AI News 180m Report｜2026-05-08 09:00–12:00 JST｜Page 1 of 8

A place where you can connect with someone at night, whether you want to talk or not: “Higezo’s Heart Bar” to be held

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:29:55 +0900

NPO Shirohige Tayuraka Fund held “Higezo’s Heart Bar” on April 30, 2026, a welcoming place where people with mental health challenges and those experiencing social withdrawal can interact in a safe environment. At the event, medical professionals prepared food and helped participants take a step toward social engagement.

Red Velvet’s Kim Yerim and actor Kang Sang-jun star in Azure Spring, a healing drama about adulthood and youth; Furuya Masayuki discusses the series in “Furuya’s ABEMA Korean Times,” now available on the official YouTube channel

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:28:57 +0900

ABEMA is streaming Azure Spring, a healing drama about adulthood and youth starring Red Velvet’s Kim Yerim and actor Kang Sang-jun, free of charge and exclusively ahead of its global release. Korean pop culture specialist Furuya Masayuki discusses the drama on “Furuya’s ABEMA Korean Times,” now available on the official YouTube channel.

GW明けの放置車両無料回収キャンペーン開始！！5月の自動車税通知で考える「バイク処分」。「納税通知書」に関する意識調査の結果発表。バイク廃車110番が、適正処理と手続き代行を支援強化

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:28:26 +0900

バイク廃車110番 has launched a free pickup campaign to meet growing demand for the disposal of abandoned vehicles following the arrival of vehicle tax notices after Golden Week. It also released a survey on attitudes toward tax notices, finding that many people feel the tax burden and that use of smartphone payment apps is increasing.

AndTech WEB online seminar scheduled for June 24 (Wed.): “The role of transport layers, interface design, and room-temperature film formation technology in achieving high efficiency and durability in inverted perovskite solar cells”

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:28:07 +0900

AndTechは2026年6月24日に、逆構造型ペロブスカイト太陽電池の高効率化・高耐久性をテーマとしたWEBオンラインセミナーを開催します。愛知工業大学、産業技術総合研究所、千葉大学の専門家が登壇し、輸送層の役割や界面設計、常温製膜技術について解説します。

GODIVA and はや川’s “Habutae Walnut” collaboration goes nationwide! A 100-year collaboration between a chocolate brand and a long-established confectionery maker

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:27:19 +0900

GODIVA and long-established Fukui confectionery shop はや川 are launching collaboration products nationwide to mark the shop’s 100th anniversary, including “Habutae Walnut White Chocolate & Matcha.” Following an announcement at the Fukui Prefectural Government, the products will go on sale at GODIVA shops nationwide starting May 15, attracting attention as a new fusion of Japanese and Western sweets.

[Target reached in just 20 minutes] AIMBAN’s next-generation headrest with integrated neck pad makes its debut on Makuake!

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:26:54 +0900

AIMBAN’s next-generation headrest with an integrated neck pad reached its target amount on Makuake in 20 minutes. Simply replacing the factory headrest improves comfort and gives the car a more luxurious feel, while also taking safety into account.

“Can healthcare engage with society to this extent?!” Ticket sales begin for FOOT HEALTH AWARDS 2026, with 下北沢病院 participating

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:23:50 +0900

Tickets are now on sale to attend the grand prix final stage of FOOT HEALTH AWARDS 2026, with 下北沢病院 participating. This participatory awards event judges and presents outstanding initiatives in healthcare, beauty, sports, and wellness through “presentation theater.”

エアアジア orders 150 A220s

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:22:57 +0900

エアアジアがエアバスA220-300型機を150機発注し、A220の総受注数が1,000機を突破しました。これはA220に対する単独発注としては過去最大で、エアアジアは160席の新客室仕様のローンチカスタマーとなります。

Popular Korean actor Lee Sung-kyung visits Japan tomorrow, May 9, for a fan meeting! A feature on the actor, whose dramas including her debut series It’s Okay, That’s Love and Dr. Romantic 2 are streaming on “ABEMA”

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:22:39 +0900

ABEMA is streaming a range of dramas featuring popular Korean actor Lee Sung-kyung, who will visit Japan for a fan meeting on May 9. The service highlights 5 of her signature works, including her debut drama It’s Okay, That’s Love and the award-winning Dr. Romantic 2, as part of a promotion tied to the fan meeting.

