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Tokyo Railway Uses AI to Design Passenger-Friendly Train

TOKYO, Oct 27 (News On Japan) - Keio Electric Railway has unveiled a new commuter train developed with the help of artificial intelligence, presenting it to the media ahead of its commercial debut.

The new 2000-series train will begin service on the Keio Line on January 31st, featuring the concept of being “friendly to all generations.” For the first time, Keio has introduced a large free space in the fifth car to improve accessibility and comfort for passengers with strollers, wheelchairs, or luggage.

AI technology was used in the development process for the first time, analyzing passenger and employee survey data and assessing whether the design matched the train’s concept. “It allowed us to make more objective decisions and achieve a design that better reflects customer needs,” said Keio staff member Tomona Miyazono.

Source: テレ東BIZ

China Advises Against Travel to Japan

China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a travel advisory on November 14th, urging Chinese citizens to avoid visiting Japan for the time being, citing “serious safety risks” to Chinese nationals following Prime Minister Takaichi’s remarks on a potential Taiwan contingency.

Fujii Becomes Youngest Lifetime Triple Crown Holder in Shogi History

Shogi champion Sota Fujii, who defended his title in the prestigious Ryuo Tournament, expressed his joy on November 11th after becoming the youngest player in history to qualify for the lifetime title of "Eisei Ryuo" (Lifetime Ryuo).

Japan Plans to Triple Departure Tax to 3,000 Yen

Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) policy committee has drafted a resolution calling on the government to raise the “departure tax” to secure funds for overtourism countermeasures. The proposal seeks to increase the current 1,000 yen per-person levy to 3,000 yen, and to set the rate at 5,000 yen for travelers using business class or higher.

Tokyo Issues Influenza Epidemic Warning for First Time in 16 Years

Tokyo Metropolitan Government issued an influenza epidemic warning on November 13th after the number of reported cases reached the alert threshold, marking the first such announcement in November in 16 years.

Russia Bans 30 More Japanese Nationals

Russia’s Foreign Ministry announced on November 11th that it has decided to impose an indefinite entry ban on 30 Japanese nationals as a countermeasure against what it called Japan’s “hostile policies” following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

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