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  • Alibaba Cloud and OBS Unveil Innovative Cloud Solutions for the Olympic Games

    Alibaba Cloud and OBS Unveil Innovative Cloud Solutions for the Olympic Games

    Olympic Broadcasting Services (OBS) and Alibaba Cloud, the cloud computing arm of Alibaba Group, announced the launch of OBS Cloud, an innovative broadcasting solution that operates entirely on the cloud, to help transform the media industry for the digital era. Set to be in place for Tokyo 2020, the OBS Cloud aims to offer all the necessary cloud components, in specialized configurations, that can support the extremely demanding content production and delivery workflows of the broadcasting of the Olympic Games.

    Tokyo 2020 will be a game-changer for broadcasters as it showcases new possibilities for the industry by presenting solutions on the cloud. The use of cloud technologies has been gradually adopted for content creation and distribution purposes in broadcasting, however the extremely demanding requirements for volume, speed and latency that are inherent in live sports broadcasting of major events have kept the use of the cloud at a very low level, despite its multiple advantages. Apart from providing inherent flexibility and scalability, the use of the cloud may also help with the limited time frame that broadcasters have to set up, test and commission their on-premises systems. Traditionally, broadcasters of the Olympics have only been able to implement and test their equipment upon arrival at the International Broadcast Centre (IBC) in the host city, and the physical space dedicated to broadcasters on site has always been in high demand.

    As the host broadcaster, OBS can now provide most of the visual and audio assets of the Olympic Games to all Rights Holding Broadcasters (RHBs) through the new cloud platform efficiently, effectively and securely. Broadcasters can also set up their own content creation, management and distribution systems on OBS Cloud, a solution that has been optimized to address the particular needs of the most demanding live multi-sport workflows.

    The proprietary OBS Cloud leverages Alibaba Cloud’s services featuring best-in-class technology infrastructure to create an optimal media broadcasting environment for all RHBs of the Olympics. The OBS Cloud which will run on the most advanced Intel® Xeon® scalable processors, offers a suite of solutions including super computing capabilities, high-speed connectivity directly from the IBC, easily accessible cloud storage considering the demanding Olympic requirements, real-time monitoring, live video and audio broadcasting services and media processing.

    Also announced today was a partnership aimed at advancing the digital transformation of the Olympics and delivering volumetric content over the OBS Cloud for the first time at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020. Intel, also an Olympic TOP Partner, will collaborate with Alibaba and OBS to explore a more efficient and reliable delivery pipeline of immersive media to RHBs worldwide that will improve the fan experience and bring them closer to the action via Intel’s volumetric and virtual reality technologies.

    Additionally, the live media service on OBS Cloud allows RHBs to experiment with new program ideas in a secure sandbox environment or conduct interactive event broadcasts, accelerating the digitization of the coverage during the Games.

    After the Games, RHBs will also have the flexibility to move their deployment home or keep the asset within the OBS Cloud for future Olympic events.

    “We are very pleased that Alibaba Cloud has come up with this innovative and powerful approach to Olympic broadcasting. As the host broadcaster of the Olympic Games, we at OBS see ourselves as a leader in transforming the media industry,” said Yiannis Exarchos, CEO of OBS. “Tokyo 2020 will be an opportunity for the International Olympic Committee to champion digital transformation in the media industry, as well as empowering broadcasters around the world with a cloud platform that delivers new possibilities for how the Games are enjoyed by fans around the world.” Joey Tan, General Manager of Global Strategic Accounts and Sports Business Unit, Alibaba Cloud said, “The future of the Olympic Games is in cloud technology and Alibaba Cloud is fully committed to contribute to the digital transformation of the Olympic Games through innovation. This partnership with OBS is an exciting initiative to expand the reach and accessibility of the Olympic Games content and ultimately stimulate a rethink on how the media industry operates in a digital era. We are excited to create a new standard in broadcasting and a more enjoyable experience for audiences around the world during Tokyo 2020.”

