Latest news with #Kato
The Mainichi
2 days ago
- General
- The Mainichi
News in Easy English: Osaka station opens special spaces to help people calm down
TOKYO -- Osaka Metro opened a special place called "calm down, cool down" spaces at Yumeshima Station in Osaka. The station opened this January for the Expo (a big world event) in Osaka. These are the first calm-down spaces like this at a station in Japan. These spaces help people who feel very sensitive to things like bright lights, loud noises, or too many people. They can feel safe inside and relax quietly. Each space at Yumeshima Station has two booths. Each booth has a grey sofa and is about 1.8 meters high, 1.5 meters wide, and 1.5 meters deep. The booths are near the ticket gates on each side. Jiei Kato, 19, is a company president in Tokyo. He also has sensory sensitivity. He visited these spaces and said good things and bad things about them. He was glad the booths were quiet, black-colored outside, and in a place with few people. But he said they had some problems, too. For example, the booths had no roof and felt too bright. It was also easy to see people in the next booth. People felt worried because there was no clear sign showing if the booth was being used or not. Kato said, "People who have sensory sensitivities often want privacy. They feel safe if other people cannot see them going in or coming out." Osaka Metro said these special spaces are still new and that they can make them better in the future. They plan to change things after receiving ideas from users like Kato. They have already added a light outside each space to show when a booth is busy. Kato's ideas helped create calm-down spaces in other places at the Expo event, too. Those new spaces have adjustable lights and less noise. While there are some problems, Kato said these calm-down spaces are very helpful. He said even if people never use them, knowing these spaces exist can help people feel safer and go to more places. (Japanese original by Natsumi Hara, Tokyo Bureau)
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Foxit's DeeDee Kato to Speak at Digital Transformation Week North America 2025
Kato to Share Key Insights From Newly Commissioned IDC Analyst Brief On The Future Of AI-Powered Document Workflows FREMONT, Calif., May 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Foxit, a leading provider of innovative PDF and eSignature products and services, helping knowledge workers to increase their productivity and do more with documents, today announced DeeDee Kato, VP of Corporate Marketing at Foxit, will take the stage at Digital Transformation Week North America to explore how AI is reshaping the way organizations manage documents. In her session, "Adding the Power of AI to Document Technology," Kato will share key insights from a newly commissioned IDC Analyst Brief on the future of AI-powered document workflows. When: June 4, 3:50 PM – 4:00 PM Pacific Time Track: Digital Transformation in Action What: DeeDee Kato will speak about how AI is transforming document workflows and data management across industries. During her session, she will highlight recent IDC research into how organizations are adopting AI to drive greater efficiency, compliance, and insight from their unstructured data. Key takeaways will include: - Why AI is becoming essential for extracting value from unstructured content- Industry examples of AI improving document processes in sectors like legal and finance- The role of automation in enhancing compliance, reducing risk, and improving operational efficiency- Practical guidance for building a future-proof document strategy in an AI-driven world About DeeDee Kato: With over 30 years of experience in product and partner marketing, Kato leads Foxit's global product marketing efforts. She has held leadership roles at HP, TIBCO, Fujitsu, Synactive, and Accellion, and holds a Computer Science degree from UC Berkeley. About FoxitFoxit is a leading provider of innovative PDF and eSignature products and services, helping knowledge workers to increase their productivity and do more with documents. Foxit delivers easy-to-use desktop software, mobile apps, and cloud services that allow users to create, edit, fill, and sign documents through its integrated PDF Editor and eSign offerings. Foxit enables software developers to incorporate innovative PDF technology into their applications via powerful, multi-platform Software Developer Kits (SDK). Foxit has sold to over 640,000 customers, ranging from SMBs to global enterprises, located in more than 200 countries. The company has offices worldwide, including locations in the U.S., Europe, Australia, and Asia. For more information, please visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Foxit
Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Japan loses position as world's largest creditor nation as Germany claims title after 34 years
Japan's position as the world's leading net-creditor nation over the years was due to decades of current account surpluses. (AI image) Japan is no longer the world's leading creditor nation - and that's a first in 34 years! Germany has taken the top spot despite Japan's record overseas assets. Japan had held the top position since surpassing Germany in 1991. Japan's position as the world's leading net-creditor nation over the years was due to decades of current account surpluses, leading to substantial foreign investments by Japanese entities. According to the Ministry of Finance data quoted by Bloomberg, Japan's net external assets reached ¥533.05 trillion ($3.7 trillion) at the end of 2024, showing a 13% increase from the previous year. Although this figure was a record high, Germany surpassed it with net external assets of ¥569.7 trillion. China maintained its third position with net assets of ¥516.3 trillion. Germany's rise to the top position is attributed to its substantial current account surplus of €248.7 billion in 2024, primarily due to strong trade performance. In comparison, Japan's surplus was ¥29.4 trillion, approximately €180 billion, according to the finance ministry. The loss of this position indicates that whilst Japan's assets continue to grow, other nations, including Germany and China, have experienced stronger actual demand. