[Louis Vuitton] The 2nd Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives: top prize goes to HAZEMANN & MONNIN
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The awards ceremony for the 2nd Louis Vuitton Watch Prize for Independent Creatives was held on March 24, 2026, at Fondation Louis Vuitton in Paris. Swiss-based HAZEMANN & MONNIN was named the top prize winner. The winner received a trophy, a grant of 150,000 euros and a 1-year mentorship program.
March 2026 results announced for the Vegetable Sommelier Summit, a produce competition aiming to further enhance the value of agricultural products!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
日本野菜ソムリエ協会 has announced the results of its March 2026 Vegetable Sommelier Summit. “Rock Salt Tomato” from Itoshima, Fukuoka Prefecture, won the highest Gold Award, while outstanding agricultural products and processed foods from across Japan were also selected.
[LoiLo Note] Long-awaited new “Text Proofreading” feature launches!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
LoiLo Inc. has officially added a “Text Proofreading” feature to its classroom support app, LoiLoNote School. With the new feature, teachers can add proofreading comments directly to responses in the submission box by entering text, meeting a request from teachers. Comments appear as blue-bordered cards and can be edited and reused; they can also be used alongside the handwriting feature. The feature is available in the orange submission box in the latest version. An online event to try out the new feature will be held on April 27, with registration closing at noon on April 26. LoiLoNote School is used at approximately 14,000 schools in Japan and abroad, helping balance “personalized learning” and “collaborative learning” while reducing teachers’ workloads.
Adjusting allocations by reducing emerging-market assets and substantially increasing the share of developed-market equities, among other changes, to raise the allocation to equity assets to more than 70%
IB Global Conference 2026 now underway in Mumbai! Asia-Pacific’s largest gathering of IB educators gets started again this year
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) held its first IB Global Conference of 2026 in Mumbai, India. The event is the largest of its kind in the Asia-Pacific region, with more than 70 sessions taking place over 3 days. This year’s theme is “Dialogue Across Diverse Perspectives,” and events are planned in 3 cities worldwide during 2026. IB Academy plans to share conference content on YouTube and its blog.
No. 1 Shintaro Hanagami signs as a trainee (new signing)
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
KAWAGOE BC has announced that it has signed basketball player Shintaro Hanagami to a new trainee contract for the 2026-27 season. Hanagami will wear No. 1 and play PF. He is 181 cm tall, weighs 86 kg and was born on April 2, 2002. He is from Tokyo and graduated from Komazawa University. Hanagami commented, “I’ll do my very best to contribute to the team.”
Cosplay event “acosta!” to hold its Golden Week “Special Concept Week” in Ikebukuro from May 5-10, with participation limited by day to groups including students, people aged 25 and over, and cross-dressers
[TICCA] New 26SS collection, LIVERPOOL NOTES — “My own sound, completed by dressing” — now rolling out at the TICCA official online store, TICCA Tokyo and TICCA Kanazawa
In the town of Sayama tea, wearing Japan’s traditional color “indigo”: Iruma City wins the grand prize in the 10th Echizen Textile Neck Strap Design Contest
Orico earns an “AA” rating for the first time in the MSCI ESG Ratings
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Orient Corporation (Orico) has been upgraded from its previous “A” rating to earn an “AA” rating for the first time in the MSCI ESG Ratings. The result reflects an overall assessment of Orico’s wide-ranging ESG (environmental, social and governance) initiatives, including strengthening corporate governance, advancing human capital development and addressing climate change. The MSCI ESG Ratings are an internationally referenced benchmark that comparatively assesses companies’ ability to manage ESG risks and opportunities.
“Alimony AI” launches an “evidence effectiveness checker” — simply select the type of evidence you have, and AI rates its effectiveness for an alimony claim from A to D
COEDO KAWAGOE F.C, aiming for the J.League from Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture, signs a silver partner agreement with Eletect Co., Ltd. for the 2026 season
[Cover and title revealed] With 470,000 total social media followers, model Nanami’s first recipe book, “Everyday Meals That Are Kind to Me,” set for release on May 1!
[NEOWIZ GameOn Press Release] Mouri Koyuki to appear as a guest on the March 27 broadcast of the radio program “K-STAR CHART presents POP-K TOP10 Friday”!
