- In Japan, an unspoken etiquette dictates that the first person to press an elevator button must let others off before themselves, leading to potential inconvenience. - A reporter observed a couple at Starbucks who kindly let him go ahead in line, demonstrating a considerate gesture that acknowledged his slower pace due to an injury. - Inspired by this act, the reporter suggests that more people consider the "fate of the first to board" in elevators and step aside for the lift operator to improve everyone's experience.
A: Hey! Did you hear about this article about elevators? It’s kind of funny, actually.
B: No, what happened? Elevators are just...elevators!
A: Well, you know how in Japan, if you press the "open" button for someone, you end up being the last one out?
B: Oh yeah! That’s so true! It’s like you become the elevator attendant! It's a bit annoying, especially in hotels.
A: Exactly! This reporter, Masanuki, he was thinking about this "fate of the first to board" problem. But then something amazing happened!
B: Really? What was it?
A: He was on crutches at Starbucks, and this couple saw him. Instead of rushing to order, they waited for him to go first!
B: Wow! That’s so kind! They could have just gone ahead, but they didn't.
A: They even browsed around looking at coffee beans so he wouldn’t feel bad about going first. It made everyone feel good, even the barista!
B: That’s so sweet! Like a little wave of kindness.
A: Right? Masanuki thinks if more people did that in elevators, it might make things a little better for everyone. It's a small thing, but it can make a big difference.
B: I agree! Maybe if we all just think a little bit about the person who’s been holding the door for us…
A: Yeah! Let's try it! Next time I'm in an elevator, I’ll make sure to let the operator go first!
- Snap's revenue increased by 10% year-over-year to $1.7 billion, with a boost from the growing Snap+ subscription service (24 million subscribers). - Daily active users slightly decreased in North America and Europe, despite growth in other regions. - Snap is expanding beyond advertising with new offerings like paid Memories storage and plans to launch augmented reality glasses ("Specs") through a dedicated subsidiary.
A: Did you hear about Snap’s latest news? B: No, what happened? Tell me!
A: Okay, so they’re trying to make money in new ways! Not just from ads. B: Really? Like what?
A: Subscriptions! They have something called Snap+. It’s a paid service. B: Oh, like a premium version?
A: Exactly! And it’s growing! They have 24 million subscribers now. B: Wow, that’s a lot!
A: But… they're also having a bit of trouble. Their daily users went down a little bit. B: Oh no! Where did they go?
A: Mostly in America and Europe. But growing in other places! B: Interesting. So, it’s mixed news?
A: Totally! And they’re expecting less money next quarter because of Facebook, Instagram and TikTok. B: Those guys are always a challenge!
A: But get this! They’re making AR glasses! Like, real glasses! B: Seriously? Cool! When are they coming out?
A: Later this year! They even created a special company just for the glasses - Specs Inc. B: That’s a big deal!
A: The boss, Evan Spiegel, says they want computing to be more natural and mixed with the real world. B: Sounds very futuristic!
A: He also said they aren’t completely sure how they will make money from the glasses yet. B: So, still figuring it out?
A: Yep! They just want to launch a really good product first. B: Makes sense! Well, that’s a lot of news about Snap!
- Japanese sake brewers released limited-edition sake on Risshun, the lunar new year's start of spring. - These special brews are believed to bring good fortune and are certified as being bottled on Risshun morning. - A purification ritual by a shrine priest and the brewery president's endorsement highlight the sake's unique appeal.
A: Hey Sakura! Did you hear about something cool happening with sake?
B: No, what’s up, Kenji? Tell me!
A: Apparently, some sake breweries are releasing special, limited-edition sake!
B: Really? What makes it so special?
A: It’s made really early on Risshun! You know, the first day of spring in the lunar calendar?
B: Oh wow, that’s… a thing! Is it lucky or something?
A: Exactly! People think it brings good fortune. One brewery in Okayama started preparing ages ago.
B: So, when did they actually *make* it?
