Latest news with #Terada
Courier-Mail
10-07-2025
- Automotive
- Courier-Mail
Lexus steer by wire technology confirmed for Australia
Don't miss out on the headlines from Motoring News. Followed categories will be added to My News. Cars with no mechanical connection between the tyres and steering wheel will go on sale in Australia next year. The first is a special version of the Lexus RZ electric car - the RZ 550e F Sport. But Lexus says it already has plans to expand a new 'steer-by-wire' system to other vehicles. Yasuyuki Terada, lead engineer on the RZ, said 'steer-by-wire is one of the core technologies for Lexus'. MORE: Car giant puts the brakes on EVs 2025 Lexus RZ. Picture: Supplied 'So definitely it will not end at RZ. We plan on expansion into other models,' he said. Steer-by-wire changes how cars have been driven since their invention. Typically, cars have mechanical connections between the steering wheel and tyres; steer-by-wire, on the other hand, is fully computerised. MORE: The new baby buy replacing the pram 2025 Lexus RZ electric SUV. (Picture: Supplied) It uses an actuator to interpret the driver's right and left turns, then electrically delivers those signals to the steering rack. In the same way that video games apply software to transfer driving inputs into simulated car behaviour, the Lexus uses clever coding to translate driver input into real-world results where the rubber meets the road. Terada said it will eventually reduce manufacturing costs, and ready cars for autonomous driving, but only if consumers respond well. MORE: Fuel-guzzling hybrid exposed 2025 Lexus RZ. Picture: Supplied '[It's] conditional on us getting the number and the volume out into the marketplace. including the software and development [which] costs the majority.' With no steering column, cars manufactured exclusively with steer-by-wire systems will also be much easier to convert from right to left-hand drive, and vice versa. This could eventually mean that Australia misses out on fewer cars that have been prioritised for left-hand-drive markets. With autonomous cars well on their way (and working as taxis in parts of America), the potential to have stowable steering wheels will open up new possibilities for how a car cabin functions and is designed. As for drivers today, they'll feel the biggest difference at low speeds, like when parking and navigating narrow roads. 2025 Lexus RZ. Picture: Supplied With no fixed connection to the steering rack, fewer rotations of the wheel are needed to manoeuvre the car. Lexus's RZ 550e F Sport, for example, has a maximum 200-degree rotation between straight and full-lock - a little more than half a turn either side of centre. Such a system could fail to provide tactile feedback on the condition of the road, which drivers usually feel through the steering wheel. Lexus says they've overcome that. Of course, for steer-by-wire to be a success, customers will have to get on board. This isn't the first time similar technology has been used in Australia. In 2014 the Infiniti Q50 used steer-by-wire, but with additional mechanical backups should the systems fail. This was, by no means, an untroubled vehicle. The Q50 received bad reviews for its inconsistent handling, and faced recalls for a bug in their steering technology, which 'tugged' the car in the wrong direction. It was eventually removed from future models. 2025 Lexus RZ electric SUV. (Picture: Supplied) But Lexus is hopeful that customers will give their technology – which has been in development for about a decade – a chance. 'We believe that the end users and the customers in the Australian market will accept it as a brand new technology … we need to make sure that we send that message out.' As Lexus is owned by the Toyota group, it's likely we'll see other brands in their suite pick up the steer-by-wire technology in the future. 'The potential is obviously there,' Terada said Originally published as Lexus steer by wire technology confirmed for Australia
The Mainichi
08-07-2025
- Science
- The Mainichi
Past and modern Japanese physicists analyzed packed trains to secure seat
TOKYO -- A renowned Japanese physicist and writer analyzed trains in Tokyo about a century ago to ride less crowded cars, and another physicist in modern Japan has apparently succeeded in predicting available seats by following suit. Enduring a packed train ride is a familiar struggle for many commuters in Japan, and the desire to quickly find a vacant seat is universal. Torahiko Terada (1878-1935), known for the saying "Natural disasters occur when they are forgotten," faced the same train challenge roughly 100 years ago but did not settle for merely enduring the ordeal. Armed with a pocket watch, he observed passing trains at a station. What method did he uncover using physics? Terada left behind a treasure trove of essays connecting everyday life with physics. In his 1922 essay whose title roughly translates to "On train congestion," the physicist and author wrote, "Clinging to the straps in a crowded train, being pushed and jostled, is almost unbearable torture." While observing crowded trains, he noticed periodic "peaks" and "off peaks" in congestion. As trains depart from the terminus, delays accumulate. Late arrivals at stations lead to more passengers boarding, increasing further departure delays and congestion. Using mathematical formulas, Terada deduced that an average of every three to four trains become notably crowded, while the following two to three trains are less so. He then examined the congestion and arrival intervals of streetcars at Tokyo's Jimbocho stop, confirming his theory to some extent. He concluded, "Letting the crowded train pass and boarding the next less crowded one appears to be more convenient and 'efficient' for oneself and others." A modern physicist has also pondered how to secure a seat on crowded trains. Kyoto University professor Koji Hashimoto, who once spent four hours round trip commuting to and from work on packed trains, shared his secret: "Identify those who are getting off." Hashimoto stood at the platform's edge, observing incoming trains from end to end. Once he identified crowded cars, he rode them from the starting station to the terminal to determine why they were jammed. By noting the stations where uniformed high school students and company workers alighted and checking connections with other lines and express trains, he could predict available seats. Hashimoto remarked, "Physics is often seen as detached from daily life, but like Terada's essays, the appeal lies in systematically understanding human movement and applying it for personal gain." (Japanese original by Yurika Tarumi, Lifestyle, Science & Environment News Department)
