First store in a shopping center operated by Atre Co., Ltd.! “Hakata Motsunabe Yamaya Oimachi Tracks Store” to open at a new landmark directly connected to JR Oimachi Station on Saturday, March 28, 2026
We have revamped the “Design Simulator,” which lets users design merchandise and other items online
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The “Design Simulator,” which lets users design merchandise and other items online, has been revamped. A TOP image created with the tool has been released, but details about the operating company and the revamp are unknown.
[Yabuki Town, Fukushima Prefecture] Results report for the FY Reiwa 7 demonstration project under the “Sports × Digital Promotion Project”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Yabuki Town, Fukushima Prefecture, reported the results of the FY Reiwa 7 demonstration project under the “Sports × Digital Promotion Project,” carried out from January to March 2026. The town conducted 3 programs, led by Takashi Mori, a regional revitalization cooperation volunteer, and around 120 people in total participated using AI posture analysis system “Shisei Karte” and body composition analyzer “InBody.” From FY Reiwa 8, the project will transition to a town-led operating structure, with new offerings planned, including a pelvic improvement program for the prenatal and postnatal period.
Plastic surgeon Tomoko Okumura to appear in Japanese-Korean co-produced film “What We Sang” — playing the mother of “Yuna,” portrayed by Lim Hyung-joo —
CACAO held a pop-up event with ethical brand Smateria on March 8, 2026. Smateria is a brand that uses recycled materials manufactured in Cambodia, and Mizuho Mori, a high school student and company president, holds the exclusive sales rights in Japan. Fans, mainly people in their 20s, came from across Japan, and corporate collaborations and promotional merchandise are also planned for the future.
A gathering of cutting-edge AI! “NEXT BUSINESS EXPO SUMMER 2026” set for July 16 (Thursday) and 17 (Friday). Popular AI exhibition from last year gets a revamp
Certified NPO Miyagi Children’s Hospice Project will hold a “Children’s Hospice Training Session” at Miyagi Children’s Hospital on Wednesday, April 29, 2026 (national holiday).
[200 students participating] Joint company information sessions for students from top university sports clubs to be held in February and March|Next session on June 22; companies invited to participate
A global fashion event discovering and nurturing emerging designers returns this season: “Global Fashion Collective × Rakuten Fashion Week Tokyo F/W ‘26”
Meeting inbound lodging demand during cherry blossom season! Laundry service “Shirofuwabin” expands support for introducing laundry services for hotel guests—individual delivery laundry service available with no equipment investment
[15th anniversary; more than 980,000 attendees to date] Kyushu’s largest craft beer event, “BEERS OF JAPAN FESTIVAL 2026,” to be held simultaneously at 2 venues in Fukuoka and Oita over Golden Week
The Moomin characters are now on rain gear! Take them along whatever the weather
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Ogawa Co., Ltd. began releasing new sun-and-rain umbrellas and absorbent umbrella cases featuring Moomin characters in mid-March 2026. The distinctive lineup incorporates a three-dimensional Hattifattener design and illustrations from the novels. The umbrellas can be used in all seasons, in both sunny and rainy weather.
Adorable storage pouches steal the show! Portable sun-and-rain umbrellas featuring My Melody, Kuromi and Cinnamoroll
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Ogawa Co., Ltd. began selling compact sun-and-rain umbrellas featuring My Melody, Kuromi and Cinnamoroll in mid-March 2026. Each features colors inspired by the character and a storage pouch with three-dimensional ears. With 100% UV protection and a 99.9% light-blocking rate, they combine high functionality with cuteness.
[From Nanyo, Yamagata] Kimono upcycling brand “OUNCHAN” stages its first runway show in New York
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Kimono upcycling brand “OUNCHAN” from Nanyo City, Yamagata Prefecture, staged its first runway show at “Global Fashion Collective” in New York on February 14, 2026. The brand champions “spiritual couture,” reworking kimono fabric into contemporary clothing, and received international recognition. It plans to expand sales in Japan and overseas.
Kazuo Futagawa, former vice-minister of Health, Labour and Welfare, appointed outside director of Efira Group
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Efira Group Inc. appointed Kazuo Futagawa as an outside director effective March 1, 2026. He previously served as vice-minister of Health, Labour and Welfare and has extensive experience in social security system reform. The company aims to apply his expertise to its management, strengthen governance and enhance corporate value over the medium to long term.
[Compound Interest Calculation Simulation] Ease worries about not knowing how much your money will grow—design tool launched to instantly visualize asset growth from NISA and regular investments
Kobito Zukan’s 20th-anniversary project gets underway in earnest! 1st collaboration launches at Matsuya, Matsu no Ya and Sushi Matsu locations nationwide!
[Event Report] “M&A Strategy Planning Workshop: Consistent PMI Execution Based on M&A Strategy” held for growth-oriented regional mid-sized and core companies!
