Continues to advance regional co-creation initiatives in Hokkaido, with a total of 400 million yen for the beautiful, nature-rich town of Otofuke
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Open House Group donated ¥390 million on March 27, 2026, to support community co-creation projects in Otofuke, Hokkaido. Combined with its donation for Reiwa 6, the total donations to Otofuke Town will amount to ¥400 million. The company has announced a plan to invest a total of ¥10 billion in community co-creation in Hokkaido by 2030. It will continue supporting development projects and regional revitalization, primarily in the Tokachi region.
“Alice Gear Aegis” introduces “Nicole [Triumphant Song]” and “Noel [Friendship]”!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Colopl, Inc. announced the addition of new characters, “Nicole [Triumphant Song]” and “Noel [Friendship],” to its game “Alice Gear Aegis.” Details are shown in the released visuals.
— Working with the next generation to realize a circular society through clothing — Hirakata Municipal Ogura Elementary School × “World Ecolomo Campaign”: Students take the lead in collecting clothing and holding a workshop
Find the capsule toy you want right away with stock search! The official “gashacoco app” is now available
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Happinet Vending Service, a consolidated subsidiary of Happinet, launched the official smartphone app for capsule toy specialty store gashacoco on March 26, 2026. The app features a search function that lets users check store sales information and inventory. This is made possible through integration with the vending machines’ POS system. The app also offers a stamp card, store search, and campaign updates.
【Bourou NOGUCHI Hakodate】Enjoy spring flavors and a relaxing stay in Hakodate amid the cherry blossoms — Spring Travel Plan
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Bourou NOGUCHI Hakodate, a lodging facility in Hakodate, has begun offering a “Spring Travel Plan” timed to coincide with cherry blossom season. The plan aims to offer guests spring flavors and a relaxing stay. Details of the plan are suggested in the released images.
Easing the isolation of parents facing “unanswerable university entrance exams”: A YouTube media outlet specializing in holistic admissions and an X community for parents of junior and senior high school students launch
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
studycoorde-com has launched a YouTube media outlet specializing in holistic admissions and an X community for parents of junior and senior high school students. The initiative is presented as a new kind of admissions information platform, designed to ease the isolation felt by parents navigating “unanswerable university entrance exams.”
Shigaraki ware coffee teapot “香雅 -KOGA-” with a sealed design and no lid hole launches for advance sale on Makuake
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
KISSHIN365 launched advance sales on Makuake on March 24, 2026, for “香雅 -KOGA-,” a coffee teapot jointly developed with Tsubohachi, a Shigaraki ware kiln founded in 1955. Its sealed design, with no hole in the lid, and the far-infrared properties of Shigaraki clay from the Old Lake Biwa layer enable brewing that locks in aroma. The planned general retail price is ¥11,800 (tax included), while the advance support price on Makuake starts at ¥8,614 (tax included, 27% off). The project runs from March 24, 2026, to May 10, 2026.
【NHK Culture】Recharge your mind and body with spring energy! NHK Cultural Center Machida Classroom presents a special feature on spring lifestyle courses.
【Japan premiere】A symposium featuring South African photography and music artists, plus a concert by an artist who worked on a Grammy Award-winning album, will be held on Sunday, April 19, in the modern underground hall of Higashi Honganji, one of the world’s largest wooden buildings!
The number of providers supported under the Reiwa 7 “Care Plan Data Collaboration System” adoption support project has surpassed 2,000 — Promoting care DX models in 32 areas across 28 municipalities nationwide with NPO TADAKAYO
Reuse PC retailer Ringrow holds “Spring Pollen-Busting Sale” to meet seasonal demand
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Ringrow will hold a “Spring Pollen-Busting Sale” from March 27 to April 1, 2026, at its official Mercari Shops store, “ほりだしもの市ひみつの倉庫.” Around 150 reused home appliances, including air purifiers and vacuum cleaners, will be sold at up to 30% off. Featured deals include pressure washers and air purifiers at discounted prices.
