Technology is rapidly transforming economies and societies across the globe, and recent developments in Japan and Southeast Asia highlight this trend. From advancements in mobile networks to innovative financial solutions and the rise of virtual entertainment, the region is seeing a wave of exciting changes.
5G Expansion and Digital Infrastructure
Japan is making significant strides in expanding its 5G network. Rakuten Mobile has partnered with Fujitsu Limited to deploy base stations utilizing Fujitsu's radio units, accelerating the rollout of its 5G (Sub6) network. This collaboration aims to enhance network capacity and coverage, ensuring a robust and efficient 5G infrastructure across Japan. "This partnership underscores our commitment to advancing network technology and improving the mobile experience for users throughout Japan," a Rakuten Mobile spokesperson stated.
Further emphasizing Japan's focus on digital infrastructure, the upcoming Digital Garden Tokyo summit is set to bring together over 80 companies, including leading investment firms and operators. This event, scheduled for March 17-18, 2025, will serve as a platform for discussing and showcasing the latest advancements in digital infrastructure.
Digital Finance in Southeast Asia
Meanwhile, in Southeast Asia, the digital finance landscape is evolving rapidly. Atome, a leading buy-now-pay-later provider, has partnered with OceanBase to enhance its backend infrastructure. This collaboration aims to improve performance, scalability, and security, ensuring that Atome's digital financial services remain secure and highly available for its growing customer base. This strategic move supports Atome's rapid expansion into new markets and service offerings.
Virtual Entertainment and AI-Powered Solutions
The entertainment industry is also seeing innovation. Cover Corp., a Japanese company, is expanding into the U.S. market, bringing VTubers – virtual creators who use 3D avatars – to a new audience. This move tests the global appeal of VTubers and their potential to become a mainstream form of entertainment.
Addressing demographic challenges, Japan is also turning to AI and robotics to care for its aging population. With a severe shortage of care workers, the country is deploying AI-powered robots to assist in elderly care, showcasing a practical application of technology to address societal needs.
These developments highlight the diverse ways in which technology is driving growth and innovation across Japan and Southeast Asia, impacting everything from finance and entertainment to healthcare and infrastructure.