Latest news with #SatoshiKubo
The Mainichi
7 days ago
- Business
- The Mainichi
News in Easy English: Factory in Kyoto uses translation app to help foreign workers
NAGAOKAKYO, Kyoto -- A factory in Kyoto Prefecture has made work easier for foreign employees by using a translation app on smartphones and computers. More than half of the 110 workers at Kobayashi Seisakusho are from Vietnam or Thailand. Before, workers had trouble talking to each other because they spoke different languages. Sometimes, mistakes happened because people did not understand instructions. Some workers said "yes" even when they did not understand. Now, the company uses a special app called "Kaminashi Jugyoin." Workers can type messages in their own language, and the app translates them for everyone. For example, a message in Japanese is changed to Vietnamese or Thai, and the other way around. This helps everyone understand instructions and talk about problems. A Vietnamese worker said, "I can now communicate with everyone. I understand instructions and reports, and I'm making progress with my tasks." A Thai worker said, "It's very convenient. If there is a problem or something I don't understand, I can contact others immediately." The company president, Hiroaki Kobayashi, said the app has made the workplace better. Workers now talk more, help each other, and make fewer mistakes. The company is now more productive and sales have grown. (Japanese original by Satoshi Kubo, Kyoto Bureau) Vocabulary translation: changing words from one language to another app: a computer program, often used on phones instructions: information about what to do convenient: easy and helpful productive: able to make more things or do more work immediately: right away
The Mainichi
05-08-2025
- Climate
- The Mainichi
Kyoto Pref. using treated sewage as farm water amid drought in northern region
KYOTO -- Drought brought by a heatwave and light rainfall this summer have adversely affected rice plants, orchard trees, vegetables and other farm produce grown in northern Kyoto Prefecture and the surrounding areas, prompting local authorities to divert water discharged from a sewage plant for agricultural use. From Aug. 5, the Kyoto Prefectural Government is diverting water released from the Miyazu Bay purification center in the prefectural city of Miyazu -- an extremely unusual measure. The treated sewage water, which is normally discharged into rivers, is being pooled in a huge tank before it is diverted to rice paddies and other drought-stricken areas, according to the prefecture. In July, the rainfall in northern Kyoto Prefecture dropped to around 10% of the level seen in normal years in Taiza and Mineyama in the city of Kyotango, and the Maizuru area in the city of Maizuru. High temperatures and low rainfall are expected to continue for some time. In these areas, discoloration of rice plants, cracks in parched fields and other damage have been confirmed, with the adverse conditions delaying the growth of vegetables and hindering the sprouting of beans. To quickly address the drought damage, the prefecture decided to temporarily use water discharged from the purification center as agricultural water. It borrowed a 5,000-liter tank from a fisheries office to pool the discharged water in the tank before transporting it on a truck of the prefecture-run Ikari Highland Farm in Kyotango and pouring the water into rice paddies across the drought-affected areas. "This is an unprecedented initiative," a prefectural official said. The prefectural government held an emergency meeting on the evening of Aug. 4 to confirm these measures. Kyoto Gov. Takatoshi Nishiwaki emphasized, "It is an extremely critical period especially for the growth of paddy rice. We need to secure water in a prefecture-wide approach." (Japanese original by Satoshi Kubo, Kyoto Bureau)
Cision Canada
24-06-2025
- Cision Canada
PFU Canada Inc. Unveils ScanSnap® iX2500
The flagship ScanSnap scanner comes equipped with an advanced imaging chip, which was originally developed for business-style document scanners to handle more intensive workloads and scanning tasks. It also includes a large LCD 5-inch responsive and intuitive touch screen that allows users to program customized settings and save destinations as large visual icons for simple operation. Users can easily switch profiles on the touchscreen to display personalized settings and icons, making it easy to share the scanner between colleagues and family members. ScanSnap iX2500 also reintroduces the physical scan button—a fan favourite for one-touch scanning, providing even more seamless and stress-free digitization options for users. Other key benefits and attributes of the new ScanSnap iX2500 include: Simple, easy setup: Users can simply unbox, connect from a smartphone via Bluetooth ®, PC, or tablet, and begin scanning. High-performance scanning capabilities: Full duplex scanning flies at 45 double-sided pages per minute and can hold up to 100 A4 sheets at a time. Enhanced Wi-Fi connectivity for smartphones, tablets, and PCs: It supports Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz bands) and enables wireless saving to smart devices and the cloud without needing to connect to a PC. With Wi-Fi 6 (IEEE 802.11ax) compatibility, the scanner ensures robust and stable communication, even in environments with radio interference and congestion. Additionally, it supports the WPA3 security protocol and TLS 1.3, safeguarding users' valuable information. Stable paper feeding technology: ScanSnap iX2500 is equipped with a brake roller and ultrasonic multi-feed sensor to ensure smooth and stable paper feeding and reliable multi-feed detection. Additionally, the skew detection function stops feed operation to prevent damage if paper is fed incorrectly, protecting important documents. Software integration for comprehensive document management: ScanSnap Home is a comprehensive document management software designed specifically for ScanSnap scanners and can accommodate any scanning environment. Users can easily manage, edit, and utilize scans, including creating profile icons to preset save-to destinations, cloud services, colour settings, and file type (including PDF, searchable PDF, and JPEG file formats). Both a PC version and a mobile version of ScanSnap Home are available by a free, simple download. Environmentally friendly design and packaging: The new sophisticated body design is made of 25% or more recycled plastic materials, and the packaging materials are free of new, unused plastics derived from fossil resources*. "Building on ScanSnap's exceptional legacy, this next-generation model redefines document management for today's dynamic and flexible work environments, as well as for home use," said Satoshi Kubo, President and CEO, PFU Canada Inc. "As our most connected scanner, the iX2500 empowers users to instantly digitize, share, and access their information from anywhere, at the touch of a button. It incorporates cutting edge functionality like skew detection and unprecedented speeds of up to 45 pages per minute to create the most dynamic scanning experience available to businesses and home users." ScanSnap iX2500 is available now at $695 and is offered in white or black. For more information on the latest addition to the ScanSnap line of scanners, please visit the ScanSnap iX2500 webpage. *Pre-consumer materials, which have not been used by consumers and are generated during the manufacturing and molding processes, are used. About PFU PFU Limited was established in 1960. Based on the skills acquired through computer development, we develop and supply image document-related products and services, such as image scanners. We also provide support services for building and operating IT infrastructures that contribute to the safety and security of our customers. We at PFU will continue to evolve our edge devices to contribute to our customers' business process reforms and Digital Transformation, provide the services that support them, and contribute to the development of a sustainable world. For more information, please visit PFU Canada Inc. is the Canada-based subsidiary of PFU Limited and the leader in document scanning solutions. About Ricoh Ricoh is a leading provider of integrated digital services and print and imaging solutions designed to support digital transformation of workplaces, workspaces and optimize business performance. Headquartered in Tokyo, Ricoh's global operation reaches customers in approximately 200 countries and regions, supported by cultivated knowledge, technologies, and organizational capabilities nurtured over its 85-year history. In the financial year ended March 2025, Ricoh Group had worldwide sales of 2,527 billion yen (approx. 16.8 billion USD). It is Ricoh's mission and vision to empower individuals to find Fulfillment through Work by understanding and transforming how people work so we can unleash their potential and creativity to realize a sustainable future. For further information, please visit
