Latest news with #IOWN
Japan Forward
11-07-2025
- Business
- Japan Forward
NTT Buys Back Subsidiaries to Compete in the Global Market
このページを 日本語 で読む Telecom giant NTT has changed its official company name from "Nippon Telegraph and Telephone" to simply "NTT." The enactment of the 2024 revised Act on Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation paved the way for the name change. Effective from July 1, the widely used abbreviation "NTT" was adopted as the official company name. The action follows its approval at the general shareholders' meeting and from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. The previous name had been in use since the company's privatization in 1985. A corporate decision was made to change it because the relative weight of fixed-line telephones and other traditional services had declined, and the name had become increasingly detached from the services the company actually provides. In the information and communications field, Japanese companies are lagging far behind the giant American IT companies, which are collectively known as "GAFAM" (Google, Apple, Facebook, Amazon, and Microsoft). Hopefully, the name change will mark the genesis of a new NTT. The group hopes to harness its full strength and make its presence felt on the world stage. NTT is looking to expand its business by developing IOWN (Innovative Optical and Wireless Network). This is a next-generation technology that combines high-speed communications with reduced power consumption. For the project, it is collaborating with NTT Data Group, a listed subsidiary of the company that manages IT services and data center businesses in Japan and overseas. NTT Data Group President Hiroshi Sasaki (left) and NTT Data President Masanori Suzuki shake hands in Tokyo on June 26. With the spread of artificial intelligence (AI) and other cutting-edge technologies, demand for data centers is rapidly increasing worldwide. NTT Data Group has the third-largest global share of data centers. And NTT is investing more than ¥2 trillion JPY (almost $14 billion USD) to make it a wholly owned subsidiary. Meanwhile, the growing use of data centers and AI is expected to increase electricity demand both domestically and overseas. At the Osaka Kansai Expo, NTT is exhibiting a server that uses IOWN to reduce power consumption. Impressively, it uses only one-eighth the level needed by conventional servers. Hopefully, the company will also adopt IOWN for its data center business to strengthen its international competitiveness. NTT Docomo Building in Tokyo's Chiyoda ward. Since privatization, NTT has spun off major businesses, including mobile phones. This responded to the government's desire to promote fair competition. However, this has also been one of the reasons why the company has fallen behind overseas IT competitors. Recognizing this, NTT has been working to reintegrate its subsidiaries. It started with NTT Docomo, which became a wholly owned subsidiary in 2020. Incorporating NTT Data Group as a wholly owned subsidiary is seen as the last step in the group's restructuring. DoCoMo has yet to become more competitive in the domestic mobile phone sector. The question now is how it should tap into the group's collective strength to increase its competitiveness in the global market. Management needs to draw up a clear strategy and then effectively implement it. Author: Editorial Board, The Sankei Shimbun このページを 日本語 で読む
Times of Oman
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Times of Oman
Japan: NTT showcases cutting-edge technology at Osaka Kansai World Expo
Osaka: The Osaka Kansai World Expo was recently held in Japan, serving as a global platform to showcase the cultures, arts, and technologies of various countries. At the event, leading Japanese Information and Communication Technology firm NTT presented its cutting-edge IOWN technology. This technology enabled seamless, real-time communication between Japan and Taiwan, offering high capacity and enhanced energy efficiency. NTT also contributed to a digital adaptation of the Kabuki play Senbon Zakura ("A Thousand Cherry Trees"), which featured a fusion of the virtual performer Hatsune Miku with live stage actors. Katsuhiko Kawazoe, Senior Executive Vice President, NTT, said "This digital Kabuki performance marks its 10th show since it began in 2016. At that time, most of the audience consisted of elderly viewers. To spark interest in Kabuki among younger generations, NTT proposed a performance enhanced by its advanced technology. I will never forget the first event in 2016. Many young people gathered, primarily to see the digital character Hatsune Miku. But after the performance, many of them were moved to tears. I asked one group, "Was it impressive?" They replied, "I realized I was deeply moved by Kabuki itself--that's why I wept." I will never forget that response. It confirmed for me that young people can indeed be emotionally touched by Kabuki when allowed to experience it in a way that resonates with them". The most advanced performance featured a simultaneous, collaborative presentation by Japan and Taiwan, with real performers and virtual characters appearing together on a single screen. Ordinarily, internet connections introduce a delay of several seconds. However, thanks to IOWN technology, this performance was achieved with no noticeable delay. Katsuhiko Kawazoe, Senior Executive Vice President, NTT, said, "I recognise that it was successful in reducing network delay and overcoming the limitations of distance. In addition, a key goal of IOWN development is to help protect the global environment by reducing energy consumption to one-hundredth of current levels--this is the ultimate objective. At the Expo, NTT incorporated this technology and successfully reduced energy usage to one-eighth of conventional levels."
