Japan may relax privacy rules to support AI growth.

Japan's privacy agency may drop consent requirements for using sensitive personal data to boost AI development while ensuring personal rights.

So check this out: Japan's Personal Information Protection Commission is thinking about dropping the prior consent requirement for gathering sensitive personal info for AI development. Yeah, they're making moves to help AI businesses grab that data without all the red tape.

They review the personal information protection law every three years, and this time around, it’s all about finding that sweet spot between protecting personal rights and letting businesses use personal info to innovate. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi laid it all out at a news conference, saying they're balancing both sides of the coin for new industries. Pretty wild, right?

Read more__〆(￣ー￣ )

Fascinated by Japan’s culture and history? Learn the language that brings it all to life. Start now at LearnJapanese.com!

Berkshire increasing investments in Japan trading firms.

Berkshire Hathaway plans to gradually increase its ownership in Japan's largest trading houses, supporting their share prices, according to Buffett.

Emperor turns 65, hopes for peace 80 years post-WWII.

Emperor Naruhito, turning 65, hopes the 80th anniversary of WWII's end inspires a renewed commitment to world peace.

Japanese films awarded at Berlin Film Festival.

"Futsu no Seikatsu" won the Silver Bear at Berlin Film Festival, while "Umibe e Iku Michi" received a Special Mention.

Japan faces matcha shortages.

Last year's matcha demand strained Japan's tea industry, causing shortages, particularly for first-flush matcha now favored by consumers.