Ibex Co., Ltd., led by President Tsukamoto Yasuhiro, launches a new initiative to address the burden of education costs
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2026-04-15 06:00–09:00 JST
66 received, 66 listed, 2 sources
One place for news and notices from 2 countries/regions: Japan, 60 items from 1 source; Taiwan, 6 items from 1 source.
One edition every 180 minutes: every item from every source received in the period, with the original link.
Japan | PR TIMES（60）
Japan Private Equity invests in traditional search fund 原陽祐合同会社
Japan Private Equity (JPE) invested in 原陽祐合同会社, a traditional search fund aimed at business succession at small and medium-sized companies.
Companies mentioned：原陽祐合同会社、株式会社INPEX、Ｍ-Capital、ジャパンブルズアイキャピタル合同会社
D1 Milano launches POLYCHRONO chronograph / Final model in its 2026 spring/summer collection, released over 5 consecutive weeks
Italian watch brand D1 Milano will launch the POLYCHRONO chronograph on April 17, 2026, as the 5th release in its 2026 spring/summer collection. It is the final model in a series of new releases rolled out over 5 consecutive weeks starting in March. The watch features a 40.5mm polycarbonate case fitted with a quartz movement and a sporty, minimalist design. It comes in 5 colors and is priced at 44,000 yen each, tax included.
Are Mother's Day gifts polarizing? While recipients' preferences matter, 30% say they have “no particular preference”
Fourit Inc. surveyed 500 people in their 20s to 60s about Mother's Day gifts. The most important factor was “whether the recipient wants it” (32.2%), while a similarly large share said “nothing in particular” (33.4%), revealing a divide. By age group, younger people tended to be practical, while middle-aged and older people prioritized the recipient. By gender, women focused on the recipient's perspective, while “nothing in particular” was the most common response among men. Married respondents tended to prioritize the recipient, while unmarried respondents tended to be less involved.
A sweet potato specialty shop that toured Japan without a storefront takes the top prize. Champion of the National Sweet Potato Grand Prix 2026 to open its first permanent store on April 19
Owari Imoya Imokichi, which has sold roasted sweet potatoes across Japan without a storefront, won the championship at the National Sweet Potato Grand Prix 2026. In celebration, the shop will open its first permanent location in Ichinomiya, Aichi Prefecture, on April 19, 2026. The store will offer year-round favorites from events, including chilled honey sweet potatoes and roasted sweet potato brûlée. Representative Wakatsuki describes it as a base for a new challenge.
Original【四街道市/新店舗情報】リバウンドしない“奇跡のメソッド”で有名なパーソナルジム「リアルボディ」が4月18日㈯四街道市にグランドオープン！1回3,500円〜の関東最安値級！体験も無料開催中
Original「リアルボディ」が四街道市に4月18日オープン。1回3,500円〜の低価格と、医学的根拠に基づく独自の「奇跡のメソッド」で、リバウンドしない体づくりをサポートします。
Companies mentioned：株式会社リアルボディRグループ、Google
AI programming school SiiD partners with Workship CAREER, a recruitment agency for IT and DX professionals, to strengthen career support
AI programming school SiiD will partner with Workship CAREER, a recruitment agency for IT and DX professionals, to launch career support for SiiD students on April 3, 2026. Through the partnership, students can receive free, end-to-end “dual support” from skill development through their job search.
Companies mentioned：合同会社BugFix、株式会社GIG
Korekara Dental Clinic Musashisakai reopens after renovation
Original東京都武蔵野市の武蔵境駅前にて、長年地域医療を担ってきた「みやうち歯科」を継承した「これから歯医者 武蔵境」が2025年11月にリニューアルオープンしました。新院長の松岡周吾歯科医師のもと、予防歯科を軸とした新体制で診療を開始し、既存患者のカルテも継続して管理されています。同院は一般歯科からインプラント、マウスピース矯正まで幅広く対応し、最新の歯科用CTも導入しました。平日は20時30分までの夜間診療や当日予約、WEB予約にも対応し、通いやすさを重視した診療環境を整えています。
MDMD2026 Summer, a marketing event dedicated to the pharmaceutical industry, to be held in Tokyo on Thursday, June 4, with “rediscovery” as its theme
Iryo Joho Net Inc. (Medinew) will hold MDMD2026 Summer, a marketing event dedicated to the pharmaceutical industry, in Tokyo on June 4, 2026. With “rediscovery” as its theme, the program will reexamine omnichannel strategies, data use, and the value of medical representatives (MRs).
