NTT DOCOMO, INC., Miyashita Laboratory of the School of Interdisciplinary Mathematical Sciences, Meiji University,1 and H2L Inc. announced today that they have developed a technology that enables taste information to be shared between people via a human-augmentation platform2 developed by DOCOMO. The solution combines DOCOMO’s human-augmentation platform with Miyashita Laboratory and H2L’s technology for reproducing tastes.
The technology, which DOCOMO believes is the world’s first3 of its kind, comprises a sensing device that detects data on a person’s perception of taste, a human-augmentation platform that shares the taste by taking into account individual differences in sensitivity, and a “driving” device that reproduces the taste for enjoyment by others.
Specifically, after a specific taste is analyzed and quantified, a proprietary algorithm on the human-augmentation platform estimates how the first person perceived the taste using approximately 25 data points, and then the taste is reproduced using the driving device for sharing with others.
The driving device reproduces the five basic tastes (sweet, sour, salty, bitter and umami) using 20 types of base liquids. For related tastes, it uses a base solution.4 As a result, tastes that are difficult to convey in words can be shared more clearly with others.
The technology is expected to be used in virtual experiences in the metaverse space, which until now has been a purely visual and auditory world, as well as in combination with film and animation. The inclusion of taste expressions will enable users to enjoy extra-rich content and experiences with an unprecedented sense of presence.
Going forward, DOCOMO, Miyashita Laboratory and H2L will develop solutions for sharing taste perceptions based on their new technology, aiming to create new communication culture and providing new value for enhanced quality of life.
This technology will be introduced during the “docomo Open House ’24” online event beginning on January 17.
(1) Miyashita Laboratory: In addition to research on the TTTV actuator that reproduces taste perceptions, Homei Miyashita won the 2023 Ig Nobel Prize for his research on “electric taste,” which changes (extends) taste perception by applying a weak electric current. (2) The system uses DOCOMO’s “FEEL TECH” platform for sharing haptic information between people by collecting haptic information of one person and linking it with information on the five senses. (3) DOCOMO’s research as of December 21, 2023 (4) A liquid used to standardize the perception and intensity of tastes, used here to reproduce, evaluate and compare tastes.
About NTT DOCOMO
NTT DOCOMO, Japan’s leading mobile operator with over 88 million subscriptions, is one of the world’s foremost contributors to 3G, 4G and 5G mobile network technologies. Beyond core communications services, DOCOMO is challenging new frontiers in collaboration with a growing number of entities (“+d” partners), creating exciting and convenient value-added services that change the way people live and work. Under a medium-term plan toward 2020 and beyond, DOCOMO is pioneering a leading-edge 5G network to facilitate innovative services that will amaze and inspire customers beyond their expectations.https://www.docomo.ne.jp/english/
NTT DOCOMO, INC. announced today that “docomo Open House ’24 — Co-creation starts here.” will take place at the Tokyo International Forum (Hall E1) next January 17 and 18, and the online version of the Open House will be accessible from January 17 until February 29. This year’s version of the annual event will showcase 31 exhibits, which will be viewable at a preview site that is launching on November 22 at 3:00 pm (JST).
The Open House will provide visitors with opportunities to learn about the positive impact of DOCOMO’s advanced technologies on society as well as DOCOMO’s commitment to contributing to society through collaboration with various partners.
In order to ensure that as many people as possible can experience the exhibits and demonstrations firsthand, web registrations for visiting the event site in person will be newly introduced this year. Registration via the preview site will also begin today.
31 exhibits will cover a wide range of fields, including technologies for 5G Evolution & 6G, urban design, transportation, communication, generative AI, and metaverse/XR. Under the theme “Wonder fuels the future.”, the exhibits will be accompanied by wonder panels expressing the aspirations of each technology and its potential benefits for future society.
