World News Daily(2024-06-06) : The Legacy of Napster: Shaping Modern Digital Media Consumption
The Legacy of Napster: Shaping Modern Digital Media Consumption
In 1999, Napster emerged, igniting a digital revolution. This file-sharing platform, conceived by young Shawn Fanning, enabled users to freely exchange music files, contrasting sharply with the profitable CD industry. Napster's impact was profound; it challenged traditional music sales while also laying the groundwork for modern streaming services like Spotify and Netflix.
MP3 technology, which compressed music files with minimal loss in quality, was instrumental in this transformation. Developed by German engineers, it facilitated the storage of music on digital devices, paving the way for Napster's ascent.
Despite legal challenges that ultimately led to Napster's closure, the concept of file sharing had become widespread. Other platforms such as Grokster and BitTorrent continued this trend. Today, the music industry flourishes through streaming, a model indirectly influenced by Napster's disruptive impact.
Napster, though now a relic, remains a crucial chapter in the evolution of digital media consumption. Its legacy underscores the transformative power of technology in reshaping industries and consumer behaviors.
Scores Source>>Politics
Record-Breaking Temperatures Highlight Urgent Need for Climate Action
The Earth has experienced a relentless year of record-breaking temperatures, with each month setting new heat records. The global average temperature for the past 12 months has risen to 1.63°C above the pre-industrial average, a grim milestone reported by Copernicus, the European Union's climate monitoring service.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urges world leaders and corporations to urgently reduce greenhouse gas emissions, increase climate finance, and regulate the fossil fuel industry within the next 18 months. The planet's distress signals are clear, yet our response remains inadequate.
Scientists attribute the accelerated warming to El Niño, a natural cycle in the Pacific Ocean that influences global weather patterns, and a reduction in shipping pollution, which normally reflects heat back into space. The World Meteorological Organization predicts an 80% chance of the annual average global temperature exceeding 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels in at least one of the next five years.
Despite these alarming trends, temporary temperature spikes do not signify permanent failure of the Paris Agreement's 1.5°C goal, which refers to long-term warming over decades. However, every fraction of a degree matters, as it amplifies the severity of climate impacts.
In the past year, extreme weather events—heat waves, droughts, floods, and wildfires—have become the norm, underscoring the urgent need for climate adaptation strategies. The stark reality is that climate change is no longer a distant threat but a present, relentless force.
Scores Source>>UN Warns of Impending Climate Milestone: Temporary Breach of 1.5°C Threshold Likely
The UN weather agency warns: within five years, we'll likely breach 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels—a critical threshold. This temporary spike, once deemed improbable, now looms with an 80% chance. The Paris Agreement aimed to cap warming at this level, fearing escalating extreme weather beyond it.
Current warming, even below 1.5°C, spawns devastating heatwaves, floods, and droughts. UN Secretary-General António Guterres likens our course to Russian roulette, urging decisive action in the next 18 months.
The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) predicts annual temperatures 1.1°C to 1.9°C above the 1850-1900 baseline. A 50-50 chance exists that the average over the next five years will exceed 1.5°C. A new annual temperature record is likely, surpassing 2023's peak.
The WMO's alarm underscores our urgent need to curb greenhouse gas emissions, lest we face escalating economic, environmental, and human costs.
Scores Source>>Urgent Climate Warning: Global Warming Accelerates, Carbon Budget Dwindles
Summary:
Recent climate reports reveal a dire acceleration in human-induced global warming, reaching 1.19°C above pre-industrial levels over the past decade. This marks an increase from 1.14°C reported the previous year. Notably, in 2023 alone, human activities pushed temperatures to 1.3°C, slightly below the actual recorded 1.43°C, indicating a role for natural climate variations like El Niño.
The critical "carbon budget"—the amount of CO2 that can be emitted before breaching a 1.5°C warming—has shrunk to approximately 200 gigatons, equivalent to just five years of current emissions. This is a significant reduction from earlier estimates.
The relentless rise in greenhouse gas emissions, primarily from fossil fuels, continues to disrupt Earth's energy balance, with oceans, ice, and atmosphere absorbing unprecedented levels of heat.
Insights:
The stark data underscores an urgent need for decisive global climate action. The trajectory of warming, coupled with the dwindling carbon budget, paints a grim picture of our planet's future if emissions remain unchecked. The interplay of human and natural factors in exacerbating global temperatures highlights the complexity of climate dynamics.
