Yamato University and South Korea’s Shinhan University sign memorandum to promote inter-university exchanges
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Yamato University, operated by the Nishi Yamato Gakuen educational corporation, announced that it has signed a memorandum with South Korea’s Shinhan University to promote inter-university exchanges.
Ukiyo-e prints arrive from the hugely popular “Kabuki Symphony No. Kyu-ban: Evangelion”! From the fates of Kaworu Nagisa and Shinji Ikari and okubi-e portraits to senja-fuda stickers featuring every Evangelion unit, 30th-anniversary works blending Edo traditions go on sale from 3/30
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Kabuki Hanga Inc. will put ukiyo-e prints from its “Eva Kabuki” series on sale through its online shop, Ukiyo-e Kobo, at noon on March 30, as 30th-anniversary works commemorating the Evangelion series. The lineup comprises 7 works, including okubi-e portraits and senja-fuda stickers by artists Yoshiyuki Ebata and Izumo, reimagining Evangelion units and characters with kabuki motifs. The prints are giclée reproductions in wooden frames, priced from 12,000 yen to 39,000 yen, excluding tax.
Joint development of a new catalyst capable of producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF)
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
JFE Engineering and the University of Toyama have jointly developed a new catalyst capable of efficiently producing sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Compared with conventional FT synthesis catalysts, it delivers more than 2 times the yield of liquid hydrocarbons suitable for SAF. This eliminates the need for a hydrocracking plant, enabling substantial reductions in equipment costs.
Agency for Cultural Affairs: Archive video and research report released for seminar on “Manga Market Research in 5 African Countries”!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The Visual Industry Promotion Organization (VIPO) has released the archived video and report from a seminar on the Agency for Cultural Affairs’ “Manga Market Research in 5 African Countries” project. The research examined South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, Morocco and Egypt, revealing market conditions including price ranges and sales channels. The seminar was held on March 6, 2026, and drew a large number of participants.
Notice of Rikimi Murakami’s development loan to Fukushima United FC Second
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Rikimi Murakami will join Fukushima United FC Second from Fukushima United FC on a development loan. The loan runs through January 31, 2027. Murakami has pledged to grow as a player and return.
Notice of Takuto Hono’s development loan to Fukushima United FC Second
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Takuto Hono will join Fukushima United FC Second from Fukushima United FC on a development loan. The loan runs through January 31, 2027. Hono has expressed his determination to return a better player.
Celebrate Attack on Titan’s Eren Yeager’s birthday on Awaji Island! TV anime Attack on Titan × Nijigen no Mori collaboration event: “Happy Birthday, Eren! Original Sticker”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
A collaboration event with the TV anime Attack on Titan will be held at Nijigen no Mori in Awaji, Hyogo Prefecture, from March 14 to December 13, 2026. Starting March 30, as the first installment of the character birthday series, an original Eren Yeager sticker will be distributed in limited quantities to purchasers of admission tickets for “Attack on Titan THE NIGHT WALK -Beyond the Walls-.” A total of 36 original merchandise items and 11 types of collaboration food and drinks will also be available.
Original2026年度のFM AICHIはリクエスト企画でスタート! 「FM AICHI SPRING WEEK ~リクエストまるけの1週間~」
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OriginalFM AICHI(株式会社エフエム愛知)は、2026年度のスタートとして、3月30日から4月4日まで特別企画「FM AICHI SPRING WEEK~リクエストまるけの1週間~」を放送します。この期間、全ワイド番組でリスナーからのリクエストを中心に構成する1週間となります。また、一部ワイド番組ではパーソナリティの担当曜日変更も発表されました。
YKK AP30 Building earns ‘ZEB’ and Platinum WELL Certification
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YKK AP’s YKK AP30 Building in Kurobe, Toyama Prefecture, has earned ‘ZEB’ status and Platinum, the highest level of WELL Certification. Completed in October 2024, the building received the top rating of 6 stars under the BELS assessment in November 2024 and earned ‘ZEB’ status, then obtained Platinum WELL Certification in November 2025. The building uses the company’s SYSTEMA 31 windows for buildings and EXIMA 31 Balanceway natural ventilation windows, among other products, combining reduced environmental impact with a comfortable working environment.
ORIHICA opens at Aeon Mall Rinku Sennan, a commercial complex undergoing a major renovation!