Times of Oman
04-06-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Japan: NTT advances digital innovation for future connectivity
Osaka: At the Osaka Kansai Expo, the impressive NTT pavilion showcased IOWN technology, enabling experiences that transcend time delays and distance. Its high speed, large capacity, and energy efficiency make this possible. The Japanese pop group Perfume, who also performed at the 1970 Expo, appears in 3D at the 2025 Expo. Taiga Yoshida, NTT, said, "This device uses lasers to measure 3D shapes and can transmit the resulting 3D point cloud data from a distant location to this site. The goal of this technology is to create experiences that feel as if we are physically present in that remote place. On this screen, the landscape of the distant location is reproduced and can be viewed from multiple angles." An "alternate version of me" from the audience appears on the screen. A photo of the audience member is processed by AI to display either an aged or younger version of themselves. The AI system is located remotely, far from the screen. Between them, IOWN technology provides a fast, high-capacity, and energy-efficient connection. Katsuhiko Kawazoe, Senior Executive Vice President, NTT, said, "The IOWN plan still has surplus capacity available for further development. The ultimate goal is to achieve energy savings of 100th of current levels. Currently, IOWN is steadily progressing toward this final goal. So far, we have focused on three pillars: energy saving, large capacity, and minimal delay. Now, NTT has added a fourth pillar-- "Beyond Digital." While digital technology is very important today, it does not fully cover the entire globe. Only certain understandable parts of the technology are extracted and used by humans. To advance further, it is necessary to go beyond current digital technology. This new fourth pillar will guide research and development over the next five years". IOWN and NTT technologies are continuously advancing, aiming for the next stage of development. It feels like the dawn of a revolution in both industry and social life.
Associated Press
27-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
NTT Achieves World's First Real-Time, International Co-Production Using IOWN All-Photonics Network
TOKYO & OSAKA, Japan--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 27, 2025-- At Expo 2025, NTT Corporation (NTT) debuted 'CHO KABUKI Powered by IOWN,' a theater performance synchronizing live and virtual performers in Osaka, Japan and Taipei City, Taiwan using the NTT Innovative Optical and Wireless Network (IOWN) All-Photonics Network (APN). The performances occurred on May 24 and May 25 utilizing the world's first International IOWN APN, activated by NTT and Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd. (Chunghwa Telecom) in August 2024. 'CHO KABUKI Powered by IOWN' tells the story of Princess Miku (performed by Hatsune Miku) and Tadanobu (performed by Shidō Nakamura), who battle the Azure Dragon while traveling through the legendary Thousand Cherry Blossoms that span from the Age of Gods to the present day. Through the IOWN APN, the movements of performers in Taiwan were transmitted in real time to Japan, where they were synchronized with performers at the Osaka Expo site to create a unified production—as if the distant performers were sharing the same stage in-person. In addition, the performance enabled audience participation through the detection of penlights using cross-modal search technology. By analyzing and quantifying the swing of audience members' penlights in real-time, the performance integrated spectators into the efforts to save Princess Miku. Prior to the performances, NTT utilized its digital twin technology (AnotherMe®), AI and its proprietary cross-lingual speech synthesis technology to create a virtual copy of Kabuki actor Shidō Nakamura. This multilingual 'Shidō Twin,' capable of speaking in languages including Japanese, English and Chinese, guided visitors to the venue and provided an overview of how to use designated earphones to enjoy the Kabuki performance. 'CHO KABUKI Powered by IOWN' was sponsored by NTT and produced by NTT, Shochiku Co., Ltd. and Dwango Co., Ltd., with special cooperation from Chunghwa Telecom. About the IOWN APN The IOWN APN seeks to maximize the efficiency and performance of long-distance data transfer by eliminating optical-electronic-optical conversions along the transmission path. It aims to achieve three key performance targets: a 100x increase in power consumption efficiency, a 125x increase in transmission capacity and 200x lower latency than conventional systems. The APN is one of three core components of the IOWN Initiative to enable a smarter, connected world built on photonics-based technologies by 2030. In addition to the APN, IOWN aims to realize advanced Digital Twin Computing and a Cognitive Foundation to unlock the full potential of AI, robotics and the Internet of Things (IoT). IOWN is supported by the IOWN Global Forum, a non-profit organization established in 2020 by founding members NTT, Intel and the Sony Group that has grown to include more than 150 member companies and organizations. The NTT Pavilion Experience at Expo 2025 The theme of the NTT Pavilion at Expo 2025 is 'Parallel Travel,' with visitors invited to travel across time and space through the history of the human experience. Powered by IOWN, the pavilion is divided into three zones showing the evolution of communications technologies, from letters and telegrams to the future of communications and connectivity enabled by IOWN. Zone 2 offers a replay of a special live performance by the Japanese band Perfume, which occurred on April 2, 2025 via the IOWN APN. A behind the scenes video of the technology used to realize this performance is available on the NTT Official Channel YouTube page. For more information about NTT at Expo 2025, please visit: About NTT NTT contributes to a sustainable society through