Information & Communications Technology

The government Tuesday began accepting applications for licenses to operate local 5G services — next-generation ultrafast communications networks to be used only in limited sites such as factories and farmland.

Telecommunications giants such as NTT Docomo Inc. will start their 5G services from next spring, delivering data transmission speeds around 100 times faster than current 4G networks, but their service areas are initially expected to cover mostly large cities.

Japan and the United States, aiming to beat China in the race to develop quantum computers, signed an agreement on Dec. 19 to partner on next-generation quantum technology.

From shopping to banking to boarding airplanes, an economy based on facial recognition is taking root in Japan, enabling consumers to live a cashless, bag-free life.

Japan's three main international airports will start using facial recognition to streamline security checks and the boarding process starting in 2020, cutting wait times ahead of the Summer Olympics in Tokyo.

KDDI, one of Japan's leading cellphone service carriers, and convenience chain operator Lawson on Monday agreed to a mobile payments partnership.

Malaysia is seeking expertise from global telecommunications firms, particularly from China and Japan, to meet its ambitious plans to roll out 5G technology nationwide by the first half of 2020.

Japanese wireless carrier NTT Docomo's venture-capital arm is investing in an American startup that offers cashierless checkout systems for retailers in the U.S. and Brazil and looks to expand into Japan.

Osaka Metro Co. on Tuesday started testing a next-generation automated ticket gate featuring a facial recognition system.

Messaging app provider Line Corp. on Monday started a new service that allows users to transfer money to bank accounts via its smartphone payment platform, a first for Japan in a crowded market.

Efforts are underway to familiarize the public with the rules of Paralympic sports through simulations making use of advanced technology and radio commentary ahead of the 2020 Games.

Those involved in the projects believe the wider exposure could make the sports more fun to watch for the uninitiated and encourage spectators to frequent more venues once they have become used to the different rules and scoring systems.