renewable energy
Gundam takes a one-day break from fighting Zeon to raise sustainability awareness and save fans some cash.
Back in 2009, a research team from the University of Tokyo led by Professor Tsutomu Miyasaka found that a substance called perovskite had the potential to generate solar power. However, at the time it only had a very weak power conversion efficiency (PCE) of about four percent and would break down in just a few minutes.
Because of these sizable flaws, not could practical use could be made of perovskite and the discovery lay dormant for a few years. Then, after a Korean team managed to double the PCE in 2011, research into the material was reignited. Now as scientists around the world continue to work on it, the PCE has become well above 20 percent and comparable with the standard silicon-based solar panels that we see today.
With perovskite being drastically cheaper to produce, more flexible to use, and now as efficient as regular solar panels, could we be on the verge of a solar energy revolution?
Idemitsu Kosan, INPEX and other energy corporations began speaking with locals on April 3 about building a geothermal power plant inside Bandai-Asahi National Park in Fukushima Prefecture. If locals agree with the plan, research would begin this year with operation commencing in about 10 years. The area is expected to produce 270,000 kilowatts of geothermal energy, higher than anywhere else in Japan.
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Japanese gacha machine in Shibuya now sells tiny capsule terrariums
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Weekly
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Monthly
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Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Air-conditioned dress shirts arrive in Japan to save working professionals from sweltering heat
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
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99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
Yearly
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
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Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
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Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
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Krispy Kreme Japan is baking up two new donuts that you can only get at one spot in the country
Watch a sumo bout inside Tokyo Tower, at a new restaurant endorsed by two yokozuna
Google’s first Google Store outside the U.S. is now open in Tokyo
Pokémon donuts are coming to Krispy Kreme in the U.S. [Photos]
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Ride a tram that survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima on a new limited-time history tour
Hello Kitty x Godzilla Happy Meals are coming to McDonald’s, but not in Japan [Video]
7-Eleven Japan has a “Super Spicy! Taiwan Mince Cutlet” that’s fiery red… but how hot is it?
Starbucks releases tear-jerking new video inspired by heartwarming encounters in Japanese stores
Delta Airlines adds first nonstop flight between Japan’s Narita Airport and U.S. in seven years
Japanese figure skating star Yuzuru Hanyu and Winne-the-Pooh announce crossover merch line [Pics]
Wagyu ramen for foreign tourists appears in Kabukicho, with a very high price tag
Studio Ghibli adds new Jiji’s baby plush toy to its anime merchandise range in Japan
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