TOKYO - The following is the latest list of selected news summaries by Kyodo News.
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Security firm finds China-linked AI agent behind Japan cyberattacks
TOKYO - A China-linked artificial intelligence agent was identified as having been used in cyberattacks targeting firms in Japan, a security firm said based on its investigation, following a spate of leaks of personal data across various industries.
In recent weeks, a growing number of Japanese companies have reported unauthorized access and subsequent information leaks or possible leaks. Artex, the AI agent concerned, has been allegedly also used in recent cyberattacks against South Korean financial institutions, according to a separate investigation.
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Japan successfully launches probe in Martian moon mission
TOKYO - The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency on Tuesday said it successfully launched a spacecraft on the world's first mission to collect samples, including rocks and sand, from one of Mars' moons.
The probe, carried aboard H3 rocket No. 10 for the Martian Moons Exploration mission, or MMX, successfully separated from the rocket and was placed into its planned orbit, the agency said.
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Record-high applications filed for state's defense tech research funding
TOKYO - Japan's Defense Ministry said Tuesday applications for a program that grants funds for projects on technologies that could have military use hit a record 560 for the current fiscal year.
The sharp increase from 340 the previous year comes despite persistent worries among the science community that the program, launched in fiscal 2015, would promote academic involvement in military research, as it repents wartime military cooperation.
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U.S. "condemns" detention of Japanese journalist by Russia
WASHINGTON - The U.S. State Department said Monday it "condemns" Russia's recent detention of a Japanese journalist in its Far East on suspicion of espionage.
"The United States condemns any attempts to intimidate, harass, and punish journalists and independent voices," a State Department spokesman said in response to Kyodo News' question about the detention of a correspondent with the Hokkaido Shimbun newspaper, which Russia's Federal Security Service announced last week.
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JR East launches new "teppay" digital payment service
TOKYO - East Japan Railway Co. on Tuesday launched a new digital payment service called "teppay" as the train operator aims to compete with rivals such as PayPay.
The service, using barcodes and QR codes, is integrated into the mobile app for the Suica, a smartcard used for public transportation and shopping.
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Ex-truck driver gets 7 yrs in prison over crash that killed 6 in Japan
TSU, Japan - A Japanese court on Tuesday sentenced a 55-year-old former truck driver to seven years in prison for causing a multivehicle crash that killed six people while she was using a smartphone at the wheel.
The Tsu District Court imposed the maximum penalty for negligent driving resulting in death, as sought by prosecutors, to Mitsuyo Mizutani. She had admitted to the charge.
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Asian Para Games trace roots to Japanese disability sports pioneer
TOKYO - The Asian Para Games, which opened in Aichi Prefecture on Sunday, trace their roots to the Far East and South Pacific Games for the Disabled founded by the late Japanese doctor Yutaka Nakamura to promote disability sports across Asia.
Known as the father of Japan's Paralympic movement, Nakamura launched the first FESPIC Games in Oita Prefecture in 1975. The event became the Asian Para Games in 2010 and now draws 45 countries and regions.
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Asian Para Games: Local firm crafts custom wheelchairs for athletes
NAGOYA - A local company from Aichi Prefecture, host of the Asian Para Games, has long produced sports wheelchairs tailored to Para athletes, with the continental multisport event in its backyard set to be a huge showcase.
Nissin Medical Industries Co. in Kitanagoya, founded in 1964 as a spring manufacturer, has thrived on creating custom-made equipment; building optimal chairs for each athlete based on their individual requests.
