Survey of education apps in 5 overseas countries: Students with higher scores on calculation tests are more likely to use apps for online learning and math practice
Esports soccer tournament “FC Community Series” signs a travel partner agreement with HIS. Strong support for player and staff travel ahead of the Japan- and Asia-No. 1 championship.
“Tree of Savior: Neverland” adds new version “Ami”! Embark on a new adventure with dedicated partner Ami
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The new “Ami” version has been added to the MMORPG “Tree of Savior: Neverland,” introducing the companion pet Ami. The song “Ami Ami Dancing☆” has been released to mark the update, and the in-game “Ami’s Travel Journal” event will offer rewards including upgrade materials. A collaboration event featuring streamers from different regions will also be held.
[Over 200 million servings sold across the series*¹] “ULTORA Protein Shake” gets even tastier and more affordable. New flavors added; on sale at FamilyMart stores nationwide*² from March 31!
[Survey of approximately 9,000 water dispenser users] While 90% feel the burden of rising prices, more than 80% say they are saving money! Financial planner offers an in-depth look at the surprising benefits of water purifiers
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Fujisan GX Holdings surveyed 9,377 users of the “every frecious” water purifier about savings. With more than 90% feeling the impact of rising prices on household finances, approximately 80% said they had experienced savings after installing the unit. In addition, 98% cited an improved quality of life, recognizing it as a home appliance that helps optimize household finances and the home environment.
Heisei-era icon “HOPPE-chan” makes a comeback in the Reiwa era! Nationwide rollout at 100-yen shops
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Products featuring Sunho’s original character “HOPPE-chan” will be sold nationwide through 100-yen shops such as Seria and Can★Do, via 株式会社エイコー. The rollout will include practical items such as pouches and stationery for everyday use, priced at 110 yen, targeting demand from Gen Z, who have rediscovered the character on social media, as well as elementary and junior high school students.
Glove manufacturer SHOWA GLOVE decided on executive appointments at its shareholders’ meeting and board meeting on March 25, 2026. President and Representative Director Tatsuya Hoshino will become Chairman and Representative Director, while Vice President and Director Yuichiro Tanaka will be promoted to President and Representative Director.
HGPI opens applications for the 15th term of its Health Policy Academy (HPA) for members of the public interested in health policy
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The Health and Global Policy Institute (HGPI) has opened applications for the 15th term of its Health Policy Academy (HPA). The theme is “Opening the Policy Window,” and the curriculum teaches ways of thinking essential to policy development. The program runs from July 10, 2026, to March 12, 2027, and the application deadline is April 24, 2026.
[La Roche-Posay] Special video for Mela B3 Serum starring actor Saki Takaoka, “Toward the pinnacle of clarity and radiance,” to be released March 26 (Thu)
Infinite Loop Inc. released the DLC “Desktop Mate GUMI DLC” for the desktop mascot platform “Desktop Mate” on April 2, 2026. It is priced at 2,200 yen, including tax, and is available on Steam. The add-on lets users bring the singing and talking virtual artist “GUMI” to their desktop and features a variety of gestures.
SpiralAI is the only Japanese Inception Partner exhibiting at GTC 2026’s “Startup Pavilion”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
SpiralAI Inc. exhibited at “GTC 2026,” an AI conference hosted by NVIDIA in San Jose, California, from March 16 to 19, 2026. The company was the only Japanese Inception Partner selected for the “Startup Pavilion.” At the event, it showcased “Geppetto2,” its emotion-focused large language model (LLM), and presented the concept to the world. GTC 2026 drew more than 30,000 participants from over 190 countries and regions.
[Encouraging repeat visits to restaurants] Sent but not read!? The “communication barrier” faced by businesses struggling to manage their LINE Official Accounts
Plush toys and mascots dressed stylishly in hakama arrive from SNOOPY Chaya!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Terakoya Co., Ltd.’s SNOOPY Chaya will release plush toys and mascots of Snoopy, Charlie Brown and Woodstock wearing hakama at its 8 stores nationwide and online store from April 3. The 10th-anniversary merchandise has been revamped, with Woodstock newly added to the lineup. The items will be sold year-round.