Companies mentioned：木村情報技術株式会社、株式会社メディウィル、株式会社Yuimedi、株式会社メディクト、ゴウリカ株式会社、株式会社メディカルトリビューン、株式会社インテージヘルスケア、ミーカンパニー株式会社、株式会社JMDC
[From Sasazuka] A crowdfunding campaign launches for a hideaway bar for adults featuring malt whiskies exclusive to distilleries in Scotland
BAR UIGEADAIL, an authentic bar in Sasazuka, Shibuya Ward, has launched a crowdfunding campaign on Makuake to source malt whiskies exclusive to Scottish distilleries and offer a blackjack experience course. Rewards include tasting sets of rare whiskies and distillery-exclusive merchandise.
10 years since the Kumamoto earthquake: Emergency major earthquake forecasts help achieve zero fatalities. The Yure Zuba app surpasses 200,000 registered users
Brain Co. announced that its Emergency Major Earthquake Forecast service helped prevent fatalities in the earthquake off Aomori Prefecture. The Yure Zuba app has surpassed 200,000 registered users.
Revieve announces Beauty Product IQ: a new intelligence layer to power the future of beauty AI, commerce, and market strategy
Revieve has launched Beauty Product IQ, an AI-powered intelligence layer for the beauty industry, aiming to transform fragmented product data into a structured format for enhanced personalization, e-commerce, and strategic insights.
[The dark side of major law firms] Explaining the “discrepancy with what was explained” felt by about 30%
A survey of 100 people with experience in debt restructuring, conducted on January 8, 2026, found a notable gap between initial explanations and final costs for clients who sought services through web ads or simulators. Only about 20% of simulator users said the price matched what they had been told, compared with about 50% of those who came through a firm's website or a friend's referral. Users who came through web ads or simulators were more likely to feel they had lost out or to be dissatisfied, highlighting the gap between advertising claims and the actual experience of the process as an issue.
MammaBaby offers a new approach to summer cooling care. Japan's first alcohol-free cooling mist with a “−5°C” sensation, made from 100% naturally derived ingredients for babies and sensitive skin
MammaBaby, a brand operated by pP Inc., will launch its summer-limited MammaBaby Cool Mist on Wednesday, April 22, 2026. The product is Japan's first alcohol- and menthol-free cooling mist made from 100% naturally derived ingredients and suitable for use from birth. An ingredient derived from wild lingonberries in Finland works only on the skin's temperature sensors to create a “−5°C” cooling sensation. It is priced at 1,760 yen, tax included, and comes in a 30mL bottle. It will be available through the MammaBaby official online store and other outlets.
Mushugen Kogyo signs disaster agreement with えびの市 / Miyazaki Prefecture
Mushugen Kogyo signed an agreement with えびの市 in Miyazaki Prefecture on the supply of portable toilets and other items in the event of a disaster. The parties will work together to maintain sanitary conditions at evacuation shelters during disasters and promote disaster preparedness in normal times.
Companies mentioned：えびの市
JR Shikoku-Relationship Fund
The Shikoku Relationship Fund, established by Japan Private Equity (JPE) and JR Shikoku, entered into a capital alliance with the long-established Japanese confectionery shop Yume Kabo Takara.
Companies mentioned：日本プライベートエクイティ株式会社、四国旅客鉄道株式会社、株式会社夢菓房たから、Ｊ・マルシェ株式会社
Service design workshop delivered as part of a joint Japan-Thailand training program at Thailand's National Institute of Technology, KOSEN-KMITL
株式会社フォーデジット held a service design workshop as part of a joint Japan-Thailand training program at KOSEN-KMITL in Thailand. With an aging society as its theme, students from both countries collaborated using design thinking to explore ways to improve quality of life.
