Latest news with #Miyake
Business Insider
a day ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Morgan Stanley Sticks to Its Hold Rating for Unicharm (UNCHF)
Morgan Stanley analyst Haruka Miyake maintained a Hold rating on Unicharm (UNCHF – Research Report) yesterday and set a price target of Yen1,550.00. Confident Investing Starts Here: Easily unpack a company's performance with TipRanks' new KPI Data for smart investment decisions Receive undervalued, market resilient stocks right to your inbox with TipRanks' Smart Value Newsletter According to TipRanks, Miyake is a 3-star analyst with an average return of 5.2% and a 69.23% success rate. Miyake covers the Consumer Defensive sector, focusing on stocks such as CALBEE, Kikkoman, and Toyo Suisan Kaisha. Unicharm has an analyst consensus of Moderate Buy, with a price target consensus of $8.61. Based on Unicharm's latest earnings release for the quarter ending March 31, the company reported a quarterly revenue of $227.52 billion and a net profit of $24.91 billion. In comparison, last year the company earned a revenue of $236.28 billion and had a net profit of $17.83 billion
Japan Forward
19-05-2025
- Business
- Japan Forward
Will Japan Rise to the Occasion When It Matters Most?
このページを 日本語 で読む As I wrote at the end of my April 14 column, JAPAN Forward remains committed to sharing Japan's journey with readers around the globe. That conviction was only strengthened recently when I attended a study session for policy experts. I'd like to share some key takeaways from that experience. The session's speaker was Kunihiko Miyake, a diplomatic commentator and Director and Special Advisor at the Canon Institute for Global Studies. He is also a recipient of the Seiron Grand Prize from The Sankei Shimbun . His talk, titled "Why the United States Cannot Win the Trade War with China," offered a timely analysis. Miyake argued that President Donald Trump was using tariffs as a weapon in a global struggle, particularly to contain China. However, Miyake also predicted that Trump would ultimately fail to achieve his objectives during his term. He cited several reasons to support this view, which he said he plans to elaborate on in an upcoming English-language article. Chinese President Xi Jinping (left) and US President Donald Trump at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, November 2017. (©Kyodo) To me, however, it seemed premature to declare Trump's approach a failure — global dynamics are rarely so clear-cut. More urgent than assessing Trump's success or failure is the broader question: Where is the world headed? And how should Japan respond? When I posed this to Miyake, his answer was thought-provoking. To summarize his remarks, he said: Under Trump, a full-scale war between the United States and China seemed improbable. Yet, tensions among major powers were undeniably rising, signaling the end of a relatively stable global order. We are entering an era marked by increasing instability and regional conflict. And yet, Miyake emphasized, this also presents a rare and critical opportunity for Japan. Why? Because Japan, having rebuilt itself from the ashes of World War II into an economic powerhouse through sheer perseverance, still struggles to earn full recognition and respect on the global stage. Now, with the world undergoing profound shifts, Japan has a chance to step forward — if it can earn the world's trust at this pivotal moment. According to Miyake, "Japan must seize this opportunity by standing for universal values like freedom and democracy. It must defend peace and prosperity, resisting any attempts to alter the international order through force." He added, "Japan should confront the difficult but necessary reality of using military power responsibly, and work toward building a stronger, more capable government." Are we prepared to rise to the occasion? Or are we paralyzed by fear of risk and change? This very question was posed by JAPAN Forward staff reporter Daniel Manning in his May 14 article: The Science Council of Japan Has Failed — Now Shut It Down In his piece, Manning criticizes the Science Council of Japan for failing to provide meaningful policy guidance, despite being generously publicly funded. This failure comes at a time when Japan urgently needs scientific leadership on issues like the release of ALPS treated water from the Fukushima plant and the global ramifications of Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Science Council of Japan. Minato Ward, Tokyo (©Sankei by Ikue Mio) He concludes that the council has lost its raison d'être and should be dismantled and rebuilt into a body that prioritizes science over political activism. Even from Manning's perspective as an Irish observer, the council appears irreparably broken. One must wonder: How many other institutions in Japan are equally resistant to change? Despite the country's latent potential, opportunities may be lost unless the country adapts to global realities and responds with bold, forward-thinking actions. At JAPAN Forward, we're also taking on this challenge ourselves — transforming into a fully bilingual media platform in both English and Japanese. On July 4, we will hold our first in-person business and training seminar in Osaka. A dynamic city full of energy and promise, the city is currently hosting the World