HO CHI MINH CITY & TOKYO, Dec 22, 2023 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Ho Chi Minh City Development Joint Stock Commercial Bank (HDBank), a leading commercial bank in Vietnam, and JCB International Co. Ltd. (JCB), the international operations subsidiary of JCB Co., Ltd., today announced the launch of the HDBank JCB Ultimate Credit Card and the acceptance of JCB Cards in Vietnam. HDBank becomes JCB's 17th partner financial institution and provides card acceptance at their accepting locations to all JCB cards issued in and out of Vietnam.HDBank JCB Ultimate cardmembers will enjoy a range of cashback programs depending on spending volume, such as: up to 20% on spending in Japan, 6% in all countries except Vietnam and Japan, 4% at POS terminals in Vietnam and 15% on travel services including hotel and resort reservations. In addition, cardmembers are entitled to other premium privileges such as golf discounts with minimum spending requirements and travel insurance packages for flight cancellations and delays or lost baggage, an installment program applicable to all in-store transactions, and other special promotions.With the occasion of this launch of the HDBank JCB Ultimate C...

TOKYO, Dec 21, 2023 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Thermal Systems, Ltd. (MHI Thermal Systems), a part of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) Group, has won the "The Energy Conservation Center, Japan Chairman's Award" in the "Best Practice Category" at the 2023 Energy Conservation Grand Prize sponsored by the Energy Conservation Center, Japan (ECCJ), with support from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). The award was presented for measures taken by MHI Thermal Systems to eliminate boiler usage in a company plant through conversion to industrial heat pumps. This is the second time MHI Thermal Systems has received an award in the ECCJ's Best Practices Category (first in 2021). An awards presentation ceremony will take place at TOC Ariake Convention Hall in Tokyo on January 31, 2024.The award-winning measures taken by MHI Thermal Systems consisted of converting the heat sources used in the compressor plant at its Biwajima Works (Kiyosu, Aichi Prefecture) from steam boilers to industrial heat pumps. The conversion eliminated reliance on steam boilers and resulted in significant energy savings. In selecting MHI Thermal Systems for its awar...

OSAKA, Japan and TOKYO, Japan, Dec 20, 2023 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - A consortium of joint research partners including the Center for Quantum Information and Quantum Biology at Osaka University, RIKEN, the Advanced Semiconductor Research Center at the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), the Superconducting ICT Laboratory at the National Institute of Information and Communications Technology (NICT), Amazon Web Services, e-trees.Japan, Inc., Fujitsu Limited, NTT Corporation (NTT), QuEL, Inc., QunaSys Inc., and Systems Engineering Consultants Co.,LTD. (SEC) today announced the successful development of Japan’s third superconducting quantum computer (1) installed at Osaka University. Starting December 22, 2023, the partners will provide users in Japan access to the newly developed computer via the cloud, enabling researchers to execute quantum algorithms (2), improve and verify the operation of software, and explore use cases remotely.The newly developed superconducting quantum computer uses a 64 qubit chip provided by RIKEN, which leverages the same design as the chip in RIKEN's first superconducting quantum computer, which was unveiled...

TOKYO, Dec 20, 2023 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mitsubishi Corporation and Amogy are excited to announce a strategic partnership that will focus on accelerating the adoption of Amogy's ammonia-to-power and ammonia cracking technology in large-scale hydrogen carrier applications in East Asia, particularly Japan and South Korea. The joint study set to commence in December 2023 with SK Innovation, will first assess a large-scale deployment of Amogy’s technology, including analysis of costs across the value chain, and explore opportunities for market expansion across the ammonia and hydrogen supply chain. Upon the completion of the initial phase, three companies are looking to explore joint pilot opportunities in the strategic regions.Ammonia, a versatile and widely used chemical compound, has emerged as a promising renewable fuel and a cost-effective carrier of hydrogen. Ammonia can be created by combining hydrogen and nitrogen at the export location. It is then decomposed (cracked) back to hydrogen and nitrogen at the receiving site and used in multiple applications including power generation, a process that enables safe and efficient transportation. Ammonia has high energy ...