カインズ donates 2.22 million yen from sales of items included in “Cainz Nyan Festival 2026”

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:22:15 +0900

カインズ donated 2.22 million yen from sales of cat food and supplies during “Nyan Festival 2026” to 公益財団法人どうぶつ基金. The donation is part of efforts to promote coexistence between people and pets and marks the company’s 4th contribution.

[Sponsorship agreement signed] Nakajima Kogyo Co., Ltd. becomes official sponsor of 大阪公立大学ラグビー部

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:21:11 +0900

Nakajima Kogyo Co., Ltd. became an official sponsor of 大阪公立大学ラグビー部 on May 1, 2026. The company’s slogan, “Beyond the Impossible,” resonates with the rugby club’s “fighting spirit,” and it will provide strong support for student athletes striving to advance to a higher league. This initiative contributes to developing young people who will lead the next generation as part of the company’s social contribution activities.

[Gaming PC Market Trends Report] Which products, manufacturers, specifications, and price ranges drew the most attention in April 2026?

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:20:02 +0900

合同会社気づけばが運営するゲーミングPC検索サイト『gg』は、2026年4月のゲーミングPC市場動向レポートを公開しました。RTX 5070搭載モデルとRyzen 7 7700搭載モデルが特に注目を集め、両者の組み合わせが人気構成の首位となりました。

シーホース三河 to sell commemorative merchandise for “B.LEAGUE QUARTERFINALS 2025-26” appearance! Venue-exclusive items and new online products on offer

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:20:02 +0900

シーホース三河 will begin selling venue-exclusive merchandise and new online products on May 8 to commemorate its appearance in “B.LEAGUE QUARTERFINALS 2025-26.” The lineup includes acrylic plates, posters, and acrylic clips, and fully cashless payment will be available at the venue.

New graduate employee of 大和不動産鑑定株式会社 to speak at a free online event on the realities of passing the exam while still in school and job hunting

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:20:02 +0900

TAC株式会社 will hold a free online event on May 9, 2026, for students aspiring to become real estate appraisers, featuring a new graduate employee of 大和不動産鑑定株式会社. The speaker will share real-life experiences with study schedules while in school, balancing studies and job hunting, and securing a job offer, offering useful information for career development.

Entrants announced for “Seize Your Chance! Capcom Creators JP Cup Round 2,” to be held June 13, 2026 (Sat.)!

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:18:07 +0900

Capcom Creators JP (CCJP) has announced the entrants for the official Street Fighter 6 event “Capcom Creators JP Cup Round 2.” Selected from a total of 100 YouTubers, the entrants are showing their enthusiasm for the competition in selection videos.

Exhibiting at “DX General Expo 2026 Spring Osaka”

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:17:37 +0900

Ｓｋｙ株式会社 will exhibit at “DX General Expo 2026 Spring Osaka,” to be held at INTEX Osaka from May 20 to 22, 2026. The company will give live demonstrations of its sales business card management system SKYPCE and client operations management software SKYSEA Client View.

Rakuten to gradually rename the “Rakuten Cash” balance as “Rakuten Pay Balance”

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:12:48 +0900

Rakuten Group and Rakuten Edy announced that they will gradually change the displayed name for the balance of the electronic money service “Rakuten Cash” to “Rakuten Pay Balance.” The change will begin in the “Rakuten Pay” app on May 18 and will be rolled out across Rakuten Group services, with the aim of improving brand recognition and convenience.

The “moments” captured by Kodak Apparel × Maverick Mom: performance video released featuring “G.A.P.P.A.,” a track from the band’s 1st full-length album!

