The Fifth AI Art Grand Prix will be held. The contest seeks to foster coexistence between humans and AI and invites artworks created using AI. The theme is “Harmony,” and entries will be accepted from August 1 to September 15, 2026. The Grand Prix awards ceremony will take place at Belle Salle Shibuya First on November 7, 2026. The event is organized by the AI Art Grand Prix Executive Committee and co-organized by Dospara (Thirdwave).
Now covering British newspapers, industry trade publications and market reports—Copy articles for work and use them internally—Share articles internally lawfully—JRRC launches a new licensing program
Building a system for “compliant” foreign employment: Shokubun, a home-delivered food company, to adopt noborder. A specified skilled worker management SaaS resolves the divide between frontline operations and management in foreign employment.
Taskhub to exhibit at AI Expo Spring 2026, one of Japan’s largest specialized exhibitions for AI and artificial intelligence (April 7–8, 2026; Tokyo International Forum, Hall E)
Following popular demand, the Kyushu-born event “MIRAI BEAUTY Fes: A Celebration of Beauty and Medicine” returns for its second edition! A program for everyone to enjoy (Organized by: Beauty Doctors × SSF Holdings Co., Ltd.)
Uwajima City, Ehime Prefecture, and Change Holdings sign comprehensive partnership agreement on regional revitalization and sustainable community development
[Contributing to the community through sports] Daito Koun and Earthfriends Tokyo Z donate basketballs to an elementary school in Tokyo’s Minato Ward
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Daito Koun and B.LEAGUE team Earthfriends Tokyo Z will donate basketballs to an elementary school in Tokyo’s Minato Ward in March 2026. This social contribution initiative aims to support children’s healthy development and contribute to the local community through sports. Daito Koun is a port transport operator, while Earthfriends Tokyo Z is a professional basketball team whose home areas include Minato Ward. The two organizations are considering continuing their community contribution activities.
Featured in the May 2026 issue of Keizaikai (on sale March 23): The challenge of Kaopiz President and CEO Trinh Cong Huan, who is driving legacy modernization through offshore operations in Vietnam
“Challenge! University Students Every Campus,” an online program supporting university students with dreams and ambition, launches in August 2026 on the all-around entertainment platform everyfriends (Every Friends)!
ITFOR certified as a “Welfare Benefits Promotion Corporation” for the third consecutive year under Hataraku Yell 2026, a welfare benefits awards and certification program
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
ITFOR Co., Ltd., headquartered in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, has been certified as a “Welfare Benefits Promotion Corporation” for the third consecutive year under Hataraku Yell 2026, which recognizes companies that enhance and make effective use of employee benefits. The recognition reflects the company’s provision of a wide range of programs to create a supportive workplace for diverse employees, and its efforts to update benefits in response to changing times. ITFOR will continue to enhance its benefits and create an environment where employees can focus on their work with peace of mind, supporting sustainable business operations.
[Grissier] to participate in the Mie Prefecture Fair (Aeon Mall Tsu-Minami)
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Greens Co., Ltd., headquartered in Yokkaichi, Mie Prefecture, will participate in the Mie Prefecture Fair at Aeon Mall Tsu-Minami from April 10 to 12, 2026. As part of its sustainability initiatives, the company will sell confectionery made with ingredients from Mie Prefecture. Its original sweets brand Grissier will offer baked goods such as financiers and Ise Tea Mont Blanc, made with local ingredients. The “Ise Tea Mont Blanc in a Gift Box” is a particularly luxurious treat made with a generous amount of Ise tea from Mie Prefecture.
Regarding investment in the SPARX Sapporo-Hokkaido GX Fund
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Heiwa Real Estate Co., Ltd., headquartered in Chuo Ward, Tokyo, has invested in the “SPARX Sapporo-Hokkaido GX Fund,” established by SPARX Group Co., Ltd. with the participation of Sapporo City and others. The fund is Japan’s first regionally focused public-private GX fund, established to invest in green transformation (GX)-related projects in Hokkaido. It plans to consider investments in renewable energy, offshore wind power, next-generation semiconductors, data centers, hydrogen, SAF and storage batteries in Hokkaido. Heiwa Real Estate plans to open “FinGATE SAPPORO” in Sapporo and aims to help create investment opportunities in the GX sector and advance Hokkaido’s GX industry through its investment in the fund.
Mycat Inc. launches a cross-service comparison dashboard — instantly find the right tool for your needs among 22 AI services
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Mycat Inc., headquartered in Meguro Ward, Tokyo, was established on February 5, 2025. The company plans, develops and operates AI-powered services for small and medium-sized businesses and individuals. It has now launched a dashboard for comparing services across its entire portfolio. The dashboard lets users instantly find the right tool for their needs among 22 AI services.