Toyota City, Japan, Dec 20, 2023 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Charoen Pokphand Group (CP), True Leasing (TLS), Siam Cement Group (SCG), Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota), and Commercial Japan Partnership Technologies Corporation (CJPT) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to further accelerate collaboration towards achieving carbon neutrality in Thailand. This MOU is based on achievements to date in our joint efforts, including logistics efficiency at CP and SCG sites and the introduction of carbon-neutral mobility based on usage in Thailand.(Left to right) Hiroki Nakajima, President of CJPT; Soopakij Chearavanont, Chairman of CP; Koji Sato, President and CEO of Toyota; Dhanin Chearavanont, Senior Chairman of CP; Akio Toyoda, Chairman of Toyota; Roongrote Rangsiyopash, President and CEO of SCG; Suphachai Chearavanont, CEO of CP; Kachorn Chiaravanont, President of True Leasing and Member of Executive Committee of CPBased on an agreement built on the deep trusting relationship between CP's Senior Chairman Dhanin Chearavanont, President and CEO of SCG Roongrote Rangsiyopash, and then-President Akio Toyoda of Toyota; CP, TLS, SCG, Toyota and CJPT have been promoting ...

TOKYO, Dec 19, 2023 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Eisai Co., Ltd. announced today that it has submitted a marketing authorization application in Japan for its in-house discovered fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptor (FGFR1, FGFR2, FGFR3) selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor tasurgratinib succinate (generic name, development code: E7090, “tasurgratinib”) for biliary tract cancer with FGFR2 gene fusion. In Japan, tasurgratinib has received orphan drug designation for a prospective indication for unresectable biliary tract cancer with FGFR2 gene fusion by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, (MHLW). Under this system, this application will be subject to priority review.This application is based on the results of a multicenter, open-label, single-arm clinical phase II trial (Study 201) in Japan and China conducted by Eisai. Study 201 enrolled patients with unresectable biliary tract cancer with FGFR2 gene fusion previously treated with gemcitabine-based combination chemotherapy. The primary endpoint of this study was objective response rate, and secondary endpoints included safety. Detailed results of the study will be presented at upcoming academic conferences.The esti...

TOKYO, Dec 19, 2023 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (hereafter, Mitsubishi Motors) announced today that it has started production of the new Minicab EV (L100 EV in Indonesia), a kei-car(1) class electric commercial vehicle at PT Mitsubishi Motors Krama Yudha Indonesia (hereafter, MMKI), Mitsubishi Motors' factory in Indonesia. It will go on sale in Indonesia in the fourth quarter of fiscal year 2023. "In 2017, MMKI began production of the Xpander, which is now not only sold domestically in Indonesia, but also exported to support the development of the Indonesian auto industry," said Takao Kato, president and chief executive officer, Mitsubishi Motors. "With the start of our first production of EVs overseas, we hope to meet the growing demand for EVs in the ASEAN region and at the same time contribute to the country's environmental initiatives." The Minicab EV is a monobox design vehicle equipped with the EV system proven in the world's first mass-produced EV, the i-MiEV. In addition, measures such as placing the drive battery under the center of the floor ensure that the EV components can be mounted without sacrificing the vehicle's large cargo sp...

Toyota City, Japan, Dec 19, 2023 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Toyota Motor Corporation announced that it will commence sales of its all-new Crown Sport Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) model in Japan today.SPORT RS (2.5-liter Series Parallel Plug-in Hybrid Model) (Model with options shown)A new addition to the Crown line-up, the Sport PHEV model is designed to enhance its fun, sporty driving experience. While retaining a beautiful design that resonates with the senses, the Sport PHEV model promises drivers a sportier feel incorporating exclusive equipment enabling drivers to more fully experience the joy of driving. Furthermore, fitted with a large-capacity lithium-ion battery, the PHEV delivers a BEV-mode cruising range suitable for everyday use, thereby combining the joy of driving with superb environmental performance.Alongside the Crown Crossover HEV, Sport HEV, Sedan HEV, and FCEV models, through the all-new Sport PHEV, Toyota provides customers with an important range of options as it continues its path of decarbonization. Going forward, Toyota intends to continue its multi-pathway approach, promoting the widespread uptake of electrified vehicles by expanding it...