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:11:39 +0900

Kodak Apparel held a pop-up store at Nagoya PARCO and ran “Creative Moments: 2WEEKS JACK,” a collaboration with rock band Maverick Mom. It released a special video featuring “G.A.P.P.A.,” a track from the band’s 1st full-length album, showcasing the fusion of the brand and music.

Free 100-point assessment of whether ChatGPT and Perplexity cite your content

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:11:32 +0900

合同会社ウノマスは、WebサイトがChatGPTやPerplexityなどの生成AIに引用される可能性を診断する無料ツール「AI対応スコア」を正式公開しました。このツールは、AI検索最適化（LLMO）とSEOの両面からサイトを分析し、合計100点満点で評価します。

SEGA Lucky Kuji Online: TV anime Dr.STONE lottery now on sale!

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:10:04 +0900

株式会社セガフェイブは、TVアニメ『Dr.STONE』のオンラインくじ「セガラッキーくじオンライン」の販売を2026年5月8日より開始しました。パステルタッチのデフォルメイラストを使用したクッションやぬいぐるみマスコットなど、多様な賞品がラインナップされており、ファミマオンラインでも購入可能です。

【5月21日・大阪】アールスリーインスティテュート、「kintoneと繋がるフォーム・外部公開ページ」を作る体験型セミナーを開催

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:10:01 +0900

アールスリーインスティテュートは、kintoneと連携するノーコードWebサイト構築サービス「gusuku Everysite」の体験型セミナーを2026年5月21日に大阪で開催します。社外とのデータ連携に課題を持つkintoneユーザー向けに、フォームや外部公開ページの作成方法を実践的に学べる機会を提供します。

What is the rise of “spread-out Shichi-Go-San” celebrations in spring? A look at pre-shoot outfit rankings and survey findings

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:10:01 +0900

Kimono rental service 「レンタル衣裳マイセレクト」 surveyed 100 women in their 30s to 50s and announced a rise in “spread-out Shichi-Go-San” celebrations, with families holding pre-shoots or visits in spring. Avoiding crowds and taking photos in comfortable weather are behind the trend, and light-colored outfits are proving popular.

Summer-only flavors from additive-free craft ice cream brand “HANDELS VÄGEN” go on sale May 21, 2026 (Thursday). A Father’s Day campaign will also launch at the same time.

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:10:01 +0900

Additive-free craft ice cream brand “HANDELS VÄGEN” will launch 3 summer-only flavors—Shonan Gold, Crown Melon and chocolate chip banana—on May 21, 2026. A free message card service for Father’s Day will also be offered, catering to summer gift demand.

[ZESDA Newsletter Vol.40 (April 2026)] From Tohoku to Noto and the world: ZESDA staff support “Captain Chonmage” Tsun’s disaster-area support and U.S. visit projects

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:10:01 +0900

非営利活動法人ZESDAは、「ちょんまげ隊長」ツンさんの東日本大震災および能登半島地震の被災地支援活動と渡米プロジェクトをサポート。映画『MARCH』上映会や能登の中学生のロサンゼルス招待を通じて、東北と能登、そして世界を繋ぐ共感ネットワークを広げ、グローカルビジネスを推進しています。

Tokyo Denki University to hold 2026 “Night Open Campus” at Tokyo Senju Campus for the Second Department of Engineering (evening program)

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:10:01 +0900

Tokyo Denki University will hold a “Night Open Campus” for the Second Department of Engineering (evening program) at its Tokyo Senju Campus on July 3, 2026. The event offers a valuable opportunity to experience evening classes firsthand and will be held again following its favorable reception last year.

“V☆Paradise” to begin broadcasting on the SKY PerfecTV! service!

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:10:01 +0900

“V☆Paradise,” a CS broadcasting channel operated by HUMAX ENTERTAINMENT Inc., will begin broadcasting on the SKY PerfecTV! service (ch.310) on July 1, 2026. Together with its existing broadcasts on the SKY PerfecTV! Premium Service (ch.635), this will reach more viewers and expand its content lineup.

