Akihabara News (Tokyo) — In late November, Fujifilm is releasing its X-Pro3 mirrorless digital camera, the third iteration of a line first launched in 2012.

The X-Pro3 is very much intended for street photography, built for capturing still images much more than video, though it does have 4K video capability and can shoot sharp and beautiful images.

Two points set the X-Pro3 apart from other models.

First, it possesses an “Advanced Hybrid Viewfinder,” which can be switched between optical viewfinder (OVF) and electronic viewfinder (EVF). This model lays emphasis on use of the OVF which allows photographers to see what they are shooting with their own eyes, including people and objects that have not yet entered the field of the shot.

The EVF is a 1.62-million-dot tilting touchscreen LCD monitor found behind a rear flipscreen which extends about 180 degrees downward.

The other major selling point of this camera is its strong and lightweight titanium construction, allowing it to be easily portable and highly resistant to scratching and other physical damage, including against dust and water.

The X-Pro3 also possesses advanced autofocus and a variety of special filming modes that can create stylized color expressions.

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Akihabara News (Tokyo) — The SoftBank Group is doubling down on its investment in the troubled startup WeWork with a fresh US$10 billion financial commitment that will see SoftBank own about 80% of the firm’s shares.

SoftBank has declined, however, to take a majority of the voting rights, and will treat WeWork as an associate rather than a subsidiary.

Analysts have grown deeply skeptical about SoftBank Chief Executive Masayoshi Son’s judgment in this matter, with many arguing that he is simply digging himself into a deeper hole on behalf of a fundamentally misguided investment.

At this point, Son has committed about US$13 billion in funds in a startup whose market valuation has currently fallen to about US$8 billion. As recently as January, WeWork had gained a valuation at the stunning US$47 billion level, in spite of a lack of clarity about how its business model could become profitable, or be able to weather any global economic downturns.

Son, however, has remained undeterred, trusting in his own vision and analysis about how WeWork can still become a global business titan.

One person who does not figure prominently in these sweeping plans, however, is co-founder Adam Neumann, who is being paid hundreds of millions of dollars to leave the board of directors, though he will remain as an observer and an adviser.

There are about 25 existing or planned WeWork locations in Tokyo.

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Nissan (Tokyo) — Nissan today unveiled the Ariya Concept, a crossover EV with twin electric motors, powerful acceleration, award-winning driver assistance technology and a look that signals a complete reinvention of the brand’s design.

The new Nissan Ariya Concept, introduced today at the 46th Tokyo Motor Show, signals the dawn of a new era for Nissan as the company embarks to redefine its brand philosophy for the next evolutionary phase of the automobile.

The Ariya Concept features a spacious, premium cabin with high-tech features and a body that conveys the pure, clean nature of electric cars. It embodies the Nissan Intelligent Mobility vision of personal transportation – one where electrification and vehicle intelligence will offer seamless and adaptive travel experiences free of accidents or harmful emissions.

The Ariya Concept expands on design elements first hinted at by the Nissan IMx concept at the 2017 Tokyo Motor Show. They include the bold electrified V-motion signature “shield” and striking rear light blade, short overhangs, and an interior that feels more like a lounge than a conventional vehicle.

Although it’s a concept vehicle, the crossover EV’s bold styling and unconventional interior and exterior elements could make it into production in the near future.

“The Ariya Concept represents a strong collaboration between design and engineering,” said Yasuhiro Yamauchi, representative executive officer, Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. “It is the next stage of Nissan’s future design language as we embark on a new era for the company – the next stage in our evolution.”

The Ariya Concept shares the stage at the Tokyo Motor Show with the Nissan IMk, an EV urban commuter concept revealed earlier this month. The two vehicles serve as “bookends” for Nissan’s new vision of an electrified brand identity.

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Mazda (Hiroshima) — Mazda Motor Corporation has unveiled its first mass-production electric vehicle, named Mazda MX-30, at the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show.

A new addition to Mazda’s car lineup, the MX-30 is the automaker’s third new-generation model. Aiming to offer an experience that lets customers relax and be themselves and deepens the bond between car and owner, the model offers a creative time and space that invites new ways of using a vehicle.

Spaces in and around the center console give the cabin an open feel, and environmentally conscious materials such as cork and fabrics made from recycled materials are used in ways that bring out their natural appeal, creating a comfortable interior space. In addition, the MX-30 adopts freestyle doors so customers can invent new and creative ways of using the car.

“In any era, Mazda wants people to experience exuberant moments in life through cars,” said Akira Marumoto, Mazda’s Representative Director, President and CEO at the show. “We will continue striving to deliver creative products and technologies so our customers will love and hold onto their Mazda for a long time.”

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Foundation: 1955

Headquarters: Iwata city, Shizuoka

President: Yoshihiro Hidaka

Yamaha Motor Company is a manufacturer of motorcycles, marine products such as boats and outboard motors, and other motorized products. The company was established in 1955 upon separation from Yamaha Corporation. Its annual income is in the range of US$15 billion.