    Jay Sankar, CTO and Head of Product of Intel Sports, commented, “Sports fans today are seeking more immersive and engaging experiences. Intel’s partnership with Alibaba Cloud and OBS is aimed at delivering these ground-breaking experiences to Rights Holding Broadcasters and fans in a seamless, efficient manner over the OBS Cloud, powered by the most advanced Intel Xeon Scalable processors”.

    The partnership between Alibaba Group and the International Olympic Committee began in January 2017 when the two parties signed a long-term strategic agreement that will help transform the Olympic Games for the digital era. Alibaba is now serving as the official “Cloud Services” and “E-Commerce Platform Services” partner.

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  • Japan’s TOKAI taps into Telstra’s global network

    Japan’s TOKAI taps into Telstra’s global network

    Japanese fixed line operator TOKAI Communications has contracted Australia-based Telstra to provide connectivity to help pursue an international expansion.

    TOKAI Communications has arranged to use the Telstra Programmable Network (TPN) to access Telstra’s networks.

    The Japanese operator will also to tap into Telstra’s subsea cable infrastructure spanning 230 countries and territories, as well as its Ethernet Private Line services, to directly connect TOKAI’s business locations on point-to-point subsea cables linking Singapore and Tokyo.

    According to the companies, the partnership will give TOKAI Communications the capability to compete in new markets and to connect customers to new overseas opportunities.

    “Telstra developed TPN to empower enterprises to meet the challenges of the future, embrace digital transformation and to quickly respond to changing market and customer demands,” Telstra head of international Oliver Camplin-Warner said.

    “With TPN, employees at TOKAI Communications will operate on a single, integrated and intelligent platform that provides flexible and dynamic access to Telstra’s high bandwidth, low latency and secure networks that allow the enterprise adapt faster to changing demands.”

  • Flights from Da Nang to Osaka for Vietnam Airlines

    Flights from Da Nang to Osaka for Vietnam Airlines

    The first non-stop flights from Da Nang to Japan will begin on 28 October, the national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines has confirmed. The airline will use an Airbus A321 with services meeting 4-star standards to cover the 2,114 miles (3,403 kilometers) from Da Nang to Japan’s Osaka City, with flights taking around four and a half-hour.

    The airline will operate 7 return flights each week. The non-stop flights will depart from Da Nang at 00:20 am, and from Osaka at 09:30 am local time. This will be the 11th air route to Japan operated by the Vietnam Airlines after those from Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang to Japanese cities of Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka.

    Mr. Nguyen Duc Quynh – Executive Vice Chairman of Danang Hotel Association, Deputy General Director of Furama Resort Danang, opined: “The Japan market recently makes up 10% of Danang tourism industry and continue to increase strongly. Thanks to this new direct air-route that we will have more opportunity to attract this potential market, as well as introduces the “fantastic-city” of Danang to Japan. We need to take advantage of this chance by providing more Japan-friendly services, promoting our venue as not only Leisure but also an ideal MICE destination. Danang tourism colleges and Hotels in Danang should provide more Japanese language training to their tour guides and staff to welcome more and more tourists from Japan to the City.”

    As reported, from 2011 – 2017, the number of visitors from Japan had increased 18 times, especially, 2016 – 2017 period eyes a rise of 23,000 tourists. Not only Japan market, overview the snapshot of Danang tourism, air travelers to Da Nang increased 40% over the same period last year. The number of international visitors to Da Nang is concentrated mainly in North East Asia (Korea, China, Japan) through direct flights to Da Nang. The number of international flights this year at Da Nang International Airport is 183, an increase of 76 flights over the same period of 2017.

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  • Kit Kat Bar opens in Tokyo, serves new Japanese Umeshu Plum Sake Kit Kats

    Kit Kat Bar opens in Tokyo, serves new Japanese Umeshu Plum Sake Kit Kats

    Nestle has opened a pop-up bar in Tokyo to mark today’s release of its new sake-flavoured Kit Kat bar.