All areas of Urban Cycle Parks Hiroshima, a complex facility combining keirin and urban cycle sports, are complete! Grand opening on Saturday, April 18, Reiwa 8 (2026)!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The redevelopment of Hiroshima Velodrome is complete, and the new complex facility Urban Cycle Parks Hiroshima will grand open on April 18, 2026. New areas, including the Urban Cycle Sports Park, have been added, creating a destination for a wide range of visitors, not just keirin fans. The facility is also promoting environmental initiatives and cashless services with the aim of achieving sustainable operations.
Eliminate the time spent “writing” pharmaceutical QA documents|AI SaaS from the University of Tokyo’s Matsuo Lab startup EQUES supports automatic generation of deviation reports and annual reviews, advancing quality management DX
STARUP Inc., developer of the AI data platform “Archaive” for the manufacturing industry, raises a cumulative total of approximately 74 million yen through debt financing
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
In February and March 2026, STARUP Inc. raised a total of 47 million yen through loans from 3 financial institutions. Its cumulative funding has reached approximately 74 million yen. The company is developing “Archaive,” an AI platform for the manufacturing industry, and will use the funds for working capital to expand its business and for recruitment.
[M&A Brokerage and Support Announcement] Hoover Brain Inc. acquires shares in generative AI startup ProofX Inc.; M&A Support Organization served as broker
Practical training to prevent IT project failures to be held in Akihabara
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The Institute for IR Technology Education and Research will hold a 2-day training seminar in Akihabara, Tokyo, to prevent IT projects from spiraling out of control. It will take place on May 13 and 14, 2026. Participants will learn through exercises in this hands-on program, covering everything from understanding the mechanisms behind failures to risk assessment and planning. The instructor will be Takashi Fukasawa, representative of Imagine Spark Inc. The fee is 99,000 yen (tax included).
Developing the ability to create value amid uncertainty—Applications open for the 2026 “GIFT” cross-boundary learning program (cumulative participation: 76 companies and 650 people)
Honeys Holdings selected for “Japan’s Service Innovation 2025”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Honeys Holdings Inc. has been selected for “Japan’s Service Innovation 2025,” organized by the Japan Productivity Center. The company was recognized for building its SPA model, achieving high customer satisfaction, and taking organizational steps to improve employee satisfaction. Based on the concept of “high sensibility, high quality, reasonable prices,” it offers 3 original brands serving a broad range of age groups.
Horinishi × potato snacks! A “sure-to-be-delicious” combination arrives in amusement-exclusive packaging! Rollout begins in late March
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Amusement facility-exclusive prizes featuring a collaboration between outdoor spice “Horinishi” and potato snacks are coming soon. They will roll out at amusement facilities nationwide from late March 2026. The lineup includes 2 items: “Horinishi Potato Box” and “Horinishi Potato Case for Anywhere.” Sold by Yoshina Inc.
Exhibiting at “Interpets Tokyo 2026,” one of Japan’s largest pet festivals!—Offering up to 50% off subscription sign-ups and free original balloons, exclusively at the venue
Manufacturing DX Association releases “Manufacturing DX Startup Chaos Map 2026”; Smart Craft featured as a startup in the “Production Management” category
[Torayvino® | National survey on water and tap water awareness] Kumamoto Prefecture ranks No. 1 for “affinity with water”; Nagano Prefecture ranks No. 1 for “overall satisfaction with tap water”
“Shin Yotsu no Me: Shrine Maiden of Yin and Yang” launches on Nintendo Switch and Steam! Launch sale runs through April 8 (Wed.)!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
ABC Animation released the strategy roguelike horror game “Shin Yotsu no Me: Shrine Maiden of Yin and Yang” for Nintendo Switch and Steam on March 26, 2026. The game is the 2nd installment in the indie game project by ABC Animation and KADOKAWA Game Linkage. A launch sale offering 10% off is running through April 8, with the game on sale for 1,485 yen. A launch celebration event is also scheduled for May 2.
[Spring Appreciation Festival Campaign] Events to be held in stages from March 28 (Sat.) to April 17 (Fri.)! A wide range of products, from first-time hair removal to shared use, for the coming season of more outings and opportunities to bare skin!
With “When I’m doing well, surely someone else is happy, too” as its health promotion theme, Marks Life is recognized as a 2026 Certified Health and Productivity Management Outstanding Organization (SME Category)
[Tsuta Onsen, Aomori] Reopens for the season on April 17, 2026. A thousand-year-old secluded hot spring, carefully preserved, awakens in the snowmelt forest. Head chef Kaw浪紀, awarded the title of “Master Chef Instructor,” welcomes a spring of renewal
47% of Gen Z reject half-hearted corporate revivals. The driving force behind nostalgia consumption is self-affirmation (36%). Z-SOZOKEN (Z Generation Creativity Research Institute) conducted a survey on Gen Z attitudes toward nostalgia marketing.
[Opens April 11 (Sat.)!] First store in the Higashiosaka area! “Oh!huggy!!,” a flower-shaped ohagi specialty shop celebrating the seasons, grand opens its Yae-no-Sato store!
pamxy solves the question of “what to post first” for businesses. Free release of a “TikTok Business Account Launch and Initial Setup Checklist” to eliminate uncertainty at the start of operations.