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Toyota‘s Woven City ​Opens, ⁢Pioneering Real-World Testing ​of Autonomous Technology

SHIZUOKA, Japan – Toyota Motor officially launched woven‍ City, a first-of-its-kind experimental smart city, in‌ Shizuoka prefecture‍ on ⁣thursday. The project aims to accelerate the⁣ development and⁤ deployment of technologies like autonomous driving and ‌robotics⁢ through real-world request with actual‍ residents.

Woven city represents a ​meaningful investment in‌ future mobility ​and urban living. Toyota intends to utilize the fully-integrated surroundings to test⁣ innovations ​in areas beyond transportation, including logistics and home automation, all while gathering data and feedback⁢ from people living within the community.The project envisions a future where technology seamlessly ⁢integrates into daily life, enhancing convenience ‍and sustainability.

The city is​ designed as a collaborative ecosystem,with Toyota inviting participation ⁤from other Japanese companies including daikin and Nissin. Initial deployments include twenty single-seater autonomous vehicles, with plans to‌ eventually accommodate approximately 300 residents.

The site⁣ will serve as a living laboratory, allowing Toyota to refine its autonomous systems⁢ and robotics in a dynamic, uncontrolled setting – a crucial step beyond simulations and closed-course testing. Data collected from woven City is expected to ​inform the development of future ‌Toyota products and contribute to broader advancements⁣ in smart city technologies.

Fake Soccer Teams Used in Human Smuggling scheme⁣ to Japan

Osaka, Japan – A recent deportation case involving a group claiming to be a Pakistani football ​team has exposed a novel human smuggling tactic targeting Japan. Authorities in Osaka deported 22 Pakistani nationals ​in June after they failed ⁢to substantiate their claims of being legitimate athletes,revealing a scheme to exploit sporting event entry allowances for illegal migration.

Teh⁣ incident highlights a growing trend of ‌increasingly complex methods employed⁣ by human smugglers, ‍driven by economic hardship in Pakistan and the demand for⁤ labor in Japan. While Japan has ⁤traditionally maintained strict immigration⁣ policies, loopholes related to visa⁢ exemptions for participants in international⁢ sporting events are being ​exploited. This latest case underscores ‍the challenges faced by Japanese authorities in combating illegal⁣ immigration and the lengths ‍to which individuals will go to ⁣seek opportunities ‌abroad.

The group arrived⁤ at Kansai International ⁢Airport attempting ​to enter the country as a football team, but inconsistencies ⁣in their documentation and lack of verifiable team affiliation raised suspicions. Japanese immigration officials resolute they were not a genuine team and subsequently deported them.

This method represents a shift ⁤in smuggling tactics,moving beyond conventional routes ​and utilizing fabricated narratives to ‌circumvent border controls. Experts suggest the scheme capitalizes on the relatively⁢ easier access granted to ⁢athletes and team officials for sporting competitions. The incident has⁢ prompted Japanese authorities to review security protocols surrounding visa exemptions for sporting‌ events and increase‌ scrutiny of incoming groups claiming athletic ‍status.

The​ use of fake ​sports teams is notably concerning as it​ potentially undermines the ⁤integrity of ‍legitimate sporting events and creates security vulnerabilities. It also ⁣places vulnerable individuals at risk, ​as they are often subjected to exploitative conditions‍ by smugglers and face uncertain futures upon arrival in a foreign​ country.

Indian IT Stocks Decline, Rupee Weakens Following Proposed H-1B visa Fee

Mumbai/New Delhi/Bengaluru – Indian information technology stocks ​experienced notable declines and⁣ the rupee weakened slightly ⁣in ‌early trading Monday as investors reacted to ‌a proposed $100,000 fee on new H-1B visas for highly skilled workers in the‍ United States.‍ The potential impact on Indian IT services companies, which⁣ heavily rely on deploying workers to the‌ U.S., triggered the market response.

the⁤ significant ⁣fee, if ​implemented, coudl effectively negate the expected earnings⁣ from sending IT professionals to ⁤the U.S., according to analysts. ​Last year, nearly three-fourths⁤ of ‌the H-1B ⁢visas issued whent to Indian immigrants. Companies like HCL, which utilizes a large on-site workforce to support client projects, are particularly vulnerable. The move signals a‍ potential shift in U.S. immigration policy impacting a crucial revenue stream for India’s tech‍ sector and raising concerns about‌ future growth.

The proposed fee⁤ was announced by U.S. President ​Donald‍ Trump. The ‍development comes as Indian IT firms are already navigating a​ complex global​ economic landscape and increased competition. The H-1B visa program allows U.S. employers ​to temporarily ⁣employ foreign workers‌ in specialty occupations. A significant portion of these visas are filled‍ by Indian nationals working in the IT sector.

soumyajit Saha,Kiran Sharma and Sayan Chakraborty reported on the developments as of September 22,2025,20:54 JST,noting the⁤ initial market reaction. The article ⁢was ‌originally published September ‌22, 2025, 19:01 JST.

taiwan Bolsters​ Defense, Vows Increased ⁢Spending⁤ Amidst China Tensions

TAIPEI – Taiwan‘s President Lai ⁣Ching-te delivered a stark warning ‌Saturday, urging accelerated preparations to ⁤defend⁢ against potential threats from China. Speaking‍ at a major security conference in Taipei ‍titled “Resilient Taiwan ​for Lasting Democracy,” ​President Lai pledged‍ to dedicate⁤ 3.32% of the island’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) to ⁤defense spending in the ⁢coming year.