ABEMA’s cross-generational viral hit festival “Ultimate Viral Songs Festival” unveils its second lineup: Maki Goto to perform, along with CIRRA, formed through “Girl Battle,” and other next-generation viral artists
[Beloved series with over 10 million copies sold] The long-awaited customer-service English book, “Customer-Service English Made Easy, One Step at a Time,” is out from the “Made Easy, One Step at a Time” series!
KH Neochem and Luxna Biotech launch joint research aimed at creating new drug-discovery modalities ～Combining glycan and artificial nucleic acid technologies to optimize nucleic acid drug delivery～
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
KH Neochem and Luxna Biotech launched joint research in March 2026 aimed at creating new drug-discovery modalities. The research combines KH Neochem’s glycan design and synthesis technologies with Luxna Biotech’s nucleic acid drug design technologies, including XNA technology, to optimize the pharmacokinetics and improve the delivery performance of nucleic acid drugs. Through this joint research, the companies aim to overcome challenges facing nucleic acid drugs, including degradation in the body and difficulties with cellular uptake, and provide new treatment options for intractable diseases.
Vintage clothing retailer BAZZSTORE begins listing items on SNKRDUNK (Sundunk)
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
BAZZSTORE, a secondhand clothing retailer operated by Link, has begun listing items on the SNKRDUNK marketplace. It currently has about 5,000 items listed on Sundunk. The company plans to gradually expand the participating stores and product categories, while focusing on expanding its selection of items priced at 10,000 yen or less, and coordinating the effort with operations at its 15 physical stores in Tokyo.
Otani Dental and Orthodontic Clinic in Matsuyama introduces the MORPHEUS3D SCANNER 3D facial scanner, visualizing changes in facial appearance after orthodontic treatment with realistic 3D simulations
AndTech to hold a WEB online Zoom seminar on Thursday, May 21: “The Latest Metasurface Technologies ～From Basic Principles to Active Control, RIS/IRS and Metalenses～”
Luxury without an overnight stay. An indulgent day trip for adults in Hokkaido’s Lake Toya area: a special day experience at The Windsor Hotel Toya ～Enjoy Lake Toya’s spectacular views, fine dining and hot springs all in one day
Yamanashi Prefecture and Santa Barbara County, U.S., sign a memorandum of friendship and cooperation. 21st Century Academia advances the international partnership, the county’s first overseas partnership
Plenty to enjoy, including Lee Jun-hyuk-starring “Good or Bad, Dong-jae” and a series starring Kim Jung-hyun! An encore marathon broadcast of “Hwarang” too! Korean dramas starting in April｜CS Home Drama Channel
Tennis player Kaito Uesugi named Mibro ambassador; campaign offers a chance to win a signed smartwatch
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Heart Planet, the official Japanese distributor of smartwatch brand Mibro, has named professional tennis player Kaito Uesugi as its ambassador. A giveaway campaign will also be held to mark the appointment.
[KID2026 Kyocera Award winner] NIJIN takes on the era of 350,000 students refusing to attend school, partnering with over 50 companies and local governments in Kanagawa to co-create next-generation education
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Takashi Isa of NIJIN Academy won the Kyocera Award at KID2026 and is advancing the co-creation of a next-generation education model to address school absenteeism.
[One of Japan’s largest startup-industry trade shows] TechSuite Inc.’s AI article-writing service “Bakuyasu AI Article Agency” to exhibit at “Startup JAPAN EXPO 2026,” featuring about 450 exhibitors
Cherry blossom viewing in Kobe! TOOTH TOOTH food trucks return to Sumaura Park, a famous cherry blossom spot, in spring 2026, starting Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
Redefining local convenience: NKY introduces a “new product category” in vending machines ― A challenge to expand the possibilities of vending machines begins this month ―
[KYB] Concept model of an electrically driven concrete mixer truck completed
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
KYB Corporation has completed a concept model of an electrically driven concrete mixer truck for EV trucks, outfitting Mitsubishi Fuso’s eCanter with an electric mixer system. The system eliminates the need for a conventional PTO and uses the EV’s high-voltage battery directly, reducing weight and noise. It is scheduled to be exhibited at Japan Truck Show 2026, which opens on May 14, 2026.
