“VΔLZ 6th Anniversary” merchandise from Nijisanji launches April 2, 2026, at 18:00!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
ANYCOLOR Inc. announced that Nijisanji, its VTuber group, will begin selling “VΔLZ 6th Anniversary” merchandise on April 2, 2026, at 18:00. The merchandise commemorates the unit’s 6th anniversary.
New comic label “DONUTS COMICS” launches! Akagi Gisho’s original comic “One Chance Buddy!” begins serialization today!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
DONUTS Co., Ltd. has established the new comic label DONUTS COMICS. Its first title, the original BL comic “One Chance Buddy!” by Akagi Gisho, will begin distribution on March 31.
Recipients eligible for subsidies under the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise New Business Expansion Support Program (2nd application round) have been selected
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation, Japan, selected 832 applicants as prospective subsidy recipients in the 2nd application round of the Small and Medium-Sized Enterprise New Business Expansion Support Program (New Business Expansion Subsidy), which it has commissioned to a consortium led by Hakuhodo Inc. The subsidy supports businesses taking on new markets and high-value-added ventures that differ from their existing businesses.
“The Bachelorette Japan” Season 4 streams exclusively on Prime Video from May 1 (Friday)! New Bachelorette is Rina Hiramatsu, a globally active model and influencer who is the youngest multilingual contestant in the series’ history
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Season 4 of the dating reality show “The Bachelorette Japan” begins streaming exclusively on Prime Video on May 1. 26-year-old Rina Hiramatsu has been named the 4th Bachelorette, and the hosts have also been announced.
The request period for the “Motto! Ojamajo Doremi” Blu-ray BOX project has ended! Release confirmed after preorders reached 500 copies! Thank-you illustration arrives from character concept designer Yoshihiko Umakoshi!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The “Motto! Ojamajo Doremi” Blu-ray BOX has reached 500 preorders on Amazon, securing its release. A thank-you illustration by Yoshihiko Umakoshi has been unveiled.
U-NEXT announces its lineup of Chinese dramas streaming in April! A wide selection, from historical dramas to contemporary romances, including “Jin Xiu Ling: Memories of Love” and “FILTER: The Complicated Circumstances Between Him and Me”
Reincarnated as a “hero’s rib”?! The unconventional isekai reincarnation anime TV series “The Goddess: ‘What Would You Like to Be Reincarnated as in Another World?’ Me: ‘A Hero’s Rib’” will stream first online on ABEMA from April 7 (Tuesday) at 26:30!
“HAPPY W Easter♪ Festival,” a scenario event for “Crave Saga: The Shinkizuna’s Guide,” is underway! Limited-time gacha and special packs tied to the event are also available!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
A new event, “HAPPY W Easter♪ Festival,” has begun in “Crave Saga: The Shinkizuna’s Guide,” an RPG from DMM GAMES operated by EXNOA. A limited-time gacha featuring new characters is also underway.
“Revue Starlight -The MUSICAL- Faraway El Dorado”: first look at a newly drawn illustration and announcement of a livestream marking the project’s 9th anniversary!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Bushiroad announced the release of a newly drawn illustration for the stage production “Shōjo☆Kageki Revue Starlight” and a livestream celebrating the project’s 9th anniversary.
[Engineer payout rate of up to 100%] IT Executive Co., Ltd. gets underway in earnest, delivering an average annual salary increase of 1.8 million yen. The company offers a place to make informed career choices, drawing on its experience in SES sales.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
IT Executive Co., Ltd., which touts an engineer payout rate of up to 100% and an average annual salary increase of 1.8 million yen, has gotten underway in earnest. It aims to offer a place for informed career choices, drawing on its experience in SES sales.
MyDearest launches new VRChat world for “stargazing × character summoning,” with a club feature that lets users befriend characters
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
MyDearest has launched “Astronomy Club,” a new VRChat world where users can enjoy stargazing and summoning characters. Players can photograph shooting stars to summon and collect “space ghosts (Amua),” aiming to complete the collection of all 45 types. The world also features exhibits about the real universe, with support from The Asahi Shimbun Company, as well as a subscription feature that lets users interact with characters. Amua are also available for sale as avatar accessories.
CGJ to establish its own ceramics facility in Nakama, Fukuoka Prefecture; launches new local industry “Nakama-yaki” and opens product design submissions
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Culture Generation Japan Co., Ltd. will establish its own ceramics facility in Nakama, Fukuoka Prefecture, in April 2026, and has opened a design contest for the new industry “Nakama-yaki.”
