80th anniversary of Hibari Misora’s entertainment career: previously unreleased original recordings discovered! The voice of the young Hibari at 18 comes alive again!
Weave the sacred grass 真菰(まこも) and craft Shimane Prefecture’s flower, the peony, from cloth. 出雲の國 announces “真菰布花飾り,” a new floral tradition connecting local cultures.
Sake brewery 酒蔵王手門’s authentic sweet-potato shochu “梶並” wins the top Gold Award at TWSC2026
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Miyazaki Prefecture sake maker Shuzo Otemon’s authentic sweet potato shochu “梶並” won the highest gold award at TWSC2026. The achievement marks the company’s 3rd consecutive year receiving the award and demonstrates the product’s exceptional quality and brand strength. The win is also the result of collaboration with the local community.
Cloud Native Computing Foundation publishes program for “KubeCon + CloudNativeCon Japan 2026”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
CNCF announces the release of the full program for “KubeCon + CloudNativeCon Japan 2026,” featuring six major topic tracks, including AI, observability and platform engineering.
Companies mentioned:Cloud Native Computing Foundation、The Linux Foundation Japan、Red Hat、Megazone、Reddit、IBM Research、Ericsson、Intuit、NYU
Toward autonomous driving with no “blind spots”: 名古屋大学 consortium releases road-vehicle coordination platform for free; Fujisoft joins as social implementation accelerates with launch of the “Dynamic Map 2.0” information and communications infrastructure
Just steps from Ginza. The hideaway modern creative teppanyaki restaurant “Teppanyaki Calme” opens, serving rare Yamagata Prefecture Yukifuri Wagyu Obanazawa. Online reservations begin today through 一休.com and the restaurant’s website!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The hideaway modern creative teppanyaki restaurant “Teppanyaki Calme” has opened in Shintomicho, in Tokyo’s Ginza area. It offers courses blending rare “Yukifuri Wagyu Obanazawa” with French cuisine, and online reservations began today.
CBASE publishes a case study on 株式会社U-NEXT HOLDINGS’ use of the 360-degree feedback service “CBASE360°”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
CBASE publishes a case study on U-NEXT HOLDINGS’ adoption of its 360-degree feedback system “CBASE360°,” which uses objective data to support talent development across group divisions.
Chinese drama “Spring Flowers in the Flame ~Kill Me Love Me~” to be released in DVD-BOX format and stream on multiple platforms!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The DVD-BOX of the Chinese period romance and revenge drama “Spring Flowers in the Flame,” starring Wu Jinyan and Liu Xueyi, will be released in installments by Content Seven Co., Ltd. starting in August 2026, and will also become available on major platforms.
[Big Thank-You Festival] “Mekiki no Ginji JR Anjo South Exit Ekimae Store” in Aichi Prefecture is holding a “Big Thank-You Sale” to show its appreciation! All items are half price for 2 days only, May 18 (Monday) and 19 (Tuesday), 2026!
[Big Thank-You Festival] “Kyushu Cuisine Kabaya Hamamatsu South Exit Ekimae Store” in Shizuoka Prefecture is holding a “Big Thank-You Sale” to show its appreciation! All items are half price for 2 days only, May 18 (Monday) and 19 (Tuesday), 2026!
Italian leather goods brand Il Bisonte is holding a trunk show for collections not currently available in Japan at 24 stores nationwide. Limited-edition items and purchase benefits will offer the brand’s fans a special shopping experience.
Try rice planting in Tsukuba City: series of events continuing through the rice harvest begins May 23 (Saturday) [Ibaraki, Tochigi]
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Palsystem Ibaraki Tochigi and JAつくば市谷田部 will hold a rice-planting experience event in Tsukuba City on May 23. The first in a series continuing through the harvest, it aims to deepen understanding of food education and nature conservation.
