Slay the Spire board game expansion crowdfunding campaign launches, with its 5 million yen target already reached
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
ケンビル has launched a crowdfunding campaign for the Japanese version of Downfall, an expansion to the Slay the Spire board game. It reached its 5 million yen target in 3 minutes, showing strong fan anticipation.
BEAST X finishes its first-ever final series in 4th place! M League 2025-26 final series concludes
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
In the professional mahjong league M League 2025-26, BEAST X made its first-ever appearance in the final series and finished the season in 4th place. The team won 5 million yen in prize money and expressed its gratitude to fans.
Track record report: X advertising helps recruit engineers, generating 15 applicants and 3 hires
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
BOTANICO, which provides recruitment marketing support, used X advertising to recruit engineers, spending 30,000 yen to generate 15 applicants and 3 hires. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of a social media-driven recruitment model that does not rely on job platforms.
Notice of the launch of Ji4pe’s online learning course
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The Institute of Medical Development (Ji4pe) will launch an online learning course in October 2026 to develop organizational leaders, and will offer free annual participation.
株式会社シリウス publicly offers its first unsecured straight bond to expand its switle BODY caregiving body-washing equipment business
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
シリウス has raised 45 million yen by issuing its first unsecured straight corporate bond, accelerating the development and global expansion of its switle BODY caregiving body-washing equipment.
tabasa voyage: Introducing the new summer collection
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The clothing brand tabasa voyage has launched a new summer collection emphasizing easy care and suitability for travel, and is holding a gift-with-purchase promotion at select stores.
Convano announces full-year results for the fiscal year ending March 2026; Non-GAAP operating profit grows approximately 49 times, supported by a network of more than 500 medical institutions and proprietary AI
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Convano reports fiscal 2026 results, with revenue reaching 15.5 billion yen and operating profit surging approximately 49 times, driven by growth in AI and consulting businesses.
アプライド マテリアルズ announces financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2026
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Applied Materials reports financial results for the second quarter of fiscal 2026, with record revenue of $7.91 billion, and announces an expansion of its EPIC Center partnerships to advance AI semiconductors.
“Toys Channel” to hold its 3rd izakaya event, “I Love Sake and Everyone ♡ ~Toys Birthday Festival 2026 in Osaka~”!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
YouTube creator Toys Channel will hold its 3rd izakaya event in Osaka on July 12, Carry On, the agency representing the creator, announced. The event will feature close-up interactions with fans and birthday celebrations.
【東急SレイエスFC】Signs official partnership agreement with Harekura Co., Ltd.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Professional soccer club 東急SレイエスFC has signed an official partnership agreement with Harekura Co., Ltd., a real estate company. Notably, Harekura representative Eita Sakai is a former club player, making this the club's first partnership with a company led by one of its alumni.
WOWOW Plus is offering the first episode 一 of the French mystery drama “黒い森殺人事件” free on YouTube for a limited time to promote its Prime Video channel.
Companies mentioned:株式会社WOWOWプラス、Amazon Prime Video、BANIJAY STUDIOS FRANCE、FICTION’AIR、BELGA PRODUCTIONS、RTBF (TÉLÉVISION BELGE)
Singer-songwriter HIPPY, born and based in Hiroshima Prefecture, launches an official fan club on Bitfan!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
An official fan club for Hiroshima-born singer-songwriter HIPPY launched on May 15 on Bitfan, a platform operated by 株式会社SKIYAKI. It offers exclusive content and advance ticket sales.
For designers: How can you incorporate designs shaped by cultures and histories around the world into your work? Explore the question in interactive seminars! Free seminars on June 4 and June 18: “How Can You Apply It? Basic Design Knowledge Vol. 15 and Vol. 16”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
C&R will hold free online seminars for designers on June 4 and 18, exploring how to apply world ornamentation and motifs to contemporary design.
Apology: Delay in the release of “MINITEEN OFFICIAL LICENSE MERCH 第4弾”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
KOLLECTION has announced that the release of the 4th installment of its officially licensed MINITEEN merchandise, originally scheduled for May 20, will be delayed due to overseas shipping delays.
Aurora Mobile's AI-native solution enables 24-hour real estate conversions at Japan's Axios Management
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Aurora Mobile's AI customer service platform has been adopted by Japan's Axios Management, offering 24-hour real estate consultations across time zones and achieving a 37.5% return on investment within 一 week.