Companies mentioned：株式会社フォーデジット
Seminar on “nursing home real estate investment,” aiming for stable returns through a 30-year master lease｜Explaining the differences between residential property investment and care facility investment on April 22【Online and Fukuoka venues】
株式会社セイコー・エステート＆ディベロップメント will hold a “Nursing Home Real Estate Investment” seminar online and in Fukuoka on April 22, 2026. The seminar will explain stable-income models based on long-term, all-in-one leases and how they differ from residential property investment, and propose real estate investment strategies for an aging society.
Companies mentioned：株式会社セイコー・エステート＆ディベロップメント、楽待
AI support system “Helpdog” eases the burden of switching from other tools with bulk CSV import of FAQ articles
noco Inc. has added a CSV import feature to its AI support system “Helpdog,” allowing users to import up to 1,000 FAQ articles at once. The feature will significantly ease the burden of switching from other tools.
May 5 is “GoGo Birthday”! This year, the company is kicking off “GoGo Birthdays,” a series of events rolling out over the 20 days leading up to the day, including in-store campaigns, a movie collaboration and free pork cutlet curry!
Go Go Curry Group has launched “GoGo Birthdays,” a 20-day campaign celebrating “GoGo Birthday” on May 5. The campaign includes in-store prize drawings, a movie collaboration and free pork cutlet curry as a birthday perk, aiming to foster a sense of connection with customers.
Companies mentioned：日本記念日協会
From CeraLabo, developed by beauty chemist “かずのすけ,” who has 1 million followers: a revived and revamped face powder and a completely new product launch together to address visible pores, oily shine and makeup breakdown in spring and summer
CeraLabo will launch two face powders under the supervision of beauty chemist “かずのすけ” to address pores, sebum and makeup breakdown in spring and summer: “Natural Fit Powder R,” a revived and revamped product, and “Natural Reflector,” a completely new product.
Companies mentioned：ハンズ、TSUTAYA
[Shaping the future of dental hygienists] Introducing a partner school for “DH LIFE 2026,” an event for students: Shinjuku College of Medical Care
All Dental Japan Inc. will hold “DH LIFE 2026,” a career support event for dental hygiene students and prospective students. The event aims to share firsthand information from clinical settings and deepen understanding of future career options, while also strengthening collaboration with partner school Shinjuku College of Medical Care. All 76 students who graduated from the school in March 2026 passed the 35th National Dental Hygienist Examination, achieving a 100% pass rate. The school regularly holds open-campus events where visitors can experience dental hygiene work, as well as admissions information sessions, and is working to develop the next generation of professionals.
“Startup School 2026” to be held!
Original平塚信用金庫などが、地域での起業・創業を促進するため「創業塾2026」を開催します。このプログラムは、ビジネスアイデアから財務、マーケティングまでを網羅し、オンラインと対面形式で提供されます。
Companies mentioned：平塚信用金庫、平塚市、平塚商工会議所、神奈川県信用保証協会、（公財）神奈川産業振興センター、ジャイロ総合コンサルティング株式会社
Tomoo Machiba, director of Zeroboard Research Institute, becomes the first Asian vice chair of the GSSB, the body that deliberates on the GRI Standards for sustainability reporting
Tomoo Machiba, director of Zeroboard Research Institute, a subsidiary of Zeroboard Inc., will become the first Asian vice chair of the GSSB, which develops the GRI Standards for sustainability reporting, effective April 1, 2026. Machiba has served as a GSSB board member since January 2024 and will contribute to the board’s operations and the development of the GRI Standards.
Sukedachi Research Institute assists with research for the Construction Economics Report published by the Research Institute of Construction and Economy (RICE)
Sukedachi Research Institute, operated by Sukedachi Inc., assisted with research for the Construction Economics Report by the Research Institute of Construction and Economy (RICE). Using data from more than 220,000 registered users, it conducted and provided a quantitative analysis of employment mobility and working conditions among construction workers.
