Latest news with #Hirano
The Mainichi
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Mainichi
Table tennis: Miu Hirano to join Super League in China
TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's Miu Hirano is joining the Chinese Table Tennis Super League, the Paris Olympian posted on her Instagram on Wednesday. "I'm really happy to participate with Shenzhen University. I'll do my best," the 25-year-old said of her new team, which counts the reigning two-time women's singles world champion Sun Yingsha among its members. Hirano made a second-round exit at the worlds in May in Qatar and later revealed she will be involved less frequently in Japan national team activities. "I want to take on table tennis with a different, renewed mindset. I want to change my environment," she said upon her return to Japan after the tournament. Hirano first played in the Super League in 2016 when she was 16, representing Ordos 1980. She won team silver with Japan both at the Tokyo Games in 2021 and in Paris.
Techday NZ
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Techday NZ
Siemens & Hirano innovate battery machine with digital twin
Siemens and Hirano Tecseed are collaborating to enhance battery machine manufacturing by introducing digitalisation and simulation-based optimisation. The partnership involves Hirano Tecseed, a Japan-based manufacturer of battery coating machines, standardising and digitalising its systems with support from Siemens' automation and simulation software suite, including SimcenterTM applications available through the Siemens Xcelerator digital platform. The relationship centres on optimising the coating processes for battery electrodes, a crucial stage in battery production that involves applying several active material layers to foil strips. Defects at this stage can undermine both performance and lifespan of finished batteries. Additionally, precise speed and tension controls are seen as necessary in achieving stable and high-quality results. The drive to improve the manufacturing process comes as global demand for batteries rises, particularly with growth in electric vehicles and renewable energy storage. Companies such as Hirano Tecseed are responding with efforts to boost production rates and reduce manufacturing costs, while ensuring safety and quality standards are maintained. A central element in the Siemens-Hirano partnership is the use of a digital twin for manufacturing equipment. Employing Siemens' SimcenterTM software, Hirano has developed and virtually tested a model of its battery coating machines. This digital twin leverages live operational data from Siemens' Simatic controller and Sinamics drives, enabling accurate simulation for performance assessment ahead of actual production. Engineers at Hirano utilise SimcenterTM AmesimTM for systems simulation, helping the company optimise machine designs and throughput in a virtual space. The software tools allow design engineers to evaluate and fine-tune web handling and other key aspects, aiming for increased operational efficiency ahead of physical implementation. Historically, machine parameters at Hirano were determined by in-person experience, an approach that could at times result in defective output due to less precise settings. With the adoption of digital twin technology, the company is now able to finalise and validate configurations before building physical prototypes, which reduces the risk of faults and minimises the number of test units required during development. According to Hirano, digital simulations now allow engineers to optimise machine settings about five times faster than would typically be possible through physical trials. Furthermore, the company reports that as much as 80% of simulations and virtual commissioning processes utilise pre-existing standard modules, simplifying both development and cost structures, while enabling more rapid commissioning of new equipment. Katsuhiro Omori, Director and Executive Officer of R&D at Hirano Tecseed, stated, "We're thrilled to collaborate with Siemens to enhance our battery manufacturing processes. Integrating mechatronics and automation simulation systems into a unified modeling environment has significantly helped Hirano identify potential product defects and advance our machine process optimisation in a virtual setting." Michael Thomas, Senior Vice President of Factory Automation and Head of Production Machines at Siemens, commented, "By leveraging our advanced simulation and automation technologies, Siemens is enabling Hirano to achieve unprecedented levels of efficiency and quality in battery manufacturing. This partnership exemplifies our commitment to driving innovation and supporting our customers in their digital transformation journey." The partnership is expected to result in shorter implementation and commissioning periods, enhanced product quality, and reductions in waste material. According to the companies, the increased ability to simulate and optimise machinery digitally prior to deployment also translates into resource savings and a lower likelihood of production issues downstream.