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025: Steel Suppliers From Mexico At Lowest Prices (Take A Look) Steel Suppliers | search ads Search Now Undo Also Read | 'Will not discuss…': US tells WTO that India has no basis to impose retaliatory duties on 29 American products A nation's net foreign assets represent the difference between its overseas assets and domestic assets owned by foreigners, adjusted for currency value changes. This calculation essentially reflects the cumulative changes in the country's current account. The euro-yen exchange rate increased by about 5% last year, amplifying the difference between German and Japanese assets when measured in yen. On Tuesday, Minister of Finance Katsunobu Kato indicated he was not concerned about this development. Kato explained to reporters that Japan's consistent growth in net external assets means the ranking shouldn't be viewed as a significant shift in Japan's standing. Japan experienced growth in both foreign assets and liabilities, with assets showing stronger growth due to increased international business investments, influenced by the yen's depreciation. The data released on Tuesday aligns with broader foreign direct investment patterns. The ministry reported that Japanese firms maintained strong foreign direct investment in 2024, particularly in the US and UK markets, with substantial investments flowing into finance, insurance and retail sectors. Also Read | Explained in charts: India to become 4th largest world economy soon. What's the road ahead to No.3 spot? According to Karakama, Japan's shift towards direct investment rather than foreign securities has made capital repatriation less flexible. "It's easy to imagine domestic investors selling foreign bonds and securities when risks emerge, but they're not going to divest from overseas companies they've acquired so easily," Bloomberg reported Karakama as saying. The future direction of outbound investment could depend on Japanese companies' continued overseas expansion, particularly in the US. President Donald Trump's tariff policies might influence some firms to transfer assets or production to the US to address trade-related concerns. However, Karakama noted that these uncertainties might also lead some companies to prefer domestic operations and avoid higher-risk investments. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
The Mainichi
5 days ago
- Business
- The Mainichi
Japan-1st 'calm' spaces at station in Osaka offer sensory solace, yet hurdles remain
TOKYO -- At Osaka Metro's Yumeshima Station in Osaka, which opened this January ahead of the ongoing Osaka-Kansai World Expo, visitors with sensitivities to things such as light and sound can take a moment to cool down and calm down away from sensory overload in Japan's first in-station spaces built for the service. According to subway system operator Osaka Metro Co., the "calm down, cool down" spaces are a first of their kind to be set up within a railway station in Japan. However, Jiei Kato, the 19-year-old president of Crystalroad Inc., a company based in Tokyo's Chuo Ward that sells the same kind of facility, said that the spaces "still face a number of challenges." Kato himself has sensory sensitivities. In 2020, Kato started research organization Kabin Lab to disseminate information and develop products for sensory sensitivity while conducting research and product development in collaboration with companies and universities. In an online survey by Kabin Lab, over 80% of sensory-sensitive respondents said they have given up on outings due to the lack of rest areas. According to Osaka Metro, Yumeshima Station has two "calm down, cool down" areas, each with two booths, positioned on either side of the ticket gates. Each box-shaped booth placed along a wall is about 1.8 meters high, 1.5 meters wide and 1.5 meters deep, and contains a grey sofa. On a visit in March, Kato said he had a good first impression as the booth's exterior is black, the same color as the walls, and it is located in a place where not many people seem to come. On the downside, however, it lacked a roof and had direct light from above, while the walls were made of a reflective material, making him feel it was too bright. Furthermore, the entrance to the adjoining booth was close, making it hard to ignore those nearby. Kato commented, "People with sensory sensitivities, especially those with psychological conditions, have a strong desire not to be seen coming and going." There was also no indicator the booth was in use, making Kato worry about the possibility of someone entering. The calm-down spaces are installed in a number of places at the Expo 2025 venue. One, which Kato worked on as an adviser, has its own separated room that blocks outside noise and allows the user to adjust the lighting. When the Mainichi Shimbun conveyed Kato's feedback to Osaka Metro, an official responded by saying that the concept is at the halfway stage. Regarding the brightness, the official reported that users with other disabilities felt it was dark, so it was not possible to create a space in line with everyone's needs. The official added that the ideal of a closed space with a roof where users can adjust lighting presents challenges in terms of security and equipment. Regarding the closeness of the entries to each booth, the official explained that not much station space was available for the rest areas. However, after hearing about the concerns over a lack of an in-use indicator, one that lights up as the spaces are occupied was installed. Yet since there is just one for both spaces, it can prove difficult to know which, or whether both, of them are in use. Additionally, the lamp is motion detection-based, so if the person inside stays still, it'll shut off. The official said they wish to improve the system based on user feedback. While pointing out the areas for improvement at the facilities in Yumeshima Station, Kato said he welcomes a broader introduction of the calm-down spaces in stations and elsewhere. He agreed that they can pose a challenge considering the difficulty of hearing emergency announcements if they are fully noise-blocking. Another potential problem with the calm-down facilities is the possibility of misuse for criminal activities. Talking about his hopes for their spread going forward, Kato remarked, "Even if the calming down spaces are not actually used, their mere presence provides a sense of security and increases the choices for where to go out."