【ホテル三日月×Oshicoco】1名1室“1ぬい”から！推し活特化の「ぬい狂いホカンス」宿泊プランが期間限定で登場！

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:10:01 +0900

ホテル三日月 and Oshicoco have teamed up to offer a limited-time “Nui-crazy Hokance” stay plan, welcoming plush toys (“nui”) as valued guests. The experience is tailored to plush-toy and fan activities, with welcome cards for plush toys, photo spots, costume rentals, cocktails in fans’ favorite colors and a social media posting campaign, meeting demand among “nui moms.”

Before getting down on yourself and thinking “I’m bad at my job,” ditch the “grit” mindset and succeed with “systems”: “The Amazing Work Skills I Discovered Even Though I Couldn’t Use a To-Do List” goes on sale May 9!

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:10:01 +0900

Forest Publishing will release Izuzo’s new book, “The Amazing Work Skills I Discovered Even Though I Couldn’t Use a To-Do List,” on May 9, 2026. The book advocates getting results at work through “systems,” rather than relying on effort or grit, and aims to support business professionals struggling with work.

First-ever kimono undergarment in the “Saralist” sweat-protection innerwear series, which has sold 9.85 million items cumulatively, launches May 11 (Monday)

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:10:01 +0900

A kimono undergarment from “Saralist,” the sweat-protection innerwear brand with cumulative sales of 9.85 million items, launches May 11. It helps prevent sweat stains on kimonos and can be machine-washed. The brand is also expanding its lightweight, highly breathable “Cotton Blend Mesh Series” to address summer sweating concerns.

Webinar [May 27] | “Pitfalls of influencer marketing learned from 10 years in the field—and how to avoid them: Experts in production management explain!”

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:10:01 +0900

UUUM Marketing will hold a webinar on May 27 on avoiding the “pitfalls” of influencer marketing. Drawing on more than 10 years of field experience, a specialist production management team will explain tips for smooth project management and the latest compliance measures, helping address companies’ concerns.

特別な1日を最前列で。シーホース三河「ファンフェス 2025-26」チケット販売詳細公開！待望の新シート導入も

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:10:01 +0900

シーホース三河 has released ticket sales details for “Fan Fest 2025-26 supported by AISIN.” Lottery sales have been discontinued, and new “Royal Seats” and “Behind-the-Bench Seats” have been introduced. The player high-five event that was popular last season will not be held, in the interests of fairness and operational safety.

“Mushirobo” building experience event to be held at Robolink!

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:10:01 +0900

A hands-on event to decorate “Mushirobo” using 3D-printed parts will be held at Robolink, a hub for networking among robotics companies near Fujisawa Station. The event will also offer an opportunity to experience the latest robotics technology and is free for elementary school students and older.

[FANCL] It wasn’t the amount of elastin but its “connections” that determined skin firmness!

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:10:01 +0900

FANCL has found that the “thickness” and “connections” of elastin fibers—not just their quantity—are important for skin firmness and elasticity. The company developed its own 3D simulation evaluation method and visually and quantitatively clarified the mechanisms behind age-related declines in elasticity.

Notice: BS12’s “Local Heroes | Challengers Shining in Their Communities” premieres and launches on YouTube

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:09:47 +0900

BS12’s program “Local Heroes | Challengers Shining in Their Communities” has premiered and will also be available on YouTube. Local talent visits small and midsize businesses in their communities to introduce their challenges and the thoughts of their leaders. The premiere features a long-established inn and a cram school in Gunma Prefecture.

テクノエイド協会「自立支援機器を活用する就労支援プロジェクト」応募開始北海道5/18・宮城5/19・東京5/21・大阪6/2・福岡6/4で応募相談・説明会開催

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:08:14 +0900

テクノエイド協会 has opened applications for a project using independent-living support devices to help people with disabilities find employment. Information sessions will be held in 5 cities—Hokkaido, Miyagi, Tokyo, Osaka and Fukuoka—and participating teams can also receive financial assistance.