Yahoo
19-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Rice crisis: Japan imports grain from South Korea for first time in more than 25 years
Japan has imported rice from South Korea for the first time in a quarter of a century in an attempt to address soaring prices and growing consumer anger. South Korean rice arrived in Japan last month for the first time since 1999, according to media reports, as the price of domestically produced grain continued to rise, despite government attempts to relieve the pressure on shoppers. The price of Japan-grown rice has more than doubled since this time last year, fuelling demand for cheaper foreign grain, despite the heavy tariffs imposed on imports. The quantity of South Korean rice, which was sold online and at supermarkets, is still relatively low at just two tonnes, but there are plans to ship a further 20 tonnes in the coming days, the public broadcaster NHK said. Related: 'Skyrocketing' demand for matcha raises fears of shortage in Japan While Japanese consumers have traditionally been sceptical about the quality and taste of foreign rice – Thai rice imported after an unusually cool summer in 1993 largely went unsold – the current crisis has forced Japanese consumers to develop a taste for foreign rice. South Korea's rice exports to Japan are expected to reach their highest since 1990, according to the Yonhap news agency, while the crisis has also opened up potential export opportunities for producers in the US. Arata Hirano, who runs a restaurant in Tokyo, switched from Japanese to American rice last year when a shortage of the domestic grain triggered a steep rise in prices. Hirano told Reuters that the price of the Californian product he now served had doubled since his first purchase last summer, but was still cheaper than homegrown rice. And he has had no complaints from diners, including Miki Nihei, who was surprised to find out the rice she had eaten wasn't grown in Japan. 'I had no idea,' she said. 'I have no qualms about eating imported rice. Prices have gone up, so I'm always looking for cheaper options.' In the week to 6 April, Japanese supermarket rice prices reached an average of ¥4,214 ($30/£22) for 5kg – more than double the same period a year earlier. The trend has forced the Japanese government to take the unusual step of dipping into its vast rice reserves. In March it began releasing 210,000 tonnes of stockpiled rice in an attempt to arrest price rises caused by a combination of record summer heat, panic buying and distribution problems. Related: Japan unveils first plan to evacuate 100,000 civilians from islands near Taiwan in event of conflict Japan had previously dipped into its rice reserves in the aftermath of natural disasters or crop failures, but this was the first time it had intervened over distribution issues. The measure has had little impact, however. Last week the agriculture ministry said 'logistical problems' meant only a tiny quantity of the released rice had reached shops. About 142,000 tonnes of stockpiled rice were released in the first auction held in mid-March, but as of the end of the month just 426 tonnes, or 0.3% of the total, had reached supermarkets and other outlets, the ministry said, blaming the bottleneck on a shortage of delivery vehicles and the time needed to prepare the grain for sale. Japan's rice stockpiles had already depleted after record-breaking temperatures affected the 2023 crop. Stockpiles shrank again last year, partly due to a rise in consumption caused by record numbers of tourists. Supplies were also hit by panic buying in the wake of typhoon and earthquake warnings, forcing some retailers to restrict sales.
The Guardian
22-04-2025
- Business
- The Guardian
Rice crisis: Japan imports grain from South Korea for first time in more than 25 years
Japan has imported rice from South Korea for the first time in a quarter of a century in an attempt to address soaring prices and growing consumer anger. South Korean rice arrived in Japan last month for the first time since 1999, according to media reports, as the price of domestically produced grain continued to rise, despite government attempts to relieve the pressure on shoppers. The price of Japan-grown rice has more than doubled since this time last year, fuelling demand for cheaper foreign grain, despite the heavy tariffs imposed on imports. The quantity of South Korean rice, which was sold online and at supermarkets, is still relatively low at just two tonnes, but there are plans to ship a further 20 tonnes in the coming days, the public broadcaster NHK said. While Japanese consumers have traditionally been sceptical about the quality and taste of foreign rice – Thai rice imported after an unusually cool summer in 1993 largely went unsold – the current crisis has forced Japanese consumers to develop a taste for foreign rice. South Korea's rice exports to Japan are expected to reach their highest since 1990, according to the Yonhap news agency, while the crisis has also opened up potential export opportunities for producers in the US. Arata Hirano, who runs a restaurant in Tokyo, switched from Japanese to American rice last year when a shortage of the domestic grain triggered a steep rise in prices. Hirano told Reuters that the price of the Californian product he now served had doubled since his first purchase last summer, but was still cheaper than homegrown rice. And he has had no complaints from diners, including Miki Nihei, who was surprised to find out the rice she had eaten wasn't grown in Japan. 'I had no idea,' she said. 'I have no qualms about eating imported rice. Prices have gone up, so I'm always looking for cheaper options.' In the week to 6 April, Japanese supermarket rice prices reached an average of ¥4,214 ($30/£22) for 5kg – more than double the same period a year earlier. The trend has forced the Japanese government to take the unusual step of dipping into its vast rice reserves. In March it began releasing 210,000 tonnes of stockpiled rice in an attempt to arrest price rises caused by a combination of record summer heat, panic buying and distribution problems. Japan had previously dipped into its rice reserves in the aftermath of natural disasters or crop failures, but this was the first time it had intervened over distribution issues. The measure has had little impact, however. Last week the agriculture ministry said 'logistical problems' meant only a tiny quantity of the released rice had reached shops. About 142,000 tonnes of stockpiled rice were released in the first auction held in mid-March, but as of the end of the month just 426 tonnes, or 0.3% of the total, had reached supermarkets and other outlets, the ministry said, blaming the bottleneck on a shortage of delivery vehicles and the time needed to prepare the grain for sale. Japan's rice stockpiles had already depleted after record-breaking temperatures affected the 2023 crop. Stockpiles shrank again last year, partly due to a rise in consumption caused by record numbers of tourists. Supplies were also hit by panic buying in the wake of typhoon and earthquake warnings, forcing some retailers to restrict sales.
