CNN's "Innovate Japan"

HONG KONG,June 24,2019 -- Beginning this week on CNN,'Innovate Japan' examines how a nation famous for introducing technological wonders to the world is innovating to improve life for its aging population. From artificial intelligence and robotics to virtual reality and sensory experiences,the latest creations to come out of Japan have the potential to change the way people live around the world.

CNN’s 'Innovate Japan'

In this special 30-minute program,CNN International correspondent Will Ripley explores Japan's evolving technological landscape through the prism of its aging society.

Highlights of the show include:

Enhance- sensory experiences to improve wellness

Game developer Enhance created the multi-sensory Synesthesia Suit to trigger sensation and maximize the video game experience. Now with its newest product,the 'Synesthesia X1' the company is exploring how it can apply its breakthrough technology to the wellness field,using the power of touch,vision,sound and music to bring mindfulness to a new generation of users.

Ascent Robotics- driverless technology

Ascent Roboticsis focused on overcoming the challenges of an aging society and shrinking workforce by aiming to complete a fully autonomous vehicle system by 2020. With a staff made up of mostly engineers and scientists representing more than 24 countries globally,the company is developing software which uses artificial intelligence for its driverless vehicles as well as its industrial robots.

JR East- smart trains for smoother transportation

Already renowned for their punctuality,Japan's trains are now getting even smarter. The East Japan Railway Company is incorporating Internet of Things technology and artificial intelligence in the maintenance of its trains,making it possible to detect changes and predict potential failures so that passengers will get to their destinations even faster.

Cyberdyne Robotics- cyborg suits for more freedom of mobility

Robotics firm Cyberdyne is on a mission to develop practical technologies that benefit society. Its robot suit HAL assists elderly people with mobility trouble by strengthening the signal pathways between the brain and muscles. It has already been approved for use in hospitals in Japan and around the world.

Virtually Able- travel adventures from home

While working as a therapist,Kenta Toshima started creating 360-degree videos to bring virtual reality travel experiences to elderly patients who are no longer able to physically visit these destinations. Along with University of Tokyo lecturer Dr. Atsushi Hiyama,he is now teaching active senior citizens how to film and create their own videos so they can share their travels and bring joy to their friends.

'Innovate Japan' trailer: https://cnn.it/2Ir6zsM

'Innovate Japan' photos: https://bit.ly/2KyzxsW

Airtimes for the 30-minute special:

Saturday,29th June at 1930 HKT

Monday,1st July at 0230,0930,1630 HKT

About CNN International

CNN's portfolio of news and information services is available in seven different languages across all major TV,digital and mobile platforms reaching more than 475 million households around the globe. CNN International is the number one international TV news channel according to all major media surveys across Europe,the Middle East and Africa,the Asia Pacific region and Latin America and has a US presence which includes CNNgo. CNN Digital is a leading network for online news,mobile news and social media. CNN is at the forefront of digital innovation and continues to invest heavily in expanding its digital global footprint,with a suite of award-winning digital properties and a range of strategic content partnerships,commercialised through a strong data-driven understanding of audience behaviours. Over the years CNN has won multiple prestigious awards around the world for its journalism. Around 1,000 hours of long-form series,documentaries and specials are produced every year by CNNI's non-news programming division,CNN Vision. CNN has 36 editorial offices and more than 1,100 affiliates worldwide through CNN Newsource. CNN International is part of Turner,a WarnerMedia company.

Photo - https://photos.prnasia.com/prnh/20190624/2505912-1