Nissan to spend $18 billion developing a cheaper, more powerful EV battery
Nissan says its solid-state battery will cut charging time by two thirds and help its EVs to achieve cost-parity with gas-powered cars.
Japan
This archive collects solutions-journalism stories and milestones from Japan — covering advances in health, technology, environment, community resilience, and public policy. Each entry highlights real progress and the people and systems behind it.
World’s first wind turbine designed to harness typhoon energy erected in The Philippines
The Japan-based Challenergy’s “Magnus Wind Turbine” features vertical blades spinning around a horizontal axis rather than the long blades spinning from a vertical axis in normal wind turbines.
Japanese scientists produce first 3D-bioprinted, marbled Wagyu beef
The world of lab-grown meats is fast filling with all kinds of tasty bites, from burgers, to chicken breasts, to a series of increasingly complex cuts of steak.
Landmark G7 agreement pledges 870 million COVID-19 vaccine doses
The Group of Seven (G7) leading industrialized nations’ commitment to immediately share at least 870 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines, supporting global access and helping to end the acute phase of the pandemic.
Honda aims for 100% EV sales by 2040, zero road fatalities by 2050
Honda’s new commitment to electrification was announced by CEO Toshihiro Mibe on Friday, and forms part of the company’s wider goal of achieving carbon neutrality across its entire operation by 2050.
Japanese doctors perform world’s first living donor lung transplant
Dr. Hiroshi Date—who led the operation—said in a statement that the success of this transplant from living donors can provide optimism among others suffering severe lung damage caused by COVID-19.
Japanese court rules same-sex marriage ban is unconstitutional
The court ruled that sexual orientation, like race, is not a matter of individual preference and therefore denying same-sex couples the same benefits as straight couples is unconstitutional.
Japanese knife maker Kai develops the world’s first disposable paper razor
Designed with eco-friendliness in mind, the disposable razor uses paper throughout its body and metal for the blade — reducing plastic by 98 percent compared to conventional razors.
Honda, Yamaha, KTM, and Piaggio team up in swappable battery consortium
Four major manufacturers have committed to developing a standardized swappable battery system for electric motorcycles, opening up the possibility of quick-swap battery banks at service stations, servicing a range of brands and models.
Kawasaki Heavy Industries is building the world’s first zero-emissions tanker
The new vessel for Asahi Tanker is the first of two all-electric vessels that will be built from e5 Lab. It should be in service in bunkering operations in Tokyo Bay by 2022.