Efforts to curb emissions must be intensified, focusing not only on reducing fossil fuel use but also on managing other contributors like deforestation and industrial processes. Simultaneously, enhancing societal resilience against extreme weather events is imperative.
Explanation of Terms:
- Carbon Budget: The cumulative amount of CO2 emissions permitted while still having a reasonable chance of limiting global warming to a specific target, such as 1.5°C.
- Gigaton: A unit of mass equal to one billion (10^9) metric tons, often used to quantify large amounts of substances like CO2.
- El Niño: A climate pattern characterized by the unusual warming of the Pacific Ocean's surface水温, which can lead to global weather disruptions.
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Gases released into the atmosphere that trap heat, contributing to global warming; the most significant are CO2, methane, and nitrous oxide.
Economy
Dubai Mall Announces $408 Million Expansion Amid Post-Pandemic Growth
The Dubai Mall, already colossal, is planning a $408 million expansion. This expansive complex, which is part of Dubai's skyline, features 1,200 stores, an aquarium, and an ice rink. The expansion will introduce 240 additional luxury outlets and dining options.
Post-pandemic, Dubai has experienced significant growth. Its proactive vaccination campaign and open borders stood in stark contrast to global lockdowns. Strategic initiatives by the city, such as offering remote worker visas and hosting major events, have significantly enhanced its economy and appeal.
In 2023, the mall recorded a 19% increase in visitors, reaching 105 million. Emaar Properties, the developer, is supported by Dubai's ruler and a sovereign wealth fund, emphasizing the city's commitment to its development.
This expansion highlights Dubai's ambition to maintain its status as a global hotspot, utilizing its strategic location and economic policies to attract both business and leisure travelers.
Scores Source>>Over the next five years, there is an 80% probability that global temperatures will rise by 1.5°C, exacerbating the risks associated with climate change.
Summary: The World Meteorological Organization warns that there is an 80% probability that at least one year within the next five years will see global annual average temperatures rise by 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels. It is expected that between 2024 and 2028, annual average temperatures will be 1.1 to 1.9 degrees Celsius higher than the pre-industrial levels of 1850-1900. This trend is approaching the 2-degree Celsius limit set by the Paris Agreement and is getting closer to the 1.5-degree Celsius threshold. A temperature rise exceeding 1.5 degrees Celsius could trigger more severe climate change and extreme weather events.
Explanation:
- Pre-industrial levels: Refers to the average global temperatures from 1850-1900, before the Industrial Revolution, serving as a benchmark for modern climate change.
- Paris Agreement: An international treaty aimed at limiting global temperature rise, with a goal to keep the increase in global average temperatures well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels by the end of the century, and to pursue efforts to limit the increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius.
- 1.5-degree Celsius threshold: The scientific community believes that a global temperature rise beyond 1.5 degrees Celsius will lead to irreversible environmental damage and an increase in extreme weather events.
Society
Japanese automakers face certification fraud scandal
Recent investigations by Japan's Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT) have uncovered widespread certification fraud among major Japanese automakers, including Toyota, Mazda, Yamaha, Honda, and Suzuki. The scandal encompasses 38 models with fraudulent data submitted for safety tests. MLIT has called for internal investigations and temporary suspensions of certain models' shipments until safety is verified.
This scandal comes on the heels of previous revelations of misconduct at Toyota's subsidiary, Daihatsu, which ceased production of all its models due to 174 instances of irregular practices. The potential impact on Japan's economy, which heavily depends on its automotive industry, could be substantial. The industry represents nearly 20% of Japan's manufacturing output and employs over 550,000 people.
The immediate economic impact was evident in Japan's GDP, which shrank by 0.5% in the first quarter of the year, partly attributable to the Daihatsu scandal. The ongoing investigations and possible penalties for the implicated automakers could further dampen economic forecasts for the second quarter.
These scandals highlight a broader issue of integrity within Japanese manufacturing, once globally renowned for its quality and precision. The erosion of trust in "Made in Japan" could have lasting implications for the nation's economic stability and global reputation.
