[Yachiyo, Chiba Prefecture] 3x3 professional basketball team YACHIYO FLAGs signs sponsorship deal with NUMBER NINE — creating the future with businesses as a community-based professional team
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
YACHIYO FLAGs, a 3x3 professional basketball team based in Yachiyo, Chiba Prefecture, has signed a sponsorship agreement with NUMBER NINE, a night lounge bar in Yachiyo, for the 26-27 season. YACHIYO FLAGs is rooted in the local community and holds events with children and participates in community development activities. NUMBER NINE is a new social venue for adults in Katsutadai, Yachiyo. The two parties plan to collaborate in various ways, including joint promotions at game venues and sponsorship of local events. 株式会社HABAYA is a company specializing in full renovations, house cleaning and other services.
[Set for May 21! Registration now open] Palo Alto Networks and 自治体通信 co-host seminar: “The state of municipal networks: The future of data governance through zero-trust practices”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
イシン株式会社 and Palo Alto Networks will co-host a free webinar for local governments on “Zero-trust practices and data governance” on May 21, 2026.
Women’s Life and Work Festival held in Minato, Tokyo | 220 attendees and 22 booths offering “financial education that leads to action”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The Women’s Life and Work Festival was held in Minato, Tokyo, on March 20, 2026, drawing 220 attendees. The event featured 22 booths covering fields directly related to building income, including entrepreneurship, investment and side jobs, as well as beauty, health and childcare services. It provided a hands-on setting where attendees could explore concrete options through conversations with experts. Talks were also given by Ryotaro Kodama of 税理士法人井上事務所 and Takuma Nitta, founder of OSUSO, and information was provided about a paid membership designed to support continued practice after the event. The organizer, FEA, is an association dedicated to supporting the true independence of women entrepreneurs and intends to continue its activities.
GBP secures its first European order for replacement solar panels compatible with discontinued models — accelerates overseas expansion as a leading manufacturer of compatible replacement panels
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Renewable energy solutions company GBP株式会社 has secured its first European order for replacement solar panels compatible with discontinued models. In February 2026, it received an order from a French power producer for 300 260W-compatible panels, helping ensure the long-term stable operation of an existing solar power plant. GBP plans to use this order as a springboard to accelerate overseas expansion as a leading manufacturer of compatible replacement panels for discontinued models.
Latest firmware released for “AstrHori AF 85mm F1.8 II / AF 27mm F2.8 STM” models
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
2ndfocus, operated by E&Iクリエイション, has begun offering the latest firmware for AstrHori’s autofocus-compatible interchangeable lenses, the “AstrHori AF 85mm F1.8 II” and “AF 27mm F2.8 STM.” The AF 85mm F1.8 II has been updated to V1.05 for Sony E mount, V1.20 for Nikon Z mount and V1.12 for Leica L mount, improving compatibility and operational stability. The AF 27mm F2.8 STM has also been updated to V1.01 for Sony E mount and V1.20 for Nikon Z mount, with similar improvements. E＆Iクリエイション株式会社 was established in March 2023.
[Yachiyo, Chiba Prefecture] 3x3 professional basketball team YACHIYO FLAGs signs sponsorship deal with 有限会社割烹大洋 — creating the future with businesses as a community-based professional team
[Yachiyo, Chiba Prefecture] 3x3 professional basketball team YACHIYO FLAGs signs sponsorship deal with 株式会社わえん — creating the future with businesses as a community-based professional team
株式会社m-Lab and 有限会社齋賀設計工務 launch “Tochishiru,” a land-selection support service created through cross-industry collaboration between IT and homebuilders
[Opening April 18, 2026] Personal machine Pilates gym Lucio Soka opens a 3-minute walk from Soka Station
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社GRACEZ opened the personal machine Pilates gym Lucio Soka in Soka, Saitama Prefecture, on April 18, 2026. It is the group’s 41st location. Located a 3-minute walk from Soka Station, it offers one-on-one training, weight training and stretching. To celebrate the opening, a trial campaign priced at 500 yen is underway for the first 30 people.
“Dream Navigator,” a program supporting the independence of high school students at children’s homes, selected for the 3rd round of grants from the Rohto Children’s Dream Fund for the second consecutive year
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
An independence support program for high school students at children’s homes, run by NPO法人JAMネットワーク, has been selected for the 3rd round of grants from the 2026 Rohto Children’s Dream Fund for the second consecutive year. The program has achieved results, including improvements in participants’ ability to express themselves.
76% of AI searches end in zero clicks — Can GEO in Japan move beyond “replacing SEO”?
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
As the spread of AI search ushers in the “zero-click era,” Z Creative Partners has announced its proprietary tool, “Z-GEO AI Monitor,” designed to help businesses earn meaningful AI recommendations.