the power of innovation. We are a leading global technology company providing services to consumers and businesses as a mobile operator, infrastructure, networks, applications, and consulting provider. Our offerings include digital business consulting, managed application services, workplace and cloud solutions, data center and edge computing, all supported by our deep global industry expertise. We are over $92B in revenue and 330,000 employees, with $3.6B in annual R&D investments. Our operations span across 80+ countries and regions, allowing us to serve clients in over 190 of them. We serve over 75% of Fortune Global 100 companies, thousands of other enterprise and government clients and millions of consumers. View source version on CONTACT: Media Contact Nick Gibiser Wireside Communications® For NTT +1-804-500-6660 [email protected] KEYWORD: JAPAN TAIWAN ASIA PACIFIC INDUSTRY KEYWORD: MOBILE/WIRELESS ENTERTAINMENT NETWORKS INTERNET HARDWARE IOT (INTERNET OF THINGS) TECHNOLOGY GENERAL ENTERTAINMENT SEMICONDUCTOR THEATRE NANOTECHNOLOGY AUDIO/VIDEO TELECOMMUNICATIONS SOURCE: NTT Corporation Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 05/27/2025 08:16 AM/DISC: 05/27/2025 08:16 AM
Business Wire
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Wire
NTT Achieves World's First Real-Time, International Co-Production Using IOWN All-Photonics Network
TOKYO & OSAKA, Japan--(BUSINESS WIRE)--At Expo 2025, NTT Corporation (NTT) debuted 'CHO KABUKI Powered by IOWN,' a theater performance synchronizing live and virtual performers in Osaka, Japan and Taipei City, Taiwan using the NTT Innovative Optical and Wireless Network (IOWN) All-Photonics Network (APN). The performances occurred on May 24 and May 25 utilizing the world's first International IOWN APN, activated by NTT and Chunghwa Telecom Co., Ltd. (Chunghwa Telecom) in August 2024. Through the IOWN APN, the movements of performers in Taiwan were transmitted in real time to Japan, where they were synchronized with performers at the Osaka Expo site to create a unified production—as if the distant performers were sharing the same stage. Share 'CHO KABUKI Powered by IOWN' tells the story of Princess Miku (performed by Hatsune Miku) and Tadanobu (performed by Shidō Nakamura), who battle the Azure Dragon while traveling through the legendary Thousand Cherry Blossoms that span from the Age of Gods to the present day. Through the IOWN APN, the movements of performers in Taiwan were transmitted in real time to Japan, where they were synchronized with performers at the Osaka Expo site to create a unified production—as if the distant performers were sharing the same stage in-person. In addition, the performance enabled audience participation through the detection of penlights using cross-modal search technology. By analyzing and quantifying the swing of audience members' penlights in real-time, the performance integrated spectators into the efforts to save Princess Miku. Prior to the performances, NTT utilized its digital twin technology (AnotherMe®), AI and its proprietary cross-lingual speech synthesis technology to create a virtual copy of Kabuki actor Shidō Nakamura. This multilingual 'Shidō Twin,' capable of speaking in languages including Japanese, English and Chinese, guided visitors to the venue and provided an overview of how to use designated earphones to enjoy the Kabuki performance. 'CHO KABUKI Powered by IOWN' was sponsored by NTT and produced by NTT, Shochiku Co., Ltd. and Dwango Co., Ltd., with special cooperation from Chunghwa Telecom. About the IOWN APN The IOWN APN seeks to maximize the efficiency and performance of long-distance data transfer by eliminating optical-electronic-optical conversions along the transmission path. It aims to achieve three key performance targets: a 100x increase in power consumption efficiency, a 125x increase in transmission capacity and 200x lower latency than conventional systems. The APN is one of three core components of the IOWN Initiative to enable a smarter, connected world built on photonics-based technologies by 2030. In addition to the APN, IOWN aims to realize advanced Digital Twin Computing and a Cognitive Foundation to unlock the full potential of AI, robotics and the Internet of Things (IoT). IOWN is supported by the IOWN Global Forum, a non-profit organization established in 2020 by founding members NTT, Intel and the Sony Group that has grown to include more than 150 member companies and organizations. The NTT Pavilion Experience at Expo 2025 The theme of the NTT Pavilion at Expo 2025 is "Parallel Travel," with visitors invited to travel across time and space through the history of the human experience. Powered by IOWN, the pavilion is divided into three zones showing the evolution of communications technologies, from letters and telegrams to the future of communications and connectivity enabled by IOWN. Zone 2 offers a replay of a special live performance by the Japanese band Perfume, which occurred on April 2, 2025 via the IOWN APN. A behind the scenes video of the technology used to realize this performance is available on the NTT Official Channel YouTube page. For more information about NTT at Expo 2025, please visit: About NTT NTT contributes to a sustainable society through the power of innovation. We are a leading global technology company providing services to consumers and businesses as a mobile operator, infrastructure, networks, applications, and consulting provider. Our offerings include digital business consulting, managed application services, workplace and cloud solutions, data center and edge computing, all supported by our deep global industry expertise. We are over $92B in revenue and 330,000 employees, with $3.6B in annual R&D investments. Our operations span across 80+ countries and regions, allowing us to serve clients in over 190 of them. We serve over 75% of Fortune Global 100 companies, thousands of other enterprise and government clients and millions of consumers.