NDTV
7 days ago
- Automotive
- NDTV
Exclusive: Honda Two-Wheeler To Launch EV Every Year; Aims For No 1 Market Share In India
Ahmedabad (Anirban Mitra): Honda Motorcycles and Scooters India (HMSI) is committed to claiming the top position in the domestic market and is investing heavily in facility expansion. The company has globally achieved the 50 crore vehicle production milestone, rolling the landmark unit out of the Vithalapur facility in Gujarat. Minoru Kato, executive officer, of Honda Motor Company, said, "We are aiming for the largest market share in India by creating a production environment that meets the needs of evolving customers. We are investing Rs 920 crore in the expansion of Vithalapur Plant. This will increase HSMI's annual production to 70 lakh units by 2027." The company has four plants across India with a current installed capacity of 61 lakh per annum. Manesar facility in Haryana has an annual production capacity of 3.8 lakh units, while Tapukara in Rajasthan can produce 13 lakh units. The dedicated EV plant in Narsapura in Karnataka can manufacture 25 lakh units per year. Revealing the company's performance, the top official said HMSI sold 53.26 million (excluding EVs) in FY25, recording 28.3 per cent market share. On the back of strong performance of Activa, Shine and other mass market products, HMSI could narrow its gap from Hero MotoCorp. Karo sounded bullish on India's instrumental role in Honda's aim to touch 6 crore-sales figure annually in the global two-wheeler market by 2030. Electric Vehicles: HMSI launched Activa e: and QC1 in India earlier in 2025. The QC1 comes with a fixed battery while the Activa e: comes with two swappable batteries which can't be charged externally at residence or workplace. Honda Power has installed e: Swap stations in Bangalore, Mumbai, and Delhi NCR as part of phase 1 where customers can replace the drained-out batteries with fresh ones. Also Read: Honda CB1000 Hornet SP, CB750 Hornet Launched, Check Details The top Honda official was confident the model would be accepted by the consumer in the long run, as the battery deterioration would not be a concern. Kato said, "The battery health in electric vehicles degenerates over the years of usage. We believe customers will accept the swapping model as Honda is responsible for charging and warranty of the batteries." Honda two-wheeler's Kato said the company plans to launch at least one electric model globally every year and India's Narsapura plant can become an EV export hub. HMSI will construct a dedicated EV plant within premises of its third plant in Karnataka which will be fully operational by 2028. Honda unveiled two electric motorcycle concepts, 'EV Fun' and 'EV Urban', at the EICMA last year. The commercialisation and sales of these sporty offerings will commence in Europe in the second half of 2025. Honda is late to join the EV party in India, but Tsutsumu Otani as president, CEO and MD, HMSI showed clear intent to rise to the apex EV motorcycle market. "The electric two-wheeler market in India is gradually growing. Around 12 lakh electric two-wheelers were sold in India in FY25. We aim for the number 1 position in the EV two-wheeler segment in coming years." On the EV front, Honda is working on multiple models by standardising and combining modules, which will contribute to cost reduction. India will act as an export hub for Honda, and Otani said the modularised models will be produced at the Narsapura facility from 2028.
