株式会社プロジェクトホールディングス announced that its president, executive officer and CEO, 土井悠之介, has joined 公益社団法人経済同友会. After working at スカイライトコンサルティング株式会社 in 2014, he founded プロジェクトホールディングス in January 2016. The company provides DX consulting and AI strategy development support. 土井 said he hopes to contribute to discussions and share insights on corporate transformation with society through his activities at 経済同友会.
アイキューブドシステムズ and ワンビ to jointly exhibit in the “Information Security EXPO Spring” area at Japan IT Week Spring 2026
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
アイキューブドシステムズ and its group company ワンビ will jointly exhibit at “Information Security EXPO [Spring],” held at Tokyo Big Sight from April 8 to 10, 2026. Their booth will showcase アイキューブドシステムズ’ MDM product “CLOMO MDM” and ワンビ’s device loss prevention product “TRUST DELETE Zero,” offering a comprehensive solution from device management to remote locking and data erasure when a device is lost. The companies aim to address device security challenges faced by information systems departments.
“2級管工事施工管理第一次・第二次検定問題解説集2026年版” has been released as preparation for the Reiwa 8 fiscal year exam. The title suggests that the book is designed to help readers pass, but no publisher or specific details about its contents are provided.
“MapBoost” launches AI review-response tool tailored to the real estate industry — automatically generates replies tailored to personal information considerations, contract dispute handling and property type
A cat-shaped ceramic ball hairpin with a mysterious glow joins 和心’s hairpin brand “かんざし屋wargo”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
A cat-shaped ceramic ball hairpin with a mysterious glow has debuted from “かんざし屋wargo,” a hairpin brand operated by 株式会社和心. The new product combines a traditional Japanese clothing accessory with a contemporary motif and distinctive texture.
From revolutionizing social media marketing to redefining the gift market: GiftX’s 飯髙悠太 talks about “thinking that creates categories” [Category is interview released]
[Droite lautreamont (ドロワットロートレアモン)] 2026 spring collection catalog now available online
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
“ドロワットロートレアモン,” a women’s brand operated by ジャヴァコーポレーション, has released visuals from its 2026 spring collection on its official online site, “J Lounge.” The collection features seasonal transition pieces in denim, linen and cotton. Products are available through the official online store and other outlets.
ブイキューブ supported the planning and operation of “ヤマタネスポーツフェスティバル2025,” held by ヤマタネ to mark its 100th anniversary. The event was organized to foster unity across the company’s logistics, food, information and real estate businesses. More than 400 employees and their family members took part, with original activities such as “truck tug-of-war” drawing on the company’s business. ブイキューブ provided safety management and hands-on project management through its “One イベント” service.
Cooking media outlet “Nadia” and the JA Group in Saga team up! Special feature page “With seasonal asparagus from Saga Prefecture! Family-approved easy asparagus recipes” released
“Retail Media Trends Report: ARUTANA Lab Vol.3” released, providing an in-depth comparison of the strengths and weaknesses of 5 major platforms in the retail media market
東京スカイツリータウン announced that it will hold a variety of events from April through the Golden Week period. A range of activities is being prepared for the busy holiday season, when the venue draws large crowds.
[Japan's largest-scale smart city to open in Fukuoka in fiscal 2028] Project operator formally selected for land-use development of the former Kyushu University Hakozaki Campus site
Industry first! Rakuten Securities adds 15 ETFs to the lineup of “Kabu Pitatto®”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Starting March 27, 2026, Rakuten Securities will add 15 ETFs to the lineup of its “Kabu Pitatto®” service, which lets customers trade by specifying an amount. This brings the total number of domestic stocks and ETFs available to trade in increments of 1 yen, starting from 100 yen, to 1,004. For the first time in the industry, ETFs will be available for amount-based trading, supporting diversified investment and efficient use of the NISA growth investment allowance. Orders for eligible securities began being accepted at 17:00 on March 26, 2026.
The cherry blossom avenue “Sakura Michi,” a famous spot for weeping cherry trees, is about a 10-minute walk from Kyukamura Minami-Aso and is now in full bloom. The “2026 Takamori Cherry Blossom Festival” starts March 28 in Takamori, Aso. Enjoy a spring cherry blossom getaway at Kyukamura with views of the Aso Five Peaks.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The “2026 Takamori Cherry Blossom Festival” will be held from March 28 in Takamori, Aso County, Kumamoto Prefecture. The famous “Sakura Michi” avenue of weeping cherry trees, near the venue and accessible from Kyukamura Minami-Aso, is now in full bloom, offering visitors a spring getaway with views of the Aso Five Peaks.
