. In response to this new societal need, Rakuten will make initial fees and usage fees for this service free of charge until October 31, 2020 (excluding credit card transaction and related fees), as well as lend smartphones for registering products and managing orders free of charge to interested business owners starting in mid-May. Based on the financial condition of the restaurant, Rakuten will also provide the revenue earned via Rakuten Realtime Takeout to the business as early as the week following the customer transaction, until October 31. The U.S.-based Rakuten Ready launched a similar service, known as “Rakuten Takeout,” in April of this year to restaurant chains in San Mateo, California.

To mark the launch of the service, Rakuten will hold a special campaign awarding 10x Rakuten Points to customers ordering takeout during the campaign period. Starting on May 7, the campaign will award 10x the usual amount of Rakuten Points to customers who purchase products via takeout delivery from eligible eateries using Rakuten Realtime Takeout. The number of points awarded is based on the purchase price. Rakuten will cover the costs of the points awarded via this campaign.

In addition to providing services such as Rakuten Realtime Takeout that deliver greater levels of convenience to customers, Rakuten also aims to tackle the various challenges faced by business owners in order to empower people and society.

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Tokyo (KDDI) — In summer 2020, KDDI Corporation and LG Uplus will launch Coretronic Intelligent Robotics Corporation (CIRC)’s G6.0, a drone compatible with smart drone platforms, in Japan and South Korea.

The three companies signed an operational partnership agreement on March 25, 2020. Going forward, the three companies aim to expand the drone’s market in Japan and South Korea.

The G6.0 is a portable AI-friendly, fully autonomous drone that measures 500mm across and weighs less than 3kg. Highly resistant to dust and water, the drone is expected find use in monitoring and inspecting infrastructure and large facilities.

Used in conjunction with the designated G6.0 “Nest” drone port that allows the drone to depart and land with high precision and also charges the drone, the drone enables effective and safe operations without the need to send operators directly into the sites themselves.

The G6.0 is the first step of the operational partnership to develop a drone platform, signed between KDDI and LG Uplus on June 27, 2019. The drone supports a connection interface and communication modules commonly used for smart-drone platforms.

The three companies will continue to expand the lineup of global models that connect to the smart-drone platform, and create new experiences and value through introducing drones to society.

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Toyota (Toyota City) — BYD Company Ltd. (BYD) and Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) announced today that preparations have proceeded since they signed an agreement for the establishment of a joint venture company to conduct research and development of battery electric vehicles (BEVs) on November 7, 2019, and registration of the new company has been completed. Operations are scheduled to commence in May 2020. The name of the new company is BYD Toyota EV Technology (BTET). Hirohisa Kishi from Toyota will serve as chairman, and Zhao Binggen from BYD will be the chief executive officer (CEO).

New Chairman Hirohisa Kishi said with regard to the establishment of the company, “With the engineers from BYD and Toyota working together under the same roof, we aim to develop BEVs that are superior in performance and meet the needs of customers in China by merging the two companies’ strengths and also through friendly rivalry.”

Newly appointed CEO Zhao Binggen commented, “This joint venture company will focus on the research and development of battery electric vehicles with technology and know-how from both China and Japan. The company is committed to promoting and populating high-quality technologies that make battery electric vehicles more environmentally friendly, safe, comfortable, and intelligent. Our vision is to create a future customer-first mobility style, and a harmonious society for humans and nature.”

BYD and Toyota will work together to meet the diverse needs of customers by researching and developing BEVs that appeal to customers and promoting their widespread adoption and also hope to contribute to improving the environment in China.

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Toyota (Toyota City) — Toyota Motor Corporation and Hino Motors have agreed to jointly develop a heavy-duty fuel cell truck, and to proceed with initiatives toward its practical use through verification tests and other means.

Toyota and Hino are determined to take proactive action toward resolving global environmental issues as one of the most important corporate tasks. The two companies have declared ambitious goals to reduce CO2 emissions by 2050 and are developing electric vehicle technologies for widespread use in society. In order to achieve further reductions in CO2 emissions, major improvements will be required in the environmental performance of heavy-duty trucks, which account for about 60% of the total CO2 emissions from commercial vehicles in Japan.

For the electrification of commercial vehicles, the optimum powertrain must be adopted to ensure both outstanding environmental performance and just-right practicality as a business vehicle in terms of cruising range, load capacity, and other aspects depending on the usage. Heavy-duty trucks are typically used for highway transportation; therefore, they are required to have sufficient cruising range and load capacity as well as fast refueling capability. For this reason, fuel cell vehicles that run on hydrogen with its higher energy density are considered effective.

The heavy-duty fuel cell truck in this joint development project is based on Hino Profia, and is being developed taking maximum advantage of the technologies both Toyota and Hino have cultivated over the years. The chassis is specially designed with the optimum packaging for a fuel cell vehicle, and steps are being taken through comprehensive weight reduction to ensure a sufficient load capacity. The powertrain is equipped with two Toyota fuel cell stacks that have been newly developed for Toyota’s next Mirai and includes vehicle driving control that applies heavy-duty hybrid vehicle technologies, developed by Hino. Also, cruising range will be set at approximately 600 km, aiming to meet high standards in both environmental performance and practicality as a commercial vehicle.