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ORIHICA, the fashion brand operated by AOKI Inc., will open a new store on April 3, 2026, at Aeon Mall Rinku Sennan, which is undergoing a major renovation. The opening aims to expand brand awareness and capture market share in the Kansai region, a priority area. The new store will offer an approachable space for customers of a wide range of ages and use a web ordering system to manage its assortment efficiently.
[Event Report] Japanese track and field representative Nozomi Tanaka holds talk and book-signing event for her first book, “Negawakuba no Uta,” on March 26
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Sekai Bunka Publishing released “A Song of Hope,” the first book by Japanese track and field team athlete Nozomi Tanaka, on March 26, 2026. A talk and book-signing event was held the same day at Junkudo Bookstore Ikebukuro Main Store to mark the release. The book records an athlete’s thoughts over 253 days, from the National Women’s Ekiden in January 2025 through the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo in September. It is priced at 1,870 yen, including tax. In a surprise, Haruka Tachibana, who illustrated the cover, presented Tanaka with the original artwork at the event.
[Jimbocho Theater] Women screenwriters behind classic films: Special screenings of works by Sumie Tanaka and Yoko Mizuki, who supported Japan’s golden age of postwar cinema, begin 4/4 (Sat.)
Gravel wheels engineered for speed. 2 latest models in the Terra series debut simultaneously
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Roval, a brand under Specialized, has released its latest gravel wheel models, the Terra Aero CLX and Terra CLX III. The Terra Aero CLX is engineered for aerodynamic performance, while the Terra CLX III weighs just 1,079g, making it the lightest model in the current lineup. Both models use Roval composite spokes made by ARRIS and are eligible for an upgrade program with the purchase of a new bike through May 15.
Exhibiting at “Interpets Tokyo” from April 2 (Thu.) to 5 (Sun.)!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Anicom General Insurance will exhibit at “Interpets Tokyo,” held from April 2 to April 5, 2026. The booth will display and sell pet insurance as well as products for dogs and cats, including food and oral care gel. Original giveaways will be handed out to visitors, and gifts will also be available for policyholders and purchasers.
A special seat for babies in the living room. Maxi-Cosi launches “Dove Pro,” a new baby bouncer with a beautiful wood-grain design reminiscent of handcrafted furniture
A record of the fierce struggles of men who lived through five eras in five cities: New trailer for “STRANGER THAN HEAVEN” unveiled at Xbox Partner Preview!
2025 edition of “Financial RADAR,” a regular consumer finance survey for understanding consumers’ financial behavior and attitudes, now available
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Nikkei Research began offering the 2025 data for its regular consumer finance survey, “Financial RADAR,” on March 27, 2025. The survey was conducted online in February among members of the general public nationwide and measures about 200 items. The survey area has been expanded nationwide for this edition, which also covers financial topics such as cashless payments and ESG investment. The company also offers analytical tools and customized surveys based on its accumulated expertise.
PFU adopts Usonar to integrate corporate master data in pursuit of data-driven management—fundamentally improving data quality in sales and marketing and building a data foundation for more advanced sales strategies
The “Sword Art Online” console game series surpasses 10 million copies sold! A-1 Pictures unveils commemorative original illustration, and special program set to stream!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Bandai Namco Entertainment announced that cumulative sales of the “Sword Art Online” console game series surpassed 10 million copies as of March 26, 2026. To mark the milestone, the company will release an original illustration by A-1 Pictures, stream a special program on April 2, run a campaign on Discord inviting fans to share their memories, and hold sales and price revisions for selected titles. Preorders have also opened for the latest series installment, “Echoes of Aincrad,” and a special event featuring a promotional anime screening will be held on May 9.
Paradigm AI Inc., operator of the 2.9-dimensional idol agency “PLAY TUNE,” raises funds from NTT DOCOMO Ventures
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Paradigm AI received an investment from a fund managed by NTT DOCOMO Ventures. The company operates the 2.9-dimensional idol agency “PLAY TUNE” and will use the funding to promote joint content development and IP initiatives with the NTT Group. Its unit PRYME has surpassed 130,000 total YouTube subscribers and will release its new song “Moon Disco” on March 27, 2026.