Ease your worries about life after moving! Kazo City’s “Relocation Experience Tour” shows you nearby facilities and the feel of the town—things you can’t learn from a map—with guidance from city staff.

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:06:06 +0900

Kazo City, Saitama Prefecture, will offer a free “Relocation Experience Tour” for people considering moving there. City staff will show participants childcare and commercial facilities, among other places, to help them picture life after moving and ease their concerns.

Sleep wellness brand “nemcaro” to hold “nemcaro Sleep Retreat vol.2” in Hayama, offering a deep-rest experience with a sound bath by crystal bowl artist Yasumi

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:05:16 +0900

Sleep wellness brand nemcaro held a retreat in Hayama, offering a deep-rest experience in harmony with nature. In June 2026, it will also open nemcaro LAB, a sleep-environment salon in Ebisu, Tokyo, proposing a new rest environment for urban residents.

Ranking of Challenges in Clearing Out Parents’ Homes: Survey of 446 People with Experience

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:05:11 +0900

株式会社AlbaLink announced the results of a nationwide survey on clearing out parents’ homes. Among the 446 respondents, “the amount of belongings” was the biggest challenge (35.7%), while parental resistance and deciding what to do with keepsakes also ranked highly.

Entering the era of a 2.7% statutory employment quota. New business launched to address structural challenges in disability employment, where workers are hired but do not stay. tocotoco株式会社 launches its support service, the Tokyo Employment Support Center (TEC).

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:03:19 +0900

tocotoco株式会社 has launched a new service, the Tokyo Employment Support Center TEC, to address structural challenges in retaining and sustaining employment for people with disabilities. It will help companies meet the increased statutory employment quota while reducing the burden on workplaces.

株式会社ラフリエ featured in マイナビキャリアリサーチLab’s special feature on “Work-Life Balance Support”

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:03:16 +0900

株式会社ラフリエ, which operates a web production and branding business, was featured in マイナビキャリアリサーチLab’s special feature on “Work-Life Balance Support.” Its initiatives, including eliminating long working hours, achieving 140 or more annual days off, and increasing sales, were recognized.

Rei Isabelle Nakao appointed as outside director

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:01:58 +0900

株式会社エルライン has appointed Rei Isabelle Nakao as an outside director. The company will draw on her extensive knowledge of financial markets to strengthen corporate governance and enhance its management structure ahead of an IPO.

“Hanging-Strap Advertising Takeover” promotion launches on the Toei Asakusa, Mita and Oedo subway lines

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:01:49 +0900

岩崎電気 launched a “Hanging-Strap Advertising Takeover” promotion on April 23, 2026, across a total of 16 cars on the Toei Asakusa, Mita and Oedo subway lines. For 1 year, it will share corporate messages through its original character Ai-chan, aiming to increase brand awareness.

Providing Haseko Corporation with SmartESG, a cloud service supporting sustainability information disclosure, and Answer Ease, an AI-powered service that generates draft responses

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:01:44 +0900

Sherpa & Company has begun providing Haseko Corporation with SmartESG, a cloud service supporting sustainability information disclosure, and Answer Ease, an AI-powered service that generates draft responses. This will help Haseko streamline its responses to sustainability rating agencies.

焼肉屋さかい「名古屋めしフェア」5月13日（水）より「でらうまい！ご当地の味」お楽しみいただけます

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:01:31 +0900

焼肉屋さかい will hold its “Nagoya Food Fair” for a limited time starting May 13. The menu features local Nagoya specialties such as grilled meat with Hatcho miso, fried chicken wings, koro kishimen noodles and cream soda desserts.