Enjoy eel for prices starting in the 1,000-yen range near Kintetsu Yokkaichi Station! Eel specialty restaurant Unagi no Morita opens April 5, with a special opening campaign.
Survey of exhibition organizers | Structural characteristics revealed by examining KPIs, outcome measurement and information provision
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Y’s Assist Co., Ltd. surveyed companies that organize business exhibitions on their KPI setting, performance tracking, visitor management and information provision practices. The results showed that KPIs mainly focus on visitor-related metrics, but challenges remain in assessing visitor quality and designing opportunities for business meetings. While many respondents felt they were successfully tracking results and managing visitors, challenges also persisted, and approaches to providing information varied.
【Gifu Prefecture】“Mino: Seiryu-no-Oka,” a cherry blossom tree-burial site overlooking the clear waters of the Nagara River. Tours and applications now being accepted ahead of its opening in summer 2026.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Eishoin in Mino, Gifu Prefecture, has begun accepting tour reservations and applications for “Mino: Seiryu-no-Oka,” a cherry blossom tree-burial site overlooking the clear waters of the Nagara River. It is scheduled to open in summer 2026.
【Latest 2026 Survey on In-Store Background Music】About 52% of stores struggle with monthly BGM costs. What is “self-managed BGM,” attracting attention among independent businesses?
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
CACTUS TOKYO Co., Ltd. announced the results of a survey on in-store background music. 52% of stores are concerned about costs, and 82% are considering switching to “self-managed BGM.”
A block kit for building Toyota’s popular GR Yaris has gone on sale at CAMSHOP.JP. The kit consists of 317 pieces and faithfully reproduces details. It is an officially licensed Toyota product, sold by Faith and available through its online store.
Get a comprehensive assessment of your company’s standing on ChatGPT, Gemini, Claude and Perplexity for ¥500—“AI Tanadori” available at a special price through the end of June
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
orosy株式会社 has released “AI Tanadori,” an AI search brand assessment tool for B2B companies, and will run a campaign through the end of June 2026 offering a report on how a company is evaluated across 4 generative AI platforms for 500 yen.
Coming next week! Manufacturing World [Nagoya] | Experience the latest AI agents for research and development!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Patsnap will exhibit at the 11th Manufacturing World Nagoya, held at Port Messe Nagoya from April 8 to 10, 2026. At its booth, it will showcase “Patsnap Eureka,” an AI agent supporting R&D and intellectual property strategy, and “Analytics,” an AI application for patent searches and analysis. Visitors who book a meeting in advance will receive a free trial of the AI agent. The booth is at Manufacturing DX Expo, 29-35.
About 1 year after the opening of the Osaka-Kansai Expo (EXPO2025), those fireworks are back. 【Saturday, April 4, 2026】“JAPAN FIREWORKS EXPO 2026” unveils a much-anticipated fireworks program
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
“JAPAN FIREWORKS EXPO 2026 in Osaka – Nishikinohama” will be held on April 4, 2026, at Nishikinohama Beach and surrounding areas in Kaizuka, Osaka Prefecture. Wakino Art Factory, which handled the fireworks for the opening day of the Osaka-Kansai Expo and its special fireworks, will oversee the display. Two special guest launches by Kishi Fireworks Manufacturing are also planned. The program will include a fireworks commentary segment and a comedy workshop with Tetsuo of Warai Meshi. The display will span more than 330m, with shells up to size 10 positioned in the center and on both sides. All seating will be reserved for paid admission.
【Kawasaki Heavy Industries Group Helicopter Charter Service Z-Leg™︎】Travel to Hachimantai and Appi Kogen by helicopter!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The Kawasaki Heavy Industries Group has announced a special travel plan to Hachimantai and Appi Kogen through its “Z-Leg™︎” helicopter charter service. The service can take passengers from Sendai Airport to Appi Kogen in about 1 hour and is available for up to 8 people, with one-way fares starting at 1.5 million yen. The plan offers an aerial journey to a resort with a wide range of year-round activities. It features twin-engine helicopters selected with safety in mind and a highly reliable operational system.
Golf school “ChickenGolf Sapporo” relocates and reopens! The group’s Pilates studio will also be on-site, creating a combined wellness and fitness facility
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Golf school “ChickenGolf Sapporo” has relocated to a larger site and reopened as a combined wellness and fitness facility, with the group’s Pilates studio “Celestia” also on-site.
【Fintokei】Traders with more than ¥24 million in cumulative rewards gather! “Pro Trader Awards 2026” results unveiled
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Fintokei, a next-generation prop trading platform, held “Fintokei Summit 2026 Spring” on March 15, 2026. The event featured the awards ceremony for the “Pro Trader Awards 2026,” recognizing outstanding traders for fiscal 2025, and revealed the top traders’ results. The company also released a new plan, “Quartz,” and launched a commemorative campaign offering it for 1,000 yen to first-time buyers only.
