KYOTO

Jun 25 2025TECHNOLOGY

Google's Imagen 4: A Step Up or Just More of the Same?

Google has rolled out Imagen 4, the latest in its line of text-to-image models. This new version claims to be a significant upgrade over its predecessor, Imagen 3. For those willing to spend more, there's also Imagen 4 Ultra, which promises even more precise image generation based on text prompts. Both models are now available for testing, either through a paid previ...

reading time about 1 minute
Feb 13 2025ENTERTAINMENT

Samurai Showdown: Netflix's 2025 Japan Lineup

Netflix Japan has a packed schedule for 2025, kicking off with a thrilling samurai drama called "Last Samurai Standing. " Imagine this: 300 samurai warriors, all the toughest and best, gather at the historic Tenryuji Temple in Kyoto. They're promised a whopping 100 billion yen prize, but there's a twist. These warriors, once powerful, are now ordinary people fighting...

reading time about 2 minutes
Jan 08 2025CRIME

Cracking Down on Crime: Everyone's Responsibility

It's no secret that property crime is a big worry for many people. But simply passing new laws won't fix the issue if the police, prosecutors, and courts aren't on board. Offenders need fair consequences and appropriate bail. Many have substance abuse problems, and drug treatment courts can help. By taking stronger action, we can make our communities safer. Reducing...

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Dec 26 2024LIFESTYLE

Giving Up Dinner Parties: Is It Really That Bad?

Ever felt like hosting a dinner party is a thing of the past? You’re not alone. Between busy schedules, tight budgets, and our collective burnout, having folks over for dinner is becoming less common. But what are we missing out on? A recent report suggests that these gatherings create a unique intimacy that restaurants or bars can’t match. If you’re wondering why th...

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Nov 21 2024POLITICS

John Prescott: A Life Dedicated to Social Justice

John Prescott, a former UK Deputy Prime Minister, has passed away at the age of 86. His family shared that he devoted his life to enhancing others' lives, advocating for social justice, and protecting the environment. Prescott, who battled Alzheimer's disease, died peacefully in a care home on Wednesday, surrounded by loved ones. Born into a working-class family, Pr...

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Nov 06 2024SCIENCE

Wooden Satellite Takes a Trip to Space

Imagine a tiny box made of magnolia wood floating in space. This isn't a fantasy; it's a real experiment! Researchers from Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry have sent a wooden satellite called LignoSat to the International Space Station (ISS). In about a month, it will be released into space to test how wood handles the extreme conditions. This could open doors ...

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Nov 05 2024SCIENCE

Wood Reaches New Heights: World's First Wooden Satellite Launches from Japan

Have you ever wondered what material could be used to build houses on the moon or Mars? Well, a team from Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry has an answer: wood! They've launched the world's first wooden satellite into space to test the idea. The tiny satellite, named LignoSat, is no bigger than your palm. It will live on the International Space Station befo...

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Nov 05 2024SCIENCE

Wood in Space: A New Building Material?

Ever thought of building a house in space? Scientists are now testing if wood can handle the harsh conditions of space. A wooden satellite, named after the Latin word for wood, LignoSat, was recently sent into orbit. It will spend the next six months being exposed to space to see how it holds up. The mission is a joint effort between Kyoto University researchers and...

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Nov 05 2024SCIENCE

Space Mission Brings Holiday Cheer and Wooden Satellite to Space Station

A SpaceX rocket took off from Florida on a Monday evening, carrying an unpiloted Dragon cargo ship. This ship is headed to the International Space Station (ISS) with essentials like food, supplies, and even some holiday treats for the crew. The launch happened from the historic Pad 39A at Kennedy Space Center, making quite the spectacle with its powerful thrust. The...

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