Japanese Rugby League One saw some exciting fixtures recently, including a 40-33 win by Toshiba Brave Lupus Tokyo over Black Rams Tokyo, with All Blacks Richie Mo’unga and Mamoru Harada receiving yellow cards. Shizuoka Blue Revs beat Toyota Verblitz 24-8, with Verblitz facing a setback when All Black Beauden Barrett was yellow-carded. Hanazono Kintetsu Liners lost to Steelers, Yokohama Canon Eagles beat Cheslin Kolbe's Suntory Sungoliath with a remarkable comeback, Saitama Wild Knights dominated Kubota Spears with Springbok Damian de Allende leading the charge, and Mitsubishi Sagamihara Dynaboars won 31-26 against Mie Honda Heat.

Follow the link for a recap of all the action: https://www.planetrugby.com/news/all-blacks-playmakers-binned-as-springboks-inspire-victories-in-japan

UNCOVERED FUND, a Japanese venture capital firm, will host the Showcase Africa conference on Mar 19, 2024. The event will bring together over 20 promising startups from Africa and Japanese corporations and investors. The conference aims to bridge the gap between tech ecosystems in Africa and Japan, provide a platform for startups to raise funds and explore commercial partnerships, and offer workshops on corporate venture capital and carbon credit trading.

https://techcabal.com/2024/03/13/uncovered-fund-to-showcase-20-african-start-ups-in-japan/

Exciting news! Singapore Airlines will be offering affordable fares to South Africa.

The special fares start at ¥68,170 (all-in) for flights departing from Nagoya and ¥75,080 (all-in) for travelers departing from Tokyo. This offer is available for booking from March 21, 2024, to March 27, 2024, so make sure to book your tickets now to take advantage of this amazing deal.

To book your tickets, simply visit the LOVE SQ TABI♡ page on the Singapore Airlines website. The process is quick, easy, and hassle-free. Once you've booked your tickets, you can sit back, relax, and look forward to your exciting journey to South Africa.

Mark the date to book your tickets now and get ready to visit South Africa!

See the latest video promoting the beauty of South Africa, courtesy of South African Tourism

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=acSw5yiPgiM

Japanese companies are expected to invest up to R300 billion in South Africa's green hydrogen economy over the next few years. With South Africa having 70% of the world's platinum-group metals, which are crucial for hydrogen technology, the two countries' collaboration is essential for advancing large-scale hydrogen technology development. The partnership aims to establish a value chain from PGM mining to the production of technology and products for local and export markets, enhancing South Africa's hydrogen sector through local beneficiation.


https://www.msn.com/en-za/news/other/sanedi-expects-r300bn-investment-into-sa-green-hydrogen-by-japanese-companies/ar-BB1iUDPL?ocid=finance-verthp-feeds

Japan and South Africa are collaborating on green hydrogen technology, powered by renewable sources like wind, water, and solar. The partnership aims to leverage South Africa's rich platinum-group metals resources to spearhead large-scale hydrogen technology development, reducing global carbon emissions. The transition to green hydrogen poses challenges, including the need for substantial investment in production and infrastructure, as well as sustainable mining practices. However, initiatives like the Johannesburg seminar offer hope for a cleaner, greener planet.

https://bnnbreaking.com/world/renewable-frontiers-japan-and-south-africa-forge-a-green-hydrogen-alliance-in-johannesburg

Former Springboks captain Victor Matfield will join Eddie Jones as a consultant for the Japanese national rugby team. Matfield previously played under Jones in the 2007 Rugby World Cup-winning campaign. With a series of tests scheduled, Matfield's appointment received praise from former Springboks teammate Andre Pretorius.

https://www.japantimes.co.jp/sports/2024/02/12/more-sports/victor-matfield-japan-consultant/

The Japan External Trade Organisation (Jetro) this week hosted key South African private and public sector delegates and a high-profile Japanese business delegation at a green hydrogen seminar, in Johannesburg, on February 12.

Follow the link to watch coverage of this event: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nEpbsiIHUw

For more visit www.engineeringnews.co.za

Exxaro Resources, a major player in South Africa's coal industry, is positive about the demand for its higher-grade RB1 coal, especially from Japan. Despite facing challenges such as lower export volumes, the company sees opportunities for growth and is exploring alternatives such as using the port city of Maputo in Mozambique for exports. Exxaro has a substantial budget for acquisitions and is actively seeking opportunities in copper assets in Zambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and Botswana, as well as potential acquisitions in the manganese sector in South Africa, which holds significant global reserves.

https://www.xm.com/research/markets/allNews/reuters/south-africas-exxaro-bullish-on-coal-eyes-higher-japan-exports-53759640

27 representatives from international Japanese organizations will visit South Africa from Feb 12-16 to explore opportunities in the growing green hydrogen sector. Hosted by Jetro in Johannesburg, the delegation will meet stakeholders and visit significant sites in Gauteng and the Western Cape to foster collaboration and exchange of knowledge. The visit reflects the commitment of Japanese businesses and government entities to the development of the green hydrogen industry in South Africa.

https://www.engineeringnews.co.za/article/high-profile-japanese-delegation-to-visit-south-africa-to-explore-hydrogen-potential-2024-02-09

Cape Town ranks 2nd in Time Out's '50 Best Cities in the World to Visit 2024' list after New York. It's vibrant culture, picturesque landscapes, and recent recognition for having the "best community spirit in Africa" contribute to its appeal. The success is attributed to investments in infrastructure, water and energy security, and enhanced safety measures. With 2.9 million visitors in 2023, the city's economy sees new job opportunities.

https://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/western-cape/cape-town-secures-coveted-2nd-place-in-50-best-cities-in-the-world-to-visit-survey-6d3da1b4-cb02-44f2-94de-96e564c94279