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Toyota (Tokyo) — Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) today announced that it will display its new, production-ready Ultra-compact BEV (battery electric vehicle) at the Future Expo special exhibition of the 2019 Tokyo Motor Show ahead of the vehicle’s planned commercial launch in Japan in 2020. The next-generation mobility solution is designed to provide short-distance mobility while limiting impact on the environment.

“We want to create a mobility solution that can support Japan’s aging society and provide freedom of movement to people at all stages of life,” said Akihiro Yanaka, Head of Development. “With the Ultra-compact BEV, we are proud to offer customers a vehicle that not only allows for greater autonomy, but also requires less space, creates less noise and limits environmental impact.”

The ultra-compact, two-seater BEV is specifically designed to meet the daily mobility needs of customers who make regular, short-distance trips such as the elderly, newly licensed drivers, or business-people visiting local customers. It can be driven a range of approximately 100 km on a single charge, reach a maximum speed of 60 km/h, and features an extremely short turning radius.

Toyota is also pairing its planned 2020 launch of the Ultra-compact BEV with a new business model that aims to promote the wider adoption of battery electric vehicles in general. This includes examining every step of the battery’s life, from manufacture through sale, resale or re-use, and recycling to maximize its value. In the near term, Toyota will focus on expanded leasing initiatives designed to recapture used batteries for evaluation and re-use as appropriate in pre-owned vehicles, as service parts, or even in non-automobile applications. Toyota is also developing peripheral services for battery electric vehicles such as recharging stations and insurance.

In addition, Toyota is exploring applications for its compact, short-distance BEVs beyond individual mobility. For example, the ultra-compact BEV in particular is well-suited to meet the mobility needs of municipalities working to create safe, unrestricted, and environmentally-friendly transportation options in urban or mountainous communities. To date, Toyota is already engaged with approximately 100 corporate and government partners to explore new transportation models that would include BEVs such as the Ultra-compact BEV, and is in ongoing discussions with others.

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Yamaha (Iwata) — Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd. announced today that the company will commence services from November 1, 2019 using the SC-1 entertainment vehicle – sociable cart jointly developed with the Sony Corporation. The first services will start at the Kanucha Bay Resort (Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture) and at the Southeast Botanical Gardens (Okinawa City, Okinawa Prefecture).

As well as images of the surroundings captured by cameras, the SC-1 can project a range of video and mixed reality (MR) images which suit its current location onto the high-resolution displays installed on the vehicle interior and exterior. Doing so creates an entertainment space unmatched by any traditional vehicle, aiming to provide a more enjoyable low-speed mobility value to occupants and people nearby.

This service Moonlight Cruise will be an experience held on the SC-1 after sunset. With the autonomous driving function, passengers can enjoy entertainment content created by mixed reality technology based on night driving scenes projected by ultra-sensitive image sensors and high-resolution displays without having to control the vehicle.

This service provides a number of surprises that stimulate the senses of the passengers, and create a supernatural, out of this world show under the stars. As an added attraction, two types of content have been prepared in order for more customers to enjoy.

In the future, both companies will expand similar services to amusement and/or commercial facilities in order to provide new mobile experiences to customers.

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Foundation: 1937

Headquarters: Ota Ward, Tokyo

President: Masaya Maeda

Canon specializes in the manufacture of imaging and optical products, including cameras, photocopiers, scanners, computer printers, and medical equipment. Its annual income is in the range of US$30 billion.

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Foundation: 1981

Headquarters: Minato Ward, Tokyo

Founder and CEO: Masayoshi Son

Created by its charismatic founder Masayoshi Son as a computer parts store, SoftBank expanded into publishing, internet, telecommunications, investment, and many other fields, usually with considerable success. Its annual income is in the range of US$85 billion.

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Foundation: 1918

Headquarters: Kadoma city, Osaka

President: Kazuhiro Tsuga

Panasonic Corporation, formerly known as Matsushita Electric Industrial Company, is a Japanese multinational electronics corporation, which also produces home appliances and much more. Its annual income is in the range of US$75 billion.

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Foundation: 1937

Headquarters: Toyota City, Aichi

President: Akio Toyoda

Toyota Motor Corporation is a Japanese multinational automotive manufacturer, and one of the largest companies in the world, with a truly global presence. Its annual income is in the range of US$270 billion.

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Foundation: 2010

Headquarters: New York City (USA)

WeWork, the unofficial but better-known name for The We Company, is an American commercial real estate company that provides shared workspaces for technology startups, and services for other enterprises. SoftBank is its largest investor and supporter. The reported public valuation of the company is around US$10 billion.