Kagoshima Prefecture and Vivid Garden support efforts to boost the brand value of “Kagoshima tea,” Japan’s top-produced tea, creating purchases through linked experiences and e-commerce
See it! Learn about it! Experience wellness! “Yomeishu Wellness Terrace SHIBUYA,” an interactive pop-up store for busy professionals, extended through the end of June
[Limited to 15 participants] Special bus tour with contemporary artist Takehiro Iikawa! An art-filled day visiting 3 solo exhibitions, from Tokyo to Mito
Enjoy a variety of textures—crisp, chewy and creamy! A new-style strawberry daifuku by a French chef arrives at lifestyle hotel THE LIVELY Osaka Honmachi for a limited spring run starting April 1 (Wed.)
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Global Agents will offer “Ichigo Barikki Fuku,” a spring-limited sweet, at its hotel THE LIVELY Osaka Honmachi from April 1 to May 31, 2026. This new-style strawberry daifuku is made with “pâte filo” pastry and costs 1,200 yen, including tax. It will be served at the bar, and a breakfast-included accommodation plan will also be available.
Hitachi Vantara expands “Hitachi iQ” AI infrastructure solutions to strengthen AI sovereignty
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Hitachi Vantara began sales on March 27, 2026, of a liquid-cooled “NVIDIA HGX B300 server” featuring NVIDIA Blackwell Ultra-generation technology, adding it to the enterprise model of its “Hitachi iQ” AI infrastructure lineup. The product has up to 2.1TB of GPU memory, 1.5 times that of the HGX B200, and accelerates communications with an 800Gb/s network. The liquid-cooled model can reduce power consumption by up to 40% and rack space from 10U to 4U, a reduction of up to 60%, compared with the air-cooled model. The company’s distributed file storage system “HCSF” can scale to up to 10,000 GPUs and has earned “NVIDIA-Certified Storage” certification.
Email delivery system “Blastmail” launches “AI Support,” offering responses 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Rakus Light Cloud Inc. has launched “AI Support,” a generative AI-powered feature for its email delivery service “Blastmail.” The feature enables users to get answers to questions and assistance with how to use the service from AI at any time, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It is expected to improve the customer experience and speed up issue resolution.
Participating in NEDO’s “Bio-Manufacturing Revolution Promotion Project”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Nippon Steel Engineering will participate as a joint implementer in the “Bio-Manufacturing Revolution Promotion Project,” promoted by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and NEDO. Under the project, it will work on the research and development theme proposed and selected by Kao, “Establishment of a saccharification enzyme supply platform to create industries using unused biomass resources.” Nippon Steel Engineering will handle performance evaluations of the saccharification enzymes being developed by Kao, facility design and standardization using its “CellEzyme™” on-site enzyme production equipment, and integrated demonstration testing. Through this initiative, it aims to apply the technology to second-generation bioethanol and SAF feedstocks and contribute to a decarbonized society.
A limited-time collaboration café, “Storks Cafe,” with Kobe Storks opens at GLION ARENA KOBE! Themed interior, rare memorabilia on display, and collaboration drinks with gifts for customers
No compromise on comfort or being yourself. Men’s items debut from “Yoki,” the functional fashion brand whose motto is “Good!”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Cross Plus, an apparel maker with a 70-year history, launched the first men’s items from its functional fashion brand “Yoki” in late March 2026. The lineup includes 4 items: arm covers, a UV-protective hoodie, a sunshade cap, and a face-shade hat. Features include a UV-blocking rate of 99% or higher, UPF50+, a cool-touch feel, and menthol treatment. Prices range from 2,000 yen to 3,900 yen before tax. The products are available at variety stores nationwide and on the company’s e-commerce site, “Cross Marche.”
“Rakudry,” Belle Maison’s dryer-safe brand, wins the Tops Award at the 3rd “CLASSY. Workwear Essentials Awards 2026,” hosted by magazine “CLASSY.”, for its “Dolman-Sleeve Blouse”!
“Hobono Eki AKAGI,” a new facility at Torii Pass on Mount Akagi in Gunma Prefecture, grand opens on Friday, April 24!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Hobonichi Co., Ltd. will hold the grand opening of “Hobono Eki AKAGI,” which it operates at Torii Pass on Mount Akagi in Gunma Prefecture, on April 24, 2026. Opening events include the distribution of 1101 commemorative tickets and a talk event featuring Kazuto Ataka, Kazutoshi Fujii, and Shigesato Itoi. The facility will offer new menu items such as “Akagi’s Uma Pork Soup (India)” and a variety of original products. A free talk event will be held on the day, but advance registration is required. As public transportation will have stopped running, visitors must make their own way to the venue.