Scores Source>>Japan's Birth Rate Hits Record Low Amid Economic and Social Challenges
Japan's birth rate has reached an all-time low, with only 727,277 births recorded in 2023, marking a 5.6% decrease from the previous year. The fertility rate is now 1.2, significantly below the 2.1 replacement level required to sustain a stable population. Marriages have also decreased by 6%, reflecting economic instability and difficulties in balancing work and family life.
In response, the government has allocated 5.3 trillion yen ($34 billion) to support childrearing and expand childcare services. However, experts argue that these measures primarily benefit existing or planned families and fail to address the underlying issues discouraging marriage and childbirth among the youth. Challenges such as poor job prospects, high living costs, and a gender-biased corporate culture deter young Japanese from starting families.
Japan's population, currently over 125 million, is projected to decline to 87 million by 2070, accompanied by a significant aging demographic. This demographic shift poses serious threats to the economy and national security, especially in the context of regional tensions with China.
Insight: The crisis in Japan is indicative of deeper societal and economic issues beyond mere demographics. The government's response, although substantial, needs to tackle the broader cultural and economic barriers that hinder young people from marrying and having children. A change in societal expectations and workplace policies, along with economic incentives, is essential to create an environment supportive of family growth.
Scores Source>>Technology
Gene Therapy Restores Hearing in Deaf Children: A Medical Breakthrough
Gene therapy has restored hearing in five deaf children, aged one to eleven, in a groundbreaking trial. These children, born with a genetic condition called DFNB9, lacked a protein essential for hearing. The therapy, developed by researchers at Fudan University and Harvard's Massachusetts Eye and Ear, uses a harmless virus to deliver a functional gene, Otof, into the inner ear. This enables the production of the missing protein, otoferlin, crucial for auditory signals.
Within weeks of treatment, the children could locate sounds and understand speech, even in noisy environments. Video evidence showed a two-year-old boy responding to his name and dancing to music, activities he previously ignored. The oldest patient, an 11-year-old girl, progressed from no response to tones to participating in speech training.
This therapy not only offers hope for children with DFNB9 but also opens possibilities for treating other forms of deafness, whether genetic or not. However, larger trials are needed to fully assess the therapy's benefits and risks, particularly the immune response triggered by the viral delivery method.
The implications of this breakthrough are profound, potentially transforming the lives of millions affected by hearing loss. It marks a significant step towards personalized medicine, where treatments are tailored to the genetic makeup of individuals, offering a new era in the treatment of deafness.
Scores Source>>Video Game
China Approves 15 New Imported Online Games
On June 5, 2024, the National Press and Publication Administration updated its list of approved imported online games, adding 15 new titles. This update signifies a substantial influx of foreign digital entertainment into the Chinese market.
The approval process for imported games is rigorous, ensuring that the content adheres to local cultural norms and regulations. This approval not only facilitates entry for international game developers but also enhances the domestic gaming scene, providing Chinese players with a wider array of experiences.
For those unfamiliar, the National Press and Publication Administration is the Chinese governmental body responsible for regulating publications, including digital content such as online games. Their approval is a prerequisite for any foreign game to be legally distributed in China.
This recent addition highlights an increasing openness to global digital culture, a trend that may promote greater international collaboration in the gaming industry. It represents a small yet significant step towards a more interconnected digital world.
Scores Source>>Key celebrates its 25th anniversary, announcing the new work "Anemoi" and multiple projects.
Key社庆祝25周年，开设纪念网站，公布多项企划。网站推出特别映像，开设官方Discord，Switch游戏打折，《Kanon》Steam版即将上架，售卖纪念周边。6月14日，直播活动将举行，丘野塔也、魁等将出席，公布新作《anemoi》及更多周年企划详情。
Key社, a renowned Japanese game company known for its emotionally resonant visual novel games, is celebrating its 25th anniversary. To commemorate this milestone, they have launched a memorial website featuring various projects. The site includes a special video, the opening of an official Discord server, discounts on Switch games, the upcoming release of "Kanon" on Steam, and the sale of commemorative merchandise. On June 14th, a live streaming event will take place, where notable figures like Tatsuya Okano and Kai will attend. They will unveil a new game titled "anemoi" and provide further details on the anniversary projects.
Scores Source>>Elden Ring's new DLC, "Shadow of the Erdtree," announces pre-load and release dates.