Joint development by DENBA and Anicom General Insurance
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Anicom General Insurance and DENBA JAPAN have jointly developed “DENBA Pet care by anicom,” a new service to support pet health management. Using spatial potential technology, the service is available for 4,180 yen per month.
Wireless 3D scanning cuts Pine-Pacific’s 3D inspection time by 60% [SHINING 3D]
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Pine-Pacific announced a case study in which it introduced SHINING 3D’s FreeScan Trak ProW wireless 3D scanner and cut inspection time by up to 60%. The technology removed a bottleneck in quality control for complex parts.
Companies mentioned：Pine-Pacific、SHINING 3D、Metro System
Yustyle Laboratory, which supports people with severe disabilities, launches new “daily life care” business; to open “Yustyle Living Gyoda” in Gyoda, Saitama Prefecture, in March 2026
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Yustyle Laboratory, which supports people with severe disabilities, has launched a new daily life care service, offering a place for daytime activities, and opened its first facility in Gyoda, Saitama Prefecture, in March 2026. It aims to provide comprehensive local support.
Is interview scheduling on hold because “the interviewers have no openings”? Tasonal’s scheduling AI negotiates directly with interviewers to create openings; free trial launches and free plan temporarily expands
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
AI recruitment platform Tasonal, provided by SAIRAI Inc., has launched a limited-time campaign expanding the free plan for its scheduling AI agent from 5 to 30 appointments per month.
Tokyo Foundation hands policy proposal, “A 13 Trillion Yen Treasure Trove,” to Minister Ryosei Akazawa of 経済産業省
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Tokyo Foundation has handed the Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry a policy proposal for a “domestic resources strategy” to strengthen economic security by tapping Japan’s “urban mines.” The proposal aims to prevent national wealth from flowing overseas due to dependence on foreign resources and to build a new foundation for growth through a circular economy.
Greenfield makes Nest Hotel a wholly owned subsidiary
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Greenfield Advisors Co., Ltd. has acquired all shares in Nest Hotel Japan Co., Ltd., making it a wholly owned subsidiary. The move will strengthen Nest Hotel’s management base, deepen coordination between hotel operations and asset management at Greenfield, and spur the development of hotel investment projects. Additional shares were acquired in December 2025 and on March 31, 2026.
Chiba regional media outlet “Gurutto Chiba” moves into a new era
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社ナンドミマーケティンググループ will integrate the regional media outlet “千葉虹色こまち” into “ぐるっと千葉” and launch as the new company 株式会社ぐるっと千葉 in April 2026. The company will step up investment in publishing and AI development, advancing the delivery of local information about Chiba for a new era.
Natural turquoise jewelry overseen by Joe Dan Lowry, the world’s only turquoise appraiser: LFC by Joe Dan Lowry to hold a pop-up at Isetan Shinjuku Men’s Building
Asakusa Japanese crepe specialty shop Saryo Amamon no Ka launches a business to help restaurants establish dessert concepts. A brand produced by alumni of top patisseries can be introduced along with its brand strength — opening in Los Angeles on March 25
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Amamon LLC has launched a business supporting restaurants in establishing dessert concepts, drawing on the expertise and brand strength of Japanese crepe specialty shop Saryo Amamon no Ka. It opened a new brand in Los Angeles as its first project.
The “TSUNAGU ACTION WEEKS” event, which promotes sustainable living through environmentally conscious products and programs, will be held at the 高島屋 Osaka store from April 8 to 21.
Dokodemo Musee to hold “1st Anniversary Birthday Festival” from April 1, marking 1 year since the service launched
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Dokodemo Musee will hold its “1st Anniversary Birthday Festival” from April 1 to mark 1 year since the service launched. First-time users will receive 1 free full-body hair removal session.
Showroom and sales office opens to support the deployment of perovskite solar cells
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
EF Energy Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Environment Friendly Holdings Co., Ltd., opened a showroom and sales office in Minato Ward, Tokyo, on March 23, 2026, to promote the deployment of perovskite solar cells, a next-generation solar technology. The facility displays lightweight, flexible perovskite solar panels and building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), allowing visitors to experience their features. It will also serve as a venue for exploring collaboration with companies and local governments.
みどり市 has released “Kurashi to Midori,” a city promotion video. Through 2 installments, “Silence” and “Heartbeat,” it showcases the city’s nature, tourist facilities and residential areas.
To mark the 70th anniversary of the launch of Kanro Ame, Kanro has launched the “The Town of Kanro Ame Cafeterias: Hikari” project in partnership with 山口県光市, where the company was founded. Starting March 31, 2026, 19 businesses in the city will begin offering special menu items featuring Kanro Ame.