Asahi Shimbun
27-06-2025
- Health
- Asahi Shimbun
Japanese climber dies on Peru's highest peak, another rescued
Mount Huascaran, the highest mountain in Peru (Provided by the Association of Peruvian Mountain Guides) SAO PAULO—A veteran Japanese mountain climber was declared dead in an accident atop Mount Huascaran, Peru's highest peak, while her partner has been confirmed safe. Chiaki Inada, 40, a doctor, became unable to move due to suspected hypothermia near the glacier-covered summit of the 6,768-meter-high mountain on June 24, according to Wilderness Medical Associates Japan, a group to which she belonged. Inada and her partner, Saki Terada, 35, contacted a private-sector rescue organization for help through satellite communications, the WMAJ said on June 26, based on information from local rescuers. The rescue team discovered the two on June 25, by which time Inada was no longer conscious. Rescuers and others later confirmed that she had died. Terada was able to walk down the mountain, accompanied by rescuers, as of the morning of June 26. WMAJ later said she has been admitted to a local hospital. Japan's Foreign Ministry is aware of the accident. WMAJ, which provides wilderness medical training, said both Inada and Terada were seasoned climbers and fully prepared for their latest expedition.
Japan Forward
11-06-2025
- Business
- Japan Forward
Japan-India Maritime Ties Enter a New Era of Smart Cooperation
In a compelling display of growing strategic and economic synergy, Japan and India are charting a bold new course in maritime cooperation. The two Indo-Pacific partners are in advanced discussions to expand bilateral ties. They aim to achieve this through a shared vision of green technology, smart infrastructure, and a resilient maritime ecosystem. The latest milestone in this evolving partnership was marked on June 2 in Oslo. Japan's Yoshimichi Terada, Vice Minister for International Affairs at the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, met with Sarbananda Sonowal, India's Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways. The meeting, held on the sidelines of the Nor-Shipping maritime conference in Norway, was nothing short of transformational. It signaled a renewed commitment to jointly advance sustainable and smart maritime initiatives. These initiatives are not only commercially robust but also environmentally sound and socially inclusive. Both Japan, as Asia's most mature democracy, and India, the world's largest, are vibrant democracies with complementary strengths. And they have long shared a special strategic and global partnership. Their maritime dialogue is now taking center stage as both nations recognize the importance of the Indo-Pacific as the engine of global trade and geopolitics. Terada and Sonowal shake hands. (Courtesy of Government of India Press Information Bureau) What makes this development particularly significant is its forward-looking approach. It focuses not just on traditional maritime security but also on cutting-edge technologies, climate resilience, and inclusive growth. At the June meeting, Terada and Sonowal delved deep into potential investments in India's shipbuilding industry, with an emphasis on co-development and co-production models. Japan has expertise in building state-of-the-art vessels. Coupling that with India's growing shipyard capabilities holds tremendous promise. Together, they aim to foster a competitive, future-ready shipbuilding ecosystem that can serve regional and global markets. One of the most exciting dimensions of the talks was the mutual commitment to green port development. Japan's Green Infrastructure Strategy and India's Sagarmala Initiative found common ground in the conversation. Both sides agreed to exchange best practices and technological know-how in clean energy adoption. From shore-to-ship power supply to hybrid propulsion systems and hydrogen-based logistics, the green maritime transition is well underway. Digitization was another key area of convergence. Smart ports, enabled by AI, IoT, and blockchain technologies, are central to India's maritime modernization strategy. Japan, a global leader in port automation and intelligent logistics, is expected to play a catalytic role in India's digital port transformation. These smart solutions are not only set to enhance operational efficiency but also reduce emissions, lower costs, and streamline trade. One of the most visionary aspects of the dialogue was the focus on India's island territories. They are the Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Lakshadweep. These smart solutions discussed by the two nations involve transforming these strategically located sites into "smart islands." They would feature green ports, renewable energy facilities, eco-tourism infrastructure, and disaster-resilient logistics hubs. In this regard, Japan's experience in building sustainable island ecosystems through integrated maritime and urban planning offers valuable insights. Their collaboration will help unlock the untapped potential of these islands. It will also serve as a model for regional development and maritime security in the Indo-Pacific. The meeting was held on the sidelines of the Nor-Shipping 2025 conference. (Courtesy of Government of India Press Information Bureau) No partnership is complete without a strong