3 popular titles from TL label “Tulle Kiss” to be adapted as situation CDs!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
J Publishing has announced that 3 popular titles from its TL label “Tulle Kiss” will be adapted as situation CDs. Distribution will begin sequentially on May 29, 2026, under the new label “Maylily Kiss.”
abbiFan launches advance sales on Makuake for “ICEMIST,” a handheld fan offering 3-way instant cooling with cooling, mist and powerful airflow
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Roar International Co., Ltd. has launched advance sales on Makuake for “ICEMIST,” a multifunctional handheld fan from the abbiFan brand with 3 functions: cooling, mist and airflow. The product aims to address the shortcomings of conventional products and become a new summer staple.
[Nihon Suiko] Announces results for the 1st quarter of the fiscal year ending December 2026
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Nihon Suiko Consultants Co., Ltd., a construction consultancy specializing in water, has announced its consolidated financial results for the 1st quarter of the fiscal year ending December 2026. The announcement reports the company’s latest financial position to investors and market participants.
Passing “still usable” items on to their next owner: Kaikuru Mito Store launches a campaign to boost purchases of Showa- and Heisei-era game consoles and home appliances starting May 18
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The mobile purchasing service Kaikuru Mito Store is launching a campaign on May 15 to boost purchases of retro game consoles and home appliances from the Showa and Heisei eras. Items will be appraised even if broken, with the aim of reducing waste by promoting reuse.
MiMC to hold a base makeup event offering an experience that “builds confidence”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
MiMC will hold an experience event for its “mineral foundation” at its Omotesando flagship store in late May 2026, featuring a tutorial and demonstration by makeup artist Rika Fujiwara.
[Latest work by Michi Ichinoho] Cover of “Maybe, I Long for You” (on sale 6/17) revealed!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Popular author Michi Ichinoho’s latest short story collection, “Maybe, I Long for You,” will go on sale on June 17, 2026. The cover illustration is by Masako Yonezawa. The book contains 6 stories depicting different forms of love and is expected to resonate with readers.
Wins the highest gold award at the Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition 2026
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Whiskey&Co.’s whisky “Little K 2025 2nd” won the highest gold award at the Tokyo Whisky & Spirits Competition 2026. The company also previewed the launch of a 3rd new release.
Become a uniform sponsor for as little as 100 yen.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
NAGAREYAMA F.C. in Nagareyama, Chiba Prefecture, has launched the “NFC FAMILY” project, through which individuals can become uniform sponsors for the 2026 season for just 100 yen.
Come on over! Summer Museum vol.3: The Great Thief’s House to be held at 福岡アジア美術館!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The immersive exhibition “The Great Thief’s House” will be held at 福岡アジア美術館 from July 9 to August 30, 2026. Visitors take center stage as they sneak into the great thief’s home while the owner is away and explore a mysterious collection assembled by an illustrious team of creators.
Get more of the trending “designated vegetables” with ease! From heatstroke prevention to digestive care after the holidays: BRUNO releases early-summer “time-saving and self-care recipes” to nourish body and mind
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
BRUNO has released its early-summer “time-saving and self-care recipes,” including a soup featuring broccoli, the newly designated vegetable, a smoothie to help prevent heatstroke and healthy oil-free dishes.
“Attack on Titan Brave Order” launches new event “Shaking Resolve, Deepening Doubts”!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
enish, Inc. will launch the new event “Shaking Resolve, Deepening Doubts” in its smartphone game “Attack on Titan Brave Order” starting May 15. A commemorative gacha featuring new characters also went live at the same time.
Founded 110 years ago in Toyooka, Hyogo Prefecture. The only bag maker in Japan to carry on “leather × woodworking” techniques presents 〈MASMI ESSENTIAL〉, with a 4-week limited-time pop-up at Isetan Men’s Building
Pet nat makes its debut from Casal Farneto, where staggered harvest times create distinctive character. Available exclusively to trade customers from May 18, 2026
Gold medal on its first entry — “naturadistill Native Species Distilled Liquor,” from Kawauchi Village, Fukushima Prefecture, wins major recognition at one of Asia’s largest competitions
Behind the Scenes® first-anniversary launch, first installment: “BTS-BA-00,” a “phantom sample” tracing the roots of its collaboration with the film “Baby Assassins,” goes on sale
SCRAMBLE FES 2026, a culture festival held for the first time in Miyota, Nagano Prefecture, draws a total of 2,000 visitors and closes to great acclaim!