About NTT DOCOMO
NTT DOCOMO, Japan’s leading mobile operator with over 88 million subscriptions, is one of the world’s foremost contributors to 3G, 4G and 5G mobile network technologies. Beyond core communications services, DOCOMO is challenging new frontiers in collaboration with a growing number of entities (“+d” partners), creating exciting and convenient value-added services that change the way people live and work. Under a medium-term plan toward 2020 and beyond, DOCOMO is pioneering a leading-edge 5G network to facilitate innovative services that will amaze and inspire customers beyond their expectations.https://www.docomo.ne.jp/english/
NTT DOCOMO Group (DOCOMO Group) announced today its “Net-Zero by 2040” plan for achieving Net-Zero carbon emissions across the company’s entire supply chain by 2040. The plan builds on DOCOMO Group’s existing 2030 Carbon Neutrality Declaration, which commits the company to effectively reducing greenhouse gas emissions from its business operations to Net-Zero by 2030 under the slogan “Saving Our Planet With You.”
To achieve its expanded carbon-neutrality target by 2040, DOCOMO Group will work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions throughout its supply chain, which currently accounts for about 80% of the company’s total greenhouse gas emissions. The plan includes reducing Scope 1 (direct) and Scope 2 (indirect) greenhouse gas emissions from DOCOMO Group’s own fuel and electricity consumption, as well as Scope 3 emissions from the business activities of suppliers and product users in DOCOMO Group’s supply chain.
As part of its commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030, DOCOMO Group has been actively working to use renewable energy, including non-fossil fuel certificates designated as renewable energy, through measures such as securing off-site power purchase agreements,*1 powering all DOCOMO-owned telecommunications buildings and offices with green electricity within fiscal 2023 (ends March 2024), and introducing virtualized wireless base stations equipped with power-saving devices to reduce network power consumption.
Specific measures under Net-Zero by 2040 include the goal of converting all DOCOMO Shops to green power by fiscal 2030 and prioritizing environmentally friendly products when procuring telecommunications equipment and other items. In addition, DOCOMO Group will collaborate with suppliers to provide companies within its supply chain with CO2MOSTM, a CO2 emissions visualization tool, analytical consulting services, as well as Green NexcenterTM, a service that will support the use of liquid-cooled equipment in ultra-energy-saving data centers.
DOCOMO Group is also contributing to global decarbonization through its Caboneu program for collaborating with customers and partners on various initiatives, including the Caboneu Record® visualization tool, the Green Program for EmployeesTM and other eco-friendly services, and the creation of J-credits with partner companies.
Going forward, DOCOMO Group is committed to contributing to the realization of carbon neutrality in collaboration with its partner companies.
A model in which consumers contract with power producers to purchase electricity from renewable energy sources on a long-term basis, and the electricity is transmitted from generation facilities in remote locations to consumers via the power transmission and distribution network.
About NTT DOCOMO
NTT DOCOMO, Japan’s leading mobile operator with over 87 million subscriptions, is one of the world’s foremost contributors to 3G, 4G and 5G mobile network technologies. Beyond core communications services, DOCOMO is challenging new frontiers in collaboration with a growing number of entities (“+d” partners), creating exciting and convenient value-added services that change the way people live and work. Under a medium-term plan toward 2020 and beyond, DOCOMO is pioneering a leading-edge 5G network to facilitate innovative services that will amaze and inspire customers beyond their expectations.https://www.docomo.ne.jp/english/
NTT DOCOMO, INC. (DOCOMO), aiming to expand its marketing solutions business, announced today that it has successfully completed its public tender offer, at a total cost of approximately 47.1 billion yen, to acquire 19,621,921 (51.00%) common shares issued by marketing-support company INTAGE HOLDINGS, Inc. (INTAGE HD).
The offer period was from September 7 to October 16, during which DOCOMO offered to acquire more than 15,389,700 shares, or 40.0%, of INTAGE HD’s common stock. The number of tendered shares meeting the specified conditions exceed the upper limit of the offer, which is 19,621,900 shares (51.00%), so none or only some of the excess shares will be acquired. For those shares within the limit, the settlement will be carried out using the proportional distribution method specified in Article 27-13(5) of the Act and Article 32 of the Cabinet Order.
The settlement will take place on October 23, after which INTAGE HD will become a subsidiary company of DOCOMO.