“Inheritance AI” releases a nominal deposit check tool — AI assesses in 3 levels the risk that savings and deposits held in family members’ names may be considered inheritance assets
【JPI Seminar】Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare: “Building a Drug Discovery Ecosystem and Measures to Promote Clinical Trials and Studies,” to be held Thursday, April 9
“TEA&THINGS,” a tea brand from Fukushima created by students, to resume sales in late April 2026
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The Fukushima-born tea brand “TEA&THINGS” will resume sales on STORES in late April 2026, operated by Miraikuru Lab Co., Ltd. The first release will feature 2 products made with fruit from Fukushima Prefecture: “REFRESH PEACH” and “RELAX APPLE.” With the resumption of sales, some production processes, including filling tea bags, will newly be outsourced to Rapport Izumi Co., Ltd., a welfare workshop in Fukushima Prefecture.
Town Kitchen Co., Ltd. will take on master leasing and property management for “Nesting Park Kurokawa,” a multi-purpose facility opened by Odakyu Electric Railway, starting in April 2026. It will take over the work previously handled by Odakyu Real Estate, moving to an integrated operating structure covering everything from leasing and facility management to area revitalization. Town Kitchen has operated startup support facilities since 2010, and with this transition will promote improved value along the railway line and the creation of new spaces.
Construction advances on fuel ammonia facilities for JERA’s Hekinan Thermal Power Station
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
IHI Plant, Taisei Corporation, and Chubu Plant Service are advancing construction of fuel ammonia facilities at JERA’s Hekinan Thermal Power Station. The project is part of “JERA Zero Emissions 2050,” which aims to begin commercial operations in fiscal 2029. As of March 2026, work to raise the outer tank roof has been completed, and EPC work is underway on the ammonia storage tank and associated facilities.
That sculpting book is back after 9 years! A special one-night-only lecture. Seminar celebrating the release of “Animal Modeling: Animal Sculpting Anatomy, Expanded and Revised Edition” to be held Saturday, April 25, 2026
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Too Corporation will hold a seminar on April 25, 2026, to celebrate the release of “Animal Modeling: Animal Sculpting Anatomy, Expanded and Revised Edition,” by Hollywood-based character designer Yuji Katagiri. The seminar will cover sculpting approaches and the use of digital tools, and will also include an advance sale available only at the venue and an autograph session. Participation is free, but advance registration is required.
【Kyoto Tachibana University】In April 2027, Kyoto Tachibana University will establish a master’s and doctoral program in engineering in its Graduate School of Engineering*
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Kyoto Tachibana University will reorganize its existing Graduate School of Informatics and establish the Graduate School of Engineering, Engineering Major (Master’s and Doctoral Programs) from April 2027. The university aims to strengthen interdisciplinary education and research in fields including AI, robotics and architectural design, and to develop highly specialized professionals. It will also address the needs of working adults for recurrent education and contribute to solving real-world challenges.
Raffles Hotel Singapore offers special limited-time menu to mark 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Japan
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Raffles Hotel Singapore will offer a limited-time menu to mark the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Japan. Raffles Boutique will sell “Matcha Kaya” for 16 Singapore dollars from April 1. Long Bar will serve the “Matcha Sling” for S$38++ from April 1 through December 31, while The Grand Lobby will offer a cherry blossom-themed afternoon tea from S$108++ from April 6 to 12.
Partnership agreement signed with Osaka’s Suminoe Ward on employment support for local businesses and education support for children and lifelong learning
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines, Ltd. and MOL CAREER Co., Ltd. have signed a partnership agreement with Osaka’s Suminoe Ward on employment support and education for children and lifelong learning. Drawing on the group’s human resources expertise, the companies will support local businesses in securing and retaining talent. They will also use the hands-on facility Funeshiru to provide educational opportunities centered on ships and the sea, contributing to the sustainable development of the local community.