foundation in human capital development. Recognizing this, both ministers placed special emphasis on enhancing skills, training, and capacity-building. Japan's maritime institutions and the Indian Maritime University (IMU) are expected to expand academic and research collaboration. They aim to facilitate knowledge exchange and the creation of a highly skilled maritime workforce. Scholarship programs, joint R&D initiatives, and training modules for green technologies are already under consideration. These efforts will nurture a new generation of maritime professionals adept at navigating the complexities of a rapidly evolving industry. A shared understanding of the need for resilient infrastructure in the face of climate change is also shaping the partnership. With both countries susceptible to natural disasters such as tsunamis and cyclones, discussions focused on building disaster-resilient ports, warehouses, and navigation systems. Japan's technical experts in mitigation and India's vast coastal infrastructure create a perfect synergy for joint innovation and resilience-building. India is also expected to benefit from Japan's advanced hydrographic and coastal mapping technologies. These are critical for sustainable port planning and climate impact assessments. This renewed maritime cooperation between Japan and India is not just a bilateral affair. It has far-reaching implications for the region and beyond. It exemplifies how like-minded countries can come together to address global challenges such as climate change, sustainable development, and maritime security, through practical, people-centric solutions. As maritime trade continues to account for over 90% of global trade volume, the importance of resilient, green, and smart maritime infrastructure cannot be overstated. Japan and India's collaboration sets a positive example for the world, demonstrating how strategic alignment and shared values can produce real on-the-ground impact. Both countries are gearing up to implement the outcomes of the Oslo dialogue with optimism in the air. The proposed projects are all aligned with Japan's Sustainable Blue Economy Strategy and India's Amrit Kaal vision. With strong political will, robust institutional frameworks, and deep friendship, Japan and India could redefine maritime cooperation in the 21st century. Author: Professor Pema Gyalpo
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Cannes: Japan's Imagica Group Selects Tomoka Terada's ‘Maria' to Launch First Original Film Slate
The feature debut from writer-director Tomoka Terada, Maria, has been named the first winner of the Imagica Group Film Project, a newly established initiative designed to foster original Japanese filmmaking. The project was unveiled Wednesday at the Cannes Film Festival, where the Tokyo-based post-production giant is marking its 90th anniversary. Maria centers on an 18-year-old caregiver navigating poverty, pregnancy, and fractured family ties in a declining industrial port town. The film, which draws from Terada's background as a social worker, presents a portrait of young people left behind by Japan's aging society. The project will be produced by Hana Tsuchikawa of OLM, Inc. More from The Hollywood Reporter 'The Plague' Review: Joel Edgerton in a Thrilling Drama That Captures the Terror of Adolescent Masculinity Legendary Entertainment Names Di Mu CEO of China Division Long Layover? Plan a Paris Pitstop The selection was made by a jury including Palme d'Or-winning director Hirokazu Kore-eda (Shoplifters), who called Terada's screenplay 'realistic and well-written,' noting the jury's unanimous support for the project. 'It surprised me with its humor and clarity,' he said. 'It didn't feel like a debut.' Imagica Group, a fixture in Japan's post-production industry, is investing ¥70 million ($500,000) into the film's production. The company will bring in additional Japanese corporate entities as co-financiers. The new program will support one film per year for five years, with an eye toward international festivals. Other jurors helping to select the winning titles include Tokyo International Film Festival programming director Shozo Ichiyama and Yuka Sakano of the Kawakita Memorial Film Institute. At the press event in Cannes, Tsuchikawa emphasized the grounded, observational nature of the script. 'What struck me about Maria is how it brings warmth to a story that's not conventionally uplifting,' she said. 'There's honesty in how the characters try to survive.' The Imagica Group Film Project is limited to producers affiliated with one of the company's subsidiaries, though outside directors and writers may partner with eligible producers. This year's competition drew 88 proposals. Maria was selected following a two-round evaluation process, with final jury deliberations concluding in April. Terada, who is also currently employed as a social worker, has previously worked as an assistant director on Kore-eda's Monster and Emma Kawawada's My Small Land. In a recorded message, she reflected on the personal roots of the project. 'These characters are people I've known, not invented,' she said. 'I wanted to write something that comes not from me, but from the world I've observed closely.' While the film is still in development, jury members expressed hope that the Imagica initiative will continue beyond its initial five-year plan — and possibly expand to support filmmakers across Asia. 'It's a strong start,' Ichiyama noted. 'But it's also a much-needed model for how the private sector can step in where institutional support is lacking [in Japan].' 'When I heard about this initiative, I thought: finally,' added Kore-eda. 'There's a gap in how new filmmakers in Japan are discovered and supported. A system like this, if it continues, could help address that.' Best of The Hollywood Reporter 'The Goonies' Cast, Then and Now "A Nutless Monkey Could Do Your Job": From Abusive to Angst-Ridden, 16 Memorable Studio Exec Portrayals in Film and TV The 10 Best Baseball Movies of All Time, Ranked
