Gowell Group joins the "100 Best Human Resources Consulting Companies & Services Guide"
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Gowell Group has joined the "100 Best Human Resources Consulting Companies & Services Guide," published by Nihon Jinzai News Co., which issues the human resources magazine Nihon Jinzai News. The guide introduces outstanding consulting companies and services that support recruitment, selecting them based on sound consulting policies, strong consulting capabilities and compliance. Gowell Group was recognized for its strength in introducing highly skilled foreign professionals who live in Japan and are fluent in Japanese, as well as for the fact that more than 70% of its employees come from overseas. As labor shortages become chronic, expectations are growing for the company’s recruitment support services for highly skilled foreign professionals.
[Cheerleader Dispatch] Japan’s largest adult cheerleading team, "Passions," launches a "results-driven" model, with 8 locations and a 150-member team nationwide to maximize event attendance and ROI
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Passions, which operates an adult cheerleading team, has fully launched a "results-driven" cheerleader dispatch service for businesses, committing to maximize attendance and ROI with 150 members across 8 locations nationwide.
["I’m the only one at my school…" Putting an end to the lone struggle of ICT coordinators] A nationwide online teachers’ lounge launches to share AI tips teachers can use tomorrow.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
School Agent has launched the Nationwide Online Teachers’ Lounge, a monthly subscription community for teachers across Japan to share tips on using ICT and AI.
Ryo Yoshizawa named CM character for Lipovitan D brand promotion "Lipovitan Days"!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Taisho Pharmaceutical has named Ryo Yoshizawa as the CM character for its new Lipovitan D promotion, "Lipovitan Days." A new TV commercial supporting the diverse ways young people work will begin airing on April 14.
Akuvox AI monitor "X937" wins the iF Design Award 2026
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The "X937," a 15.6-inch AI monitor from smart intercom company Akuvox, has won in the UX category at the iF Design Award 2026. It was recognized for its advanced monitoring and control capabilities, including AI voice operation and NVR integration.
Exhibiting at Printech Fair 2026 in Okayama [April 22–23]
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Ikeuchi Co., Ltd. will exhibit at Printech Fair 2026 in Okayama, showcasing humidification systems for the printing industry. The company will present solutions to reduce defects caused by static electricity and dust adhesion.
AI support system Helpdog adds IP address restrictions to strengthen operational security management
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
noco Co., Ltd. has added an IP address restriction feature to its AI support system Helpdog, limiting access to the management console to specific networks. The new feature is intended to reduce the risk of unauthorized access and information leaks in customer support operations and strengthen security management. Combined with existing login authentication, it creates multiple layers of defense, enabling organizations to operate in line with consistent security policies while maintaining user convenience. Helpdog says it will continue working to maintain governance and improve the support experience.
株式会社クオキャリア has launched "Quo Career’s New Employee Training," combining online and in-person instruction to improve the retention of new staff at dental clinics.
"New York Yashiki’s Golf Channel" to air regularly on BS Yoshimoto! Guests include Toru Hotohara and Daisuke Miyagawa! [New York Yashiki’s Golf Friendships]
株式会社EMOLVA CEO Seiichi Sakakibara to speak at a social media workshop for Tokyo Ishin no Kai party members, driving a fundamental overhaul of social media strategy
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Seiichi Sakakibara, representative director of 株式会社EMOLVA, will speak as an instructor at a social media workshop hosted by Tokyo Ishin no Kai at the House of Representatives Members’ Office Building on April 30, 2026. The workshop follows discussions held since 2025 with Takeshi Terashima, head of the Tokyo Ishin no Kai Information Strategy Office, and aims to fundamentally reform social media strategies for politicians. Sakakibara has provided social media marketing services to more than 500 companies, local governments and national government bodies.
Is "Sayuringo" changing her name to "Sayu Kiwi"!? A new web commercial, "Red and Juicy Sayu Kiwi," is out, after Sayuri Matsumura raved that it was delicious enough to make her change her name!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Zespri International Japan will release a new web commercial for Zespri RubyRed Kiwi featuring Sayuri Matsumura on April 14. Matsumura touts its delicious taste, saying it is good enough to change her nickname to "Sayu Kiwi."