Expo for the first time in 55 years. The event offers a glimpse into the future of humanity. We see the seminar as a valuable opportunity to connect directly with our partners and supporters, and to reflect on where best to focus our efforts moving forward. Can we believe in our own potential and turn adversity into opportunity? Ultimately, that choice is ours. With the courage to take risks, JAPAN Forward is determined to seize this moment and grow into a media platform ready to meet the demands of a new era. Watch for the next issue on June 16. JAPAN Forward is a small media outlet driven by an unparalleled passion to amplify Japan's voice worldwide in both English and Japanese. To join us in shaping our vision together or for inquiries, please call 0570-033-433 (Sankei iD) or email us at info@ このページを 日本語 で読む
NDTV
15-05-2025
- General
- NDTV
What Do Yellow Tiles At Metro Stations Really Mean
When we are travelling, we tend to miss many things around us because we are constantly in a rush. We are rushing to catch a train, to reach work, to meet someone, or simply to get through the day. Our eyes become so accustomed to familiar surroundings that they filter out everything that does not demand immediate attention. However, sometimes the most interesting and helpful elements lie right in front of us - like the yellow tiles at metro stations. Have you ever noticed them? Or questioned what they are for? It may surprise you to learn that these yellow tiles are not for decoration or aesthetics; they serve a much deeper purpose in helping commuters, especially those with visual impairments, move from one place to another safely. Here is what these tiles mean and how they play a vital role in public accessibility. Who Invented Tactile Paving and Why Yellow Tiles Matter in Metro Stations The concept of tactile paving was first introduced by Japanese engineer Seiichi Miyake in the 1960s. Sometimes referred to as tenji blocks, Miyake developed tactile pavement to help his visually impaired friends navigate public areas such as train stations and stairways through the sense of touch. This innovation was first implemented in Okayama City in 1967, and it quickly gained popularity across Japan and, eventually, around the world. Today, tactile paving is a global accessibility tool to aid visually impaired individuals in navigating safely across urban environments. Two Types of Tactile Paving Used in Metro Stations for Visually Impaired Commuters: There are two primary types of tactile tiles found in metro stations and other public spaces: 1. Directional Tiles These tiles have elongated, raised lines that form a tactile and visual path. They guide individuals along a specific route, such as walkways or footpaths, and indicate the direction to follow. 2. Warning Tiles These tiles feature raised bumps arranged in a grid or offset pattern. They are designed to alert users to potential hazards such as platform edges, steps, curbs, or a change in direction. They act as a cautionary signal for visually impaired pedestrians to stop or proceed with care. How Asian Countries Use Tactile Paving to Improve Metro Accessibility Several Asian countries have widely adopted tactile paving to support accessibility for the visually impaired. In Japan, tactile paving is not limited to metro stations. It is found on pavements, staircases, and inside public buildings, making navigation significantly easier for many. India has also implemented tactile tiles across various metro networks, particularly in cities like Delhi and Mumbai, in line with the Accessible India Campaign. Other countries in Asia-such as South Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia-have incorporated tactile paving into their public infrastructure to improve inclusivity and safety. Global Examples of Tactile Paving in Metro Systems and Public Transport Around the world, tactile paving is recognised as an essential accessibility tool for public spaces. In the United Kingdom, the Tyne and Wear Metro became the first rail network in England in 2022 to complete the installation of tactile paving on every platform edge. This move was a significant step forward in making rail travel safer for visually impaired passengers. Denmark has developed a standardised tactile system known as "Intactila", which is integrated into outdoor paving designs across cities. In North America, the United States mandates tactile warning surfaces on public transport platforms as part of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. Canada has followed suit, with cities like Toronto and Vancouver implementing similar systems. Australia has also taken a structured approach to tactile paving. Cities such as Sydney have integrated yellow tiles along with a colour-coded system as part of the country's 2007 legislation focused on disability and equality laws. So, Why Yellow Tactile Tiles Are Essential for Accessible Metro Travel The yellow tiles at metro stations might seem insignificant at first glance, but they serve an important purpose. Designed to support visually impaired individuals, these tactile paving systems play a crucial role in promoting accessibility, independence, and safety in public spaces. So the next time you walk across those yellow tiles, remember - they are not just part of the flooring. They are a pathway to inclusion.