Companies mentioned：一般財団法人建設経済研究所（RICE）
[Useful from your first year on the job] A book by an author who worked at major Japanese companies, foreign consulting firms, GAFAM and startups, sharing the techniques they discovered for becoming “good at your job” as quickly as possible: “The Drafting Playbook” is now published!
Toyo Keizai Inc. will release “The Drafting Playbook,” by management adviser Masahiro Hagiwara, on April 15, 2026. The book explains how to create effective working drafts based on the structure of work, with techniques usable from the first year on the job, and supports the professional growth of businesspeople.
Companies mentioned：株式会社東洋経済新報社
[ウブロ] New “Big Bang Reloaded Usain Bolt”: a dynamic manifesto embodying conviction
ウブロ has unveiled the special “Big Bang Reloaded Usain Bolt,” limited to 200 watches worldwide, to mark the 15th anniversary of its partnership with Usain Bolt. The watch features a dial mechanism displaying his 100m world record of 9.58 and contains soil from the training ground where he practiced as a child.
Companies mentioned：ウブロ
Subsidy Cloud partners with Mirai Consulting Group to strengthen human capital management support through sponsorship of the “People and Management Platform”
Stayway Inc. and Mirai Consulting Group have formed a business partnership to support mid-sized and small companies in advancing human capital management. Stayway will sponsor the “People and Management Platform” and provide services combining support for using subsidies with expertise in human capital management. Through the partnership, the companies aim to promote sustainable growth and enhance corporate value for Japanese businesses.
“Workship CAREER,” a recruitment agency for IT and digital transformation professionals, teams up with online AI programming school “SiiD” to provide career support
Workship CAREER, a recruitment agency operated by GIG Inc., and AI programming school SiiD will begin providing career support to SiiD students on April 15, 2026. The companies will work together in a “dual support” system, providing completely free assistance from skills training through job changes and supporting students in achieving their goals.
AI recommendation engine “ZETA RECOMMEND” adds support for multi-angle recommendation displays
ZETA has added a “Multi-Angle Recommendations” feature to its AI recommendation engine “ZETA RECOMMEND.” Based on product data and user behavior patterns, the new feature presents diverse recommendations in a format that can be scrolled freely in both directions. It is designed to enhance the shopping experience and help e-commerce sites develop into retail media platforms. ZETA was established in August 2005 and had capital of 96 million yen as of October 1, 2024.
[Launching April 15!] Spportunity to host “To the World’s Summit: High School Students Take on the Kilimanjaro Climbing Project,” led by Gota Miura and the Clark Memorial International High School Mountaineering Team!
Spportunity has launched a crowdfunding campaign for Clark Memorial International High School’s “CLARK Mountaineering Team Kilimanjaro Climbing Project.” The project will run from April 15 to May 31, 2026, with a target of 2.3 million yen. Rewards for supporters include having their names written on the team’s flag, a flag signed by honorary principal Yuichiro Miura, an original tenugui towel and postcards from Kilimanjaro. The funds raised will go toward expedition costs for team members and educational support for local porters.
[Tamago-yaki & Dashi Himawari] X campaign launches April 15 (Wed.) for a chance to win digital meal vouchers!
Tamago-yaki & Dashi Himawari, operated by M&S Food Service, has launched a campaign on X (formerly Twitter) to mark the renewal of its regular menu. Digital meal vouchers will be awarded to 40 people in a prize draw.
Companies mentioned：M&Sフードサービス株式会社
[ブルガリ] “Octo Finissimo Ultra Tourbillon Platinum” at Watches & Wonders 2026: the world’s thinnest flying tourbillon
ブルガリ has unveiled the platinum “Octo Finissimo Ultra Tourbillon Platinum” at Watches & Wonders 2026. At 1.85 mm, it is the world’s thinnest flying tourbillon. The watch will be released in a limited edition of 10 worldwide.
Companies mentioned：ブルガリ、LVMH
[Hankyu Umeda Main Store] “HANKYU BEAUTY FRAGRANCE FESTIVAL 2026” returns this year for 6 days of discovering new fragrances, bringing together 17 of the season’s top shops
Hankyu Umeda Main Store will hold “HANKYU BEAUTY FRAGRANCE FESTIVAL 2026” from April 29 to May 4, 2026. The event will bring together 17 shops and feature limited-edition products as well as L’Occitane Café, making its Kansai debut.