Companies mentioned:Aurora Mobile株式会社、アクシオス・マネジメント株式会社、Aurora Mobile Japan K.K.
A hit with Gen Z! 株式会社EMOLVA produces influencer Yumechan's “Twinkle Day” in-store event. Long lines form at Stone Market stores, and the event becomes a major social media topic
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
EMOLVA produced an in-store event featuring influencer Yumechan for jewelry retailer Stone Market, attracting large numbers of Gen Z fans and generating a buzz on social media.
YASO GIN YUZU wins Country Winner at the global World Gin Awards 2026! A total of 5 products win awards in competitions in Japan and overseas
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
THE HERBALIST YASO GIN YUZU, made by Echigo Yakuso, has won the domestic top award, Country Winner, at the global gin competition World Gin Awards 2026.
New visuals unveiled: Coming-of-age location photo sessions at the Former Nagayama Residence, exclusive to the Sapporo Factory store
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Sapporo's Photo Kobo Palette has launched a coming-of-age location photography plan at the Former Nagayama Residence, exclusive to its Sapporo Factory store. The plan offers commemorative photos featuring the historic building and incorporating the latest trends.
Voice appearances confirmed for “To Your Eternity” orchestra concert: Reiji Kawashima as Fushi and Kenjiro Tsuda as the Observer!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The anime To Your Eternity will hold a symphony concert on May 27, 2026, featuring voice performances by voice actors Reiji Kawashima and Kenjiro Tsuda.
A collaboration café celebrating Strawberry Prince's 10th anniversary, “Strawberry Prince 10th Anniversary Party in SWEETS PARADISE,” is set to open!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
To celebrate the 10th anniversary of 2.5D idol group Strawberry Prince, collaboration cafés will open at SWEETS PARADISE locations across Japan starting in June 2026.
Vertical short drama “Survive!—If I'm going to die, I'll start a business!” | A terminal diagnosis × entrepreneurship—a life-burning youth survival story starring Toshiki Seto and based on the work by Keiya Iwai, now streaming on the POPCORN app
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
GOKKO will release the vertical short drama “Survive!—Rather than wait to die, I'll start a business!” starring Toshiki Seto on the short-video app “POPCORN” on May 15, 2026.
Free seminar on Wed., June 3: “Practical Business and IT Fundamentals Vol. 1: Understanding the Big Picture of Corporate Activities—How Companies Work Through Data, Accounting and DX”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
C&R will hold a free online seminar on June 3 exploring the overall picture of corporate operations through data, accounting and DX.
Frontier International welcomes an AI-powered humanoid robot and launches development of “experience × AI” services in the event and promotion sectors
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Frontier International introduces the Unitree G1 AI humanoid robot to drive the development of innovative services in the events and promotions sectors.
[February 2026, nationwide] 128 new medical institutions opened, while 267 closed or suspended operations. Frogwell releases its latest “Hospital Master Data Difference Analysis Report”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Frogwell has released its February 2026 medical institution master data difference analysis report, examining openings and closures nationwide and changes in physician numbers.
German luxury home appliance brand LIEBHERR relocates its Tokyo showroom. Open to the public starting Thursday, May 21.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Intac SPS, the official Japanese distributor of German premium home appliance brand LIEBHERR, has announced the relocation of its Tokyo showroom, which will open to the public by appointment on May 21.
GO OUT Fishing Club to hold its first trout fishing event, “GO OUT FISHING JAM,” on Saturday, May 23. Attendees can enjoy exclusive perks and a wide range of hands-on activities.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
GO OUT magazine's fishing club will hold “GO OUT FISHING JAM,” a beginner-friendly outdoor fishing event, for the first time on May 23.
Chatlock publishes an information page on smart lock use for vacation rentals and lodging facilities amid growing demand for contactless check-in and key management
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Chatlock has published an information page on smart lock use for vacation rentals and lodging facilities. The page addresses growing demand for contactless check-in and key management as inbound tourism recovers.
[JOPT 2026 Grand Final] “Poker Junior Championship Supported by Heart Ribbon,” a tournament exclusively for elementary and junior high school students, to be held!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The Japan Poker Federation and the Heart Ribbon Association held the “Poker Junior Championship” for elementary and junior high school students. 94 participants took part in the event, which offered an educational opportunity to develop critical thinking and social skills.