LONDON, Dec 19, 2023 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - JCB International Co., Ltd., the international operations subsidiary of JCB Co., Ltd., today announced an extension of its collaboration with global financial technology leader FIS® (NYSE: FIS) and its merchant solutions business, Worldpay from FIS, to enable JCB Contactless for its UK merchants in the largest JCB contactless deployment in the UK to date.In 2023, almost 20% of Worldpay Point of Sale (POS) systems in the UK are now equipped to accept JCB contactless payments. As part of JCB’s mid-term plan, the next stage will see JCB Contactless enabled across on the remaining 80% of Worldpay terminals across the UK, with full rollout expected to be completed by the end of 2024.JCB Contactless is JCB’s contactless payment system that allows customers to shop by simply holding their JCB Card or JCB-card-enabled smartphone or other devices over the store terminal. JCB Contactless is based on the global chip standard 'EMV(R)[1],' offering a high level of security.The recently published Worldpay from FIS Global Payments Report found cash use continues to decline at POS, with contactless payments in the form of digital wallets an...

TOKYO, Dec 19, 2023 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Fujitsu today announced that it successfully equipped its Virtuora Service Management and Orchestration (SMO) (1)offering for Open RAN with a power-saving application (2) using AI technology developed by Fujitsu. The Fujitsu rApp, uses traffic estimates powered by machine learning and artificial intelligence to switch network capacity on or off as needed, while maintaining service continuity. Fujitsu in November 2023 conducted interoperability tests of the Virtuora SMO offering equipped with RAN equipment and confirmed power savings of more than 20% compared to conventional methods for estimating communication traffic for individual base stations.Fujitsu further conducted successful interoperability tests with a third party system-level RAN emulator compliant with the O-RAN specifications provided by VIAVI Solutions (American telecommunications network measurement equipment vendor; hereinafter VIAVI). VIAVI TeraVM RIC test is a comprehensive AI training enablement, test & measurement solution for validation of Open RAN RIC, xApps (3) and rApps (4) using a containerized platform.Fujitsu announced the test results at “O-RAN...

TOKYO, Dec 18, 2023 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mitsubishi Corporation (MC) is pleased to announce that it has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Bangkok-based Charoen Pokphand Group Co., Ltd. (CP) to conduct a feasibility study (FS) on decarbonizing Thailand's manufacturing industries. Details are outlined below.Objectives of this FSTo determine the feasibility of supplying carbon-free power generated in the surrounding region to Thailand, assisting with the country's efforts to decarbonize, and helping its manufacturing industries to become more competitive.MC has a strong track record of developing renewable energy, starting with projects in Europe and Japan. Through developments like the Monsoon onshore wind power project in Laos (slated to commence operations in 2025), we were among the first to support decarbonization efforts in Southeast Asia. CP is engaged in a wide range of industries, including agriculture and food businesses in Thailand as its core operations, and automobiles, real estate and communication business. Through this FS, we will combine MC's strengths in renewable energy development with CP's robust network in Thailand to identify ways f...

TOKYO, Dec 15, 2023 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - NEC Corporation (TSE: 6701) has enhanced and expanded the performance of its lightweight large language model (LLM) and is scheduled to launch it in the spring of 2024. With this development, NEC is aiming to provide an optimal environment for the use of generative artificial intelligence (AI) that is customized for each customer's business and centered on a specialized model that is based on NEC's industry and business know-how.These services are expected to dramatically expand the environment for transforming operations across a wide range of industries, including healthcare, finance, local governments and manufacturing. Moreover, NEC will focus on developing specialized models for driving the transformation of business and promoting the use of generative AI from individual companies to entire industries through managed application programming interface (API) services.NEC has enhanced its LLM by doubling the amount of high-quality training data and has confirmed that it outperformed a group of top-class LLMs in Japan and abroad in a comparative evaluation of Japanese dialogue skills (Rakuda*). Furthermore, the LLM can handl...