Conveniently located just a short walk from Shimbashi Station! “Karaoke Manekineko Shimbashi SL Square Front” opens today, Friday, May 15
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Koshidaka will open the “Karaoke Manekineko” Shimbashi SL Square Front location in front of Shimbashi Station on May 15, 2026, making it the 第三 location in the area.
[Connecting the future of youth baseball] Sense Trust becomes title sponsor of the Pop Athlete Cup, one of Japan’s largest youth baseball tournaments
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Sense Trust Co., Ltd. has become the title sponsor of the Pop Athlete Cup, one of Japan’s largest youth baseball tournaments. The company shares the tournament’s mission of giving children equal opportunities to compete and will support the future of baseball.
[LAPUIS] Limited-time pop-up at Kinetics WOMEN in Jiyugaoka
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
LAPUIS, an accessories brand operated by Casselini, will hold a pop-up at select shop Kinetics WOMEN in Jiyugaoka. The event will sell new Spring/Summer 2026 items and limited-edition collaboration T-shirts, with the aim of raising brand awareness and attracting new customers.
Companies mentioned:Kinetics WOMEN、FRUIT OF THE LOOM
Watch live footage with just a tap on your smartphone! Next-generation card merchandise created by CoDaMa goes on sale at ヨドバシカメラ. The first release features popular idol group “Colorful Scream”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
CoDaMa and North Sound have released NFC cards for idol group “Colorful Scream.” Users can watch live footage by simply tapping their smartphone, with the cards aiming to replace physical media. They are available at ヨドバシカメラ and other retailers.
New “Heartslabyul Dorm” collection rings from “Disney Twisted-Wonderland” are here! The long-awaited dorm leader ring is also set for a re-release!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
TAKE-UP unveils new collaboration rings for the Heartslabyul dorm from “Disney Twisted-Wonderland” and re-releases the dorm leader design. Preorders open today.
[Hervé Chapelier] Releases a special boat-shaped shoulder bag accented with a Japan-exclusive “dragée (cherry blossom pink) tag”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
French bag brand Hervé Chapelier has launched a Japan-exclusive collection based on its popular boat-shaped shoulder bag, the “2885.” Featuring a cherry blossom pink “dragée tag,” the collection is aimed at brand fans and fashion enthusiasts.
Dental patient management system “Genie” and staff development platform “soeasy buddy” begin working together. DX-enabled collaboration across professions aims to maximize dental clinic productivity and patient satisfaction
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Dental patient management system “Genie” and talent development platform “soeasy buddy” are now connected, sharing information in real time to improve medical productivity and patient satisfaction.
Investment in 株式会社ヨセミテ, which provides end-to-end production, logistics and sales functions in commerce and lifestyle
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
BRICKS FUND TOKYO, Mitsubishi Estate’s CVC, has announced an investment in 株式会社ヨセミテ, which operates in the commerce and lifestyle sectors. The investment aims to explore business opportunities in the creator economy market and contribute to creating appealing communities.
A behind-the-scenes special on H//PE Princess will premiere on MTV on Tuesday, May 26, at 17:30! The variety program follows the group at a house in the countryside, offering a glimpse of the members ahead of their debut!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
MTV will air a pre-debut special on girl group H//PE Princess on May 26, documenting the members’ everyday lives in the countryside.
[Outdoor anime music festival] Nagano Aniera Festa 2026 announces its first wave of performers; fastest advance ticket lottery applications open today!
ovgo Baker’s “cool” summer begins! A lineup packed with mega-sized drinks and refreshing summer menu items
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
ovgo Baker will introduce a range of limited-time summer 2026 menu items, including extra-large sparkling drinks, mint chocolate and sea salt treats, as well as free upgrades.
[Rainy season and extreme heat measures] KONCIWA, maker of 1-second opening and closing umbrellas, steps up “rainy-day and sun protection” trial events at its directly operated Ochanomizu store
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Umbrella brand KONCIWA is expanding its trial events at its directly operated Ochanomizu store. In preparation for the rainy season and extreme heat, customers can experience the convenience and heat-shielding effect of its “1-second automatic opening and closing umbrella” firsthand, as the company seeks to boost sales.