〈Chloé Atelier des Fleurs〉 launches “Mediterranean Essence,” a new summer fragrance collection infused with the Mediterranean sun
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
〈Chloé Atelier des Fleurs〉 has unveiled “Mediterranean Essence,” a new summer fragrance collection inspired by the nature and sunshine of the Mediterranean. The collection evokes the landscapes of southern France through scent and comprises 4 fragrances. It is scheduled to launch on May 28, 2026.
Legend Fumika Hideshima shares the art of listening in conversation
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Legendary DJ Fumika Hideshima appeared as a guest on the final episode of the radio program “SBI FX トレード presents Sakura Tasaki’s Step Up! My LIFE,” sharing the secrets of effective conversation.
AndTech to hold a WEB online Zoom seminar on Friday, May 29: “Acoustic Metamaterials ～Fundamentals and Applications of Next-Generation Sound Insulation Using Negative Material Properties～”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
AndTech Inc. will hold a WEB online Zoom seminar on May 29, 2026, titled “Acoustic Metamaterials ～Fundamentals and Applications of Next-Generation Sound Insulation Using Negative Material Properties～.” Shuichi Akasaka, associate professor at Institute of Science Tokyo, will provide a systematic overview of the concept and characteristics of acoustic metamaterials and their applications in sound-insulating materials.
[Returning this year] Kobe Shimbun NEXT’s “Teacher Transfers” search service launches March 30! Find out at a glance where the teachers who helped you have been transferred!
Call for applications from participating businesses for the Tokyo Bay eSG Project “Tokyo Bay Innovation Field” — providing a technology demonstration field to a wide range of businesses
【A succession of new locations opening in Matsuyama】NKY Co., Ltd. to install new vending machines in multiple regions in March 2026 — further improving convenience as community-based infrastructure —
135 junior high school students who experienced smoke, earthquakes and firefighting consider “decision-making during disasters” through Crossroads disaster-preparedness education
MEEQ announces selection as an eligible securities lending and borrowing issue
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
MEEQ Inc. announced that, in addition to being eligible for margin trading on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Growth Market, it has newly been selected as an eligible securities lending and borrowing issue. The selection takes effect on March 31, 2026, and is expected to contribute to improved stock liquidity and more active trading. MEEQ provides an IoT/DX platform.
Osamu Suzuki × Jin (THE RAMPAGE) launch TOKYO MX’s first regular podcast program, “IBJ presents Life Is Made of Encounters”!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
TOKYO MX began streaming the podcast “IBJ presents Life Is Made of Encounters,” hosted by Osamu Suzuki and Jin of THE RAMPAGE, on April 3, 2026. Centered on the theme of “encounters,” the show welcomes a diverse range of guests and explores the encounters that became turning points in their lives. The first guest is Miyuki Oshima.
We asked working people in their 20s and 30s! The true feelings of young employees who want to quit but can’t bring themselves to say so (according to Taishoku Daiko Guardian)
MODE, an art platform for “exchange and interaction” through experimental art, will hold its first program of 2026 at LIQUIDROOM in Ebisu, Tokyo, on Saturday, June 6.
Former Kitakaruizawa Elementary School makes a fresh start as a “Global Education Special Zone”! LCA Kitakaru Mori International School holds opening and entrance ceremonies
Kurashian’s Electrical Division introduces sick leave, bringing annual holidays to up to 121 days and promoting a workplace where employees can work with peace of mind for the long term
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The Electrical Division of Kurashian Co., Ltd. has introduced a sick leave system to create a workplace where employees can work with peace of mind for the long term. Depending on their years of service, employees receive up to 3 days of paid sick leave annually, bringing the total number of annual holidays to as many as 121 days when combined with efforts to encourage employees to take their annual paid leave. The company has also revised its pay, including an average base-pay increase of approximately 108%, and plans to strengthen recruitment while improving working conditions and compensation.
AirHost begins API integration with CHILLNN Co., Ltd.’s “CHILLNN”!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
AirHost has begun API integration with CHILLNN Co., Ltd., which provides the “CHILLNN” direct booking engine for accommodation facilities. This will enable facilities to optimize reservations made through their own websites, reduce OTA commissions and increase the share of direct bookings.
