Technology & Startups
Latest news and updates on technology & startups for expats in Japan
JAL Luggage Delivery Service Breached: 28,000 Customers Affected
JAL's same-day luggage delivery service suffered a data breach exposing names and phone numbers of up to 28,000 customers. Expats who used the service...
February 10, 2026
Sony Ends Blu-ray Recorder Production as Streaming Dominates Japan
Sony will stop producing Blu-ray disc recorders due to declining demand from streaming services. Other manufacturers continue production, but the move...
February 9, 2026
Japanese Startups Raise Over ¥4 Billion for AI and Business Innovation
Japanese startups raised over ¥4 billion in early February 2026, with major investments in AI-driven supply chain management, restaurant business tool...
February 4, 2026
SoftBank Data Breach Exposes 8,000 Customers' Personal Information
SoftBank disclosed a data breach affecting up to 8,000 customers on January 27, exposing names, addresses, and phone numbers through their customer po...
January 27, 2026
AI Revolution Reshapes Japanese Business: What Foreign Professionals Need to Know
Japanese businesses are rapidly adopting AI and innovative technologies, with major investments in automation, emotion recognition, and sustainable so...
January 21, 2026
Japan's Investment Boom: Mitsubishi's $7B Gas Deal and Tech Funding Surge
Mitsubishi Corporation announces record $7B U.S. gas acquisition while Japanese tech startups secure billions in funding for AI robotics, space rocket...
January 19, 2026
AI Deepfakes Threaten Japan: Political Misinformation and Celebrity Abuse
AI deepfakes are spreading in Japan, creating fake political videos ahead of elections and non-consensual explicit celebrity images. Police made their...
January 19, 2026
Japanese Tech Startups Raise ¥1.5 Billion Across Healthcare and Entertainment
Five Japanese tech startups raised ¥1.5 billion this week across healthcare DX, entertainment IP, and compliance AI sectors, signaling growth opportun...
January 15, 2026
Japan Tackles AI Voice Fraud While Semiconductor Industry Faces Challenges
NTT East develops AI voice detection app to prevent phone fraud while Honda extends China factory shutdowns due to chip shortages. Tokyo Electron face...
January 5, 2026
Japan's 'Smartphone Law' Takes Effect, Opening Up App Markets
Japan's Smartphone Law took effect December 18, requiring Apple and Google to open their app ecosystems to third-party stores and alternative payment ...
December 18, 2025
Japan's New Smartphone Law and G7 AI Support Reshape Digital Landscape
Japan's Smartphone Law takes effect December 18, requiring Apple and Google to open app stores to competitors. G7 nations commit to supporting SME AI ...
December 10, 2025
Japan's Tech Sector Advances with Semiconductor Expansion and AI Alliance
Rapidus plans second semiconductor factory in Hokkaido by 2027, while nine Japanese firms launch Enable AI Foundry alliance to democratize AI developm...
November 26, 2025
Japan Accelerates AI Adoption: Call Centers, Risk Assessment, and Funding
Japan advances AI across business sectors with new call center automation, government risk assessment systems, and a 5 billion yen venture fund target...
November 18, 2025
Japanese Startups Raise Over ¥8.5 Billion in November Investment Wave
Japanese startups raised over ¥8.5 billion across eight major funding rounds in November 2025, spanning AI, fintech, cybersecurity, and advanced mater...
November 14, 2025