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Foundation: 2012

Headquarters: Minato Ward, Tokyo

President: Yoshiyuki Tsukizaki

Japan Display is an LCD technology joint venture by Sony, Toshiba, and Hitachi. It became best known as a key supplier for Apple iPhones. Its annual income is in the range of US$65 million.

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Foundation: 1910

Headquarters: Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo

President: Toshiaki Higashihara

Hitachi is a highly diversified company that operates in a wide variety of business segments, including telecommunications, financial services, power systems, electronics, transportation, and digital media. Its annual income is in the range of US$90 billion.

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Foundation: 1991

Headquarters: Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo

President: Kazuhiro Yoshizawa

NTT Docomo was spun off from Nippon Telegraph and Telephone (NTT) in August 1991 to take over its mobile cellular operations. It holds the largest share of the mobile market in Japan. Its annual income is in the range of US$45 billion.

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Akihabara News (Tokyo) — Following its release of two full-frame mirrorless cameras last year, the Z7 and the Z6, Nikon has now released its first APS-C model, the Z50, which should bring the mirrorless camera experience to consumers at a much lower price point.

Along with the release of the Z50, Nikon has also released two customized lenses for the new camera, the Nikkor Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR standard zoom lens and the Nikkor Z DX 50-250mm f/4.5-6.3 VR telephoto zoom lens.

The Z50 is a compact and lightweight, high-performance mirrorless camera, meant to be easily carried. Indeed, it weighs just 397 grams, compared to 675 grams for the Z6 full-frame camera.

This camera will be Nikon’s answer to rivals in its same class such as the Sony A6400, Fujifilm X-T30, and the Canon EOS M6 Mark II.

Among its key features are Eye-AF autofocus, 4K UHD recording, an LCD touchscreen that flips downward, and connectivity to with various smart devices.

It does lack in-body image stabilization, though some stabilization is provided by the two new lenses.

The camera’s Z mount supports both the Nikkor Z DX and Nikkor Z FX formats, so all Nikkor Z lenses, as well as S-line lenses, can be used with the Z50.

Low light performance is said to be quite good for an APS-C camera.

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Foundation: 1917

Headquarters: Minato Ward, Tokyo

President: Toshikazu Umatate

Nikon, with its history of over a century, is a leading firm focusing on optical and imaging products, especially cameras, lenses, binoculars, and microscopes. It is a member of the Mitsubishi group of companies, with an annual income in the range of US$7 billion.

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Panasonic (Osaka) — Society is increasingly seeking to build a safer, more comfortable automotive society through advancing automated driving and reducing traffic accidents. To achieve this goal, Panasonic has developed a driverless automated valet parking system and an AR-HUD (Augmented Reality Head-Up Display). The driverless automated valet parking system achieves fully automated driving in limited areas, while the AR-HUD offers safe, comfortable navigation so that the user can concentrate on driving. These technologies will be installed in Toyota Motor Corporation’s concept car, LQ.

Driverless automated valet parking system: This system is achieving driverless automated valet parking without dedicated expensive sensors. It accurately identifies the position of own vehicle by using multiple conventional in-vehicle cameras, sonars, and radar sensors as well as a 2D road map. The system enables safe parking by finding an empty space and detecting pedestrians who enter the roadway by linking to surveillance cameras in a parking lot and a control server. Driverless automated valet parking accomplishes parking in a very narrow space up to a minimum of 20cm clearance between cars, because it is unnecessary to open or close the doors after parking. An in-vehicle emergency braking system that detects people by using deep learning helps to prevent accidents.

This system is expected to offer the following advantages：

1. Achieving driverless automated valet parking system, without dedicated expensive sensors. Reduce traffic accident in a parking lot at low cost and reduce significantly stress related to parking (e.g., finding a parking space, walking a long distance from a parking lot, dealing with adverse weather condition)
2. Effectively utilize land by enabling the use of distant parking lots and small parking spaces

Large screen AR-HUD: A large image that gives a sense of depth is superimposed on the actual space in front of the driver’s seat. Based on the information from the vehicle, the AR-HUD indicates route information and obstacle alerts just like physical markings on the road. It presents a high-quality image on a large screen with minimal distortion by using the company’s proprietary optical technologies–refined through the development of audio-visual products–to reduce misalignment between the actual space and the image.

This system is expected to offer the following advantages：

1. Assist with safe driving by reducing the movements and focus readjustments of the driver’s eyes by presenting information intuitively
2. Reduce the misalignment caused by vibration between the actual space and the displayed image by using proprietary vibration compensation technology, achieving navigation that is easier to see and understand

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Foundation: 1946

Headquarters: Minato Ward, Tokyo

President: Kenichiro Yoshida

Sony is one of Japan’s leading firms focusing on a diversified range of consumer and professional electronics, gaming, entertainment, and financial services. Sony is among the global leaders in music, video games, electronics, and film entertainment. Its annual income is in the range of US$80 billion.

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