Creators from Project Sekai gather! Stage events at the largest-ever “Project Sekai Creators Festa 2026” to be streamed exclusively live on ABEMA PPV for 2 days!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
ABEMA will exclusively livestream the stage events at “Project Sekai Creators Festa 2026” on May 30 and 31, 2026.
Targeting the distinctive odor and breathability issues that arise after sports. New “Carpod Dual Core Sports Gel Magic Ball Detergent” launches
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Oji Pharmaceutical has launched “Carpod Dual Core Sports Laundry Pods,” designed for sportswear to eliminate odors effectively while maintaining breathability.
[Volkswagen] “Let’s Try Volkswagen Campaign,” ideal even for first-time imported car buyers, launches May 14. Limited-edition collaboration goods to be given away
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Audi Volkswagen Retail Japan will hold a test-drive and purchase consultation campaign starting May 14, 2026. The first 30 participants will receive limited-edition collaboration merchandise with Maruman and Zebra.
A “contemporary art exhibition open until 2 a.m.” appears in Toranomon. MASARU OZAKI's “STILL NOT STARTED” now on view
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Contemporary artist MASARU OZAKI's solo exhibition is being held in Toranomon, staying open until 2 a.m. and showcasing perceptual art through light and images.
Companies mentioned:一般社団法人 mother ha.ha、Sei-fu Gallery、PoCo – Pop and Contemporary Art Museum
Sponsorship agreement signed with Misaki Matsutomo, badminton gold medalist at the Rio de Janeiro Olympics
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The Hyakujushi Bank has announced a sponsorship agreement with Misaki Matsutomo, the badminton gold medalist at the Rio Olympics, to support her pursuits and promote regional sports.
Short film “Utsuwa,” winner of 15 awards in Japan and abroad, to screen at Ibaraki's only mini-theater. Director and cast talks also scheduled from June 6
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The award-winning short film “Utsuwa,” recipient of 15 awards, will screen for one week at あまや座 in Ibaraki starting June 6, 2026, followed by a post-screening talk with the director and cast.
Creating new value through environmental consciousness: “E STANDER ‘RE:born’ Project × ESTNATION”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Haircare brand E STANDARD has launched the “RE:born” project, offering gift boxes made using leftover apparel fabric. Product sales and resale will begin at the ESTNATION Roppongi Hills store in May 2026.
Yuta Shimono, representative director and CEO of 株式会社エムニ, to appear on TV Tokyo's “全力イノベーターズ~SDGsに挑むZ世代~”
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Yuta Shimono, CEO of 株式会社エムニ, which develops custom AI solutions for manufacturers, will appear on TV Tokyo's program “全力イノベーターズ” to discuss improving efficiency and using AI in manufacturing.
[Penang, Malaysia] Yakiniku Sudaku accelerates overseas expansion with a new restaurant serving Japanese Black Wagyu, grand opening on May 15, 2026
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Yakiniku Sudaku, a brand under Sogo Omi Beef Trading, opened a new restaurant in Penang, Malaysia, on May 15, 2026, specializing in premium Japanese Black Wagyu.
Amazing progress in just 4 sessions! Get hooked on thinking and creating through your first programming experience this summer at Programming Education HALLO Summer School 2026.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The HALLO summer school offers children just 4 lessons to develop problem-solving and logical thinking skills through gamified programming materials.
REAL AKIBA to exhibit at Anime Festival Asia Thailand (AFA Thailand 2026)!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
REAL AKIBA GROUP will exhibit at AFA Thailand 2026, one of Southeast Asia's largest events, held in Thailand. It will showcase Japanese otaku culture, including art, characters and VR.
Idiot Pop's latest track, “Tokeru / Tokenai,” to be released on May 15 (Fri)!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Electropop producer Idiot Pop released the latest track “Tokeru / Tokenai” on May 15. Featuring Kasane Teto on vocals, the techno track explores ambiguous emotions.
Voice actor Koko Hayashi's first-ever photo book goes on sale today, May 15! An electronic edition featuring an original cover and bonus content also launches today!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Voice actor Koko Hayashi's first photo book, “coco,” went on sale on May 15, alongside an electronic edition and a release celebration event.
All 16 episodes of the new story “The Mechanics of Counterfeit Brands” from “Mr. Urban Legend Akio Seki's Hidden Urban Legends” begin streaming on “タテドラ” on May 15 (Fri).