Refreshing summer products go on sale, including “FRISK Shower”—a body-cooling spray that feels like a cold shower
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Doshisha Co., Ltd. has secured a license for the FRISK brand and began selling summer cooling products on Wednesday, April 8, 2026. To help people cope with the lingering summer heat, the lineup includes 4 products: a body-cooling spray, a roll-on cooler, Cool Spray EX and a cooling spray. The products were developed to help people stay comfortable in summer, drawing on FRISK’s signature refreshing sensation and fragrance.
Osaka-based IT talent development startup Gloria Engineering Co., Ltd. established
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Gloria Engineering Co., Ltd. has been established in Osaka to develop IT talent, provide SES services and support digital transformation for small and midsize businesses. CEO Tatsumi Tomita aims to address the growing shortage of IT professionals and the lag in digital transformation among smaller businesses by focusing on training engineers with no prior experience. The company aims to build a team of 100 engineers within 3 years. It will also provide services such as AI system development and business process improvement support, with the goal of contributing to sustainable regional economic development.
Bringing the culture of market-fresh seafood grilled at the beach to the city: “Maruto Suisan, Direct from Kyoto Market” to open in Kyoto’s Umekoji on Monday, April 6, 2026
We look forward to welcoming not only Machida residents named Machida but Machida-named visitors from across Japan. Go! Go! Curry to open new “Machida Station Front” location—with free curry for customers named Machida on opening day
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Go Go Curry Group will open a new location, “Go Go Curry Machida,” in front of Machida Station on Sunday, April 5, 2026. On opening day, it will offer medium-size loin katsu curry free to customers named Machida. As an opening promotion, customers will also receive 5 topping vouchers on Sunday, April 5, and 1 voucher per day from the 6th through the 14th. Founded in 2003, the company currently operates about 140 locations in Japan and overseas.
【Experience the charms of Nozawa Onsen Village with all five senses】A restorative experience in a special space at an Important Cultural Property. A spring-water tent sauna and BBQ plan featuring local ingredients.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
A spring-only “spring-water tent sauna and BBQ plan featuring local ingredients” has launched at Nozawa Onsen Lodge, a nationally registered tangible cultural property.
ACN Group named presenting partner for the “2026 ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships London”!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The ACN Group has been named presenting partner of the “2026 ITTF World Team Table Tennis Championships London.” The tournament, organized by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) and World Table Tennis (WTT), will be held from April 28 to May 10, 2026, at OVO Arena Wembley and Copper Box Arena in London. London is a historic city for table tennis, where the World Table Tennis Championships were first held in 1926 and the ITTF was founded, making 2026 the 100th anniversary. Japanese national team players including Miwa Harimoto, Tomokazu Harimoto and Sora Matsushima are also expected to perform well.
Sayaka Murata’s “Convenience Store Woman” surpasses 3 million copies worldwide! New wraparound band also unveiled.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Sayaka Murata’s novel “Convenience Store Woman” has surpassed 3 million copies worldwide and 2 million copies in Japan. Translated in 46 countries and regions and highly praised by overseas media, it has become a global bestseller.
The latest paperback in the “Yatagarasu” series, which has sold 2.6 million copies, is here! First look at the cover of “The Crow of the Full Moon,” on sale May 8.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
“The Crow of the Full Moon,” the latest paperback in Chisato Abe’s Japanese-style epic fantasy “Yatagarasu” series, is set for release on May 8. It was also announced that the final volume of the main series, “The Crow on the Throne,” will be published in 2026.
TikTok live-commerce channel “Tsubame Channel” sells 800 carbonated beauty packs in about 10 minutes. A “high sales in a short time” model proven in the beauty category.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
S Holdings Co., Ltd. sold 800 of Couleur Labo Co., Ltd.’s carbonated beauty packs, “[ZOGANKIN] G4U Sparkling Pack,” in about 10 minutes on its TikTok live-commerce channel “Tsubame Channel.” The results came from a livestream on March 13, 2026, which drove concentrated purchasing in a short time through product demonstrations and real-time Q&A. Tsubame Channel ranked No. 1 in TikTok Shop’s monthly GMV rankings from November 2025 through February 2026. It has also run a regional revitalization project, recording sales of more than 40 million yen in 2 days. S Holdings was established on May 14, 2012, with capital of 50 million yen.
Raising corporate value through “design management.” Aiming to foster a place in Amakusa where “people and businesses connect”!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The Regional Policy Division of the Amakusa City Regional Development Department is promoting “design management” to raise corporate value. The initiative was announced as an effort to foster a place in Amakusa where “people and businesses connect.” Details of specific measures and events are expected in future announcements.