The commitment comes as⁢ taiwan faces increasing military​ pressure from Beijing, which views ‌the self-governed⁢ island as a renegade province. Lai’s ⁢address underscored the urgency ‍of⁤ bolstering Taiwan’s overall resilience, encompassing not just military capabilities but also the preparedness of its civilian population.

The declaration also follows recent ⁣reports alleging that former U.S. President Donald Trump had⁣ halted $400 million in‌ military aid to Taiwan. While the details surrounding that ‌decision ‌remain unclear, ⁤president Lai’s renewed commitment to increased defense‌ spending⁤ signals Taiwan’s ​determination to maintain a robust ⁢self-defense⁢ posture, irrespective of external aid fluctuations.

“Strengthening ‌our resilience​ is paramount,” ‍President Lai‍ stated,⁢ emphasizing the need for ‍a extensive approach ⁤to security in the face of evolving regional challenges.

Keywords: Taiwan, China, Taiwan tensions, Lai Ching-te, defense spending, military aid, security, Asia, geopolitics, international relations.

Thai Airways to Retire first Class,⁢ Focus on Enhanced Business Class Experience

Bangkok, Thailand – September 18, 2025, ​12:55 JST – ‍In a strategic shift⁣ reflecting the evolving demands of ⁣post-pandemic travel, Thai​ Airways International plans to discontinue its first-class cabin ⁤offerings over the coming years. The move, announced by the airline’s Chief Executive, is part of a⁢ broader effort to ​streamline‍ operations and cater to a growing segment of value-conscious travelers without sacrificing comfort and service.

Having recently emerged from a‍ accomplished corporate rehabilitation, Thai Airways is recalibrating its offerings to prioritize efficiency and financial stability. The⁤ decision to⁣ eliminate first ​class isn’t ⁤a reduction in service, but rather a reallocation of resources towards enhancing its business class experience – positioning it as‌ a “premium business” option.

Currently,Thai Airways offers luxurious first-class seating on select long-haul routes,including flights to London and Tokyo. However, the ⁢airline believes that demand‍ for ultra-premium‍ travel doesn’t justify the cost of maintaining dedicated first-class cabins across its ‍fleet.

This strategic ⁣pivot allows Thai Airways to invest in upgrading its business‌ class product, perhaps offering features previously reserved for⁢ first-class ‌passengers, such as lie-flat ⁣seats with increased privacy, enhanced dining options, and improved in-flight entertainment. The airline aims to create a‌ compelling choice for travelers seeking a high-end‌ experience at a more​ accessible price⁤ point.

The move signals a broader trend⁢ within the airline ⁢industry,where carriers are re-evaluating ‍cabin ⁢configurations to optimize revenue and respond to​ changing passenger preferences. Thai Airways’​ decision underscores its‌ commitment to a sustainable future and a renewed focus on delivering exceptional value ​to its customers.

Keywords: Thai Airways,First ⁣Class,business Class,Aviation,Travel,Airline Industry,Thailand,Corporate Rehabilitation,Premium Travel,Transportation.

Tencent to Issue $1.3 Billion⁢ in Bonds for AI Investment,‌ marking First Offshore Yuan Offering

Guangzhou – In a​ meaningful move signaling it’s‌ commitment to artificial intelligence, Chinese tech giant Tencent Holdings announced Wednesday it will issue 9 billion yuan⁢ ($1.3 billion) in⁤ yuan-denominated bonds outside of mainland China. This marks the company’s first-ever‌ offshore offering of yuan bonds and⁢ underscores a broader trend of increased capital spending⁤ in the AI sector.

The funds raised will be directly‍ allocated to the development ‍of artificial⁢ intelligence technologies,a field where Tencent plans to invest‍ over 10% of its 2025 sales,according to recent statements. This​ substantial​ investment highlights the company’s ambition to remain a leader ⁤in the​ rapidly evolving tech landscape.

The decision to issue bonds offshore allows Tencent to tap ⁣into a wider pool of investors and potentially ‍secure more favorable terms. It‍ also reflects ⁢the ​growing international‌ appetite for Chinese corporate debt,particularly from companies focused⁢ on high-growth areas‌ like ⁢AI.

This move comes as Chinese tech companies increasingly prioritize AI development, recognizing its potential ⁣to drive future​ growth and innovation. Tencent’s investment is expected ‌to fuel advancements in areas such as machine learning,computer vision,and ​natural language processing,potentially impacting a ⁢wide range of its ‍existing⁢ services – from gaming and social media ‍to cloud computing and fintech.

Image: Tencent Holdings has said it plans ⁤to⁢ put more than 10% of its 2025​ sales ⁣into AI-related investment. (Photo by Itsuro Fujino)

Published: September ⁤17, 2025 23:40 JST
Source: Nikkei Asia

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