Coming up Thu., Apr. 16! “What is AI?” No problem! A first-step generative AI seminar for working women, jointly hosted by Youthful and “Onna no Tenkoku type”
[Saitama Prefecture] Results of the Saitama Prefecture Quarterly Business Trends Survey (Reiwa 8, January–March) and launch of the “Saitama Prefecture Quarterly Business Trends Survey Data Site”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Saitama Prefecture has released the results of its “Saitama Prefecture Quarterly Business Trends Survey (Reiwa 8, January–March).” It also announced the launch of the “Saitama Prefecture Quarterly Business Trends Survey Data Site,” where the survey data can be viewed, making economic trends in the prefecture available to the public.
[Saitama Prefecture] A promotional video showcasing the appeal of the northern region, “Saihokuseven (彩北七星) — Track Down the Seven Mysteries of Saihoku!” is complete!
“Anamizu Gyoza Japan No. 1 Project” launched to support food recovery in Noto. We established a production system for a local specialty made with the traditional seasoning “ishiru.”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Oisix ra daichi has established a production system for consumer sales of “Anamizu Gyoza,” a local specialty from Anamizu, Ishikawa Prefecture. Made with Noto’s traditional seasoning “ishiru,” the product will be sold with a portion of proceeds donated. The initiative won the grand prize at the Social Products Award 2026.
[The Royal Park Hotel] Event report: “Let’s Learn! SDGs at the Hotel 2026,” an enjoyable, delicious, quiz-based learning event, held on 3/25.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The Royal Park Hotel held a free SDGs learning event for elementary school students from the neighborhood on March 25. In collaboration with Dole Co., Ltd., participants learned through quizzes about the links between food and social issues, including the “Mottainai Banana” project. This was the event’s 4th year.
Making labor-saving and productivity improvements more accessible! “Labor-Saving Navigator,” offering intuitive, industry-specific know-how, launches today
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation, Japan, has launched “Labor-Saving Navigator,” a support site for businesses tackling labor shortages and seeking to improve productivity. Users can intuitively search for solutions to industry-specific challenges and find places to seek advice. Using the site qualifies as an additional scoring or priority requirement for various subsidies.
Don’t miss Chiba Lotte manager Saburo’s first game and the historic moment of a rookie starting on Opening Day for the first time in 76 years! “Yoshimoto BASEBALL LIVE: Chiba Lotte vs. Saitama Seibu” airs live March 27 (Fri.) at 18:30
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
BS Yoshimoto will broadcast the Chiba Lotte Marines vs. Saitama Seibu Lions season opener live on March 27. Chiba Lotte will start Kaita Mori, the club’s first rookie Opening Day starter in 76 years, while Seibu will start Yutaro Watanabe, making his first Opening Day start. Both teams are aiming to rebound from last season’s bottom-tier finishes with new leadership and major roster additions.
Includes a premium serial code! The 3rd official art book for “Heaven Burns Red” goes on sale today, March 26
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
KADOKAWA Game Linkage Inc. released the 3rd official art book for the game “Heaven Burns Red” on March 26, 2026. It features numerous style illustrations and previously unreleased design sketches from August 2023 through December 2025. It comes with a special bonus serial code for items usable in the game, including an SS-guaranteed gacha ticket.
Manga “Hon nara Urudohodo” wins the grand prize at “Manga Taisho 2026”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The manga “Hon nara Urudohodo,” published by KADOKAWA and written by Aoi Kojima, won the grand prize at “Manga Taisho 2026.” Set in the used bookstore Jugetsudo, the work is an omnibus-style human drama woven around books and people. It received high praise from the award’s panel of volunteer booksellers.
Cinnamon AI to exhibit at “AI Expo Spring 2026” (Apr. 7–Apr. 8, Tokyo International Forum)
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Cinnamon Inc. (Cinnamon AI) will exhibit at “AI Expo Spring 2026,” to be held at Tokyo International Forum on April 7–8, 2026. Its booth will showcase and demonstrate its proprietary high-accuracy RAG system, “Super RAG™,” and “Flax Scanner HUB,” an AI-OCR platform powered by generative AI. The company is also seeking partner companies to support AI adoption.