Notice regarding the acquisition of a subsidiary, Tokai Service Center Co., Ltd.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Sakai Moving Service Co., Ltd. acquired all shares of Tokai Service Center Co., Ltd., an electrical construction company, on March 30, 2026, making it a wholly owned subsidiary. The acquisition aims to strengthen peripheral service areas that are highly compatible with the moving business. Tokai Service Center’s nationwide franchise network and ability to meet various needs before and after a move are expected to create synergies with Sakai Moving Service’s customer base. The companies aim to expand value-added services and maximize revenue opportunities.
WE LABO and TKDS jointly develop a “sweets bouquet that gathers your feelings,” combining fan culture and birth-month colors with sweet messages, and propose a new gifting experience to photograph, display, give and savor
“Inheritance AI” launches a checker for discrepancies between real estate “official road prices vs. market prices” — AI instantly calculates the gap between inheritance tax valuations and market prices from an address
“Revived at Nijigen no Mori! The Great Adventure of Henderland!” Second announcement! 2 types of collaboration goods go on sale sequentially from Wednesday, April 1!
Sleep wellness brand “nemcaro” to hold an experiential retreat in Hayama, featuring a “sound bathing” experience with crystal bowl performer Yasumi
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Croa will hold “nemcaro Sleep Retreat,” an experiential event for sleep wellness brand “nemcaro,” in Hayama, Kanagawa Prefecture, on April 23, 2026. Participants can try sleepwear currently in development and enjoy a live performance by crystal bowl artist Yasumi and a yoga experience. The event is limited to 10 participants selected by lottery, with applications accepted from March 16 to April 8, 2026.
COEDO KAWAGOE F.C, aiming for the J.League from Kawagoe, Saitama Prefecture, signs a 2026 season bronze partner agreement with Musashino Building Management Service Co., Ltd.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
COEDO KAWAGOE F.C Co., Ltd. has signed a 2026 season bronze partner agreement with Musashino Building Management Service Co., Ltd. The two companies, both based in Kawagoe, will deepen their partnership with the aim of contributing to the local community.
The blockbuster novel by Naoki Prize-winning author 今村翔吾 gets a TV anime adaptation: “火喰鳥 羽州ぼろ鳶組” reaches its finale! Synopsis and preview stills for Episode 12, “火喰鳥,” revealed!
New Sakura Trick merchandise is here! Fans won’t want to miss the newly drawn illustration of 春香 and 優 in wedding dresses!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
New merchandise for the manga Sakura Trick, which has also been adapted into an anime, will be available online and at the Ikebukuro main store of eeo Store.
Win a vertical poster with an original handwritten signature! Campaign marks the release of 戸ヶ谷新’s “まだ捨てられないでいる” 【ホーリンラブブックス】
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
ホーリンラブブックス, operated by 株式会社TORICO, is holding a campaign to mark the release of 戸ヶ谷新’s latest comic, “まだ捨てられないでいる.” Posters with original handwritten signatures will be awarded by lottery.
28th-generation head / flood of prayers ◆ Content from “spiritual scholar” 中島多加仁, master of inherited esoteric arts, now available on “本格占い｜みのり”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
テレシスネットワーク株式会社 and 株式会社レンサ began offering authentic fortune-telling content by spiritual scholar 中島多加仁 on the fortune-telling media site “みのり” on March 30, 2026.
Former Morning Musume member 加護亜依 joins the final selection! Will destiny’s door open for the “chosen rough diamonds”? CBC Television’s “つかめ、アイドルへの道 ～Cute World Project～”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
OriginalCBCテレビのアイドルオーディション番組「つかめ、アイドルへの道 ～Cute World Project～」の最終回が2026年3月30日深夜に放送される。書類選考から始まったオーディションは、2次、3次、4次審査を経て12名が最終合宿に進んだ。最終審査には元モーニング娘。の加護亜依や早川博隆が参加し、合格者が発表される。過去の放送回はTVerで期間限定配信中。
A lottery featuring illustrations from the US-origin Flash animation Happy Tree Friends is coming to the online lottery site はにくじランド!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
A collaboration lottery with the US-origin Flash animation Happy Tree Friends went on sale on April 1, 2026, on the online lottery service はにくじランド. The lineup features all the characters and includes everyday items such as sacoche bags, pouches and key chains. A photo-card-style bonus card is given for every 10 purchases.