    “Craft Sake Week @Kit Kat Bar” has been offering visitors a preview of the new Umeshu Plum Sake-flavoured chocolate bar paired with cocktails. The space is overseen by former soccer star Hidetoshi Nakata, now known for his work with more than 350 local sake breweries designing products to promote their rice wines both nationally and globally.

    Two Ume Sake Kit Kat and cocktail pairings served in Milano glasses are the highlight of the pop-up. The cocktails, created by noted craft cocktail designers to complement the flavours of the new Kit Kat, are exclusive to the bar.

    The pop-up, which runs to September 24, features other products both collaborated on and curated by Nakata to convey the beauty of traditional Japanese sake crafts, as well as a sake-tasting area.

    Nestle released it first premium sake flavoured Kit Kat last year.

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  • Dunhill Ginza flagship store opens in Tokyo

    Dunhill Ginza flagship store opens in Tokyo

    Men’s clothing designer Dunhill London has opened a new flagship store in Ginza, Tokyo.

    The Dunhill Ginza store blends bar and barbershop environments to create “a masculine and contemporary space” alongside the latest collections by creative director Mark Weston. It also features a new tailoring room for bespoke and made-to-measure services.

    CEO Andrew Maag said the new Dunhill Ginza store brings a complete elevated brand experience to the brand’s most important market and further cements its position as the leader of British luxury menswea

    A bar on the first and second floors serves Japanese contemporary fusion food with a British twist, while on the first floor the Dunhill barber service offers tailored men’s grooming, shaving and treatments in partnership with The Barba Tokyo.

    The store’s design features bronzed brass and wood, together with signature black leather and black metal details, all recognisable codes of the brand’s stores.

    A metal-and-glass facade leads to an open and clean space that showcases apparel in what Dunhill describes as “a subtle and approachable way”.

    A shoe lounge features marble and metal displays, highlighting Dunhill’s newly launched sneakers and handmade English shoes, alongside a tailoring room for Bespoke and Made-to-Measure services.

    View the pictures in the gallery below :

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  • Cartier pop up opened Tokyo convenience store

    Cartier pop up opened Tokyo convenience store

    A Cartier pop up is set to be hosted in a Tokyo convenience store.

    In a stark contrast of venue for the distinguished luxury heritage brand, the store-in-store will exhibit the brand’s latest jewellery collection Juste en Clou, designed to resemble the iron nail, elevating the unremarkable object to a premium status.

    The convenience store on Jingu-mae will be open from September 21–30, operating from 12–8 pm daily.

    The line is currently already featuring in a gallery setting in Roppongi Hills, which will also run through to September 30.

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  • Ikea eyes new stores in Tokyo, Osaka

    Ikea eyes new stores in Tokyo, Osaka

    Ikea Japan says it plans to expand its store network into city centres after the success of its  large-format stores in outskirt locations.

    Ikea Japan K.K. president Helene von Reis said in an interview that the company will open “many shops in Tokyo” given the city’s size.

    “Then we will move into Osaka. We have to start first and understand how this works in Tokyo.”

    She had earlier said during a press briefing that Ikea Japan was working hard to find the right sites in Tokyo. “Hopefully I will be able to give you some good news before this year is over.”

    Ikea Japan’s strategy to head downtown is a contrast to its European experience where it has decided to close smaller city stores after an unsuccessful trial.

    Von Reis said the company recognised customer preferences are changing.

    “Consumers are demanding accessibility and the value of time. It is also a fact that young people don’t have cars. That’s also a global [phenomenon].”

    She said the company believes there is a lot of growth potential for the home furnishings market in Japan.

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  • Revampad Marimekko flagship store opens in Tokyo

    Revampad Marimekko flagship store opens in Tokyo

    Marimekko Japan has relaunched its popular flagship store in Tokyo.