Yomiuri Shimbun
04-05-2025
- General
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Woman Remembers Seeing Off Suicide Pilots Near End of WWII
The Yomiuri Shimbun Tomi Miyake walks to the altar to offer a flower at a memorial service for kamikaze pilots in Minami-Kyushu, Kagoshima Prefecture, on Saturday. KAGOSHIMA — A memorial service was held Saturday in the Chiran district of Minami-Kyushu, Kagoshima Prefecture, for pilots who had died in suicide missions. Japanese pilots on these missions attempted to crash their planes into U.S. warships in the closing months of the Pacific War. Former students of a local girls' school who sent off the pilots with small branches of yaezakura cherry trees in their hands have attended past ceremonies. This year, which marks the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, only one was able to come. 'We must put an end to war in our generation,' said Tomi Miyake, 95, from Kitakyushu. 'I put my hands together and offer a prayer for the pilots and also for the sake of my classmates who could not come to the ceremony today,' Miyake said. She walked to the altar to offer a flower while trying to recall memories from 80 years ago. The memorial service took place at the Tokko Heiwa Kannon-do hall on the site of the former Imperial Japanese Army's Chiran airbase, from which the pilots took off for their mission. Some 700 people attended the ceremony, including 220 family members of 80 suicide pilots. They offered condolences for the around 1,000 suicide pilots and others who died in the war. The ceremony first took place in 1955, and former students at the Chiran Girls' High School who had worked at the airbase and taken care of the pilots by cleaning their barracks and doing laundry for them have attended the ceremony since then. Miyake was one of the students. After the war, the former students were called the 'Nadeshiko unit' after the flower used as their school emblem. As they got older, their attendance levels at the ceremony gradually decreased. Last year, only two attended. This year, Miyake was the only one of them who attended the ceremony, as the other attendee had been hospitalized. 'We washed handkerchiefs and socks in a nearby stream for pilots waiting for their mission. We used to tell each other jokes at the nearby rice paddies in our spare time,' she said, recalling those days. However, the pilots were set to make their attack only a few days later, so 'I wasn't able to remember their names and faces,' she said in a sad tone. 'The special attack missions are not a beautiful story but a reckless one. Now that there are fewer and fewer people who experienced the war, I worry war could come again,' she said.
Scientific American
02-05-2025
- Science
- Scientific American
Could the Sun Fry Earth with a Superflare?