GR Co., Ltd. adopts “i-Rental Inspection,” strengthening coordination between stores and its inspection system based on a track record of reliable implementation (Yamanashi Prefecture)
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
GR Co., Ltd., a construction equipment rental company based in Yamanashi Prefecture, has fully adopted “i-Rental Inspection,” a paperless construction equipment inspection checklist service provided by SORABITO Inc. The service enables digital management of inspection and repair information, closer coordination between stores, more efficient inspection work and standardized quality. The company aims to address industry challenges including labor shortages and the need to improve operational efficiency.
New additions to the plush toy collection designed for conservation organization WWF by Dutch brand BON TON TOYS!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Marks International Co., Ltd. has released new additions to “The WWF plush collection,” a series designed for conservation organization WWF by Dutch plush toy maker BON TON TOYS. The toys are made with premium materials and 100% recycled PET filling. Purchases support WWF Japan’s conservation activities.
Announcement: Player Jeong-gyu Kim to retire from professional rugby
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Jeong-gyu Kim, a rugby player with URAYASU D-Rocks, has announced that he will retire at the end of the 2025-26 season. He said he had decided to bring his 22-year rugby career to a close and expressed gratitude to fans and those around him. He also said he intends to remain true to himself through the final matches.
62 companies showcasing the latest digital services; visitor registration opens for “Web Promotion & Digital Utilization Expo 2026,” taking place May 27
Gokurakuyu presents a “Yokohama DeNA BayStars” support campaign! “Totonoe DeNA BayStars” to run from Wednesday, April 1, at 3 Gokurakuyu and RAKU SPA locations in Kanagawa only!
[Operational challenges for the “Universal Childcare Attendance System,” launching in earnest in April] 1 in 3 municipalities still collects childcare fees in cash. Parents must prepare coins, while childcare facilities face the burden of handling money
ContentAge enters into capital and business alliance with ASOBISYSTEM
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
ContentAge Inc. has completed a third-party allotment of new shares to ASOBISYSTEM Co., Ltd. and entered into a capital and business alliance. The companies aim to create globally successful IP originating in Japan by combining ASOBISYSTEM’s assets, including artists and events, with ContentAge’s IP development and advertising capabilities. They will jointly advance projects including character and anime development.
[On sale today!] Download version of the horror school comedy “崩課後どっとライブ -黄昏ノ鏡-,” starring Dennou Shojo Siro, Hanakyo-in Chieri and Yamato Iori, launches on various platforms on Thursday, March 26, 2026!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
CyberStep’s brand Rabbitfoot released the download version of the novel game “崩課後どっとライブ -黄昏ノ鏡-” on March 26, 2026. The game stars Dennou Shojo Siro, Hanakyo-in Chieri and Yamato Iori of VTuber production .LIVE. It is priced at 3,300 yen, including tax, and is available on Steam, the Nintendo eShop and other platforms. A packaged edition with bonus items is also on sale at retail stores and elsewhere.
Travel app NEWT selects the best 30 municipalities for budget-friendly student graduation trips from 1,741 municipalities nationwide
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
NEWT, a travel app operated by Reiwa Travel Inc., has announced its “TOP 30 Hidden-Gem Graduation Trip Destinations” ranking, covering 1,741 municipalities nationwide. The destinations were analyzed from multiple perspectives, including value for money and social media appeal. Kumejima Town in Okinawa Prefecture ranked 1st, Amami City in Kagoshima Prefecture 2nd, and Kurihara City in Miyagi Prefecture 3rd.
E-COMEGROUP to release logo caps from French powerhouse Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in late April!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
E-COMEGROUP Inc. will release new logo caps from French soccer club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in late April. The caps feature an embroidered emblem and come in 2 colors, white and black. Priced at 3,190 yen, including tax, they will be sold at retailers nationwide.