    The Finnish design and fashion retailer’s revamped store, located in a standalone building in the fashionable Omotesando district, is one of the most important Marimekko stores globally given Japan’s status as the company’s second-largest single market after Finland.

    Marimekko products have been sold in Japan since the early 1970s, and the past decade has seen the company make significant efforts to develop the brand with its local partner Look Inc.

    President and CEO of Marimekko Tiina Alahuhta-Kasko said the flagship, “as the embodiment of our brand,” plays a significant role in the company’s Asia-Pacific growth strategy.

    “We believe that our home-inspired store concept reflecting genuine, sustainable and cheerful values will offer an even more fascinating holistic customer experience to both existing and new friends of Marimekko.

    “Emotional and experiential stores alongside the availability provided by e-commerce are important factors in building strong brands. Consumers’ loyalty is increasingly based on the values a brand represents. In the fashion and design sector, genuineness, sustainability and timelessness are gaining prominence as consumers’ decision-making criteria in addition to personal self-expression. At Marimekko, we see these trends in consumer behaviour as a natural opportunity to stand out,” she said.

    A new store opening scheduled for the end of this month will take the total Marimekko store network in Greater Tokyo to 18. There are currently 37 Marimekko Japan stores, including an online shop.

    Check full gallery below (5 images) :

  • Nike x Top Dawg Launches Official Capsule Collection

    Nike x Top Dawg Launches Official Capsule Collection

    Nike and Top Dawg Entertainment are hosting a pop-up shop in Tokyo this weekend ahead of Kendrick Lamar’s Fuji Rock Festival performance.

    To mark the occasion, Japanese clothing brand Undercover has partnered with rapper “DNA” for the release of an exclusive special collaboration capsule.

    The Damn. pop-up shop will feature a number of garments and accessories themed after K. Dot’s latest release.

    One of the capsule’s items has been previewed on Instagram, which unveiled a black T-shirt with “Damn.” written across the front chest.

    The Damn pop-up shop is set to take place at NikeLab’s MA5 location in Tokyo.

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  • Tokyo LACOSTE’s new travel retail store opens with new concept

    Tokyo LACOSTE’s new travel retail store opens with new concept

    Lacoste is pursuing its Asian expansion with the opening of a new travel-retail outlet within Lotte Duty Free Shop Ginza in Tokyo.

    The brand is, for the first time, introducing its new retail concept – “Le Club” – into Asia Pacific. The French word hints at the exclusivity and uniqueness of the location. With Le Club, Lacoste is biting the curiosity of both foreign visitors in Japan but also Japanese tourists traveling abroad.

    For this 50sqm store, the crocodile has played on its authentic sportive roots, merging the brand’s and its creator’s core values. With a layout reminiscent of a tennis court, the customer is invited to dive into René Lacoste’s universe, founder and early 20th century tennis champ. Open in order to let the light in, the green concrete panel is a nod to René LACOSTE’s tennis practice wall. A whole new design which creates a unique human and customer experience.

  • UFC Gym plans Tokyo expansion

    UFC Gym plans Tokyo expansion

    UFC Gym has announced plans to open 20 franchise locations in Japan starting from next year.

    The gym, which creates its own training programs inspired by UFC athletes’ training regimens, has opened more than 150 locations worldwide since first opening in 2009.

    UFC Gym president Adam Sedlack said: “We are thrilled to announce the addition of Japan to the UFC Gym family. The overall passion for sports, entertainment and fitness is strong in Japan, and we believe this market will be a perfect fit for our ‘Train Different’ philosophy.”

    The gym is seeking enquiries from potential franchisees both domestically and internationally.

  • Brand new Shibuya mall and hotel to open in September to welcome Olympic

    Brand new Shibuya mall and hotel to open in September to welcome Olympic

    Among changes ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Shibuya is having a revamp that includes Shibuya Stream, on the south side of the railway station.

    It is a complex covering the point where the Shibuya River emerges from underground. The theme of the first three floors is “Shibuya Style: Custom Shibuya”, with 30 businesses recruited that target “adults who have their own style and live their life their own way”. Most of these places are new to the area, the city or the country.