Hakuhodo DY Group updates category entry point analysis feature in “STRATEGY BLOOM PLANNING,” which identifies the triggers that draw consumers’ attention to brands and categories
Carbon-neutral electricity at S-PAL Sendai; off-site corporate PPA powered by hydropower introduced at JR Sendai East Gate Building — initiatives for a future with carbon neutrality by 2050
Competitive photography app “SNPIT” partners with Web3 lifestyle app “SyFu”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
GALLUSYS-developed blockchain game “SNPIT” has announced a partnership with “SyFu,” a Web3 app that uses payment data. The partnership aims to build an ecosystem connecting Web3 and the real economy by combining photography experiences with payment behavior. As its first initiative, the limited-edition NFT “SyFu × SNPIT Collaboration MANEKINEKO” will go on sale on April 5, 2026. In a previous NFT presale, SyFu sold out in 7 minutes and recorded subscriptions totaling $670,000 (about 100 million yen).
AI security company CoWorker addresses the “invisible risks” of AI coding agents; begins offering “CoWorker AIDR” for free, enabling real-time monitoring of Claude Code execution
“BEAST X” enters its 3rd year since team formation and reaches the M League semifinals for the first time since joining! Qualification for the 2025-26 season semifinals confirmed! Player Geki Shimoishi also wins the individual MVP (individual score award)!
[Completely free] One cat becomes 80 in 1 year… Neko Republic and Azabu University join forces to prevent animal hoarding, holding “2026 Spay Day Ogaki” in Ogaki City, Gifu Prefecture, on March 30 and 31!
First-ever store in Kyoto’s celebrated Maruyama Park! Enjoy a coffee experience amid a cherished legacy of greenery: Starbucks Coffee Kyoto Maruyama Park Kikunotani opens March 30
4th group of creators participating in the “TOKYOROOMS Exhibition” announced; Nippon Broadcasting System, MIXI and contest grand-prize winners confirmed to participate!
Escrit’s original dress brand PRIMACARA announces the “Oval Collection,” original rental jewelry created in collaboration with ethical jewelry brand HASUNA
Assist Co., Ltd. begins recruiting sales agencies in the Tochigi area for a local search optimization service covering AIO, GEO, LLMO and MEO. The service optimizes generative AI responses and uses cutting-edge technology to help connect brick-and-mortar businesses with users.
An exhibition of approximately 30 new works celebrating the joy of life and imbued with dynamic vitality: “Opera,” a solo exhibition by ceramic artist Mayumi Nakamura
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社ギークピクチュアズ will hold ceramic artist Mayumi Nakamura’s solo exhibition “Opera” at Galerie GEEK/ART in Shibuya from April 4, 2026. The exhibition will feature approximately 30 new works themed around the joy of life.
Daiwa Zaitaku Co., Ltd. announces a silent partnership investment in the renga Professional Fund No. 6 (professional real estate STO fund)
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Daiwa Zaitaku Co., Ltd. has made a silent partnership investment in “renga Professional Fund No. 6,” a professional real estate STO fund organized by Digital Securities Co., Ltd. The fund is worth 12.23 billion yen and will acquire 7 properties. The investment will enable the company to bring its expertise in real estate and construction to the professional investor market.
Collaboration between a luxury confectionery brand and premium fruit from Yamanashi Prefecture
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Yamanashi Prefecture has announced a collaboration between a luxury confectionery brand and premium fruit from the prefecture. However, the press release contains no specific information beyond the headline.
[Cocomoora] Survey conducted on SMBC Mobit card loans
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Cocomoora Inc. conducted a survey on SMBC Mobit card loans. The release includes images of the survey results but provides no detailed explanation in the text.
Ivy from “Soulcalibur 6” becomes a 1/4-scale statue
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Prime 1 Studio Inc. will release a 1/4-scale statue of Ivy, a character from the game “Soulcalibur 6.” The release includes product images but provides no detailed explanation in the text.
From Pasco’s signature “Japanese Wheat” series under its “Wa-Komugi” brand: Deep-Roasted Peanut French bread with a crisp texture, and a Whole Wheat & Cereal Bar with a crunchy texture
Xross Stars Booster Pack 3, “Broken Neonlights,” on sale today!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
“Broken Neonlights,” the 3rd booster pack for Xross Stars, developed by bravegroup Inc., went on sale today. The release includes product images but provides no detailed explanation in the text.
[Sint-Truiden] Corporate sponsorship agreement signed with Cogito Co., Ltd.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Sint-Truiden VV (STVV) has signed a corporate sponsorship agreement with Cogito Co., Ltd. for the 2025-2026 season. Cogito supports STVV’s vision and will help drive business growth as a partner in solving challenges. Headquartered in Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture, Cogito aims to contribute to the public sector and foster social innovation.