[Event announcement] Hiroshi Kamioka, who returned to work with the help of AI and music after developing aphasia, speaks on “A Story of Recovery with Music and Art: Care That Embraces the Downward Slope”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Hiroshi Kamioka, chair of the Ecology Online nonprofit, will hold a talk event, “A Story of Recovery with Music and Art,” in Kokubunji, Tokyo, on May 10, 2026. Drawing on his own experience of returning to work after aphasia caused by a stroke, with the help of AI and music, he will discuss the possibilities of care with healthcare professionals and people with similar experiences. The event is also scheduled to include live painting, musical performances and a social gathering.
Anju Inami and Sumire Uesaka confirmed as special guests at “Like a Dragon THE LIVE -IKIZAMA-,” a live event featuring music from the “Like a Dragon” series!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
SEGA will hold “Like a Dragon THE LIVE -IKIZAMA-,” a music concert featuring the “Like a Dragon” series, at Kanadevia Hall on May 16 and 17, 2026. Anju Inami (Chitose Fujinomiya) and Sumire Uesaka (Saeko Mukoda) have been confirmed as special guests. Applications for the second advance ticket lottery open on Ticket Pia on April 3. Tickets cost 19,800 yen for premium S seats, 13,800 yen for S seats and 9,800 yen for A seats. A range of concert merchandise, including T-shirts, hoodies and penlights, will be on sale.
“MLB 9 Innings 26” and “MLB 9 Innings Rivals 26” receive major updates to mark the start of the 2026 season!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Com2uS Japan Inc. has released major updates for “MLB 9 Innings 26” and “MLB 9 Innings Rivals 26” (formerly “MLB RIVALS”) to coincide with the start of the 2026 Major League Baseball season. “MLB 9 Innings 26” adds a new cover athlete and cinematic presentation, and will also hold a 10th anniversary event. “MLB 9 Innings Rivals 26” adds the new “ABS (Automated Ball-Strike System) Challenge” feature and cheering content.
Puente Inc. to hold a free online seminar on April 13: “How to Use AI to Rapidly Launch a Paid Service in 24 Hours”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Puente Inc. (representative: Kazuo Hoshina) will hold a free online seminar, “How to Use AI to Rapidly Launch a Paid Service in 24 Hours,” on April 13, 2026. The seminar will explain a practical workflow for launching SaaS and web services in a short time using tools such as AI agents. Aimed at business owners and heads of new business development, it will share real-world examples covering everything from development and payment integration to marketing strategy.
Playlist project “Me and Tokyo Girls’ Style,” featuring playlists by celebrities who love the group’s music, wraps up with a playlist by all 4 members of Tokyo Girls’ Style!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
“Me and Tokyo Girls’ Style,” a playlist project on the AWA music streaming service featuring playlists by celebrities who love the group’s music, has reached its final installment. The final installment features playlists created by the 4 members of Tokyo Girls’ Style themselves.
A card from “Mixed-Up Orchestra,” an interactive exhibit at the Osaka-Kansai Expo Jellyfish Pavilion, will be on display for a limited time at the Osaka Science Museum
“Inakomo Tour” to visit normally closed historic buildings in Inabe and Komono and enjoy modern French cuisine at Onoe Villa
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The “Inakomo Tour” will take visitors to normally closed historic buildings in Inabe City and Komono Town, Mie Prefecture, and offer modern French cuisine at Onoe Villa. The special tour lets participants experience the region’s hidden charms through food and culture.
Rising K-pop boy group from South Korea AmbiO makes its Japan debut. First performance and press interviews in Japan confirmed at “Docomo Cho Jidai 2026”!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
AmbiO, a 5-member boy group that debuted in South Korea on March 18, 2026, will make its Japan debut. The group will give its first performance in Japan as the opening act at “Docomo Cho Jidai 2026” on March 31, and will take part in media interviews on April 1. The group comprises Japanese and South Korean members and aims to take on the world with its powerful performances.
Takatsuki City becomes the first municipality in the Hokusetsu region to introduce a service that lets people make inquiries by video call with the assistance of a sign language interpreter
A new take on the “SYLAN 2” trail-running shoe, pursuing even greater lightness and propulsion
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Arc’teryx began selling the “SYLAN 2” trail-running shoe, designed for speed and efficiency, on March 26. It weighs 20g less than the original model and boosts propulsion with a rocker-shaped midsole featuring a highly responsive specialty foam. A carbon-fiber composite plate enhances stability, and the outsole is equipped with Vibram Megagrip.
Minami Takahashi and JOY give rave reviews! “NEXT IDOL GRANDPRIX 2026,” a contest to crown the next breakout idol, names “Congratche!” as grand-prize winner
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The final of the major idol contest “NEXT IDOL GRANDPRIX 2026” was held, with the 7-member group “Congratche!” winning the grand prize. The group will receive prizes including 10 million yen and the right to perform at “NIG FES 2026.” PHiZZ was named runner-up, and a total of 23 acts are scheduled to perform at the festival on the 27th.