Summary: 《Elden Ring: The Shadow of the Golden Tree》PS5 version, with a capacity of 16.502GB, is scheduled for pre-load on June 19th and will be officially released on June 21st. The game's base version has been updated to 01.012.000, with a total capacity of 54.230GB. The new DLC includes over a hundred weapons, a dozen main bosses, and mini-bosses.
Explanation:
- Pre-load: Allows players to download the game files before the official release, so they can start playing immediately upon launch.
- DLC (Downloadable Content): Additional content provided after the game's release, typically adding new missions, characters, or items.
- BOSS: A particularly powerful enemy in the game, often marking the end of a chapter or a significant turning point.
Insights: 《Elden Ring》is renowned for its profound worldview and challenging combat. The new DLC,《The Shadow of the Golden Tree》, not only expands the game's content but also deepens the player's experience. The introduction of over a hundred new weapons and a variety of boss designs suggests an increase in game difficulty and exploration fun. For players who love challenges, this is undoubtedly an update worth anticipating.
Scores Source>>Entertainment
Netflix Announces 'Peaky Blinders' Film Starring Cillian Murphy
Netflix announces the film adaptation of "Peaky Blinders," starring Cillian Murphy, with filming set to commence in September. Murphy, expressing his joy at reuniting with creators Steven Knight and Tom Harper, views the project as a gift to fans.
"Peaky Blinders" is a British series centered around the Shelby criminal family in post-WWI Birmingham. The title refers to the gang's practice of sewing razor blades into the peaks of their caps.
Murphy's character, Tommy Shelby, the gang's strategic and complex leader, has enthralled audiences. The move to film promises a deeper exploration of this iconic figure and his world.
Scores Source>>Love Concert: Pioneering Accessible Classical Music in China
In 2012, entrepreneur and musician Song Jianping established the music brand Love Concert with the aim of making classical music accessible and affordable for everyone. Over the past decade, Love Concert has expanded from a single entity into a comprehensive performance conglomerate, hosting over 5,000 shows and managing three orchestras that perform throughout the year in Beijing.
Song's journey started from humble beginnings, working various jobs to support his passion for music. His market insight revealed a gap in medium-sized venues, leading him to create smaller, intimate spaces for frequent and diverse performances. This approach not only increased accessibility but also enhanced the frequency and variety of shows, catering to a wider audience.
The opening of the Love Concert Art Space in Sanlitun, a fashionable Beijing district, was a significant milestone. Despite pandemic challenges, the venue flourished, offering a blend of classical and contemporary music that attracted a lively crowd. Its success highlights the potential of smaller, versatile performance spaces in urban environments.
Love Concert's innovative model, which combines performances with interactive cultural experiences, has set a new benchmark in the Chinese entertainment industry. By integrating various art forms and leveraging popular culture, they have bridged the gap between high art and everyday entertainment, demonstrating that innovative presentation can democratize the arts.
The shift from grand theaters to intimate, multifunctional venues reflects a broader trend in the arts, prioritizing accessibility and engagement over traditional formality. Love Concert's journey underscores the impact of vision and adaptability in reshaping cultural landscapes.
Scores Source>>"Never Give Up on Swimming": Diana Nyad's Ocean Journey and Growth
"Never Give Up on Swimming": Diana Nyad's Ocean Odyssey
Diana Nyad, a record-holding long-distance swimmer, decided at the age of 60 to reignite her dream from age 28—to swim from Cuba to Florida without the protection of a shark cage. Her surname, "Nyad," in Greek mythology refers to water nymphs, symbolizing her deep connection with the ocean.
This film is not just about challenges, but also about personal growth. Nyad learned to adapt to currents, avoid jellyfish, and understand that each challenge is the result of team effort through her failures. She learned humility and gratitude, transformations of the heart that are more significant than success itself.
The film's pace is intense, vividly depicting Nyad's struggles and perseverance. Each attempt makes the audience ponder: "Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life." This question is not only directed at Nyad but also serves as a profound reflection for each of us.
Personal Insight: Nyad's story is a hymn to the limitless possibilities of life. Her persistence and growth remind us that in the face of difficulties, we should not give up easily, but learn and move forward with others. This is not only a test of personal will but also an exploration of the courage and wisdom deep within human nature.
