This digest summarizes the latest research and trends in the rapidly advancing field of artificial intelligence (AI) technology. It features a wide range of AI related topics, including the current state of research in Japan and international comparisons, the future of AI development, and AI startups.

The record heavy snowfall that hit eastern and northern Japan in late January may have been influenced by human-induced global warming.

In the segment 'A Look Around Innovation,' we introduce research and development (R&D) sites that have led to social implementation.

In this installment of A Look at LOTUS, we spoke with Prajit Singha, a Research Fellow at the Indian Institute of Technology, Bombay, India, who is conducting research at Kobe University as part of his experience participating in the programme.

From an early age, I had a vague interest in topics like Earth and the universe. In particular, I became fascinated with Osamu Tezuka's "Phoenix," and was captivated by its grand worldview where past and present intersect.

Scientific progress increasingly depends on the movement of people, ideas, and expertise across borders, and India has emerged as an increasingly important partner in Japan's science, technology, and innovation (STI) landscape.

The Asia Pacific Research Center (JST) collects a wide range of information on science and technology innovation policies, R&D trends, and related economic and social conditions in the Asia and Pacific regions and conducts focused surveys and analyses that respond to today's issues and needs. Click here for more information.

The strategic importance of STI is growing in today's society, and countries are competing to achieve excellence in this field. Innovation is facilitated in an environment where diverse human resources interact, collaborate, and compete.

The Asia-Pacific region has emerged as a key player in global economic growth and technological innovation.