Companies mentioned：Jo Malone London、Tom Ford Beauty、Phaeton Fragrance、Fugazzi、Link Original Makers、Liberta Perfume、L'Occitane Cafe
JR Shikoku-Relationship Fund
Original日本プライベートエクイティ（JPE）は、JR四国が全額出資する「JR四国・リレーションシップ1号投資事業有限責任組合」を通じて、香川県の老舗洋菓子店ちきりやに資本提携しました。これにより、ちきりやはJR四国グループとの連携を強化し、事業拡大と組織経営への移行を目指します。
Companies mentioned：日本プライベートエクイティ株式会社、四国旅客鉄道株式会社、株式会社ちきりや、JR四国・リレーションシップ1号投資事業有限責任組合、J・マルシェ株式会社
30th-anniversary commemorative model: Special-edition ZIPPO featuring the world of “Initial D,” Blue Titanium version, now available for general sale on Rakuten Market. (Limited production of 150 units)
Faith Inc. has begun selling the Blue Titanium version of a limited-edition ZIPPO commemorating the 30th anniversary of the manga “Initial D” on Rakuten Market. Officially licensed by Kodansha, the collectible is limited to 150 units, each engraved with a serial number. Iconic scenes from the series are reproduced on the body with detailed laser engraving. Its design combines the substantial feel of blue titanium with the world of the series. It is also available through the official CAMSHOP.JP website.
JR Shikoku-Relationship Fund
J. Marche, established through a fund wholly financed by JR Shikoku, aims to address challenges facing regional industries and foster growth, particularly in Shikoku’s sweets industry, through capital and business succession partnerships between companies. It has announced partnerships with 2 long-established sweets companies in Kagawa.
Companies mentioned：日本プライベートエクイティ株式会社、四国旅客鉄道株式会社、Ｊ・マルシェ株式会社、株式会社ちきりや、株式会社夢菓房たから
About 70% of virtual office users use the service personally or for side businesses, Smart Rank LLC survey finds
Smart Rank LLC surveyed 100 virtual office users in April 2026. The survey found that 71% use the service personally and 46% do so for side businesses. The leading factor in choosing a service was “affordable pricing” (45%), though some users expressed dissatisfaction with extra charges and slow mail forwarding. Satisfaction with pricing reached 65%, highlighting how virtual offices have become established as infrastructure for side businesses.
Japan’s only Chinese tea milk tea that produces “smoke.” “CHAZHONG-茶种- Chajan,” a not-too-sweet milk tea that preserves the flavor of the tea leaves, opens 1 minute on foot from Yokohama Station! Opens at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 18!
Japan’s only experiential Chinese tea milk tea specialty shop, “CHAZHONG-茶种- Chajan,” opened on April 18, 1 minute on foot from Yokohama Station. Its signature features are a display of white smoke rising from a special teaware vessel and lightly sweetened milk tea that brings out the tea leaves’ natural flavor. The shop offers 4 signature varieties—jasmine, oolong, black tea and green tea—in M size for 750 yen and L size for 950 yen, presenting a new experience as “entertainment you can drink.” Operated by Food Seed Inc., it aims to offer visitors “the extraordinary in everyday life.”
[New on One Glamping] A completely private glamping experience in a forest suite: PRIVATE GARDEN THE WEST
株式会社viviane has newly listed PRIVATE GARDEN THE WEST in Isumi, Chiba Prefecture. It offers a private glamping experience that combines hotel comfort with the liberating feel of nature.
Companies mentioned：株式会社viviane
“A leisurely stroll through Nihonbashi, a town of delicious food and history”: The May 2026 issue of Otona no Shumatsu is on sale today♪
The May 2026 issue of gourmet magazine Otona no Shumatsu went on sale on April 15, 2026. Its main feature, “A leisurely stroll through Nihonbashi,” introduces long-established businesses and new openings from 8 different perspectives, including Ningyocho and Kodenmacho. The 2nd feature, “The thriving world of standing soba restaurants,” spotlights notable establishments, while the 3rd feature covers “adult crepes,” including hearty meal options. The magazine costs 930 yen, including tax, and is available at bookstores nationwide and online.