    The first floor, the Riverside Market (pictured), is intended to resemble a relaxing riverside area. It will feature a restaurant from Osaka making its Tokyo debut, Bokkoku Kaiten Tori Ryouri, which appears to have a Mexican menu. A branch of The Great Burger Stand will be among five other businesses.

    Meant to mimic the streets of Shibuya, the second floor will be called Shibuya CustomStreet and feature 15 shops, including two restaurants by bakery connoisseur Shuichiro Omura, as well as a French restaurant with an open kitchen.

    Introducing paella

    Shibuya Court, the third floor, will feature nine more restaurants with open spaces, including cuisine options like Japanese and Spanish. For the first time in Japan, guests will be able to taste Barcelona-style paella and Spanish seafood at Xiringuito Escriba.

    Two plazas will make up the ground floor of Shibuya Stream. The first will face the great stairs leading up to the first floor as well as the Inari Bridge. It will serve as Shibuya Stream’s connection to the south side while also giving guests a chance to look over the river. There are already plans for promotional events to occur here.

    The second open space will stretch along the river to Kanno Bridge with the intention of hosting markets, beer gardens, festivals and community events. The area will also be landscaped and lined with green, and the river will be given a boost to its image with new water-treatment projects.

    The shops will be open for business from September 13. Pictures of the rendering can be viewed below :

     

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  • Fatburger Buffalo’s Express opens Tokyo burger restaurant

    Fatburger Buffalo’s Express opens Tokyo burger restaurant

    A co-branded Fatburger Buffalo’s Express is opening its first Tokyo location tomorrow. Located at the Magnet by Shibuya109 building in Shibuya Crossing, the US fast-food brands’ outlet will feature all-American fare from Buffalo’s Express and Fatburger, as well as alcoholic offerings from bar concept, FatBar.

    “We’ve been waiting for the perfect opportunity to enter Japan and it’s finally here. As a team, we couldn’t be more pleased with how this flagship location has developed,” said Andy Wiederhorn, CEO of Fat Brands.

    “Our recipes, ambiance and service have exceeded expectations in other locations across Asia and I expect nothing less in Tokyo.”

    The Japanese outlet is operated by Green Micro Factory, subsidiary of G Three Holdings.

    Fatburger parent company Fat Brands has recently announced openings and development deals in Canada, the Philippines, Scotland, Singapore and Southern California.

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  • Alexachung expands with Tokyo pop-ups

    Alexachung expands with Tokyo pop-ups

    British womenswear label Alexachung has marked its Asian expansion with a series of Tokyo pop-ups, starting earlier this month.

    Alexachung hopes the pop-ups will build brand awareness and boost sales thanks to a “very loyal” Japanese customer base.

    “Our goal is to build a reliable, constant presence and hope to develop retail when [we] are ready to,” said Alexachung CEO Edwin Bodson.

    Hong Kong-based Bluebell Group is the exclusive distribution for Alexachung in Japan.

    Korea and Taiwan are also considered to have strong potential thanks to solid retail and wholesale volumes last season.

    The brand also plans to open a London store by 2020.

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  • Poltrona Frau Tokyo opens door

    Poltrona Frau Tokyo opens door

    Italian furniture brand Poltrona Frau has opened its first showroom in Tokyo.

    Covering two floors, the 366sqm store’s design is inspired by the firm’s Via Manzoni showroom in Milan.

    Its opening in the culture/fashion/design district of Aoyama represents an important step for the company’s strategy to expand in Asia. It already has a distribution presence in 350 cities.

    The showroom’s layout combines historical and contemporary pieces, from the 1930s Vanity Fair armchair to the GranTorino sofa and the Archibald armchair, both designed by Jean-Marie Massaud.

    Poltrona Frau was founded in 1912 by Sardinian-born Renzo Frau in Turin.

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