Sukedachi teams up with Nohmi Bosai, Japan’s largest comprehensive disaster prevention company, to promote recruitment by partner companies
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社助太刀 has launched an initiative with 能美防災株式会社 to support recruitment by Nohmi Bosai’s partner companies using the construction industry staffing app Sukedachi Shain.
cosmosy unveils "Silence ~ body and soul ~" music video and launches GLOBAL MEMBERSHIP!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The 4-member artist group "cosmosy" has released a music video for a track from its 2nd EP. To mark the 1st anniversary of its debut, the group has also launched the global fan club "cosmosy GLOBAL MEMBERSHIP."
タグ・ホイヤー unveils the new "タグ・ホイヤー モナコ クロノグラフ," refreshing its iconic square design
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
タグ・ホイヤー unveiled the latest model of its celebrated "Monaco Chronograph" at Watches & Wonders 2026 in Geneva. The watch returns with the in-house TH20-11 caliber and a bold, ergonomically designed look.
ZETA RECOMMEND recommendation engine adopted by the official Amano Foods online shop operated by Asahi Group Foods
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
ZETA株式会社 announced that it has introduced its recommendation engine, “ZETA RECOMMEND,” to the official Amano Foods online shop operated by Asahi Group Foods.
[Teishokuya Miyamoto Munashi] Spring/Summer Main Menu Revised Starting April 15 (Wednesday)
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
M&S Food Service Co., Ltd.-operated set-meal chain Teishokuya Miyamoto Munashi will revise its spring/summer main menu starting April 15, 2026. New items—the marinated tuna bowl with chilled soba, the pork ginger bowl with chilled soba, and the set meal featuring hearty pork miso soup and a Japanese omelet—will each be available for 990 yen (tax included). From April 15 to April 28, 2026, the chain will also run a follow-and-repost campaign on X (formerly Twitter), offering prizes including Amazon gift cards worth 3,000 yen (5 winners) and digital meal vouchers worth 500 yen (80 winners).
[BS Nippon TV] Seiji Rokkaku serves as witness in “The Nearest Station to Our Home Is a Remote Station”—a 2-hour Hokkaido special on the snowy Soya Main Line
Nano Universe to Hold a Marvine Pontiak Shirt Makers Pop-Up Event at Its Shibuya Jinnan Store!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Nano Universe, operated by TSI Inc., will hold a Marvine Pontiak Shirt Makers pop-up event at its Shibuya Jinnan store starting April 17, 2026. The event, which was well received in Osaka, will be held exclusively at the Shibuya Jinnan store and will bring together more than 50 shirts made by the brand for display. Marvine Pontiak Shirt Makers is known for its refined silhouettes, created with 100% cotton fabric and patterns developed entirely in-house. The shirts undergo washing and drying, giving them a texture that grows richer with wear.
[フジテレビ] Additional cast announced for “転校生ナノ”! Ren Yagami, Takumi Momose, ハリン, 祐実安達, そら田牧, 蓮都西山, and others (in order of appearance). Trailer and episode synopses also released
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
A star-studded cast including 祐実安達 and Ren Yagami has been announced for the Japanese remake of the Thai drama “転校生ナノ,” which フジテレビ is streaming exclusively on FOD.
Companies mentioned：フジテレビ、GMM Grammy PCL、GMM25、Netflix、Channel ONE HD 31
9 celebrated figures select 3 works close to their hearts! Kodansha Bunko marks its 55th anniversary with the “#MyKodanshaBunko” Fair! Launching around the end of April!