A: They started bottling it around 3 am on Wednesday! They put a special label on, too.
B: Three AM?! That’s dedication!
A: Totally! And get this – a priest even purified the boxes with a special ritual!
B: Wow, that's seriously traditional.
A: The president of the brewery said this year’s edition smells really good. He wants everyone to try it, even people who don't usually drink sake!
- Arakurayama Sengen Park's annual cherry blossom festival has been cancelled due to severe overtourism and disruptive tourist behaviour. - Residents of Fujiyoshida have complained about issues ranging from traffic congestion to trespassing and inappropriate public behaviour. - While the festival is cancelled, the park will remain open and authorities will manage increased visitor numbers with security and parking solutions.
A: Did you hear about the news? Something about Fujiyoshida?
B: No, what happened? I love that view with Mt. Fuji and the cherry blossoms!
A: Yeah, it's that super famous spot, Arakurayama Sengen Park. They’re cancelling the cherry blossom festival this year.
B: Seriously? Why? Is it too cold?
A: Nope! It’s because of too many tourists. It's gotten really crazy.
B: Oh no! What were they doing?
A: It’s pretty bad, apparently. Traffic jams everywhere. People walking in the street. Some tourists were even going onto private property!
B: Wow, that’s terrible! I can’t imagine!
A: And get this… some were even urinating in people's gardens and going into their houses!
B: No way! That's so rude! They’re disrespecting the local people.
A: Exactly! The mayor said it’s a crisis. He wants to protect the residents' lives and dignity.
B: That makes sense. Even though Mt. Fuji is beautiful, the people who live there need peace.
A: They’ll still have cherry blossoms, and the park will be open. But they're putting extra staff there to manage things.
B: So, no festival, but people will still come? It’s kind of ironic they used that famous photo in the announcement!
A: Totally! It shows how they’re proud of their place, but they need people to be respectful. Otherwise, more places might do the same thing.
B: I hope people learn to be better tourists. Let's try to be good examples next time we go!
- Anthropic released Super Bowl commercials mocking OpenAI’s plan to introduce ads into ChatGPT's free tier, depicting chatbots inserting bizarre advertisements into user conversations. - OpenAI CEO Sam Altman responded with a lengthy, critical post on X, accusing Anthropic of dishonesty and authoritarianism, and defending the ad-supported model for ChatGPT. - The commercial dispute highlights the ongoing rivalry between Anthropic and OpenAI, revealing differing philosophies regarding AI accessibility, usage restrictions, and advertising practices.
A: Did you hear about the news? It's wild!
B: No, what happened? Something about Super Bowl commercials?
A: Yeah! Remember how OpenAI said they'd be putting ads into ChatGPT?
B: Oh, right! I heard something about that.
A: Well, Anthropic, that other AI company, made some *really* funny commercials to make fun of it!
B: Seriously? What did they do?
A: They showed chatbots giving terrible advice, then suddenly popping up with ads for weird stuff! Like, one ad was for a dating site for cougars! So silly!
B: *laughs* Wow! That’s pretty cheeky! Did OpenAI get mad?
A: You bet! Their boss, Sam Altman, got *so* mad he wrote a really long post online! He called Anthropic dishonest and even… authoritarian!
B: Authoritarian?! That’s a strong word! What did he say exactly?
A: He basically said OpenAI needs to show ads to reach more people, and Anthropic's way is bad. He said they control what people do with AI!
B: Hmm, it sounds like a big business rivalry, right?
A: Totally! Both companies have free versions and subscription options. And both say they care about AI safety, but they disagree on how to do it. OpenAI lets people use it for some things Anthropic doesn’t.
B: So, these ads were just Anthropic teasing OpenAI?
A: Exactly! It definitely got under their skin. It's a bit of a silly fight, but pretty interesting to watch!
