Tag: Japan


  • Foreign Buyers Boost Property Purchases Near Japan’s Sensitive Sites

    Foreign Buyers Boost Property Purchases Near Japan’s Sensitive Sites

    Overview: A Record of Foreign Real Estate Activity Near Security Zones A government study released this week reveals that foreign individuals and entities purchased 3,498 properties located around Japan’s critical security facilities and remote islands during fiscal year 2024. The findings show that nearly half of these acquisitions originated from China, underscoring growing overseas interest…

  • Keita Takashashi Returns to Japan: What the To a T Flop Means for Games Careers

    Keita Takashashi Returns to Japan: What the To a T Flop Means for Games Careers

    Shifting Currents in the Games Industry The games industry is a restless place where success can feel like a roll of the dice. When a project misses its mark, as the recent case of To a T suggests, industry veterans and aspiring developers alike must confront the reality that outcomes can be unpredictable. Keita Takashashi’s…

  • Blizzard Hits Hokkaido: Trains and Flights Disrupted Across the Prefecture

    Blizzard Hits Hokkaido: Trains and Flights Disrupted Across the Prefecture

    Overview: A Region Under Snow A rapidly intensifying low-pressure system brought heavy snow and strong winds to Hokkaido on December 15, forcing widespread disruptions to trains and flights across the prefecture. The blizzard, characterized by whiteout conditions in some areas, prompted travel advisories as authorities urged residents to stay off rural roads and prepare for…

  • Keita Takahashi’s Return to Japan: What It Means When a Fluorescent Indie Star Leaves the West

    Keita Takahashi’s Return to Japan: What It Means When a Fluorescent Indie Star Leaves the West

    When stars step back, the industry takes notice The departure of notable game designer Keita Takahashi from Western gaming circles to return to Japan has sparked a broader conversation about the volatility of the games industry, the pressures of international markets, and the creative toll of ambitious indie projects. Takahashi, best known for imprinting a…

  • Blizzard Strikes Hokkaido: Trains and Flights Disrupted as Snow and Winds Elevate Winter Risk

    Blizzard Strikes Hokkaido: Trains and Flights Disrupted as Snow and Winds Elevate Winter Risk

    Overview: A Blizzard Disrupts Hokkaido’s Transport Network A rapidly intensifying low-pressure system delivered a brutal early winter blast to Hokkaido on December 15, with heavy snowfall and gale-force winds affecting the prefecture. The extreme weather forced significant disruptions to both rail and air travel, casting a chill over daily commutes and holiday plans alike. Meteorologists…

  • Keita Takashashi’s Return to Japan: Lessons for Creators Leaving the U.S. Game Scene

    Keita Takashashi’s Return to Japan: Lessons for Creators Leaving the U.S. Game Scene

    Introduction: A Tipping Point in a Storied Career When a prominent creator pivots from a Western hub back to their homeland, it isn’t just a personal decision—it becomes a lens for examining risk, opportunity, and the volatile nature of the games industry. Keita Takashashi, the designer behind bold, unconventional titles and the recent flop tied…

  • International Ski Trips: The Alps, Japan and Beyond

    International Ski Trips: The Alps, Japan and Beyond

    Why International Ski Trips Captivate Travelers Ski trips aren’t just about shredding powder; they’re a chance to connect with loved ones, explore new cultures, and blend wellness with everyday adventure. International destinations offer a mix of iconic terrain, distinct après-ski scenes, and unique regional twists—from alpine villages tucked into snow-dusted peaks to powder-rich Japan and…

  • Sparsentan Phase III IgA Nephropathy in Japan: Positive Results

    Sparsentan Phase III IgA Nephropathy in Japan: Positive Results

    Groundbreaking Phase III topline results for Sparsentan in Japanese IgA nephropathy patients Renalys Pharma has announced positive topline results from a Phase III study evaluating sparsentan in Japanese patients with IgA nephropathy. The trial, conducted in a cohort of 35 patients, focused on the primary endpoint of the percent change from baseline in the 24-hour…

  • Nokia and NTT DOCOMO Pilot MantaRay SON to Elevate 5G Operations in Japan

    Nokia and NTT DOCOMO Pilot MantaRay SON to Elevate 5G Operations in Japan

    Introduction: A New Era for 5G Operations in Japan In a move set to redefine how 5G networks are managed in Japan, Nokia announces the deployment of its MantaRay Self-Organizing Network (SON) technology with NTT DOCOMO in a multi-vendor environment. This collaboration aims to automate and optimize 5G operations, delivering faster service, improved network reliability,…

  • Nokia and NTT DOCOMO Deploy MantaRay SON to Transform 5G Operations in Japan

    Nokia and NTT DOCOMO Deploy MantaRay SON to Transform 5G Operations in Japan

    Nokia and NTT DOCOMO Launch Autonomous 5G Optimization with MantaRay SON Nokia has announced a strategic partnership with NTT DOCOMO to deploy MantaRay Software-Defined Optical Network (SON) across Japan, marking a significant step forward in autonomous 5G network management. This collaboration aims to revolutionize how operators manage multi-vendor environments, boosting network efficiency, improving customer experience,…