theTokyoBill Japan news brief

theTokyoBill Japan news brief, November 4 2024

In this episode: New amphibious vessel launched for Self-Defense Force Maritime Unit; One-handed monkey on the move south of Tokyo; Gunma capital introduces program to address growing number of foreign-born children; Automated, conveyor-style transport system in the works; Japan offering energy technologies to benefit Poland; Premium-priced PC case by Cooler Master now for sale; October average temperatures at 126-year record high

Duration:: 6m
Broadcast on:: 04 Nov 2024
Audio Format:: other

A short (3-5 min.) English language news brief; stories from in and around Japan.

Music is Motivate by Wavecont, care of Pixabay.com.

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[Music] Welcome to the Tokyo Bill, a short news brief on recent events in and around Japan. [Music] The Japanese self-defense force has introduced a new class of amphibious vessels to support a unit focusing on maritime logistics for its southwestern islands. The first ship of the class, JS to Nihon Bade, can transport vehicles or containers at speeds of 15.5 knots. The unit aims to strengthen island defense by providing reliable transportation to the Ryukyu Islands with plans for up to 10 vessels, including the Nihon Bade class. This initiative aligns with efforts from the Australian and US armies and Marine Corps to improve lateral maneuver capabilities. The southwestern region is now receiving increased military resources in response to heightened Chinese activities. [Music] A monkey without a left hand is being sighted in different areas of Kanagawa Prefecture, moving southward from the greater Tokyo area. Local governments are asking residents to report any sightings and to avoid contact with the animal. The monkey was first spotted in Chikisaki in mid-October and later in Fujisawa, Kamakura, Yokosuka, and other locales southwest of the Yokohama area. According to Japan's bird and animal protection law, the monkey cannot be captured unless it causes damage. Authorities are monitoring the situation closely to ensure the safety of both residents and the monkey. [Music] The government of Maibashi, capital of Gunua Prefecture, started a program to help non-Japanese children fit into municipal schools. The program, led by specialized instructors, will provide guidance for 3-14 days on school rules, Japanese language, and daily living norms. There are 259 children with foreign routes in the city, about 100 of whom need Japanese language instruction. Many from the Philippines, Indonesia, Myanmar, Nepal, China, Sri Lanka, and Bolivia. The program will teach greetings, student participation rules, and Japanese customs. Participation will be decided through consultation between parents and schools. Japan is planning to build an automated cargo transport corridor between Tokyo and Osaka to address a shortage of truck drivers. The system, known as a conveyor belt road or auto flow road, will utilize automated unmanned transportation. A trial system is expected to start test runs in 2027 or early 2028, with full operations planned by the mid-2030s. The initiative aims to reduce workloads for drivers, cut carbon emissions, and address the shrinking labor force. Similar projects are being considered in Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Japan will deepen cooperation with Poland in the energy sector to help the European Union reduce carbon emissions. Japanese officials will visit Poland to discuss advancing cooperation in nuclear and renewable energies to assist Poland's decarbonization efforts. Japan plans to offer technology for using ammonia in coal-fired power generation, which emits no carbon dioxide when burned. Japan also aims to extend technological assistance for building nuclear power plants in Poland. Poland hopes to accelerate decarbonization with Japan's advanced technology while Japan looks to expand business and investment opportunities in Poland and EU country demonstrating a relatively healthy economy. Cooler Master is now offering the "Shark X-case" as a standalone product in Japan for nearly 660,000 yen, approximately $4,300. Showcasing, innovative design derived from a CES model revealed in 2023. The exotic mini-ITX case resembles a "Shark", featuring RGB lighting, space for a mini-ITX motherboard, an AIO liquid cooler, and a discrete graphics card. The "Shark X-case" was initially part of the pre-built "Shark X-PC" unveiled at CES 2023, showcased again at CES 2024. Despite being more affordable than the "Full PC", the "Shark X-case" is still very pricey compared to traditional cases, and it remains to be seen if the case will be made available outside of Japan. The Japan Meteorological Agency reported that the nationwide average temperature in October was the highest since record-keeping began in 1898. This increase was attributed to strong high-pressure systems in eastern Japan. Average temperatures in 15 locations throughout the country were 2.2 degrees Celsius higher than the average from 1991 to 2020. In addition to the national average, 149 regional locations also saw higher temperatures in October compared to previous years, with increases of 1.9 degrees in northern Japan, 2.6 degrees in eastern Japan, and 2.6 degrees in western Japan. This has been the Tokyo Build. These stories and more you can read at thetokyobuild.com. I've been and remain Tokyo Build. Thank you for listening, and take care. [MUSIC PLAYING]