28卒向け内定直結型「Goodpatch Summer Internship 2026 UI/UXデザインコース」を開催します

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:00:41 +0900

Shiseido Japan signs “Partnership Agreement on Women’s Health Promotion, Cancer Measures and the Health of Gifu Prefecture Residents” with 岐阜県

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:00:36 +0900

Shiseido Japan will sign a “Partnership Agreement on Women’s Health Promotion, Cancer Measures and the Health of Gifu Prefecture Residents” with 岐阜県 on May 12, 2026. The agreement aims to create a society where residents can live healthier lives on their own terms by promoting health, including addressing women’s specific health challenges and cancer prevention.

[Iidabashi, May 26 (Tue.)] StartupList Pitch #46 gives every presenting entrepreneur the opportunity to receive mentoring from 10 or more investors

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:00:28 +0900

プロトスター株式会社 will hold StartupList Pitch #46 in Iidabashi on May 26. The event will give every presenting entrepreneur the opportunity to receive direct mentoring from 10 or more investors, promoting efficient networking between seed- and early-stage startups and investors. Since launching in 2015, it has been held more than 100 times, with more than 500 startups taking the stage.

Tickets now on sale for FOOT HEALTH AWARDS 2026

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:00:22 +0900

be Foot Lab., a joint project by SOL＆Co.株式会社 and 下北沢病院, has begun selling tickets to FOOT HEALTH AWARDS 2026, Japan’s first novel awards event combining medicine and entertainment. The final stage will be held at Honda Theater on May 31, 2026, and attendees can also take part in judging.

Selected for the global ESG investment equity index Dow Jones Best in Class World Index, earning the top score in homebuilding for 5 consecutive years

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:00:18 +0900

Sumitomo Forestry was selected for the global ESG investment index Dow Jones Best in Class World Index, earning the top score in the homebuilding industry for 5 consecutive years. Its initiatives in areas such as supply chain management and biodiversity were highly rated, and it was also selected for the Asia-Pacific edition.

Australia’s No.1 electro-pop band, The Jungle Giants, release their latest album, Experiencing Feelings Of Joy

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:00:15 +0900

Australia’s No.1 electro-pop band, The Jungle Giants, have released their latest album, Experiencing Feelings Of Joy. Following their previous album Love Sings, the new work transforms frontman Sam Hales’s turbulent life into music, in an album filled with hope and love.

Yonnana meets, attended by a total of 1,000 people, comes to POTLUCK YAESU at Tokyo Midtown Yaesu! Young entrepreneur from Akita brings together all 47 prefectures to revitalize local communities through food

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:00:13 +0900

合同会社ゆたか代表の東海林温氏が、東京ミッドタウン八重洲の「POTLUCK YAESU」で地方活性化イベント「ヨンナナmeets」を2026年5月16日に開催します。全国47都道府県の名産品を通じて交流し、食品ロス削減と地域活性化を目指すこのイベントは今回で20回目となります。

MEDIAID offers ways to beat the heat during outdoor activities such as leisure outings and festivals: introducing the new Icing Gear Cooling Poncho, just wet it, wring it out and shake it

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:00:09 +0900

Nippon Sigmax will launch the Icing Gear Cooling Poncho under MEDIAID, its support-gear brand for everyday use. Simply wet it with water and shake it to provide a cooling effect that brings skin temperature to -15°C. As a heatstroke-prevention measure, it will go on sale at スギ薬局 stores nationwide from May 6 and through the official online shop from May 25.

Pixar Summer Fest comes to 香港ディズニーランド・リゾート for the first time! Dive into the spectacular world of Pixar and enjoy a summer filled with Pixar from morning to night!

Fri, 08 May 2026 11:00:08 +0900

香港ディズニーランド・リゾート will hold Pixar Summer Fest for the first time from June 12 to August 31, 2026. Guests can enjoy a memorable summer with a wide range of entertainment bringing the world of Pixar to life from morning to night, including drone shows, character greetings, and special food and merchandise.

Bringing “a life that feels inspiring and organized” to life: modular storage system CASSETTE goes on sale June 1