Through this public tender offer, DOCOMO will combine its extensive membership base of approximately 96 million,(1) the largest in the Japanese market, with INTAGE HD’s expertise in data handling, aiming to enhance the value of this data through improved data collection, aggregation, analysis, visualization, and data mastering. DOCOMO and INTAGE HD will work closely with a variety of companies, including manufacturers, retailers and service providers, helping to make their marketing more consumer-centric and thereby enriching the lives of consumers.
(1) Number of d POINT CLUB members as of June 2023.
About NTT DOCOMO
NTT DOCOMO, Japan’s leading mobile operator with over 87 million subscriptions, is one of the world’s foremost contributors to 3G, 4G and 5G mobile network technologies. Beyond core communications services, DOCOMO is challenging new frontiers in collaboration with a growing number of entities, creating exciting and convenient value-added services that change the way people live and work. Under a medium-term plan toward 2020 and beyond, DOCOMO is pioneering a leading-edge 5G network to facilitate innovative services that will amaze and inspire customers beyond their expectations. https://www.docomo.ne.jp/english/.
JTOWER Inc. (“JTOWER”) and NTT DOCOMO, INC. (“DOCOMO”) announced today that they have decided to conclude a new master transaction agreement aimed at facilitating the sharing of DOCOMO’s current telecommunication tower infrastructure. This agreement will enable the ownership of an additional 1,552 DOCOMO towers to be transferred to JTOWER for the sum of 17 billion yen, with DOCOMO subsequently leasing the towers from JTOWER.
In March 2022, JTOWER and DOCOMO entered into the master transaction agreement allowing the transfer of 6,002 of DOCOMO’s telecommunications towers to JTOWER. The addition of this new agreement will enable the two companies to strengthen their network building, it will also enable the towers to be used for a wider range of applications, facilitating the further sharing of infrastructure.
Aims of both companiesThe purchase of telecommunications towers and the enhancement of infrastructure-sharing by attracting new tenants is one of JTOWER’s key growth strategies. This transaction will greatly strengthen its business foundation as a tower sharing operator.
DOCOMO is actively working to build a viable 5G network by promoting infrastructure sharing and this transaction will enable further streamlining of its network operations.
Future initiativesThe transfer of 6,002 telecommunications towers stipulated in the master transaction agreement entered into in March 2022 is proceeding smoothly. By the end of June 2023, the transfer of approximately 2,400 towers had been completed and other mobile network operators are now being actively encouraged to make use of these.
Going forward, JTOWER and DOCOMO will continue transitioning the ownership of towers that meet the necessary criteria in order to accelerate infrastructure sharing.
Through these efforts, both companies aim to realize more efficient capital investments and lower operating expenses for tower tenants; they also plan to promote the early deployment of 5G networks. Both companies will also continue contributing to the achievement of a sustainable society, reducing the environmental impact of their infrastructure through its effective use.
About JTOWER
JTOWER was founded in 2012 as the first Infra-Sharing company in Japan. In addition to the indoor Infra-Sharing solutions that consolidate the mobile network in the buildings, JTOWER is also expanding the outdoor tower sharing solutions, such as tower sharing in suburbs and rural areas, and multi-functional poles centered on metropolitan areas. Under the corporate vision of “Infra-Sharing Services from Japan Lead the World,” JTOWER is developing a wide range of services for the future.
About NTT DOCOMO
NTT DOCOMO, Japan’s leading mobile operator with over 86 million subscriptions, is one of the world’s foremost contributors to 3G, 4G and 5G mobile network technologies. Beyond core communications services, DOCOMO is challenging new frontiers in collaboration with a growing number of entities (“+d” partners), creating exciting and convenient value-added services that change the way people live and work. Under a medium-term plan toward 2020 and beyond, DOCOMO is pioneering a leading-edge 5G network to facilitate innovative services that will amaze and inspire customers beyond their expectations.https://www.docomo.ne.jp/english/
online version of the Open House will be accessible from January 17 until February 29. This year’s version of the annual event will showcase 31 exhibits, which will be viewable at a 