SIXPAD Foot Fit 3 Series certified as Kanagawa Prefecture's “ME-BYO BRAND”; also selected for Kanagawa Prefecture's ME-BYO Living Lab Demonstration Project
With more than 190,000 SNS followers, hugely popular navigator Makoto Tabata (Makochin) presents the universe's easiest practical guide to quantum mechanics, “Your Life Is Yours,” on sale from Tokuma Shoten!
In celebration of philosophy star Markus Gabriel's visit to Japan! “Live Philosophy Talk” with Kyoto University Professor Yasuo Deguchi on April 17 (Fri)
Celebrating TWICE's 10th anniversary! The culmination of their world tour livestreamed to karaoke rooms nationwide! Live viewing of the April 28 (Tue) show at MUFG Stadium (National Stadium) on JOYSOUND's “Miru Hako”!
“ABEMA” to exclusively livestream all 3 of Nadeshiko Japan's international friendly matches on its US tour for free! They face archrivals the US women's national team on April 12 (Sun), 15 (Wed) and 18 (Sat)
Martial artist Taiju Shiratori goes on an “overnight date” with a Koakuma ageha model; back hug in bed and morning kiss leave the studio buzzing. Former AKB48 member Mariya Nagao's deep kiss with a handsome actor by the pool, with their voices audible, also leaves viewers in an uproar
[Shinjuku Prince Hotel] Collaboration plan for “Fist of the North Star: FIST OF THE NORTH STAR” to mark the new anime's broadcast; on sale from June 1 (Mon) to July 31 (Fri), 2026
[Supervised by a physical therapist] Add a little something to your everyday life! A new “Short Walk & Gentle Jog Program for People Who Hate Exercise,” designed to be fun and sustainable without getting out of breath, is now available from Felissimo's “MiniTsuKu®”
Gaitame.com Co., Ltd. will run a campaign from March 30 to May 2, 2026, offering spreads on 10 currency pairs at industry-leading narrow levels for its over-the-counter FX service “Gaika Next Neo.” The campaign spreads will apply on business days from 9 a.m. until 3 a.m. the following day during the campaign period. The initiative aims to expand customers' opportunities to earn returns. No entry is required to participate.
[New release] For hair over 50, moisture retention is key! “UMIKARA Rich Collagen Shampoo That Needs No Conditioner,” which washes hair with collagen water, goes on sale in April
“iFLYTEK Dual-Screen AI Translator” breaks language barriers with AI; on display at Tsutaya Electrics + in Futako-Tamagawa from March 27 and officially on sale from April 6
Just 70 minutes from central Tokyo. “Motona Beach Club,” on Chiba's Motona Beach, offers beautiful ocean views and sunsets over the horizon; 2026 season opens April 25 (Sat)!
3 Thai truck drivers in Saga Prefecture's foreign worker acceptance program enter Japan and pass the more difficult written knowledge test for foreign driver's license conversion on their first try!
Regarding the business partnership agreement with Zeus Enterprise Co., Ltd. and the undertaking of its third-party allotment of new shares
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Itec Hankyu Hanshin Co., Ltd. has concluded a business partnership agreement with Zeus Enterprise Co., Ltd. and undertaken the latter's third-party allotment of new shares. Zeus Enterprise operates an IT infrastructure business and provides engineer training support. Through this partnership, Itec Hankyu Hanshin will strengthen its capabilities for designing, building, operating and maintaining IT infrastructure to meet growing demand for advanced IT infrastructure.
Jump into the world of farming! “Farming Simulator 26” announced!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Sega will release “Farming Simulator 26,” a farming simulation game for Nintendo Switch developed by GIANTS Software, in May 2026. The digital edition will be released on May 19 and the physical edition on May 21, priced at ¥4,980 (tax included). The game features 2 new maps in Europe and North America and lets players operate more than 120 machines from real agricultural equipment manufacturers, including Kubota.
American Holidays, which specializes in wedding photography services in Hawaii, announced that its cumulative number of couples photographed has surpassed 30,000. Annual bookings for fiscal 2025 were approximately 120% of the previous year's total, setting a new post-pandemic high. The company cites 3 factors behind the recovery: fixed-price plans starting at ¥69,000, demand from couples who postponed their weddings during the pandemic, and increased awareness through social media. Founded in 2012, the company also plans to announce a new plan in fiscal 2026.
Somalia affected by the Middle East situation: 2 million children at risk of acute malnutrition; UNICEF chief says “Every red light is flashing” [Press release]
Experience points boosted to “3 times” the usual amount at every level! “N-AGE ONLINE NEO” launches a “Super Experience Point Boost Event” offering players an extraordinary rate of progression
Hokuei Town, the Hokuei Town Chamber of Commerce and BRJ sign a “Partnership Agreement on Promoting Commerce and Industry and Developing Tourism Towns Using Next-Generation Mobility”