“Retro” or “Sennin”? A new experience at Beppu’s private family baths: ReFa changes how you unwind
Hyotan Onsen in Beppu, Oita Prefecture, has introduced ReFa showerheads on a trial basis in its “Retro” and “Sennin” private family bath rooms. It aims to offer a new “hot springs × beauty” experience combining bathing in hot springs with ReFa’s beauty features. The facility plans to analyze user feedback, satisfaction and usage trends before considering a full-scale rollout. More than 100 years old, the renowned hot spring has received 3 stars in the Michelin tourist guide for 14 consecutive years.
General Incorporated Association Reaching Zero-Dose Children signs memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Brazza International Foundation
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“Try Before You Change Jobs” releases Android app
FICILCOM Inc. has released an Android app for “Try Before You Change Jobs,” a service that lets users gain work experience before changing jobs. The app allows job seekers to complete the entire process on their smartphones, from searching for openings and applying to exchanging messages. To prevent mismatches, users can take part in side jobs or contract work while remaining in their current jobs. The company aims to make “try it before deciding to change jobs” a new standard.
BRICK Training Center opens in Iidabashi as a skills development hub for store maintenance technicians
BRICK Inc., which provides “Dr. Maintenance,” a DX service for store repairs and facilities management, opened the BRICK Training Center in Iidabashi, Tokyo, on April 1, 2026. The center serves 3 purposes: improving the skills of store Doctors and new employees, supporting people facing barriers to employment in learning technical skills, and providing training for outside companies. It offers practical coursework using actual store equipment and aims to support the store maintenance industry through both technical skills and knowledge. President Ryusuke Nakamura said the center is now a place where technicians can continue learning and provide customers with peace of mind.
PromptCom × U.S.-based KusaPics announce global partnership linking creator support and AI generation!
AI creator support platform PromptCom and AI anime image generation tool KusaPics have entered into a global partnership. As of March 2026, PromptCom had 100,000 members and more than 150,000 monthly users. KusaPics has raised $700,000 (about 100 million yen) to date. Through joint contests, cross-promotion and collaborative character content development, the companies aim to expand the international creator community and create new creative experiences.
Link Japan to install its IoT platform as standard in every unit of one of the largest condominiums in Fukuoka’s Hirao area (※1)
Link Japan is introducing its “eLife” home IoT platform as standard in all units of the new “Leben Hirao Heim Suite” condominium in Fukuoka, enabling smart home features for enhanced convenience and long-term upgradability.
Companies mentioned：株式会社タカラレーベン、積水化学工業株式会社 住宅カンパニー、株式会社九州産業研究所
Notice Regarding the Transfer of the “Plant Factory Business” from Mitsubishi Chemical Aqua Solutions Co., Ltd.
YUASA Inc. has resolved to take over the plant factory business operated by Mitsubishi Chemical Aqua Solutions effective June 1, 2026. The move is part of its expansion strategy into agriculture and food tech under its new medium-term management plan, “Reborn 2031.” The company will inherit trademarks, patents and specialized personnel related to environmental control technologies such as “Nae Terrace” and “Napperland.” Going forward, in addition to selling cultivation systems, it will promote one-stop proposals combining its construction expertise with air-conditioning and water-treatment equipment.
“Shizuoka Biz Academy: Generative AI Boot Camp” completes all 4 sessions, driving AI transformation (AX) at companies across industries
Originalアンドドット等4社は、静岡県内の企業を対象に実践型の「しずおかBizアカデミー ～生成AIブートキャンプ～」を全4回開催し、業務改革を支援した。
Companies mentioned：鈴与システムテクノロジー株式会社、株式会社静岡第一テレビ、むすびめコミュニケーションクリエイツ株式会社
Protean Career Association completely revamps its official website
The Protean Career Association, a general incorporated association, has completely revamped its official website and redesigned its course structure. As its flagship course, the “Protean Career AI Fundamentals Course,” moves to an e-learning format, the association has streamlined the online enrollment process. The association, whose co-representative directors include Professor Kensuke Tanaka of Hosei University, is strengthening support for proactive career development by individuals and organizations. Certified service provider 4designs Inc. assisted with the renewal.