Kodansha Bunko’s 2026 Spring Fair! Get a special “Yomu-ku 3-sticker set” at bookstores! Plus, enter a drawing to win great prizes!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
To mark its 55th anniversary, Kodansha Bunko will hold the “#MyKodanshaBunko” Fair at participating bookstores nationwide from around the end of April 2026. Purchasers of eligible books will receive a special Yomu-ku 3-sticker set. A drawing will also be held for a large Yomu-ku plush toy (5 winners), a special Yomu-ku acrylic stand (55 winners), and a special Yomu-ku book card worth 5,000 yen (55 winners). A reprint edition of IN★POCKET will also be distributed free of charge. The entry deadline is June 30, 2026, and prizes are scheduled to be shipped around early August 2026.
89.3% of golfers say their scores tend to fall apart after a mistake! Survey examines golfers’ actions and mindset after a mistake
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Chicken Golf, operated by 株式会社クリア, surveyed 300 people with golf experience about their actions and mindset after a mishit. About 90% said their scores tend to fall apart after a mistake, with mental disruption identified as the main cause.
Surfshark’s new protocol achieves record speeds for consumer VPNs
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Surfshark announced its proprietary VPN protocol, Dausos, which delivers speeds up to 30% faster and fully post-quantum-secure encryption. It provides each user with a dedicated data tunnel to strengthen privacy and security.
“The Path to Becoming a Professional Executive” Talk and Networking Event for the Future of Regional Businesses to Be Held in Nishi-Shinjuku on May 19
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社プロ人材機構 and YMFG Capital will hold a talk and networking event in Nishi-Shinjuku on May 19 for people aspiring to become professional executives. The event will share the realities of business succession and address challenges facing regional companies without successors.
LOOPLACE Launches “@ONE,” a Whole-Building Office Series for Growth Companies; Preview Event for First Location, “@ONE Kudanshita”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社LOOPLACE has launched @ONE, a series of whole-building offices for growth companies, and will hold a preview event for its first location, @ONE Kudanshita, on May 14 and 15, 2026.
“You Can Only Get It Now!” Seasonal Steamed Dishes Debut at Beppu’s 蒸汎景—A Taste of the Season to Enjoy with Rising Steam
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
蒸汎景, a restaurant specializing in hell-steamed cuisine inside Beppu’s Hyotan Onsen, has debuted its spring-only “Seasonal Steamer” menu. The main dish is a spring steamer featuring Okubungo pork and spring vegetables, alongside dishes such as cherry-blossom-steamed Spanish mackerel and bamboo shoots, and braised steamed pork. The food is prepared using “hell steaming,” which uses hot spring steam to bring out the ingredients’ flavor. Founded in the Taisho era, Hyotan Onsen offers free-flowing hot spring water and claims to have received three Michelin stars in the tourism guide 7 times, for 14 consecutive years. It is located at 159-2 Kannawa, Beppu, Oita Prefecture.
Colorful Monchhichi Mini Plates, Decorated with Glazes, Arrive from Mashiko Pottery Brand “MASHICO”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社ヒキダシ will release mini plates featuring the popular character Monchhichi under its Mashiko pottery brand MASHICO. Monchhichi’s face is rendered in 7 glaze colors, including traditional Mashiko glazes. The plates will go on sale at the online store Hikidashi Store starting April 14, 2026, priced at 1,760 yen each (tax included).
[Tendon and Tempura Honpo Santén] “Sakura Shrimp and Domestic Needlefish Fair” Starts April 16 (Thursday)!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Tendon and Tempura Honpo Santén, operated by Sato Food Service, will hold its “Sakura Shrimp and Domestic Needlefish Fair” starting April 16, 2026. A simultaneous campaign will offer 100 yen off mini noodle sets.
●Limited to 1000● Honda Hunter Cub CT125 Key Chain BLACK EDITION Now Available for Preorder!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
CAMSHOP.JP, a vehicle-goods brand operated by 株式会社フェイス, has begun taking preorders for a 3D metal key ring, BLACK EDITION, modeled on Honda’s popular HUNTER CUB CT125 motorcycle. Limited to 1000 pieces, the item features precise 3D sculpting with black plating, a CT125 logo plate, and a Honda Wing mark charm engraved on the back. It bears a serial number and comes in a dedicated box. This is an officially licensed Honda product.