[New] New addition to the “Demon Slayer” Japanese-style barrel mug line! The words “Demon Slayer Corps: Destroy” are stamped in a gold- and silver-leaf style!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Aitaka Seisakusho has launched a new product in collaboration with the popular anime “Demon Slayer.” The domestically made “Japanese-style barrel mug,” stamped with the words “Demon Slayer Corps: Destroy,” goes on sale on its direct sales website starting May 15. It is priced at 7,040 yen.
Tourism that begins with the question, “You know Yunokawa?” A new tourism catchphrase announced from Yunokawa, Hakodate, Hokkaido — rethinking tourism in an era of expanding community ties —
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Hakodate Yunokawa Onsen in Hokkaido has launched a new tourism concept, “You know Yunokawa?”, which aims to reimagine the relationship between people and the region by posing a question.
An exhibition organized by 1丁目ほりい事務所, “iii+ka のおもちゃ箱,” will be held at GALLERY CLASKA in Gaienmae, Tokyo.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
An exhibition organized by culinary stylist Kazuko Horii, “iii+ka のおもちゃ箱,” will be held at GALLERY CLASKA in Gaienmae, Tokyo. Wooden objects, T-shirts and other items will be exhibited and sold from June 6 to 21, 2026.
Robot Bank has announced its full-scale entry into the humanoid robot business. It will launch 3 models from its next-generation humanoid series, “TRON” and “Oli,” simultaneously in Japan.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Robotbank has announced its entry into the humanoid robot market, with plans to launch 3 next-generation robots developed by LimX Dynamics from the “TRON” and “Oli” series simultaneously in Japan.
Launch of “InfiniCloud® AI×Kotonoha,” a private AI platform for training and operating a company-specific AI in a fully offline environment
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
InfiniCloud and KSG have launched “InfiniCloud® AI×Kotonoha,” a dedicated AI infrastructure that operates entirely offline and emphasizes high security and corporate data sovereignty.
The 6th installment in the series focuses on Chinese cuisine! “Kumamoto Chinese Restaurant General Election 2026” airs on Wednesday, June 3, with Akira Kawashima of Kirin as MC! Introducing Kumamoto’s top 10 popular Chinese restaurants!
[Official website revamped] Working Holiday Association significantly improves information access and usability
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The Japan Association for Working Holiday Makers, a nonprofit organization, has completely revamped its official website. The design and layout have been overhauled to make it easier for users to find the information they need, and the site is now easier to view on smartphones.
“Expelled from Paradise” new game “Expelled from Paradise -The Stellar Angel-”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Toei Animation has announced that a new visual novel game, “Expelled from Paradise -The Stellar Angel-,” will launch on Switch and Steam in winter 2026.
Companies mentioned:東映アニメーション株式会社、ニトロプラス、Studio51 Inc.
With more than 1.3 million copies sold across the series, the latest comic volume of “The Water Magician,” on sale May 15! The TV anime is now streaming to acclaim on multiple platforms.
[Free webinar] For those considering a new business: Learn how to launch one without failing!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Oropas, developer of the SEO tool Pascal, will speak at a free webinar on how to launch a new business. Alongside LeaguE and Genie, it will discuss market selection, overseas brand expansion and retail media, sharing insights to improve the odds of business success.
AUTHENTIC JAPAN launches special webpage introducing “tourism safety DX” initiatives underway in Shiretoko
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
AUTHENTIC JAPAN launched a special webpage for the “Shiretoko Safety Project” on May 12, showcasing tourism safety DX initiatives in the Shiretoko region that combine GPS devices with public-private collaboration.
Genki Iwahashi confirmed as a corner guest! “A Super-Sized Summer Festival! Only Heisei Songs Win, 2026” brings Reiwa artists together for live performances, dancing and collaborations featuring nostalgic Heisei hits
Digital-native scene standout NEOIZ looks at reality from the bedroom and redefines New Jack Swing with new track “Internet Swagger,” releasing May 15!