Bizarre News from Asia: AI App Detects Cat Pain, Stolen Liquor Returned, and a Café for Voyeuristic Commutes

##Bizarre News from Asia: AI App Detects Cat Pain, Stolen Liquor Returned, and a Café for Voyeuristic Commutes##

In a world filled with bizarre and unexpected news, Asia continues to deliver its fair share of strange and fascinating stories. Today, we delve into the realm of AI-powered cat pain detection, a gang that had an unusual change of heart, and a café with a voyeuristic twist. Buckle up, because things are about to get interesting.

First up, we have CatsMe!, an AI-powered app developed by Carelogy, a Japanese tech startup, in collaboration with researchers from Nihon University. This groundbreaking app can detect cat pain through analyzing the facial expressions of our feline friends. With over 6,000 pictures of cats used to train the AI model, CatsMe! boasts an impressive accuracy rate of over 95%, with room for improvement as more cats' faces are added to the system.

The motivation behind CatsMe! is rooted in the challenge that cat owners face when it comes to recognizing pain in their beloved pets. Cats, known for their ability to hide their discomfort, often show subtle behavioral changes when in pain, making it difficult for owners to spot these signs. With Japan’s aging population and declining birth rate, pets have become increasingly important in households. In fact, the number of pet cats and dogs in Japan now surpasses the number of children under the age of 15. Since its launch last year, CatsMe! has been embraced by over 230,000 customers eager to ensure the well-being of their furry companions.

Moving on to China, a band of thieves in the city of Chongqing made a truly unexpected decision after a burglary gone wrong. The gang targeted a Porsche sportscar parked in a high-end residential garage in search of valuables. To their surprise, they stumbled upon 18 bottles of Maotai liquor, a renowned Chinese baijiu known for its unique salty aroma, as well as its high brand value. However, with a quick online search, the thieves realized the value of their loot, and the fear of severe punishment prompted them to return the bottles to the garage. A total of seven suspects have since been detained, ensuring that justice is served.

Our final stop takes us to a café in Japan that offers customers a unique and somewhat controversial experience. The Blue Bottle Coffee outlet, located on the third floor of Shinagawa Station in southern Tokyo, provides a vantage point for customers to observe the bustling crowd of commuters, known as “salary men” or “wage slaves”. These dedicated employees, referred to as “shachiku” in Japan, obediently toil away for their companies, often enduring long hours and work-related stress without complaint.

While many foreign visitors have found enjoyment in watching the daily commute from the café’s floor-to-ceiling windows, some critics argue that this form of voyeurism is disrespectful. Dubbed “misery tourism” by one online observer, the act of finding pleasure in the suffering of others raises ethical questions. In response to the growing debate, the café has posted a notice politely requesting customers to refrain from photographing the commuters out of respect for their fellow travelers.

And there you have it, a glimpse into the curious and sometimes perplexing world of Asian news. From AI-powered cat pain detection to stolen liquor making a surprising return, to a café that offers a voyeuristic view of the daily commute, the region continues to keep us entertained and intrigued. Stay tuned for more offbeat tales from around the globe.

“CatsMe! aims to bring peace of mind to cat owners by helping them detect signs of pain early on. Our goal is to ensure the well-being of our feline friends and provide timely care.” - Carelogy spokesperson

“Returning the stolen liquor was an unexpected turn of events. We can only hope that this incident serves as a lesson for anyone contemplating such crimes in the future.” - Unknown police official

“While some may find enjoyment in observing the daily commute, it’s vital to respect the privacy and dignity of those commuting. We kindly ask our customers to refrain from photographing the scene below.” - Blue Bottle Coffee notice