Japanese sake brand 「和圖／WAZU」, winner of the iF DESIGN AWARD 2026 Gold, to appear at GINZA SIX B2F from April 29 with 4 varieties, including a new product
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Japanese sake brand 「和圖／WAZU」, winner of the iF DESIGN AWARD 2026 Gold, will appear on the second basement floor of GINZA SIX from April 29. It will sell 4 varieties, including a new product, for a limited time.
2025 fiscal year: Adolescent Health Education Promotion Project 『かがやきスクール』 enters its 12th year, offering classes to an even more diverse range of participants
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The Adolescent Health Education Promotion Project 『かがやきスクール』 released its activity report for fiscal 2025. Male students’ participation in “Women’s Health” classes rose to about 60%, while “Dermatology classes” were held for the first time at special needs schools and other venues.
A “crispy, delicious morning” at KOKO HOTEL in Hokkaido. Collaboration with シャウエッセン launches at 4 locations in Hokkaido
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
KOKO HOTEL is collaborating with Nipponham at 4 locations in Hokkaido. The breakfast buffet will serve 「シャウエッセン」 boiled as recommended by the manufacturer.
Medical information magazine monthly 『集中』 April 2026 issue: Cover interview with 大上 研二, Dean of the School of Medicine at 学校法人東海大学; 集中OPINION・前嶋 和弘, Professor at 上智大学, and others
おてつたび creates a “second hometown” in Wakayama City. About 60% are interested in visiting or relocating to Wakayama City through vacant-home revitalization and local railway support
Track business continuity plan progress at a glance. Cloud-based ISO management tools 『ISMSアシスト』, 『9001アシスト』 and 『14001アシスト』 enable efficient operations using past case studies.
【Kyoto Takashimaya】Seeking art to brighten the store! Public call for submissions for 『アトリウムアート2027』 to mark “80 years since Kyoto Takashimaya opened in Shijo-Kawaramachi.”
Japan-Korea entertainment collaboration gets underway! Niigata vocational school 「SHOW! 国際音楽・ダンス・エンタテイメント専門学校」 and Korean entertainment company 「SMiTH株式会社」 sign business agreement!
【New leadership】“SES does not have to be an engineer’s final destination”: Moving to a hybrid IT consulting and recruitment model. Introducing Udemy™ with full company coverage to help maximize employees’ market value.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社ケンブリッジ・コンサルティング announced a new leadership structure, welcoming 小澤宏明 as co-representative. The company aims to increase engineers’ market value and has begun providing Udemy at full company expense.
2026 ranking of “off-limits sexual harassment questions” at work! What lies behind the “romance-related questions” respondents said made them uncomfortable?
【First in Japan】The ultimate place to relax opens in Minami-Aoyama on April 1: the largest specialist store for Scandinavian Stressless® furniture. Expert advisors will guide you through a one-of-a-kind chair-selection experience.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社エコーネス will open one of Japan’s largest specialist stores for Scandinavian furniture brand 「ストレスレス®」 in Minami-Aoyama on April 1. Expert advisors will be on hand to help customers choose a chair suited to them.
【ABEMA】Popular female idol reveals her past writing dream novels! Her otaku story about becoming obsessed with Sai from 『NARUTO』: “SHIBUYA ANIME BASE』#80”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
茜屋日海夏 of i☆Ris appeared on ABEMA’s 「SHIBUYA ANIME BASE」#80. The program featured season 4 of 「Re:ゼロから始める異世界生活」 and the launch of a dedicated ABEMA channel.
【Shirahama Town】シラハマニア compiled information on 88 spots through a DAO community-participatory workation survey, demonstrating the effectiveness of decentralized research
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社あるやうむ conducted a workation survey in partnership with 和歌山県白浜町, using the DAO community 「シラハマニア」. Participants carried out decentralized research on 88 spots, demonstrating the effectiveness of decentralized research.
Japanese representatives in the “Water Technology” category at the 48th WorldSkills Competition promote their participation at various venues／水ingAM
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Japanese representatives from 水ingAM competing in the “Water Technology” category at the 48th WorldSkills Competition visited 国土交通省, 日本下水道協会 and other organizations to share their enthusiasm for the competition.
coody reversible blanket now available on the official website
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
合同会社COODY has begun selling the 「coodyリバーシブル毛布」 on its official website. Designed for a range of settings, including outdoor and everyday use, it features excellent insulation from its double-layer construction and a smooth feel.
Terra Drone makes strategic investment in Ukrainian interceptor drone company Amazing Drones and launches new interceptor drone 「Terra A1」
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Terra Drone has made a strategic investment in Ukrainian interceptor drone company Amazing Drones LLC and launched the new interceptor drone 「Terra A1」. The move will accelerate business expansion in Ukraine and the global deployment of technical expertise developed there, contributing to the creation of next-generation defense infrastructure.