Scores Source>>Health
C919 Jet Powered by Sustainable Aviation Fuel from Waste Oil Makes Historic Flight
China's C919 jet, a symbol of national pride, took to the skies powered by a novel blend of bio-jet fuel, primarily sourced from discarded cooking oil and animal fats. This inaugural flight signifies a major step forward in the nation's pursuit of sustainable aviation.
The fuel, termed Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), offers a cleaner alternative to conventional jet fuel, with the potential for significant reductions in carbon emissions. By recycling waste oils, China not only addresses environmental pollution but also enhances its technological capabilities in green aviation.
This achievement, realized through domestic innovation, highlights China's dedication to environmental responsibility and its aspiration to spearhead the global transition to eco-friendly transportation.
In essence, the C919's journey, fueled by what was once considered "gutter oil," ushers in a new era where waste is repurposed as a resource, propelling advancements and sustainability in aviation.
Scores Source>>Medibank Faces Potential $500 Million Fine Over Massive Data Breach
Medibank, Australia's healthcare giant, faces a staggering potential fine of over $21 trillion for a 2022 data breach. The breach exposed sensitive information of 970 million customers, including medical records and personal identifiers, on the dark web. The Australian Information Commissioner accuses Medibank of neglecting to secure this data adequately.
The breach targeted sensitive patient details, including termination of pregnancy records, and personal data like names, addresses, and Medicare numbers. Despite the severity, Medibank refused to pay the ransom demanded by the hackers, aligning with government advice.
The Commissioner's lawsuit alleges violations of the Privacy Act, with each of the 970 million affected individuals potentially constituting a separate violation, each carrying a maximum fine of $2.22 million. However, recent amendments cap the total fine at $500 million, still a colossal sum.
This case underscores the critical need for robust data protection measures, especially for entities handling sensitive personal information. The potential fines reflect the gravity of privacy violations in the digital age, where data breaches can lead to severe personal and financial harm.
Scores Source>>Eko Health Secures $41M for AI-Enhanced Heart Disease Detection
Eko Health, a 2013 startup, has revolutionized the stethoscope by integrating AI, enhancing early and precise detection of heart diseases. Their device, utilized by over 500,000 healthcare professionals, captures chest sounds and ECG data, which is then analyzed by their AI for potential heart conditions.
Traditional stethoscopes frequently overlook nuanced differences in heart sounds, resulting in delayed or inaccurate diagnoses. Eko's AI technology merges heart sound analysis with cardiac rhythm evaluation, offering insights comparable to a cardiologist's expertise, even in general medical settings.
Recently, the FDA granted approval for Eko's AI to detect early signs of heart failure and heart murmurs, which may indicate defective heart valves. Research indicates that Eko's AI surpasses primary care physicians in identifying heart diseases.
With a $41 million Series D funding, Eko aims to enhance its AI capabilities for detecting pulmonary conditions such as asthma and pneumonia, and to broaden its market reach globally.
The integration of AI in healthcare tools, exemplified by Eko's stethoscope, could dramatically enhance disease detection and improve patient outcomes, transforming routine check-ups into potentially lifesaving interventions.
Scores Source>>Sports
Italy Aims for Redemption at Euro 2024 Under New Coach Spalletti
Italy, fresh from the embarrassment of missing the World Cup, eyes redemption at Euro 2024. Coach Luciano Spalletti, who led Napoli to a thrilling Serie A victory, aims to instill pride and a positive Italian identity in his team. Despite a squad overhaul since their Euro 2021 triumph, Italy's new attacking style under Spalletti suggests a promising campaign.
Spalletti emphasizes the importance of national pride, dismissing players who trivialize the national team. His strategy includes integrating key players from Inter Milan and exploring options like Gianluca Scamacca and Mateo Retegui to fill gaps in the forward line.
As reigning champions, Italy faces a challenging group with Albania, Spain, and Croatia. Spalletti's focus on fostering a team ethos that transcends individual talent could be pivotal in their title defense.
Scores Source>>WeRide's Autonomous Buses to Serve at 2024 French Open
In 2024, the French Open will witness a technological leap. Renault and the French Tennis Federation have partnered with WeRide, a leading autonomous driving company, to deploy L4-level self-driving minibuses for passenger transport during the event. These buses, pioneers in large-scale commercial operation, have already been tested and operated in 30 cities worldwide.