A business-minded look at ramen, now a global food. New book “The Ramen Business” goes on sale today!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
A new book examining ramen, now a global food, from a business perspective. Published by cm-group-jp. Details are not provided in the article, but the book appears to analyze the ramen industry’s business.
Long-established Ise, Mie Prefecture, waterworks contractor Sanshin Co., Ltd. joins the Nagoya HD Group—bringing an essential regional infrastructure company into the next generation and building a group that supports peace of mind in everyday life across the Tokai region
A record number of wins! 4 home appliances, including a cleaner and circulator, win the “iF Design Award 2026”(※1)!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
4 home appliances from Iris Ohyama have won the iF Design Award 2026, an international design prize. The company has now won the award for 7 consecutive years, and this year marks its highest number of wins to date. The winning products are a stick vacuum cleaner, an LED ceiling light, and 2 circulator models.
[4 days left] Competition for just 20 limited slots. CARDIFF’s “ready-to-ride splitboard” final orders now being accepted
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
CARDIFF SNOWCRAFT has opened early reservations for limited-production splitboards for the 2026-2027 season. The “ready-to-ride package” includes Black Diamond skins and a professional new-board tune, and is available in just 20 slots. Boards can be delivered ready for immediate backcountry use.
A “career vision” survey of 1000 young professionals found that 70% have a career vision, but 1 in 3 say they “cannot achieve it in their current job.” The findings show that more than 90% of those unable to achieve their vision in their current job are considering changing jobs.
Chiba Prefecture to hire for 3 side-job positions through en’s “Social Impact Recruitment Project,” including a marine industry promotion strategy adviser and small-business reskilling support
Mitsubishi Jisho House Net Co., Ltd. recognized as a “2026 Certified Health & Productivity Management Outstanding Organization (Large Enterprise Category)”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Mitsubishi Jisho House Net Co., Ltd. has been recognized as a “2026 Certified Health & Productivity Management Outstanding Organization (Large Enterprise Category)” under the Health & Productivity Management Outstanding Organizations Recognition Program, jointly run by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry and the Japan Health Council. The company has worked to create a workplace environment that supports employees’ physical and mental health and enables them to make the most of their abilities. It will continue to promote health and productivity management and seek to contribute to a society where people with diverse backgrounds can thrive.
A handmade program inspired by Yumiko Udo’s heartfelt personal feelings. A new habit to prevent falls! “Hyakutasu Exercise,” a walking and leg-strengthening routine fully created by experts, from lyrics to choreography. Launching March 27!
Supporter recruitment begins for the “Xrostella VR1” VR glasses on crowdfunding service “GREEN FUNDING”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Sharp began recruiting supporters for its “Xrostella VR1” VR glasses on the crowdfunding service “GREEN FUNDING” on March 27, 2026. The product is a lightweight, approximately 198g glasses-style VR headset that connects by cable to a PC or smartphone. To mark the launch, the virtual showroom “SHARP Xrostella World” also opened in VRChat. The campaign runs through May 31, 2026, with early-bird prices starting at 199,900 yen, including tax.
Creating a medical environment where people can seek care with confidence, regardless of gender identity or sexual orientation: video learning materials made for anyone to use
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
A research group including Juntendo University Graduate School has created video learning materials for healthcare professionals to help address difficulties LGBTQ+ people experience at medical institutions. Based on interviews with people from the community, the videos compare appropriate and inappropriate responses. They can also be used for workplace training and in educational institutions.
“The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross” launches Grand Season ~Nanatsu no Haru~! SSR [Friendly Classmate] King, Guardian of the Sacred Tree, arrives!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Netmarble launched a new event, “Grand Season ~Nanatsu no Haru~,” in the smartphone RPG “The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross” on March 26. Alongside a gacha featuring the new character King, numerous events offer rewards such as login bonuses and mission rewards.