TOKYO, Dec 15, 2023 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - The national defence industry leaders on the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) - Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (Japan), BAE Systems (UK) and Leonardo (Italy) - have warmly welcomed the signing of the Convention on the Establishment of the "Global Combat Air Programme - GCAP International Government Organisation (the GIGO)" by their respective governments.Ministers from Japan, UK and Italy signed the treaty, which marks an important agreement in the shared design and delivery of a next generation fighter aircraft by 2035. The agreement, signed just 12 months since the formation of the GCAP programme, reinforces its momentum and the strong trilateral cooperation amongst the partners.Discussions on the future joint business construct to deliver GCAP are continuing, with representatives from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, BAE Systems and Leonardo meeting recently in Tokyo. In September this year, the industry partners announced a Collaboration Agreement to support ongoing discussions on long-term working arrangements and maturity of the concept and capability requirements for the next generation combat aircraft.Hitoshi Shiraishi, Se...

TOKYO, Dec 14, 2023 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mazda Motor Corporation ("Mazda") today specified the medium-term targets and roadmap towards achieving carbon neutrality at its plants and operational sites in Japan(1), which account for approximately 75% of its global total CO2 emissions, as part of its efforts to attain carbon neutrality at all Mazda plants globally by 2035 and across the whole supply chain by 2050. The medium-term goal is to reduce, by FY2030, its CO2 emissions by 69% in comparison to FY2013 levels. Mazda will work steadily, in line with its roadmap, to follow through on the policies it already has in place and achieve this medium-term goal.Mazda positions the achievement of carbon neutrality as one of its key initiatives of management policy up to 2030. To achieve carbon neutrality at all of its plants around the world, Mazda will be focusing on three pillars: energy conservation, shifting to renewable energy, and introducing carbon neutral fuels. Along with the details of these three pillars, Mazda specified the roadmap for its domestic plants and operational sites which have a strong effect on its ability to achieve carbon neutrality.Roadmap for achie...

Eisai Co., Ltd. and Mizuho Bank, Ltd. announced today that the companies have signed a sustainability-linked syndicated loan agreement, which comes into effect today.Sustainability-linked loans are a type of loan which incentivizes borrowers to achieve sustainability performance targets (“SPTs”) by linking borrowing terms and conditions, such as interest rates, to the achievement of the SPTs, seeking to drive environmental and socially sustainable economic activities and economic growth.Under the concept of human health care (hhc), Eisai aims to effectively achieve social good in the form of relieving anxiety over health and reducing health disparities. through activities such as innovative drug discovery in the fields of dementia, cancer, and global health. Particularly in the domain of dementia, Eisai has developed “LEQEMBI®”, a new drug for Alzheimer’s disease(AD), which obtained approval in the US and Japan this year. By delivering LEQEMBI to people with early AD around the world, Eisai aims not only to improve their health outcomes but also contribute to address social issues regarding AD, including long term nursing care.Eisai has set social impact targets for LEQEMBI in the ...

TOKYO and CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Dec 14, 2023 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Eisai Co., Ltd. and Biogen Inc. announced today that humanized anti- soluble aggregated amyloid-beta (Aβ) monoclonal antibody “LEQEMBI Intravenous Infusion” (200 mg, 500mg, lecanemab) will be launched in Japan on December 20, following its scheduled inclusion in the price listing on the Japan National Health Insurance (NHI) Drug Price List.LEQEMBI received manufacturing and marketing approval for the indication of slowing progression of mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and mild dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in Japan on September 25, 2023. In addition to inclusion in Japan’s NHI Drug Price List, the product’s Optimal Clinical Use Guidelines were agreed at a general meeting of the Central Social Insurance Medical Council, an advisory body of the Japanese Ministry of Heath, Labour and Welfare, held today. The launch in Japan marks the second country to have LEQEMBI on the market, following the U.S.In Japan, Eisai and Biogen Japan will co-promote LEQEMBI, with Eisai distributing the product as the Marketing Authorization Holder.LEQEMBI selectively binds to soluble amyloid-beta (Aβ) aggregates (proto...