QuizKnock teams up with the J.League! Quiz rallies highlighting the league will be held during home games for more than 40 clubs nationwide. A quiz competition featuring Takushi Izawa will also take place at MUFG Stadium on Sunday, May 24
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
QuizKnock, operated by baton, will hold quiz rallies at J.League official matches for more than 40 clubs nationwide starting in April 2026. The rallies will feature questions shared across stadiums as well as club-specific questions. In addition, a special quiz competition open to attendees and featuring Takushi Izawa and falcon is scheduled for May 24 at MUFG Stadium (National Stadium). A ticket to the relevant match is required to participate. The initiative aims to share the appeal of the J.League through quizzes.
Notice regarding expansion of the shareholder benefits program for medium- to long-term shareholders
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Asteria will expand its mid- to long-term shareholder benefits program for shareholders as of the end of March 2026. In addition to the existing QUO cards, shareholders can now choose JPYC, a yen-denominated stablecoin. A separate procedure is required to receive JPYC; no procedure is needed for those who choose a QUO card. Benefits worth 1,000 yen to a maximum of 5,000 yen will be awarded based on the number of shares held and the length of continuous ownership.
Winning services announced for “The Management Department Awards 2026: Services and Systems Really Worth Using, Chosen by People Working in Management Departments Nationwide”! Which service was selected for the grand prize from among the many entries?
“Mad Max: Furiosa” to make its CS broadcast premiere; to mark the occasion, Movie Plus will air a special showcase of every film in the “Mad Max” series starting Saturday, April 4.
[10th anniversary of newspaper serialization] “Hey, Piyo-chan,” a laugh-out-loud daily 4-panel comic that will lift your spirits, gets its 13th comic volume on March 26.
[New Era] Limited-time store focused on bags to open at Amu Est (Hakata) on Friday, April 3.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
New Era will open its first pop-up store in the Hakata area at Amu Est Hakata from April 3 to April 19. The store will feature a lineup dedicated to bags, including backpacks and tote bags. It will offer bags for commuting and school, among other items, for the spring season of new beginnings.
[All 40 varieties of sake just ¥110 (tax included)] Nihonshu Genka Sakagura 11th Anniversary Festival | All locations | April 6–April 8
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
To mark its 11th anniversary, Nihonshu Genka Sakagura will hold its “11th Anniversary Festival” at all locations for 3 days, from April 6 to April 8. During the event, app members can get all 40 varieties of sake for 110 yen each, tax included. A separate admission fee is required, and other conditions, including ordering food, apply.
An interview with Yoshiharu Habu 9-dan finally comes to fruition! The 4th book in the series, “Eriko Yamaguchi (Eririn)’s Days as a Women’s Shogi Player: Friends in the Shogi World,” goes on sale March 26!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Takeshobo will release the 4th installment of its comic essay series depicting the daily life of women’s shogi player Eriko Yamaguchi, “Eriko Yamaguchi (Eririn)’s Days as a Women’s Shogi Player: Friends in the Shogi World,” on March 26, 2026. This volume features a special interview with Yoshiharu Habu 9-dan. The manga is by Sakura Hana.
Notice of Silver Partner Agreement with Seven Fish Holdings Co., Ltd.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Football Club Mito HollyHock Co., Ltd. has signed a Silver Partner Agreement with Seven Fish Holdings Co., Ltd. for the period from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027. The partnership will include commercials shown on the stadium’s large video screen. Seven Fish Holdings develops businesses rooted in the local community and shares the club’s vision of contributing to the development of the community through sports, leading to the agreement.
[Free report now available] Do users search for facilities after being referred by a care manager? Why serviced housing for older adults and residential-type senior homes should optimize their Google Maps listings.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Canly has released a free report on the findings of a consumer survey about searching for care facilities. The report reveals that users referred by care managers go on to research facilities online. It also explains why care facilities should optimize their Google Maps listings, and offers tips on how to be found by prospective residents.