Work and study in a natural setting overlooking the Sea of Japan and the Northern Alps. “Ii Office Itoigawa by Clubhouse Miyama,” a scenic workspace in 糸魚川市, Niigata Prefecture, opens
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社いいオフィス has opened the scenic workspace Ii Office Itoigawa by Clubhouse Miyama in 糸魚川市, Niigata Prefecture. It offers a comfortable work environment that combines a nature-rich setting with automated and labor-saving systems.
A New Masterpiece from Grand Seiko: A Mystical Scene of Cascading Water, Captured Through Delicate Hand Engraving
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Seiko Watch will release a limited-edition model of 50 pieces worldwide on July 10, featuring hand engraving inspired by “Flying Spring” in Shinshu, from Grand Seiko. The price is 12.1 million yen.
Grand Seiko introduces the “Ushio 300 Diver,” a compact diver’s watch offering high accuracy of ±20 seconds per year.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Seiko Watch is releasing the new Grand Seiko diver’s watch “Ushio 300 Diver,” which combines high accuracy of ±20 seconds per year with a compact 40.8mm case diameter. Priced at 1.65 million yen, it is scheduled to go on sale June 5.
Watches and Wonders 2026 Novelties: ジャガー・ルクルト Unveils the “Master Grande Tradition Tourbillon Jumping Date”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
ジャガー・ルクルト unveiled the limited-edition “Master Grande Tradition Tourbillon Jumping Date,” limited to 100 pieces, at W&W 2026. The watch features a reworked version of the renowned Caliber 978 and an open-worked dial.
Watches and Wonders 2026 Novelties: ジャガー・ルクルト Unveils the “Master Hybris Mechanica Ultra Thin Minute Repeater Tourbillon”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
ジャガー・ルクルト unveiled the “Master Hybris Mechanica Ultra Thin Minute Repeater Tourbillon” at Watches & Wonders 2026. It is equipped with a self-winding caliber measuring 4.7mm thick, the thinnest in the world.
Watches and Wonders 2026 Novelties: ジャガー・ルクルト Unveils the “Master Hybris Inventiva Gyrotourbillon Sphères”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
ジャガー・ルクルト unveiled the new “Master Hybris Inventiva Gyrotourbillon Sphères” at Watches & Wonders 2026. Equipped with a newly developed 3-axis tourbillon, this groundbreaking timepiece fuses extreme precision with artistry.
Watches and Wonders 2026 Novelties: ジャガー・ルクルト Unveils the “Master Control Chronometer”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
ジャガー・ルクルト unveiled 3 new “Master Control Chronometer” models at Watches and Wonders 2026. They feature the new in-house Caliber 953 and introduce a new High Precision Guarantee (HPG) certificate.
RWS Releases Its State-of-the-Art AI Translation Solution, Language Weaver Pro
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Global AI solutions company RWS has released Language Weaver Pro, an enterprise-grade AI translation solution. The product ranked No. 1 in 31 of 32 languages in benchmark tests, outperforming leading AI translation tools. Co-developed with security-focused Cohere, the solution uses a large-scale model with more than 100 billion parameters and aims to establish a new standard for enterprise translation.
URBAN EARTH BBQ Tonarie Utsunomiya Store to Reopen on April 16, 2026!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
URBAN EARTH BBQ Tonarie Utsunomiya Store will reopen on April 16, 2026. Produced by 株式会社スタンドケイ, the rooftop barbecue venue is conveniently located a 1-minute walk from Utsunomiya Station and offers an all-weather outdoor space where guests can enjoy themselves without bringing any equipment. This season’s food and drinks have been upgraded, and the venue will offer a spring weekday-only plan along with several BBQ courses.
