Stories from Tokyo · Japan

Major cloud computing providers are demonstrating the commercial viability of artificial intelligence technologies. Alphabet's cloud growth is specifically cited as a driver for the $700 billion industry-wide AI investment trend. 64 percent of young people in the EU utilized artificial intelligence in 2025. Cloud computing enterprises are being paved by Resolution 57. The trend is currently a top 10 topic on CLS Finance. Alphabet, Microsoft, Amazon, and Meta collectively represent 25% of the S&P 500 market capitalization. Alphabet's recent performance was well received as its AI spending is reportedly translating into revenue. Enterprises are being further enabled by regulatory pathways under Resolution 57. The cloud is described as more than infrastructure for storing files or training AI models, functioning as a testbed for digital interactions.

A bottle of sake rice wine produced in space has sold for approximately 600,000 euros to an anonymous buyer in Japan. Two companies sent specialized brewing equipment and sake ingredients to the International Space Station for the fermentation process. The fermentation occurred under microgravity conditions on the station.

Japanese 15-year bond yields have reached approximately 3.6 percent following a Bank of Japan meeting where interest rates remained unchanged. High oil prices and strength in Japanese equities are cited as negative factors for the Bank of Japan.

Japan's FX chief stated he has been in contact with his US counterpart around the clock. He hinted that Japan has a green light from Washington to take action if needed. The Japanese yen has risen 1.6% against the US dollar. The Hang Seng Index fell by 3 percent at one point during trading.

Chinese spokesperson Zhang Xiaogang criticized Japan's recent modifications to its Defense Equipment Transfer Three Principles and operational guidelines. China urged relevant nations to stop creating division and confrontation. Representatives from China and Japan engaged in a heated exchange during a meeting on April 27 regarding maritime activities. Japan accused China of expanding its maritime presence and increasing regional pressure. China refuted these claims, stating that China has not lost control of the relevant waters and instead accused Japan of sending vessels into Chinese territorial waters to change the status quo. The Chinese representative said the importance of maintaining peace in the Taiwan Strait and warned against interference in Taiwan-related issues.

NATO representatives conducted a visit to a United States naval facility located in the vicinity of Tokyo.

Rakuten Wallet has introduced new capabilities for users in Japan to convert loyalty points into XRP. The update also enables spot trading and allows QR code payments at over 5 million merchants.

Japanese system integrator Kobo has launched new personal computers featuring the GeForce RTX 5090 Founders Edition graphics card.

The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) expressed intent to include the Self-Defense Forces in Japan's peace constitution by next year. During a Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) convention, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida declared that the time is ripe for Japan to revise its constitution and set a goal to achieve certain progress on revision proposals by the spring of 2027. The party's new vision, released for its 70th anniversary, said the priority and urgency of revision. Scholars note that Article 9 of Japan's post-war constitution is being eroded, and the self-defense policy is being substantially dismantled. Public gatherings opposing the government's revisionist and militarization moves are occurring in multiple locations across Japan.

Japanese visitors at a site expressed concern that the government is deliberately downplaying its history of aggression. Visitors noted that younger generations lack a complete and truthful historical perspective.