[New release] An idling-stop canceler designed for the Forester and Impreza. Just connect it to the factory wiring! No need to operate the switch every time. Heating and air conditioning keep running, and you can pull away smoothly. An easy-to-follow installation video means you can fit it as soon as it arrives.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Fun Standard Co., Ltd. has released an idling-stop canceler for Subaru vehicles, including the Forester and Impreza, under its car accessories brand CRAFTWORKS. Connecting it to the factory wiring keeps the idling-stop function turned off, eliminating the need to operate it each time. It is expected to help maintain heating and air conditioning and reduce battery strain. Prices start at 3,800 yen.
Additional acquisition of shares in a consolidated subsidiary in Vietnam
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Hoshizaki has signed an agreement with Shinrefico to acquire additional shares in its Vietnamese consolidated subsidiary, Arico (ASIA REFRIGERATION INDUSTRY JOINT STOCK COMPANY), increasing its ownership stake from 51% to 99.616%. The deal aims to strengthen governance and accelerate business strategy, and is expected to be completed in June 2026. Mass production of commercial refrigerators for Southeast Asia has already begun at Arico’s plant. The company aims to strengthen its manufacturing base and expand sales channels across Southeast Asia.
Rui Sekkeishitsu Co., Ltd.’s new facility, Uda Innovation Center VUTAI (Butai), in Uda City, Nara Prefecture, to grand-open on Saturday, April 11 — opening ceremony to be held at the facility the same day, featuring a performance of “Okina” and a talk with prominent guests
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Uda Innovation Center VUTAI (Butai), a new facility designed by Rui Sekkeishitsu Co., Ltd., will grand-open in Uda City, Nara Prefecture, on Saturday, April 11. A commemorative ceremony is planned for the day, featuring a performance of “Okina” and a talk with prominent guests.
“Isharyo AI” unveils a simulator for divorce compensation by category — a tool to estimate amounts across 4 categories: infidelity, domestic violence, emotional abuse and malicious abandonment
Ranking of “Things to Do at Huis Ten Bosch” — Is strolling through the townscape or enjoying the attractions No. 1? Released by Hankyu Travel
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Hankyu Travel surveyed 541 men and women aged 20 and older nationwide about “Things to Do at Huis Ten Bosch” from January 30 to February 6, 2026. Strolling through the townscape ranked first (55%), using the attractions second (40%), and viewing the flowers third (37%). The park has 5 official hotels, and more than 80% of respondents希望 to stay for at least 1 night and 2 days.
[JPI Seminar] “The full picture of DeNA’s ‘arena × urban development’ revenue model — a new urban business to be implemented at Kawasaki Arena City” to be held on Friday, April 10
[Closing report] TOKYO CREATIVE SALON presents “Tokyo Vintage Fashion Week”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
A closing report has been released for “Tokyo Vintage Fashion Week,” an event organized by TOKYO CREATIVE SALON. The event, which focused on vintage fashion, was held as an initiative to energize Tokyo’s fashion scene.
[Nogata City] Announcement of partnership agreement with Terra Charge Co., Ltd. to achieve carbon neutrality
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Nogata City in Fukuoka Prefecture announced that it has signed a partnership agreement with Terra Charge Co., Ltd., which provides the Terra Charge EV charging infrastructure, to help achieve carbon neutrality. The agreement is part of the city’s efforts to promote sustainable urban development.
The weight-class-free championship to determine Japan’s strongest women’s judoka! Draw released for the “41st Empress Cup All-Japan Women’s Judo Championships”
[HR networking event] “Jinjiru-bu,” which brings HR professionals together every month, faces a major slump in attendance during the quiet season. On Friday, April 24, it will embrace the situation and hold a networking event exclusively for people with HR experience.
Digital Asset Markets joins a joint demonstration project to enhance digital-asset AML, supported by the Financial Services Agency’s “FinTech Demonstration Experiments Hub”
NTT DATA MSE recognized for the second consecutive year as a “White 500” company in the large corporation category of the 2026 Certified Health & Productivity Management Outstanding Organizations program
Announcement of the release of Band-in-a-Box 33 for Windows
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Wonderworks will release the music composition software Band-in-a-Box 33 for Windows as a download version on March 26, 2026, and as a packaged version on April 10. The software features a revamped GUI, support for VST3 plugins, and new AI-powered functions. In addition to the standard edition, BasicPAK, MegaPAK, and EverythingPAK are available with different product configurations.