【April 18 and 19】A “miniature zoo” comes to Meriken Park! More than 30 kinds of creatures gather for “Waku Waku Ikimono World”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Kobe Port “U” Park Management Joint Venture will hold the “Waku Waku Ikimono World” event for 2 days, on April 18 and 19, 2026, at the multipurpose lawn area of Meriken Park. More than 30 kinds of creatures, including small animals, birds, reptiles and insects, will be at the venue, with opportunities to interact with the animals and feed them. Admission is 700 yen including tax for ages 2 and up, and feeding experiences cost an additional 100 yen including tax.
ProOne launches “Electronic Signature Option,” integrating everything from creating forms such as estimates, purchase orders and invoices to internal approvals and e-signatures
Special stage announced for the film “Osomatsu-san: Human Degeneration Plan!!!!!?”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Award will hold the fashion and music event “Rakuten GirlsAward 2026 SPRING/SUMMER” at the Yoyogi National Gymnasium First Gymnasium on April 18, 2026. A special stage for the film “Osomatsu-san: Human Degeneration Plan!!!!!?”, scheduled to open on June 12, has been announced as part of the event. The venue is in Shibuya, Tokyo, and all tickets are SOLD OUT.
TONICHI to make its first appearance at the April 10 and 11 “Stationery & Letter Marche 2026” — featuring design newspapers and paper stationery upcycled from newsprint
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
TONICHI PRINTING will make its first appearance at “Stationery & Letter Marche 2026,” to be held on April 10 and 11, 2026, at the Tokyo Metropolitan Industrial Trade Center Taito Hall. At the event, the company will debut “Tsutsumu,” a design newspaper upcycled from newsprint, and a pouch made from the same material in collaboration with And Upcycle. A total of 96 companies will exhibit. Admission is 1,000 yen for a full-day ticket and 800 yen for a half-day ticket.
Kagoshima Innovation Base, which fosters and develops entrepreneurs in the prefecture, will co-host “Kagoshima innovation Fes,” one of the largest free entrepreneurship events in the prefecture, with Kagoshima Prefecture
Notice Regarding Change of Representative Director, President and CEO, Changes to Management Structure, Organizational Changes and Executive Officer Appointments
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Dolbix Consulting has announced a management change, with Satoru Muto becoming representative director, president and CEO effective April 1, 2026. Takayuki Kan, the former representative director, president and CEO, will become representative director and chairman. The company will also expand its business divisions from 3 headquarters to 5, alongside organizational changes and executive officer appointments. Marking 5 years since its founding, the company has positioned the next 5 years as a phase of “10→100: The Challenge.”
Taking on marine education from landlocked Toda, Saitama! “Nippon Foundation Nagisa no Koban Toda Saiko BASE,” a hub for the sea, learning and leisure, opens at Saiko-Doman Green Park!
【Applications open for fiscal 2026】Newspaper clipping contract agency service expands to a total of 11 newspapers; launches under the new name “J-CLIP”
“If the Great Buddha played the piano, what is the maximum number of octaves it could reach?” “How many meters long are the tenne robes worn by the Agyo and Ungyo statues?” Reiwa 8 sangaku dedicated to Todaiji Temple; students who created the problems honored
Owner of 3 Ginza restaurants takes on a challenge in Shibuya Dogenzaka using a “trust-based model”; neo-retro izakaya “izakaya Tokyo Shibuya” opens April 1
Functional feed additive for pigs “KAICO Powder” expands across Asia, following its launch in Vietnam
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
KAICO is stepping up overseas expansion of its proprietary pig feed additive, “KAICO Powder.” In March 2026, it began a field trial involving about 300 pigs at AMCOVET’s farm in Thailand. It has also partnered with Reber Genetics in Taiwan for distribution and sales. The product is a protein formulation made using silkworms, and has been confirmed to reduce administration time by 99%.