In our daily lives, the sun seems constant and quiet, sedately shining at a steady pace. But looks can be deceiving: our star can also blast out powerful solar storms, huge explosions of energy and subatomic particles. If these are directed toward us, they can trigger auroras and disrupt our power grids, as well as play havoc with Earth-orbiting satellites. These storms are magnetic in nature. A fundamental rule in physics is that charged particles create magnetic fields around them as they move. And the sun is brimming with charged particles because its interior is so hot that atoms there are stripped of one or more electrons, forming what we call a plasma. The superhot plasma closer to the core rises, whereas cooler plasma near the surface sinks, creating towering columns of convecting material by the millions, each carrying its own magnetic field. These fields can become entangled near the surface, sometimes snapping—like a spring under too much strain—to release enormous amounts of energy in a single intense explosion at a small spot on the sun. This sudden flash of light accompanied by a colossal burst of subatomic particles is called a solar flare. The most powerful flare we've ever directly measured occurred in 2003, and it emitted about 7 × 10 25 joules of energy in the span of a few hours. That's roughly the amount of energy the whole sun emits in one fifth of a second, which may not sound very impressive—until you remember it comes from just a tiny, isolated region on the sun's surface! On supporting science journalism If you're enjoying this article, consider supporting our award-winning journalism by subscribing. By purchasing a subscription you are helping to ensure the future of impactful stories about the discoveries and ideas shaping our world today. We also know that, historically, our star has spat out much bigger flares. High-speed subatomic particles raining down from solar storms slam into the nitrogen in our atmosphere to create an isotope called beryllium 10, or Be-10, which can be captured in polar ice after falling to Earth's surface. By examining ancient ice cores, scientists are able to obtain accurate dates for spikes in Be-10 (and other related isotopes), which can then be used to track historic solar activity. Such isotopic spikes have revealed what may be the most powerful solar eruption in relatively recent history, an event that occurred in 7176 B.C.E. Scientists argued at first about the cause of these spikes; the sun's activity didn't seem powerful enough to create the amounts of isotopes seen. Supernovae or gamma-ray bursts could explain the spikes, too—but only by occurring rather close to our planet, and that should've left behind other forms of evidence that, so far, scientists haven't found. Consequently, the current consensus is that the sun is indeed responsible for these massive upticks in isotopes. Scientists now call these spikes ' Miyake events,' in honor of Japanese cosmic-ray physicist Fusa Miyake, a leader in discovering and understanding them. While these flares were huge, there are reasons to suspect the sun is capable of unleashing even bigger ones. Some stars undergo what are called superflares, which are ridiculously powerful, reaching a total energy of 10 29 joules, or the equivalent of what the sun emits over the course of 20 minutes. In more human terms, that's about 300 million years' worth of our global civilization's current annual energy usage—all squeezed into a brief burst of stellar activity. Superflares are relatively rare. Observing them in any given star would take a stroke of luck—unless you stack the odds in your favor. That's just what an international team of astronomers did. The Kepler spacecraft monitored about half a million stars over a period of a decade, looking for telltale signs of accompanying planets. But all those data can be used for other things, too. The astronomers looked for superflares arising from more than 56,000 sunlike stars in Kepler's observations—which added up to a remarkable 220,000 total observed years of stellar activity. The researchers published the results in Science in late 2024. By sifting through that vast dataset, the team found 2,889 likely superflares on 2,527 sunlike stars. That works out to roughly one superflare per sunlike star per century, which seems pretty terrifying because it would presumably mean the sun sends out an explosive superflare every hundred years or so. But let's not be so hasty. For one thing, a star's rotation can powerfully influence the development of flare-spewing magnetic fields, and the rotational period was unknown for 40,000 of the study's examined stars—so it's possible this part of the sample isn't representative of the actual sun. And 30 percent of the superflare-producing stars were in binary systems with a stellar companion, which could also affect the results. The list of potential confounding variables doesn't stop here—there are several other factors that might make a seemingly sunlike star more prone to producing superflares than our own sun is. Then again, as I already mentioned, Be-10 and other telltale isotopes can be produced in other ways that don't involve stellar flares. And, for that matter, it's not at all clear how well superflares would specifically make such particles. So although we've counted five sun-attributed Be-10 spikes across the last 10,000 years, that doesn't mean the sun has only produced that many strong flares in that time. Perhaps there were others that left more subtle, as-yet-unidentified records in the ice—or that weren't aimed at Earth and therefore produced no terrestrial isotopic signal at all. If the sun did blow off a superflare today, what would be the effects? The impacts to life on Earth would probably be pretty minimal; our planet's magnetic field acts as a shield against incoming subatomic particles, and our atmosphere would absorb most of the associated high-energy electromagnetic radiation (such as gamma and x-rays). Our technological civilization is another matter, though. A huge flare could fry the electronics on all but the most protected satellites and disrupt power grids to cause widespread and long-lasting blackouts. Engineers have devised safeguards to prevent damaging electrical surges from most instances of extreme space weather, but if a flare is powerful enough, there may not be much we could do to avoid severe damage. Should we worry? The takeaway from the study is that it's possible the sun produces superflares more often than we previously thought, but this conclusion is not conclusive. So consider this research a good start—and a good argument for getting more and better information. Don't panic just yet!