“JCB Credit Card Investment Plan,” allowing investment trust contributions with a JCB card, launches.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Monex Securities will launch its “JCB Credit Card Investment Plan,” which allows customers to make investment trust contributions using a credit card issued by JCB, on March 26, 2026. To mark the launch, Monex Securities and JCB will each run a commemorative campaign. The service provides J-POINT rewards based on the contribution amount.
[interfm April 2026 programming changes] New shows featuring artists and DJs including TMNETWORK, PUFFY, PSYCHIC FEVER and Arisa Komiya will launch one after another to celebrate the station’s 30th anniversary.
[New series] “If They Find Out I’m a Mandragora, Will They Hunt Me Down? ~The Flower Witch’s Smile Sows Seeds of Misunderstanding~” starts Thursday, April 2, at 18:00!
[First wave of messages of support!] Messages have arrived from 10 people involved in the film, including the director and cast! “Kamome Diner,” marking its 20th anniversary, returns to theaters nationwide for a limited 2-week run starting Friday, April 10!
“Ocha-ken” × Thank You Mart collaboration goods go on sale in late April, with everything priced at 390 yen (429 yen including tax)! New items feature designs that evoke the warmth of spring.
A succession of “figure boyfriends” with a 72-hour time limit make their appearance! The unusual Chinese drama “Fated Lovers: A Boyfriend with a Catch—and an Expiration Date!?” makes its Japanese broadcast debut on CS Eisei Gekijo starting Sunday, April 5!
Voice actor Yurie Kozakai and Shigetaka Kurita appear! Special program to explore “Trickcal,” the game making waves with “Supiki,” streams live for free exclusively on Niconico on 3/29.
The 1st “BOTANIST CREATIVE AWARD 2026” is underway. Entries of still images and videos on the theme “Wisdom found in plants” will be accepted starting March 27! Chie Morimoto, one of Japan’s leading art directors, will serve as a judge.
The all-new smartphone game “Tokyo Revengers UNLIMITED (Anribe),” based on the TV anime “Tokyo Revengers,” will appear at AnimeJapan2026! New content will also be unlocked!
Package preorders open for “Chou Shinjiku Game Neptune ∞ (Unlimited)”! Rough designs revealed for retailer bonuses featuring newly drawn illustrations by illustrator “Tsunako”!
[Yokohama Sakuragicho Washington Hotel] Explore Yokohama’s landmarks surrounded by cherry blossoms and tulips by bicycle! “Spring in Yokohama ~Includes a 1-day Bay Bike shared-cycle pass~” plan now on sale.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Yokohama Sakuragicho Washington Hotel will offer its “Spring in Yokohama ~Includes a 1-day Bay Bike shared-cycle pass~” plan for a limited time starting March 26, 2026. The plan includes a 1-day pass for Bay Bike, operated by Docomo Bike Share, and is available for stays from April 1 to May 31, 2026. Rates start at 12,470 yen for 1 person in 1 room, with a breakfast buffet and late checkout included. The hotel is also holding a photo contest themed “Yokohama and Flowers” through May 20.
Persol to continue as title partner of the 2026 Pacific League professional baseball official games for a fourth term! The Persol Pacific League season opens Friday, March 27!
On sale March 26: Make today’s hugely popular castle tours even more fun! The latest edition of the past-question collection for the “Japan Castle Certification” exam is here—a must-try for castle lovers!
DIR EN GREY’s “MORTAL DOWNER” release celebration: exclusive live stream and special programs set for Nico Nico Live Broadcasting [The first installment airs Friday, March 27, at 21:00]
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
To celebrate the release of rock band DIR EN GREY’s 12th album, “MORTAL DOWNER,” and its nationwide tour, special programs will air on Nico Nico Live Broadcasting. The first installment will exclusively stream past live footage at 21:00 on March 27. The second and third installments, scheduled for April 3 and April 24, will be special programs featuring all the band members live to celebrate the album’s release. A Nico Nico Premium membership is required to watch, and time-shift viewing will be available for 30 days after each broadcast.