The Financial Services Agency announces results of a demonstration project supported by its “FinTech 実証実験ハブ” initiative, testing a new identity verification method using digital certificates
Mandatory sustainability disclosure standards (SSBJ standards) are about to take effect. What impact will these new rules have on companies and society? The April 7 issue of Newsweek Japan, “New Sustainability Standards Facing Japanese Companies,” is now on sale to popular acclaim!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The April 7 issue of Newsweek Japan, published by CCC Media House, is now on sale. It features a special report on the impact on companies and society of the Sustainability Disclosure Standards (SSBJ standards), which are nearing mandatory adoption.
Aiming for every elementary school student in Nagakute City to know about assistance dogs, the Japan Service Dog Association strengthens collaboration with the Nagakute City Board of Education
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The Japan Service Dog Association is strengthening collaboration with the Nagakute City Board of Education. Under the slogan “Every elementary school student in Nagakute City knows about assistance dogs!”, it will roll out educational programs about assistance dogs at elementary schools in the city.
A first for Japan! “A community where challenges and experience circulate,” created by “SAND lab based on DAO”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
InnoDrops, a general incorporated association, has received a grant from the Mitsubishi Mirai Ikusei Foundation to hold “SAND lab2025,” a DAO-style entrepreneurship education program. This first-of-its-kind initiative in Japan aims to create “a community where challenges and experience circulate.”
SHO-CASE Co., Ltd. supports construction DX: paid apps on its AppSheet app marketplace available completely free for a limited 1 month! Accelerating the digitalization of work sites
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
SHO-CASE Co., Ltd., which supports construction DX, is making paid apps on its “AppSheet App Marketplace” available for free for a limited 1 month. The offer starts on March 31, 2026, accelerating the digitalization of work sites.
[Japan debut] World first! Innovative 3WAY connectivity! The wireless × USB × XLR dynamic microphone “Maono PD200W Hybrid” launches on GREEN FUNDING on March 31!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Maono Technoloy launched a project on GREEN FUNDING on March 31, 2026, for “Maono PD200W Hybrid,” a dynamic microphone offering the world’s first 3WAY connectivity (wireless × USB × XLR). The microphone addresses the complexity of connections and the difficulty of outputting to multiple devices simultaneously faced by creators and podcasters. It offers simultaneous independent recording on 2 tracks using dual microphones, noise-reduction design, stable wireless transmission over a range of up to approximately 60m, and long continuous use. The Maono Link app also lets users adjust volume and EQ from a smartphone without a PC.
“I’m looking forward to what Kokoro does next!” Kato Kokoro’s “first interview since her return” in the current issue of FRIDAY is generating a huge buzz! 2 previously unreleased photos and a comment from her are now available!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Kato Kokoro, a member of the idol group ME:I, gave her “first interview since her return” in FRIDAY magazine. Her comment and 2 previously unreleased photos have since been released, generating a major buzz among fans.
[Earth hacks × Hello! Project] “ワッチャ☆フューチャー,” the collaboration song by “DECA!BEAT,” a special unit supporting everyone’s “Decarbonization,” surpasses 300,000 views within 2 weeks of its music video release
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The music video for “ワッチャ☆フューチャー,” a song by the Earth hacks and Hello! Project collaboration unit “DECA!BEAT,” surpassed 300,000 views within 2 weeks of its release. It is helping raise awareness of “Decarbonization Actions,” which make it fun to practice decarbonization.
[Survey on residential driving courses] Approximately 85% graduate on schedule! The main reason for extensions is “failing the skills test.” The keys to graduating in the shortest time are not luck, but “preparation” and “health management”
Official launch of “Skill Lens,” a skills assessment service for product professionals | PdM skills assessment and PdE skills assessment
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社スパプラ has officially launched “Skill Lens,” a service that assesses and visualizes the skills of product managers (PdMs) and product engineers (PdEs). It quantitatively evaluates the full-stack practical execution capabilities required in the AI era, supporting individuals in increasing their market value and companies in developing their talent.
[5th Tako Rice Side-Dish Contest] The Grand Prize winner “Tabechiri (edible chili sauce)” and Excellence Award winner “Tako my peanut keema curry” set is now on sale at “Tako Town Shop,” a specialty website featuring products from Tako Town!