WeRide's advancements extend beyond the tennis courts. They have secured regulatory approvals for testing in various cities, including Guangzhou and Beijing, and have launched services in multiple forms, from street cleaning robots to passenger-carrying vehicles. The company's trajectory is marked by significant milestones: obtaining international licenses, achieving over 10 million kilometers in autonomous driving, and gearing up for an IPO in the U.S., with a valuation exceeding $5 billion.
This integration of autonomous technology into major sporting events not only showcases its readiness for public use but also underscores the rapid evolution of AI in everyday life. As these vehicles navigate the bustling streets of Paris, they symbolize a future where machines seamlessly blend with human environments, enhancing convenience and safety.
Scores Source>>Green Bay Packers' Receiving Corps Showcases Depth and Diversity
In Green Bay, the Packers' receiving corps is a tapestry of talent, lacking a singular star but rich in options. Quarterback Jordan Love embraces this diversity, seeing it as an asset rather than a deficit. Last season, five different players led the team in receiving yards, a testament to their collective strength.
The departure of Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams, once a formidable duo, has ushered in a new era. The Packers have strategically drafted to rebuild their receiving lineup, with rookies like Jayden Reed and Christian Watson showing promise. Reed notably set rookie records with 64 catches and 793 yards, while Watson, despite injury setbacks, has shown potential.
Coach Matt LaFleur shares Love's perspective, emphasizing the unit's collective capabilities over the need for a single standout. This depth, though challenging to manage, is a luxury in the NFL.
The Packers' strategy of diversifying targets and spreading the ball could be a strategic advantage, keeping defenses on their toes and maximizing the potential of their young, versatile receivers.
Scores Source>>Food
Supermac's Wins Trademark Dispute Against McDonald's in EU
Supermac's, an Irish takeaway, emerged victorious over McDonald's in a trademark dispute. The European court determined that McDonald's cannot exclusively use the term "Big Mac" for chicken burgers within the EU. This ruling comes after a 17-year legal struggle, during which Supermac's alleged that McDonald's engaged in "trademark intimidation"—a practice of registering names to hinder competitors.
The court concluded that McDonald's had not sufficiently proven the genuine use of the "Big Mac" trademark for specific goods and services. This decision paves the way for Supermac's to expand throughout Europe, potentially disrupting the market dominance of a global fast-food behemoth.
Trademark intimidation refers to the strategy of registering trademarks not for actual use, but to block others from using them, a tactic frequently employed by large corporations to stifle smaller competitors.
Scores Source>>Japanese Whisky Makers Invest to Meet Global Demand
Japanese whisky makers, buoyed by rising global demand, are expanding their production capabilities. Nikka Whisky Distilling, in partnership with Asahi Breweries, plans to invest approximately $38 million to enhance storage facilities for malt whisky across three sites in Japan. This investment is part of a broader strategy to quadruple sales by 2040, capitalizing on a projected 2-3% annual growth in the global whisky market.
Nikka Whisky President Tamesada Kazutomo emphasizes the premium status of Japanese whisky, aiming to solidify its position among the world's top whiskies. Similarly, Suntory has committed around $64 million to upgrade distilleries in Osaka and Yamanashi, targeting completion by 2024.
These investments reflect a strategic move by Japanese whisky makers to meet anticipated demand, leveraging their reputation for quality to capture a larger share of the global market.
Scores Source>>Shanghai Hosts 'JAPAN SAKE MONTH' to Promote Japanese Alcohol Trade and Culture
"JAPAN SAKE MONTH" was launched in Shanghai, featuring 108 Japanese companies and over 1000 types of sake, whiskey, and other spirits. This event, supported by various Chinese and Japanese government bodies, aims to enhance cultural exchange and stimulate trade.
The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) has set up a permanent "Japan Mall" at the Hongqiao Import Commodity Exhibition and Sales Center, facilitating the shift from exhibition to sales. This initiative not only benefits the local economy but also strengthens the relationship between China and Japan.
Although there has been a slight decrease in export numbers, China continues to be the largest market for Japanese alcohol. JETRO plans to expand its market reach, targeting not only Japanese restaurants but also Chinese and Western eateries, aiming to introduce Japanese beverages to a wider audience.
This strategic move reflects a long-term vision, akin to the approach taken by the wine industry, which took several years to establish itself in China. The potential for growth in the Japanese alcohol market is significant, indicating a promising future for this sector.
Scores Source>>