May 2026 issue of OPTION on sale! Feature: “THE FR.ーAE86/Z♯6/Z♯8ー”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Sanei released the May 2026 issue of the automotive magazine OPTION on March 26, 2026. The feature, “THE FR.ーAE86/ZN6/ZN8ー,” covers maintenance and tuning of successive generations of the Hachiroku, as well as the latest customization information. The magazine is priced at 1,200 yen (tax included) and has 144 pages.
[Retirement, pensions, insurance, caregiving, inheritance and funerals] Navigate life events everyone faces smoothly and affordably! “Don’t Lose Out by Not Knowing! [Illustrated Guide] The Complete Guide to Procedures for the Second Half of Life” goes on sale March 26
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Fusosha released “Don’t Lose Out by Not Knowing! [Illustrated Guide] The Complete Guide to Procedures for the Second Half of Life,” a book explaining procedures for retirement, pensions, insurance, caregiving, inheritance and funerals, on March 26, 2026. Keiko Sone of Yume Sozoku supervised the book, which includes a supplementary booklet, “安心設計ノート for the Second Half of Life,” to help readers organize their current circumstances. The list price is 1,320 yen (tax included).
[Roppongi Tsutaya Books] Akio Fujimoto, director of the film “LOST LAND,” to appear as a guest! Public recording of the “Cinema Ratatouille” podcast set for Monday, 4/6
Next-generation online game arcade GAPOLI launches 3rd-anniversary campaign!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
GAPOLI, the online game arcade operated by Sammy Networks, will mark its 3rd anniversary on March 28, 2026. To celebrate, it will hold a range of promotions from March 26 to April 23, 2026, including special login bonuses, limited-time events and selection gachas. Coins earned in games can be used for discounts on purchases at its e-commerce site, GAPOLI Mall.
“I wake up at 11 p.m.” Tsurutaro Kataoka talks about his one-of-a-kind lifestyle and his thoughts on the stage production “Black Coffee.” J-WAVE’s “TALK TO NEIGHBORS” airs March 30 (Mon.)–April 2 (Thu.)
Donguri Closet, which curates Studio Ghibli goods for adult women, will launch 2 collaboration accessories with the brand Palnart Poc on Saturday, April 4, 2026
“and ST” produces staff uniforms and the retail area’s spatial design for YONA YONA TOKYO BREWERY, Japan’s largest-scale brewery restaurant
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Originalアンドエスティは、ワンダーテーブルが運営するYONA YONA TOKYO BREWERYの店舗スタッフユニフォームおよび物販エリアの空間演出をプロデュースした。同店舗は2026年3月30日に品川インターシティにオープンする旗艦店。アンドエスティが持つアパレルプラットフォーム運営のノウハウを活かし、店舗の世界観を深化させるBtoB事業としての取り組み。
Professionals bring ideas from Hokkaido’s next generation to life. SAPPORO STREAM HOTEL to begin serving “snow-stored vegetable” dishes developed with Niseko High School from 4/16
A feast of Hokkaido flavors at a hotel in Hokkaido over Golden Week! “A Luxurious Festival of Shiraoi Wagyu and Hokkaido Cuisine—Create! Choose! Savor! A GW Family Dinner Buffet for the Whole Family”
Details revealed on bonuses and a photo panel exhibition for “Jekyll and HYDE in Salzburg,” the second photo book featuring newly shot photos in Austria, where HYDE serves as tourism ambassador
Seminar on “The Front Lines of Physical AI and Humanoid Robots,” presented by Kai Yamashita, AD, Industry & Materials Division, Fuji Keizai Co., Ltd., to be held Monday, April 27, 2026!!