Wait, Isomaru Suisan is turning into a “bar”?! All drinks 399 yen, with a revamped menu! Affordable, delicious “Isomaru Sakaba” opens in Kamiooka at 16:00 on Friday, March 27
Bear sightings surge to about 5.5 times the level in April as bears emerge from hibernation; physical injury tops people’s concerns, while about 20% also fear damage to their homes or property. More than 90% say they do not know that bear damage may be covered by fire insurance
“A little tipsy, Fukushima”: Visit six Fukushima sake breweries through manga and a stamp rally at JR Tokyo Station, while sampling local sake and shopping for Fukushima souvenirs!
AiHUB creates immersive video with 13 students from Tokyo University of the Arts and others for “Paradise of the Kaiju,” an art project showcasing the diversity of Ultra Kaiju
Survey of doctors’ and patients’ awareness of communication about valvular heart disease in Japan
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Edwards Lifesciences surveyed 1,690 people, including adults aged 65 and older and cardiologists, about valvular heart disease. While awareness of the disease name was high at 96%, the survey found that people did not sufficiently understand symptoms that can be mistaken for signs of aging. It also suggested that improving mutual understanding remains a challenge, with 37% of patients and 77% of doctors reporting difficulties with explanations and understanding during consultations. The online survey was conducted from November 15 to December 15, 2025.
Araya to exhibit at the “AI & Artificial Intelligence EXPO” at NexTech Week 2026 [Spring]
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Araya Inc. will exhibit at the “AI & Artificial Intelligence EXPO,” held at Tokyo Big Sight from April 15 to 17, 2026. The company will showcase a wide range of solutions, including image recognition AI, custom-built AI, the multi-agent collaboration platform “Persona Lab,” local LLMs, construction solutions and research DX. It will present highly specialized technologies to address challenges in adopting generative AI.
Dandelion Chocolate pop-up store to open for a limited time at ecute Shinagawa
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Dandelion Chocolate Japan Inc. will open a limited-time pop-up store at ecute Shinagawa inside JR Shinagawa Station from March 30 to June 21, 2026. The store will offer bean-to-bar chocolate made using only single-origin cacao beans and organic cane sugar, as well as signature gateau chocolat and seasonal cookie assortments. This will be the store’s second appearance at ecute Shinagawa, following its first in 2021.
“るぅ☕️Ruu🧁🤍,” who belongs to ONECARAT, a streamer agency operated by AEGIS GROUP Inc., placed 3rd in an event on the livestreaming app 17LIVE, winning the right to have an advertisement displayed on Yunika Vision, a large outdoor screen in Shinjuku. The ad will run from March 23 to March 29, 2026. Ruu is a top streamer with a track record of placing highly in multiple events.
[No. 111] “Yamazaki 18 Year Old” returns. Latest whisky lottery goes on sale March 26
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Tachibana E-Sake Shop, operated by Uprising, launched the “Luxury Whisky Omikuji No. 111” lottery-style whisky sale on March 26, 2026. Limited to 466 entries, it is priced at 3,980 yen (plus 990 yen shipping). The lineup includes “Yamazaki 18 Year Old,” “Yamazaki 12 Year Old” and “Hakushu 12 Year Old.” The products will be available through Amazon, Rakuten Ichiba, Yahoo! Shopping and other platforms.
[First adoption on public transport] NTT’s acoustic technology “PSZ (Personalized Sound Zone)” to be introduced in premium-class seats on the Tokaido Shinkansen
[Fundraising target: 20 million yen] High school students pitch companies themselves! N High School Group student council launches fundraising drive to realize a cultural festival that anyone can attend from anywhere in Japan
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The N High School Group student council of Kadokawa Dwango Educational Institute has launched fundraising through corporate sponsorships and crowdfunding for “Jishaku-sai 2026,” a hybrid cultural festival to be held in April 2026. Its fundraising target is 20 million yen. For the previous event, “Jishaku-sai ZERO,” students raised more than 11 million yen themselves, using the funds to expand the event’s budget and help cover students’ travel expenses.