[Final call] Executives and leaders taking on discontinuous B2B growth gather in Shibuya — applications open for the third “BBB” program
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
NewPeaks Co., Ltd. has opened final registration for “B2B BUSINESS BREAKTHROUGH,” a conference for B2B executives to be held on April 13. The event will be held exclusively in person, with keynote speeches planned by multiple executives. The application deadline is April 8.
AVEVA and NVIDIA collaborate to develop a new lifecycle digital twin architecture that delivers industrial intelligence for gigawatt-scale AI factories
Brimming with happy vibes! Hinatazaka46 live archive Vol.4, “Happy Train Tour 2023 -Miyagi Performance- DAY2,” to stream exclusively on Lemino from Friday, April 3!
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NTT DOCOMO, Inc. will exclusively stream “Happy Train Tour 2023 -Miyagi Performance- DAY2” on its video streaming service Lemino from April 3, 2026, as the 4th installment in Hinatazaka46’s live archive series. This special concert video, featuring the group’s fourth-generation members performing for the first time, will be available for a limited time. A Lemino Premium or Hinatazaka46 Pack subscription is required to watch.
Speaking at the 1st Symposium of the Japan Society for Food Science and Technology’s Academic Research Meeting, JUMONJI University to present new value revealed by advances in seaweed research
Borderlands 4 Story Pack 1, “Mad Ellie and the Vault of the Damned,” now available!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
2K and Gearbox Software have released the 1st paid DLC for Borderlands 4, “Mad Ellie and the Vault of the Damned.” The DLC adds a new Vault Hunter, C4SH, and a new area, the Whispering Glacier, among other content. A major update released alongside it enables progression to be shared between characters and raises the level cap from 50 to 60.
YOSHIKI to perform the national anthem at the F1 Japanese Grand Prix final; will travel by helicopter to appear live in Tokyo immediately afterward. “YOSHIKI CHANNEL” live broadcast set for Sunday, 3/29, at 20:30
Spring is here! “Futon Hotel,” where duvet experts provide premium care and storage, has been upgraded with duvet-cover washing included in every plan.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Suiden-ya, a bedding specialty store in Sakata, Yamagata Prefecture, has made “Duvet Cover Wash & Antibacterial Deodorizing” a standard feature of every plan in its duvet cleaning and storage service, “Futon Hotel.” With orders growing to approximately 5 times the previous year’s level, the service has been revamped to improve convenience. From April 1 to April 26, 2026, first-time customers can get 10% off all plans.
Octave named a “Leader” in IDC MarketScape for enterprise asset management
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Octave has been named a leader in AI-enabled, asset-intensive enterprise asset management applications in a report published by IDC. The Octave Attune EAM platform supports both cloud and on-premises environments, helping users track and maintain physical assets. It features Octave Aria, a generative AI engine that provides insights across the entire asset lifecycle. The company also plans to add agentic AI capabilities this year.
[Tenko no Yu 20th Anniversary Project] New outdoor sauna area “Mandala-mandara-” to grand open on Friday, March 27! Crowdfunding support tops 12 million yen, with 13 new saunas opening.
Real reviews from Yu Abiru, Pikako, JOY and others! “Girls Happy Style” features the buzzworthy “ozone-foam beauty treatment Sora Spa” and attention-grabbing UV care products from Kyon by Kyon, the brand of “57-year-old skincare guru Kyon-sensei”
Watch the Shinkansen glide beyond the water from the rooftop of Takanawa Gateway. “LAUBE,” a rooftop dining destination where the pulse of the city blends with greenery, opens.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
On March 28, 2026, WAT Inc. will open “LAUBE,” a rooftop dining venue on the 6th floor of MoN Takanawa, a cultural facility in the Takanawa Gateway area. Directed by mitosaya Herbal Garden Distillery, the restaurant will use vegetables and herbs harvested from MoN Farm, an approximately 80-square-meter rooftop garden. The interior was designed by Hideyuki Nakayama Architecture, while TAKAIYAMA handled the logo and signage. The restaurant will have 79 seats and operate from 10:00 to 22:30.
Lighthouse Studio surveys user behavior around leaving, continuing and returning to smartphone games. More than half of players quit smartphone games early.
[Japan-exclusive] AVAC, the only authorized retailer in Japan, begins selling Valerion’s top-of-the-line 4K projector “Vision Master Max” on Friday, March 27