Zawya
17-04-2025
- Business
- Zawya
More Japanese embracing foreign rice, even before it became a tariff topic
TOKYO - When a severe rice shortage sent prices skyrocketing in Japan last year, Tokyo restaurant owner Arata Hirano did what had once seemed unthinkable: he switched to an American variety. The price of the Californian Calrose rice he buys has doubled since his first purchase last summer, but even so it's far cheaper than home-grown grains. "Unless domestic prices fall below Calrose prices, I don't plan to switch back," said Hirano, whose restaurant offers meal sets of fish, rice, soup and sides. His willingness to embrace foreign rice may presage a seismic change in mindset for Japanese businesses and consumers - one that could allow Tokyo leeway to relax some restrictions if rice becomes a thorny topic in tariff talks with U.S. President Donald Trump, who has called out Japan's high levies on its staple grain. Wholesale prices for domestic rice have surged about 70% over the past year to hit their highest levels since current records began in 2006. Crops were hit by extreme heat while a tourism boom has added to demand. Worries abound that not much will change this year. With inflation also raising the cost of living, businesses are now betting that a nation of people known for their discerning palates and pride in their staple grain is open to change. Supermarket giant Aeon last week began selling an 80-20 American-Japanese blend that's about 10% cheaper than domestic rice after a test sales-run proved a hit. Fast-food chain Matsuya and restaurant operator Colowide began serving pure American rice this year. At supermarket chain Seiyu, Taiwanese rice has been flying off the shelves since last year. It's a sharp contrast to 1993, when the Thai rice the Japanese government imported during an acute shortage was largely shunned, leaving supermarkets with piles of unsold bags. Rare shortages aside, for most of the past six decades, nearly all of Japan's so-called staple rice - which is consumed at meals as opposed to rice used for feed or ingredients in other products - has been home-grown. There hasn't been much need for imports while high tariffs, put in place to ensure Japanese self-sufficiency for its most basic food, have protected local farmers from competition. Japan limits tariff-free "minimum access" imports of staple rice to 100,000 metric tons a year, or around 1% of total consumption. The U.S. accounted for roughly 60% of that amount last fiscal year, trailed by Australia, Thailand and Taiwan. Anything above that is subject to a levy of 341 yen per kilogramme. When Trump announced sweeping tariffs on much of the world this month, he lambasted Japan for what he said was a 700% tariff on rice, a reference to that levy. Japanese policymakers called his remarks on the sensitive topic "regrettable". They also dispute the 700% figure, saying it's based on outdated international rice prices. It's unclear, however, just how much - if at all - rice will be discussed in bilateral tariff negotiations that began this week. Some analysts think Trump's Republican administration might not be focused on rice as exports to Japan come from California, a Democratic-leaning state. Nor is it clear how much Japan might be willing to yield in opening up its rice market. In one sign that there might be room for some change, a panel advising the finance ministry on Tuesday proposed expanding imports of staple rice, saying that lifting the 100,000-ton tariff-free cap could help stabilise supply. That said, Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba's Liberal Democratic Party is unlikely to risk angering farmers, traditionally a strong support base, ahead of upper house elections in July. "It's not possible to make big concessions on rice just before the elections," said Junichi Sugawara, senior fellow at Tokyo-based Owls Consulting Group. MORE IMPORTS TO COME What is clear is that supply remains an issue. In the financial year that ended in March, tariff-free imports of staple rice hit Japan's 100,000-ton cap for the first time in seven years. The amount of tariffed imports, while still tiny, also jumped, quadrupling in the first 11 months of fiscal 2024 to just under 1,500 tons. And this year, rice importer Kanematsu is shipping in its first large-scale purchase of American staple rice, 10,000 tons worth. "We're receiving many enquiries from the restaurant industry, convenience stores, supermarkets and rice wholesalers," a Kanematsu spokesperson said. In the week to April 6, Japanese supermarket rice prices hit an average of 4,214 yen ($29.65) per 5 kg, marking their 14th straight week of increase and more than double the same period a year earlier. That's despite a rare release of rice from the government's emergency stockpiles that started last month and is set to continue every month through July. As for the quality and taste of imported rice, Miki Nihei, a customer at Hirano's restaurant, Shokudou Arata, said she had no complaints and was surprised to learn it wasn't Japanese. "I had no idea," she said. "I have no qualms about eating imported rice. Prices have gone up, so I'm always looking for cheaper options." ($1 = 142.1300 yen)