NHK Publishing launched a campaign on March 26, 2026, extending the free trial for its English-learning app Pocket Eigo from the usual 7 days to 1 month. The offer is available to users who first signed up through the official website on or after March 13, 2026, and runs through April 21, 2026. Pocket Eigo is a subscription service that re-edits past NHK English courses for learning in sessions as short as 5 minutes a day.
NOK introduces group’s first off-site PPA, sourcing about 5% of electricity for its Shizuoka plant from renewable energy while supporting local agriculture through agrivoltaics
“Saigai Map” releases a Kyushu edition of its compound disaster risk assessment tool, instantly scoring 3 risks—earthquakes, floods and volcanoes—based on an address
A survey finds that 80%* of women whose lives have not changed significantly feel they are gradually gaining weight. Yumico and a doctor also demonstrate ways to combat gradual weight gain. Ajinomoto Co., Inc. announces “Capsi EX®” and survey findings on changes in body shape among women in premenopause and menopause
INDUSTRIAL-X works with Senju Sprinkler Co. to advance the realization of a next-generation DX factory for digital twins
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
INDUSTRIAL-X and Senju Sprinkler launched a joint project in July 2025 to realize a “next-generation sprinkler DX factory for digital twins” at the Marumori Plant. They built a data platform that integrates and visualizes on-site work conditions and equipment operating data, enabling real-time cost management. On March 26, they held a factory DX presentation and site tour, with the mayor of Ichinoseki in attendance. Going forward, they aim to develop a company-wide data infrastructure and an AI-powered prediction system.
LP investment approved in “HIC No. 1 Investment Limited Partnership”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The ASA Fund, operated by The University of Tokyo Edge Capital Partners, has decided to make an LP investment in HIC No. 1 Investment Limited Partnership, formed by Hiroshima Incubation & Capital. HIC No. 1 Fund aims to invest in startups based on research outcomes from Hiroshima University. Through this investment, it aims to build an investment and support framework involving regional financial institutions, universities and public organizations.
The visual novel “Houka-go .LIVE -Tasogare no Kagami-,” featuring “.LIVE” talents Cyber Girl Siro, Kakyoin Chieri and Yamato Iori, goes on sale Thursday, March 26!
Limited-time special event “Joinus Victory Star Shrine” to open in support of the Yokohama DeNA BayStars!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Joinus, operated by Sotetsu Building Management, will set up the special “Joinus Victory Star Shrine” to wish the Yokohama DeNA BayStars success from March 26 to May 6, 2026. During the event, 10,000 original ema plaques will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. A campaign will also award Yokohama DeNA BayStars game tickets to 6 pairs (12 people) selected from participants who post using the hashtag.
Preorders begin Thursday, March 26, 2026, at stores nationwide and online for the game “Wantama☆Life: Inuyama Tamaki’s Survival School Trip,” starring VTuber Inuyama Tamaki, bundled with exclusive merchandise!
[Phoenix Seagaia Resort] Jewel-like radiance returns. Third edition of “Jewel Angel,” a jewel-inspired dessert limited to 30 per month, goes on sale in April 2026
Treva to set up a booth at the 52nd Tokiw平 Sakura Festival in Matsudo, Chiba Prefecture
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Toreba will sponsor the 52nd Tokiwadaira Cherry Blossom Festival, held in Matsudo, Chiba Prefecture, on March 28 and 29, 2026, and set up a booth. Visitors can try the online crane game Toreba, and the booth will offer discounts for food trucks and prize-winning activities. The booth will be located at Shobu Park along Tokiwadaira Sakura Street. It will be open from 11:00 to 17:00 on the 28th and from 11:00 to 16:30 on the 29th.
Supporting children who work hard at sports through meals! “Build Strength from Within Through Everyday Meals: Athletic Meals to Support the Athletes in Your Family” now available
Keep your makeup cool and intact with an ultra-fine mist! Cool version of “Urumina Plus Dewy Finish Mist” to go on sale in limited quantities starting April 21
Joint survey: “Snack time” boosts workplace communication. Companies with opportunities to eat together report engagement satisfaction scores more than 12 points higher.