Koki Izumi

Aug 29, 2024 | asia.nikkei.com | Koki Izumi

TOKYO -- Tokyo Electric Power Co. Holdings expects to invest billions of dollars in its grid over the coming years as Japanese utilities prepare for a rise in power-hungry data centers and chipmaking plants, Nikkei has learned.

Jun 3, 2024 | asia.nikkei.com | Koki Izumi

TOKYO -- Tokyo Bay is becoming a test bed for offshore solar power in Japan, as growing demand for renewables and a shortage of land spur companies to take on the challenges of energy generation at sea. Sumitomo Mitsui Construction (SMC) in April completed installation of Japan's first offshore solar farm built for commercial use. The facility was connected to an underwater cable in May and has begun transmitting power onshore.

Mar 18, 2024 | asia.nikkei.com | Koki Izumi

OSAKA -- Japan's Funai Electric will collect, refurbish and resell home electronics starting as early as this summer in the U.S., tapping into growing demand for used products. The company will repair televisions and other items returned by retailers because of defects, partnering with compatriot Yusen Logistics and U.S.-based J.B. Hunt Transport Services for collection and storage.

Mar 17, 2024 | asia.nikkei.com | Takashi Kawakami |Koki Izumi

GUANGZHOU/OSAKA -- Technology-powered solutions for a graying society are gaining momentum in China, with both local and international players pursuing opportunities in the growing field. UBTech Robotics demonstrated a service robot to a packed showroom at its Shenzhen headquarters on Monday. Designed to assist mobility-impaired users, the robot can be easily controlled from a screen and automatically avoid obstacles.

Jan 8, 2024 | asia.nikkei.com | Koki Izumi

OSAKA -- Panasonic Holdings and Amazon are partnering to produce smart televisions that recommend content to consumers based on their viewing history, as the Japanese electronics group looks to boost its TV software development. An organic light-emitting diode model equipped with Amazon's Fire TV streaming technology is being shown in Las Vegas this week at CES, the world's largest consumer technology trade show. This flagship model will go on sale in Japan and Europe this spring.