Toyota and Hino have positioned hydrogen as an important energy source for the future and have worked together on developing technologies and spreading and innovating fuel cell vehicles for over fifteen years since their joint demonstration trials of the fuel cell bus in 2003. Going forward, Toyota and Hino will further strengthen its partnership and accelerate efforts toward the realization of a hydrogen society.

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NTT Docomo (Tokyo) – NTT Docomo announced today that it will launch its much anticipated fifth-generation mobile communications service (5G) on a commercial basis in Japan on March 25. At the time of launch, the service will achieve a maximum data rate of 3.4 Gbps and in June the downlink will increase to a maximum 4.1 Gbps.

NTT Docomo 5G coverage will encompass some 150 locations nationwide initially and then expand to all prefectures by June. More than five hundred cities are expected to have access to NTT Docomo’s 5G service by March 2021.

Customers who purchase a 5G-compatible smartphone from NTT Docomo will be able to choose between two types of billing plans according to their data needs.

At launch, NTT Docomo’s lineup of 5G-compatible devices will include seven models in the Docomo Smartphone series and a mobile Wi-Fi router. All models will be compatible with NTT Docomo’s existing LTE network.

Going forward, NTT Docomo is committed to steadily expanding and enhancing its 5G network service to create new value for society and to make customers’ lives more convenient and fulfilling.

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Yamaha (Iwata) — Yamaha Motor announced today that it has made an additional investment of US$2.5 million in Abundant Robotics – a startup in the United States that develops robotic apple harvesting solutions.

Yamaha Motor started a relationship with Abundant in 2016 with an initial US$250,000 investment. Through discussion about the shape of collaboration moving forward, the two companies have reached an agreement regarding additional investment that contributes to Yamaha Motor’s long term vision of advancing robotics for agriculture.

Aimed at technology development oriented toward agricultural automation, the investment in Abundant was realized through the work of Yamaha Motor Ventures & Laboratory Silicon Valley (YMVSV), a Group company that conducts corporate venture capital activities.

The company aims to contribute to labor-shortage solutions and automation in the agricultural field through accelerating the development of robotics technology and unmanned systems.

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Foundation: 1969

Headquarters: Minato Ward, Tokyo

President: Takuya Kozuki

Website

Konami Holdings Corporation is a Japanese entertainment and gambling conglomerate. It operates as a video game developer, manufacturer of pachinko and slot machines, and publishing company. Konami also operates health and physical fitness clubs across Japan. Its annual income is in the range of US$3 billion.

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Foundation: 1975

Headquarters: Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo

President: Yosuke Matsuda

Website

Square Enix Holdings is a Japanese video game developer, publisher, and distribution company known for its role-playing video game franchises. Its annual income is in the range of US$3 billion.

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Foundation: 1909

Headquarters: Hamamatsu, Shizuoka

Chairman: Osamu Suzuki

Website

Suzuki Motor Corporation is a Japanese multinational corporation which manufactures automobiles, four-wheel drive vehicles, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicles, outboard marine engines, wheelchairs, and a variety of other small internal combustion engines. Its annual income is in the range of US$25 billion.

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Foundation: 1912

Headquarters: Sakai city, Osaka

President: Jeng-Wu Tai

Website

Sharp Corporation is a Japanese multinational corporation that designs and manufactures electronic products. Since 2016, it has been a subsidiary of Taiwan-based Foxconn Group. Its annual income is in the range of US$20 billion.

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Foundation: 1979

Headquarters: Chuo Ward, Osaka

Chairman and CEO: Kenzo Tsujimoto

Website

Capcom is a Japanese video game developer and publisher known for creating numerous multi-million selling game franchises. Its annual income is in the range of US$1 billion.

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Foundation: 2005

Headquarters: Shinagawa Ward, Tokyo

Chairman: Shukuo Ishikawa

Website

Bandai Namco is a Japanese company which was formed from the merger of Bandai and Namco in September 2005. It specializes in toys, video games, arcades, anime, and amusement parks. Its annual income is in the range of US$6 billion.

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Foundation: 1997

Headquarters: Setagaya Ward, Tokyo

Chairman and CEO: Hiroshi Mikitani

Website

Rakuten s a Japanese electronic commerce and online retailing company. Rakuten Ichiba is the largest e-commerce site in Japan. The company also operates Japan’s biggest Internet bank, as well as fintech, digital content, and communications services. Its annual income is in the range of US$10 billion.

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Foundation: 1935

Headquarters: Minato Ward, Tokyo

President: Tatsuya Tanaka

Website

Fujitsu is a Japanese multinational information technology equipment and services company. Fujitsu mainly makes computing products, but the company and its subsidiaries also offer a diversity of products and services in areas such as personal computing, enterprise computing, storage products, telecommunications, advanced microelectronics, and air conditioning. Its annual income is in the range of US$40 billion.

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