Register your product on the official website to extend the warranty period to 2 years
Harman International Japan, Inc. will extend the warranty period from 1 year to 2 years for products purchased on or after April 15, 2025, when registered on official websites for brands including JBL. A giveaway campaign for registered products will also run from April 15 to June 30, 2026. A draw will award Visa e-gift cards worth 20,000 yen to 5 winners and original eco-bags to 25 winners. The 3 eligible brands are JBL, Harman Kardon and AKG.
“teamLab Learn! Future Park Hakodate” advance ticket sales start April 15
teamLab will present “teamLab Learn! Future Park Hakodate” at the Hokkaido Hakodate Museum of Art starting July 25, 2026. Advance tickets go on sale April 15. The interactive digital art exhibition is aimed at families and tourists.
Companies mentioned：teamLab、HTB北海道テレビ、北海道新聞社、道新文化事業社、HTBプロモーション
teamLab to present “teamLab Learn! Future Park” at the Hokkaido Hakodate Museum of Art; runs from Saturday, July 25, through Wednesday, Sept. 23, a national holiday
teamLab will present “teamLab Learn! Future Park” at the Hokkaido Hakodate Museum of Art from July 25 to Sept. 23, 2026. The exhibition will feature 5 works, including “Sketch Aquarium Connected to the World,” offering an educational experience centered on co-creation. It will also include “Sketch Factory,” where visitors can turn their drawings into merchandise. Admission is 1,900 yen for adults on weekdays and 2,000 yen on weekends and holidays. Those who purchase advance tickets by July 24 will receive a limited-edition sticker.
Savor spring with the gentle, airy sweetness of fava beans. “Pork Soup with Shrimp Cake and Fava Bean Purée” joins the menu as a new spring treat!
フィルドテーブル株式会社 will begin offering its spring-limited “Pork Soup Set Meal with Shrimp Cake and Fava Bean Purée” at Gochiton, a restaurant specializing in pork soup set meals, for a limited time starting April 15, 2026.
Companies mentioned：アークランドサービスホールディングス株式会社、フィルドテーブル株式会社
[Kyoto, Shogoin] “Donabe Saizen Toyouke,” an exquisite breakfast spot with just 6 seats, opens in honor of the goddess of food. Enjoy an ultimate morning meal featuring “Sagadeyori” rice selected by the owner and prepared with the skill of master artisans.
“Donabe Saizen Toyouke,” a breakfast spot named for Toyouke-no-Okami, the goddess of food, has opened in Kyoto’s Shogoin district. In an intimate space limited to 6 seats, rice from Saga Prefecture, “Sagadeyori,” selected by the owner, is cooked in an Iga-yaki clay pot and served with seasonal ingredients. Prices start at 2,500 yen, and reservations are required. Works by lighting artist Toshiyuki Tani add color to the space.
IWCシャフハウゼン redefines the perpetual calendar with “IWC-PROSET”
At Watches and Wonders in Geneva, IWCシャフハウゼン unveiled the “Perpetual Calendar ProSet,” a perpetual calendar that allows seamless adjustment both forward and backward.
Companies mentioned：IWCシャフハウゼン
“June 25 is Day of the Seafarer”: Japan awareness project launches — Making invisible work visible through gratitude
AIS, which provides systems for the shipping industry, has launched a project to raise awareness in Japan of the Day of the Seafarer on June 25. Under the concept “Making invisible work visible through gratitude,” the initiative will collect messages of thanks and distribute posters.
Companies mentioned：国際海事機関（IMO）、鳥羽商船高等専門学校、（一社）日本海運集会所、（一社）日本船長協会、（一社）日本船舶機関士協会
With illustrations! A history and metals science adventure: “Illustrated Guide to Faraday’s ‘Rustproof Iron’” published!