TOKYO, Dec 14, 2023 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Fujitsu today announced the launch of a new cloud-based logistics data standardization and visualization service for shippers, logistics companies, and vendors across the supply chain. The service will offer new tools to customers to achieve sustainability in their operations and address a variety of challenges, including looming shortages of truck drivers, the urgent need to reduce the carbon footprint of transportation, and compliance with stricter industry regulations.The Amazon Web Services (AWS) (1) cloud-based service converts and standardizes a wide range of logistics data for areas like inventory and transport to empower users to share insights safely and easily to internal stakeholders, as well as with other companies to streamline transportation and enable joint logistics planning between players in different industries across the entire supply chain. By providing indicators for visualizing and analyzing logistics data, the new service also supports business improvement and process reform to optimize operations amidst growing complexity and uncertainties for supply chain managers.Fujitsu will launch the new service ...

TOKYO, Dec 14, 2023 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Fujitsu today announced that it has participated in the future generations relations activities (1) where it engages in dialogue with future generations with the aim to promote social well-being. Under the theme of "creating our happiness through technology," Fujitsu will conduct educational support programs to foster the ability to know, think, and create among children who will lead the future toward the realization of a sustainable world. Since 2021, Fujitsu has been promoting projects in Japan with junior high and high school students to help them think about what they want to be in the future, as well as programs to think about approaches to solve social issues, using design thinking and technology. By supporting such activities, Fujitsu puts value in having dialogues with future generations through these programs more than ever, and reflects the knowledge gained in its well-being initiatives.Fujitsu will continue to collaborate with companies and organizations engaged in these activities to provide even more fulfilling programs to future generations, with the aim to create a sustainable world where everyone can move tow...

TOKYO, Dec 14, 2023 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - JCB Co., Ltd, Japan's leading international payment brand, has agreed to enable Korean code payment service*1 provided by GLN at Smart Code merchants in Japan by the end of FY2023. This will enable users of Korean code payment services such as GLN, KEB Hana Bank and KB Kookmin Bank to shop at Smart Code merchants in Japan. This is the second case of an international code payment service provider adopting Smart Code, following KASIKORNBANK in Thailand. South Korea has the largest number of travelers to Japan, with 5,525,900*2 South Korean visitors travelling to Japan between January and October 2023. There is a growing demand in Japan for access to code payment services available in Asia in order to capture inbound tourism spending, but as the specifications for code payment services vary among payment service providers, there has been a system and operational burden for merchants to adopt code payments.In response to those, JCB is collaborating with GLN to enable the acceptance of international code payments at Smart Code merchants in Japan by making GLN’s payment network Smart Code compliant. Merchants adopting Smart Code wi...

TOKYO, Dec 13, 2023 - (JCN Newswire via SeaPRwire.com) - Mitsubishi Power, a power solutions brand of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (MHI), underscored its progress to fast track the development of the hydrogen ecosystem at COP28, which just concluded in Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates.Dr. Javier Cavada, President and CEO, EMEA, Mitsubishi Power speaking during COP28In recognition of the key role of hydrogen to achieve the decarbonization of energy systems, over 30 countries launched last week the COP28 Declaration of Intent on Hydrogen which is designed to accelerate the commercialization of hydrogen on a global scale and meet global energy demand.Mitsubishi Power is a frontrunner in developing a hydrogen ecosystem for the decarbonization of energy systems, harnessing decades of experience.Investing heavily in the development of clean technology, the company has completed the world's first 30% hydrogen blend power generation validation on a grid-connected state-of-the-art 1,650℃ class J-series Air-Cooled (JAC) gas turbine using hydrogen produced and stored on the same site.Speaking at Climate Action's Hydrogen Transition Summit, Dr. Javier Cavada, President and CEO of Euro...