- TSMC will manufacture advanced 3-nanometer semiconductors in Japan, marking the first production of this technology in the country. - The new facility will support Japan's AI sector and contribute to economic growth, with government support pledged. - This expansion follows TSMC’s 2024 launch of a factory in Kumamoto producing 12- to 28-nanometer chips.
A: Hey Hana! Did you hear any interesting news today?
B: Oh, hi Ken! Not really. What’s up?
A: Apparently, TSMC – you know, that huge chipmaker from Taiwan?
B: Yeah, I’ve heard of them. They’re super important, right?
A: Exactly! They’re planning to make really advanced chips right here in Japan!
B: Seriously? Wow! What kind of chips?
A: Super tiny ones! 3-nanometer chips. They’re like, the newest, coolest technology.
B: Nanometer? That’s tiny! What are they for?
A: They're used in AI stuff and smartphones! Prime Minister Takaichi met with their CEO to announce it.
B: That’s big news for Japan’s tech industry! Will it be a long time before we see them?
A: Well, they already have a factory in Kumamoto, making older chips. This will be a new one, building those 3-nanometer chips.
B: So, it's like expanding their operations here?
A: Yep! They said it’ll really help Japan's AI businesses grow. And the government is supporting it too.
B: That's amazing! So, more jobs and more AI technology? Sounds pretty good!
- Astronaut Yui Kimiya completed over five months of work on the ISS, prioritizing a full workload despite a mission cut short. - The ISS crew successfully navigated an unprecedented medical emergency, demonstrating their ability to handle unforeseen situations safely. - Yui Kimiya plans to focus on mentoring future Japanese astronauts and supporting generational change within the nation’s space program.
A: Hey! Did you hear about Yui Kimiya, the astronaut?
B: No way! What's new with him?
A: He was talking about his time on the ISS! Apparently, he worked super hard.
B: Wow, really? What did he do up there?
A: He did lots of experiments! And he even used a robotic arm to grab a new cargo spacecraft for Japan!
B: That’s amazing! But I heard their mission got cut short?
A: Yeah, because one of the astronauts had a medical issue. It was the first time that ever happened on the ISS.
B: Seriously? So, was everyone worried?
A: He said they handled it really well and got back safely. They proved they could deal with unexpected problems.
B: That’s good to hear. Does he plan to go back to space?
A: Not as an astronaut, actually. He wants to train younger astronauts and help Japan’s space program.
B: So, he’ll be more of a mentor now?
A: Exactly! He thinks he can do a lot from here on Earth. Pretty cool, huh?
- Israeli strikes in Gaza on Wednesday killed 24 Palestinians, including children and a medic, according to Palestinian media. - Israel claims the strikes were retaliation for Hamas militants violating a ceasefire agreement and injuring an Israeli soldier. - Despite some progress with the Rafah border crossing, the number of deaths in Gaza since the ceasefire began has reached 556.
A: Hey Hana! Did you hear about what’s happening in Gaza? It’s really sad.
B: No, what happened, Kenji? Tell me!
A: Apparently, Israeli strikes killed a bunch of people yesterday. Like, 24! It included kids and even a medic.
B: Oh my gosh! That’s terrible. Where did it happen?
A: Mostly around Khan Younis. They say one of the strikes hit tents where people were living, because they had to leave their homes.
B: That's awful. But I thought there was a ceasefire?
A: Yeah, there was, but Israel says Hamas broke it. They claim Hamas opened fire on Israeli soldiers.
B: Hmm, so Israel responded with more strikes? It’s been complicated, right? I remember hearing about that ceasefire starting last October.
A: Exactly! They’ve been fighting on and off since then. Sadly, over 556 people have died since that ceasefire began.
B: Wow, that’s a lot. What’s Hamas saying?
A: Hamas is really angry. They say Israel is trying to ruin any chance of lasting peace. They want the world to pressure Israel to stop.
B: I heard the border crossing with Egypt opened a little, that’s good news, right?
A: Yeah, that's a small step forward. But with all these strikes happening, the number of deaths is just going up. It’s a really difficult situation.
