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 Kazuaki Nagata

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Kazuaki Nagata
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Tech
Jul 14, 2015
Sony makes noise with loudspeaker launch
Sony Mobile Communications Inc. wants to turn a loudspeaker into something that engages its users rather than a passive electronic device that merely plays music.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jul 14, 2015
Consultation center offers insights for firms looking at business in Japan
Different customs and cultures are part of the experience when visiting another country.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Tech / ADVANCES IN PROGRESS
Jul 13, 2015
Major players are bringing voice assistant tech to the fore
In sci-fi movies, it's common to see a character having spontaneous conversations with robots and humanoids, like C-3PO of "Star Wars" fame.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies
Jul 9, 2015
New Honda chief discusses air bags, Asimo
Although the root cause of Takata Corp.'s deadly air bag malfunctions remains unclear, Honda's new president on Thursday tried to reassure drivers and passengers that recalled vehicles are rendered safe with replacement inflators.
Japan Times
JAPAN / EXPLAINER
Jul 6, 2015
Signs seen of road widening for futuristic mobility
Japan is about to take a step into the future of personal mobility by easing government regulations so that Segways and similar vehicles can be driven on public thoroughfares.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Jul 3, 2015
From dog coats to toilet paper, Nadeshiko fever hits stores ahead of World Cup final
Firms are cashing in on the success of Japan's women's soccer team ahead of the World Cup final, offering everything from dolls dressed in Nadeshiko kit to uniforms for dogs.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Jul 2, 2015
Tokyu unveils plans for skyscraper observatory in Shibuya
Tokyo's bustling Shibuya district will get a 230-meter high observation deck before the Olympics that could become more famous than its statue of Hachiko the dog or the "scramble crossing" by the train station, plans unveiled by Tokyu Corp. showed Thursday.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Jun 25, 2015
Takata CEO indicates he will stay on despite air bag scandal
Takata Corp. Chairman and CEO Shigehisa Takada has indicated that he doesn't intend to resign from his post despite the air bag scandal that has enveloped the company.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies
Jun 19, 2015
SoftBank to focus on future tech, Son tells shareholders
Telecommunications may be SoftBank Corp.'s main business, but the telecom giant said it will focus more on the next big technologies — the "Internet of things," artificial intelligence and advanced robots — in the coming years.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies
Jun 18, 2015
SoftBank's Pepper robot now has emotions, Son claims
After months of delay, SoftBank Corp. announced Thursday that it would make Pepper, its humanoid robot, available to the general public on Saturday, but with an extra twist.
Japan Times
BUSINESS
Jun 18, 2015
Wearables, drones, talking robots take center stage at International Tokyo Toy Show
Wearable devices, drones and talking robots are hot topics in the tech industry, and toy makers are trying to ride these trends with their latest offerings, the toy industry's annual trade show revealed Thursday.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies
Jun 17, 2015
Burger King unveils red-colored burgers
Burger King Japan surprised the public when it released its black burger series in 2012. Now the fast-food chain has announced a similarly colorful promotion involving red sandwiches.
BUSINESS / Companies
Jun 16, 2015
Toy industry rides video game megahit 'Yokai Watch' to record sales
Thanks to items related to megahit video game "Yokai Watch," the domestic toy market saw the best sales in a decade in fiscal 2014, the Japan Toy Association said Tuesday.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 12, 2015
Raw pork liver fans say goodbye to banned sashimi
Fans of raw pork liver savored their last chance to taste the dish on Thursday night as they expressed mixed feelings on the arrival of a new food safety regulation Friday that bans eateries from serving pork sashimi.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Tech
Jun 12, 2015
Tokyo companies begin work on Transformer-like robot
Two Tokyo-based firms said Friday they have begun developing a transformable robot that can be operated from inside, both as a humanoid robot and a vehicle.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Companies
Jun 8, 2015
Nissan brings new spacious cabs to Tokyo to serve foreign tourists
Nissan Motor Co.'s new wagon-type cabs made their debut in Tokyo on Monday with the aim of giving a more comfortable ride to luggage-toting foreigners and aging Japanese alike.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Tech / ADVANCES IN PROGRESS
Jun 7, 2015
NEC develops way to ID everyday objects
Envision a container filled with tens of thousands of metal screws made from the same mold. Is it possible to tell one from another?
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 5, 2015
'Cool Japan' complex envisioned in Saitama
Publisher Kadokawa Corp. has unveiled a vision to turn Tokorozawa, Saitama Prefecture, into a hub for the "Cool Japan" movement by creating a cultural complex that it claims Japan has never seen the likes of before.
Japan Times
BUSINESS / Tech
Jun 4, 2015
Tomy, Docomo unveil conversational robot toy
Tomy Co. on Thursday introduced a conversation robot jointly developed with NTT Docomo Inc. that it claims can hold "natural" conversations with people.
Japan Times
JAPAN
Jun 1, 2015
METI considers 'kimono day' to revive industry, cash in on tourism
Sometime next year, expect to see colorful kimono-clad commuters winding their way through the morning rush hour in Tokyo's Kasumigaseki Station, the main hub for government workers.

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