URBAN EARTH BBQ Matsuzakaya Takatsuki Store to Reopen on April 17, 2026!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The rooftop barbecue venue URBAN EARTH BBQ at Matsuzakaya Takatsuki Store will reopen on April 17, 2026. Produced by 株式会社スタンドケイ, it offers a spacious setting with views of Takatsuki’s skyline, where guests can enjoy a BBQ without bringing any equipment. This season’s food and drinks have been upgraded, and a weekday-only plan is available through April 28. A variety of BBQ courses are offered from 4,200 yen, including all-you-can-drink alcohol.
【BS-TBS】“Tengu’s Kitchen Season 3” Set to Air in Fall 2026!!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
BS-TBS announced that “Tengu’s Kitchen Season 3” will air in its Thursday Drama 23 slot in fall 2026. The main cast, including Aoi Komagine, will return, and the series will feature an original story supervised by the original creator.
QommonsAI training held in Kato, Hyogo Prefecture: 4 municipalities from the Kita-Harima area gather, with one manager saying, “Our remarks now carry more responsibility than ever before”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
On April 7, 2026, Polimill Co., Ltd. held an introductory training session in Kato, Hyogo Prefecture, on using QommonsAI, a generative AI tool for local governments. About 60 Kato city employees took part, while Taka Town, Kasai City and Nishiwaki City in Hyogo Prefecture joined online. QommonsAI is a generative AI service for public administration that supports local governments in addressing challenges using tens of millions of data items, including domestic and international laws, policies, academic papers and municipal case studies. As of March 2026, it is used by more than 750 local governments and about 300,000 people nationwide.
Second Lipton Collaboration: “Lipton Perfect-Sipping Stainless Steel Tumbler,” a Vacuum-Insulated Tumbler That Keeps Iced Tea Tasting Great, Goes on Sale
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社ドウシシャ is teaming up with Lipton to launch the “Lipton Perfect-Sipping Stainless Steel Tumbler” on April 20, 2026.
VectorBuilder Announces Highly Stable MuteFree™ AAV for Gene Therapy
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
VectorBuilder has developed the highly stable “MuteFree™ AAV vector” to address the instability of ITR sequences, a challenge in gene therapy development.
Cut the volume of packaging materials by 70% when traveling to event booths! New small accessory boxes can be assembled on-site in the quantities needed (cardboard mail-order shop)
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社アースダンボール released the “Craft Wrapping Box 67×43×23,” a foldable box convenient for transporting goods to events, on March 25, 2026. It reduces volume by about 70% and is also suitable for shipping products sold through flea-market apps.
MF Self-Defense Server Integrated Monitoring System to Launch in Summer 2026
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
株式会社メディアフュージョン will launch the “MF Self-Defense Server Integrated Monitoring System” in summer 2026, adding features such as AI log analysis to a system based on Zabbix.
Trump says Iran still hopes to reach an agreement; U.S. stocks close higher
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran had reached out to express its desire to reach an agreement, news that lifted all 4 major U.S. stock indexes. The Dow Jones Industrial Average closed up 301.68 points, while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq rose 1.02% and 1.23%, respectively.
Trump adjusts strategy as U.S. and Iran engage in a survival game, both blockading the Strait of Hormuz
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The United States is adjusting its strategy to block Iranian oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz, aiming to damage Iran’s economy and fuel a political crisis. The “survival game” is estimated to cost Iran about $435 million a day. High oil prices are also putting significant pressure on the Trump administration, and international crude oil prices are trending upward. The United States says it has nearly destroyed Iran’s military capabilities and is tightening its maritime blockade.
U.S. blockade of Iranian ports sends international oil prices toward $100
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The prospect of a U.S. blockade of Iranian ports has tightened oil supplies and pushed up international crude prices, with WTI reaching $99.08 and Brent $99.36. Signs that ceasefire negotiations are continuing have limited the gains.
Tensions rise ahead of Lebanon-Israel talks; Israeli military says it struck 150 Hezbollah targets
Published ・ Source Taiwan | 中央社 CNA
The Israeli military said it struck about 150 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon over the past 24 hours, including military facilities and command centers. The strikes came shortly before Lebanese and Israeli officials were set to hold peace talks in Washington, while Hezbollah’s leader called for the meeting to be canceled.