Shuwa System Shinsha will publish the new book “Illustrated Guide to Faraday’s ‘Rustproof Iron’” on April 28, 2026. This historical adventure focuses on metallurgy research that Michael Faraday, the father of electromagnetism, devoted himself to before turning to electrical science. The author, a metals expert, investigates a “secret wooden box” lying beneath the Royal Institution of Great Britain and unravels the mystery of stainless steel that came 100 years too early. The book portrays the adventurous young Faraday, whose character was not revealed in his famous “The Chemical History of a Candle.”
Nikkei Integrated Systems launches ransomware protection software to block file encryption
Original日本経済新聞社グループの日経統合システムは4月15日、ランサムウエア対策ソフト「NASランサムブロック」を発売しました。このソフトは、ランサムウエアによるファイルの暗号化を阻止し、「最後の砦」としてデータを保護する特長があります。EDR（エンドポイント検知・対応）と相互補完することで多層防御を実現し、既知のランサムウエア検体約50種すべてでファイルの暗号化阻止を確認しています。PC内のファイルだけでなく、クラウドストレージやファイルサーバーのファイル暗号化も防ぎます。価格は1IDあたり年間3,600円（税別）からで、EDRや24時間監視とセットになったサービスも提供されます。
Winners announced for the 1st “計算社会科学会 Academic Contribution Award” (Professor Fujio Toriumi of 東京大学) and other conference awards
計算社会科学会 has selected Professor Fujio Toriumi of 東京大学 for its 1st Academic Contribution Award. The award recognizes his significant contributions to the development and practical application of computational social science, including social media analysis and the advocacy of “information health.”
Companies mentioned：計算社会科学会、東京大学
Taiwan | 中央社 CNA（6）
Iran war diverts attention; Zelenskyy says U.S. has no time for Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in an interview with a German television station that, following the outbreak of the Iran war, U.S. diplomats are busy negotiating with Iran and have no time for Ukraine. He expressed concern about a halt in U.S. weapons deliveries and warned that Russia would no longer feel intimidated if the United States engaged with it only in mild dialogue. He stressed that if the war continues, Ukraine will receive fewer weapons, especially air defense supplies.
U.S. Treasury: Iran oil sanctions waiver will not be extended when it expires
The U.S. Treasury Department announced that a temporary sanctions waiver covering Iranian oil will expire in the coming days and will not be extended. The statement said the United States is maintaining maximum pressure on Tehran. The waiver allowed the delivery and sale of Iranian oil loaded onto ships before March 20 and was originally due to expire on April 19. The measure was one of the Trump administration’s responses to a surge in energy prices triggered by the war; it also extended a sanctions waiver for Russian seaborne oil.
Investors watch Strait of Hormuz tensions; U.S. stocks close broadly higher
Hope for developments in the Middle East lifted major U.S. stock indexes. Expectations that the Strait of Hormuz would reopen eased concerns about energy supplies and pushed up the broader market.
U.S. blockade of Hormuz; 3 Iranian ships still leave the Persian Gulf
After the U.S. military imposed a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, at least 7 Iran-linked vessels passed through the strait. According to Kpler data, the bulk carrier Christiana and tankers Elpis and Algo Maris were among the vessels that passed through. Maritime analysts warned of possible interference with vessel signals and noted the difficulty of tracking them accurately. U.S. Central Command said it had prevented 6 merchant ships from departing on the first day of the blockade and directed them to turn back.
Oil prices close lower as markets see U.S.-Iran talks easing supply concerns
Expectations of renewed talks between the United States and Iran eased concerns about oil supplies, sending international crude prices lower. Both WTI and Brent crude fell sharply.
Unearthed archive photos: Wang Licheng’s path to 3 consecutive Kisei titles
Taiwanese Go player Wang Licheng, who pursued his career in Japan, posed for a photo with Go Seigen and Rin Kaiho at his Kisei title ceremony in 2002. A look back at his remarkable career traces his early promise as a child, his move to Japan, the grueling challenges he faced, his qualification to challenge for the title in 1999, and his run of 3 consecutive Kisei titles beginning in 2000. He emphasized the importance of concentration during matches and reviewing games to improve.