Sumitomo Forestry launches the Sakura Tasuki Project—passing cherry trees weakened by aging and environmental changes on to the next generation through tissue culture (cloning) technology
Batteries take the stage dressed as Home Run Boy! Home Run Bar holds PR event for its “Nothing but winners!? Ataru Fest”; the duo show off their all-out swings in interactive activities
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Kyodo Milk Industry held a pop-up event for Home Run Bar, “Nothing but winners!? Ataru Fest,” at AEON MALL Makuhari New City from March 25 to 27, 2026. The comedy duo Batteries appeared at the March 25 PR event, where the new “Strawberry & Melon” product was unveiled and interactive activities were demonstrated. Home Run Bar marks its 66th anniversary since its launch in 1960, and its flagship products were revamped in 2025.
Wellness startup BASYO to exhibit at Startup JAPAN EXPO 2026, one of Japan’s largest startup trade shows; will host a trial session for its vending-machine-sized, installed mini gym
Art Freak achieves a double win, receiving the world’s top GOLD AWARD for 2 works at the Exhibit Design Awards, the “Academy Awards” of the exhibition design world!
[Local LLM case study] Using AI to protect confidential information and improve operational efficiency | Matsuo Lab startup Athena streamlines banking operations for Joyo Bank with a local LLM that does not send confidential information externally
New Environmentally Considerate Product Guidelines established; distinctive environmental logo, the FACE to EARTH Mark
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
MatsukiyoCocokara & Co. has established Environmentally Considerate Product Guidelines to strengthen environmental measures for its private-label (PB) products. In conjunction with this, the company will begin rolling out its distinctive FACE to EARTH Mark on PB products. The group operates more than 3,600 stores across 47 prefectures in Japan and 98 stores in 6 overseas regions. For packaging materials, it will continue 5 initiatives, adding “Renewable” and “Protection” to the conventional 3Rs.
[Co-hosted by 3 companies] Move beyond “just because” OOH: FreakOut Group brings its full strength to a webinar on data-driven DOOH optimization strategies on 4/9
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
3 group companies—FreakOut, IRIS, and Ultra FreakOut—will hold a free online webinar on April 9, 2026. Titled “Data-Driven DOOH Optimization Strategies,” it will explain how to design campaigns combining digital advertising and OOH, as well as share the latest case studies. The webinar is aimed at marketing professionals, advertising agency planners, and those considering approaches to affluent consumers.
Popular character Hoppe-chan products to be rolled out to thousands of 100-yen stores nationwide, opening a new phase for the IP licensing business with a distinctive “low prices × high turnover” model
Ranking of searches for Japan’s World Heritage sites: Shrines and Temples of Nikko—global demand for the site viewed through search behavior in the age of AI
[Free online seminar] “Think you delivered it, but it never arrived: 3 key points for designing messages that reach customers” to be held from 11 a.m. on Thursday, April 9, 2026
FUNDINNO and Okasan Securities strengthen capital and business partnership, expanding investment opportunities in unlisted shares through FUNDINNO PLUS+
Webinar “Why doesn’t ad spending translate into sales? An e-commerce strategy to grow sales through structure—the blueprint connecting customer acquisition, CVR, and customer experience” to be held on April 9, 2026!
Establishes rules for calculating CO2 emissions across the entire software lifecycle and promotes the creation of low-carbon software-related businesses
Timee signs comprehensive partnership agreement with Fujikawa Town, Yamanashi Prefecture, Yamanashi Mirai Agricultural Cooperative, and Fujikawa Town Chamber of Commerce
Signs agreement with Niyodogawa Town, Kochi Prefecture, on reuse
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Jimoty Inc. announced that it has signed an agreement on reuse with Niyodogawa Town, Kochi Prefecture. The partnership aims to promote resource circulation within the community and contribute to the realization of a sustainable society.
Synchro Food and HR Solutions launch integration between Kyujin Inshokuten.com and Rikuop, streamlining recruitment through automatic transfer of applicant information
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Kyujin Inshokuten.com, operated by Synchro Food, and Rikuop and Haisol, operated by HR Solutions, began system integration on March 18, 2026. The integration automatically transfers applicant information received through Kyujin Inshokuten.com to Rikuop and Haisol, enabling centralized management. The initiative aims to address labor shortages in the food service industry and improve the speed of follow-up after applications and the efficiency of recruitment activities.