3/13 (Fri.) DMO GATEWAY Takanawa and Shinagawa sign a “partnership agreement” with 公益財団法人福岡観光コンベンションビューロー
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
DMO GATEWAY Takanawa and Shinagawa and 公益財団法人福岡観光コンベンションビューロー signed a partnership agreement on March 13, 2026. Aiming to strengthen Japan’s international competitiveness in attracting MICE events, they will develop content and conduct joint promotions that draw on the strengths of both regions.
Online tutoring service “Manabi Light” launches “Manabi Light LiNK,” a learning and career guidance service for high schools and cram schools nationwide
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Arikano Co., Ltd., operator of the online tutoring service “Manabi Light,” has launched “Manabi Light LiNK,” a new learning and career guidance service for high schools and cram schools nationwide. The company is expanding its business into the B2B market.
[20th anniversary] Results announced for the first-ever “Kobito Popularity Poll” in the history of “こびとづかん,” with contestants selected from all 444 types! Total votes: 14,012; “カクレモモジリ” takes 1st place
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
“こびとづかん,” celebrating its 20th anniversary, held its first-ever character popularity poll. Rokurinsha Co., Ltd. announced that “カクレモモジリ” topped all 444 types of kobito, out of a total of 14,012 votes.
Wellness brand “TOJI,” expanding into Silicon Valley, holds its first pop-up in San Francisco, attracting strong interest in its Japanese origins
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Japanese wellness brand “TOJI” held its first pop-up store in San Francisco, U.S., in March 2026, confirming strong local interest in Japanese wellness products and the “sake lees” ingredient. The event was held as test marketing ahead of a full-scale entry into the U.S. market.
“ちるらん 新撰組鎮魂歌” gets one of the biggest launches in U-NEXT history, with Japan swept up in “ちるらん” fever! Dominates the top spots in the U-NEXT rankings! The special drama “江戸青春篇” and drama series “京都決戦篇” are streaming exclusively to rave reviews!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The drama “ちるらん 新撰組鎮魂歌” was broadcast terrestrially and streamed exclusively as a joint project between TBS and U-NEXT, recording one of the biggest launches in U-NEXT history. It dominated the 1st and 2nd spots in the domestic drama rankings, and its star-studded cast and related content are generating a major buzz across Japan.
Trunk Days announces new store information for March, opening 2 motorcycle garages
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Icom Co., Ltd. opened 2 new motorcycle garage locations under its Trunk Days brand in March. The company operates container boxes and self-storage units, primarily in northern Kanto, and provides private garages dedicated to motorcycles.
[Nagato City, Yamaguchi Prefecture] Special viewing marking the 70th anniversary of its designation as an Important Cultural Property: “The Mystery of Ancient Mukatsukuni: A Handled Slender Bronze Sword”—on public display in Yamaguchi Prefecture for the first time
[One of the largest in Japan] Renova to develop a 90MW/270MWh “market-selling” battery storage facility in Kikugawa, Shizuoka Prefecture
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Renova, Inc. has signed a project finance loan agreement for approximately 6 billion yen to develop a “market-selling” battery storage facility in Kikugawa, Shizuoka Prefecture, one of the largest in Japan at 90MW/270MWh.
[ajour Sendai Mitsukoshi store] Gold and platinum purchasing consultation event
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Orient 4C's Co., Ltd., which operates ajour, a jewelry remodeling and repair specialist, will hold a “Gold and Platinum Purchasing Consultation Event” at its Sendai Mitsukoshi store. The event will run from April 3 to 19, 2026, and gold and platinum will be purchased at appraised values 5% higher than usual. Appraisals will be conducted in front of customers, and knowledgeable concierges will make purchases in cash.
Limited collection launches to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the PIERRE HARDY TOKYO flagship store, alongside an archival exhibition tracing the brand’s history
Dedicated website launched for the brainwave database “JapanEEG” as an outcome of the Cabinet Office’s Moonshot Research and Development Program
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Araya Inc. has launched a dedicated website for the brainwave database “JapanEEG” as an outcome of the Cabinet Office’s Moonshot Research and Development Program. It brings together high-quality brainwave data collected by Japanese research institutions to accelerate research and development.
Gen Z no longer listens to music passively! Spotify ranks 1st (39%) and TOHOシネマズ 2nd (22%), with Z-SOZOKEN revealing the different reasons behind their support in its 7th insight summary.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Z-SOZOKEN has released an insight summary for the music and theater industry category, based on the latest report from its “Brands That Soared in Image” survey of 300 members of Gen Z (ages 18–24). Spotify ranked 1st and TOHOシネマズ 2nd, showing that Gen Z’s values regarding music and theater brands are polarized between “AI-powered personalization” and “premium offline experiences.”
Companies mentioned：Fiom合同会社、Z-SOZOKEN、Spotify、TOHOシネマズ、Apple Music