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The vertical video app “タテドラ” will release 16 episodes of the new installment “Counterfeit Brand Tricks” from the original variety show “Mr. Urban Legend Akio Seki's Hidden Urban Legends” on May 15.
To celebrate the release of TAEYONG's 1st album “WYLD,” a TAEYONG listening party featuring exclusive voice messages will be held on AWA Lounge!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
AWA will hold an online listening party to celebrate the release of TAEYONG's debut album “WYLD,” featuring exclusive voice messages and a look back at songs from previous years.
The 7th YOKOSUKA e-Sports CUP “VALORANT” high school tournament is coming! Entries are now open for the national esports tournament for high school students hosted by 横須賀市!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Japan's 横須賀市 is hosting the 7th YOKOSUKA e-Sports CUP, a national high school tournament for VALORANT. The competition features separate beginner and elite divisions for the first time, with the finals held in person. Registration is now open.
RECOTECH wins the grand prize at TAKANAWA PITCH 2026. The resource-circulation data infrastructure “pool” is set to scale from TAKANAWA GATEWAY CITY.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
RECOTECH won the grand prize at “TAKANAWA PITCH 2026,” hosted by JR East. The company aims to implement its resource-circulation data infrastructure “pool” in cities.
Limited-time campaign: hiayuloo offers its pulley-style waist belt at a special price.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Health brand hiayuloo will offer a limited-time deal in mid-May 2026, selling a back-support belt featuring a design with 十 movable pulleys for 3599 yen.
Meet refugees and migrants. Conduct interviews and write articles. Spend the summer becoming a “citizen journalist.” Zoom information sessions will be held on May 28 (Thu), June 16 (Tue) and July 5 (Sun).
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The nonprofit Development Media is recruiting participants for its “Global Media Camp,” offering firsthand reporting on refugees and migrants in Thailand or Brazil.
Early-summer limited-edition sweets capturing the sparkle of hydrangeas and jewels! On sale starting July 15.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Fukuoka-based Harabeku Cooperative has created an early-summer limited-edition sweets and Japanese confectionery set inspired by hydrangeas and jewels.
“The more people you meet, the more likely you are to find your ideal partner” is a misconception. A survey of 425 married people reveals how satisfaction with the matchmaking process affects contentment after marriage.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
A recent survey found that marital satisfaction is not tied to the number of people dated, but to a sense of conviction in one's choice of partner; the stronger that conviction, the happier the marriage.
Adjust's 2026 gaming app insights report finds global installs are growing, while Japan leads the Asia-Pacific region with a 25% first-day retention rate.
Trailhead to resume dividend payments in the fiscal year ending March 2027. Sales are set to reach 3.6 billion yen, about 2 times the previous year's level, as operating profit hits 130 million yen amid a major growth phase.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Trailhead announced it will resume dividend payments in the fiscal year ending March 2027, with revenue expected to double to 3.6 billion yen as it enters a major growth phase.
Companies mentioned:Trailhead Global Holdings株式会社、ワイエスフード
Fujitsu and IBM Japan advance concrete plans for collaboration in healthcare.
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Fujitsu and IBM Japan have made their healthcare collaboration concrete, planning to build a sovereign cloud infrastructure for healthcare and use AI jointly to promote data sharing.
Additional cast members have been announced for the TV anime “BLACK TORCH,” animated by 100studio: Shinpachi Tsuji as Hisamasa Wagatsuma, Yuko Kaida as Toko Kuzumi, and Hōchū Ōtsuka as Banjuro Tokieda!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
100studio's TV anime “BLACK TORCH” has announced additional voice cast members, including Shinpachi Tsuji, Yuko Kaida and Hōchū Ōtsuka. The series is set to premiere on July 4, 2026.
Yokai take over WHATAWON—. The Senshu Yokai Festival, featuring a Hyakki Yagyo parade, ghost stories and a yokai market, will be held on May 16 (Sat.).
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
The Senshu Yokai Festival, bringing together a Hyakki Yagyo parade, ghost stories and a yokai market, will be held at the Osaka-Kishiwada mixed-use mall WHATAWON on May 16.
Summary of Financial Results for the Fiscal Year Ended March 2026
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Japanese broadcaster WOWOW reported results for the fiscal year ended March 2026 (Note: as stated in the original). Revenue edged up 0.5% to 77.1 billion yen, but operating profit plunged 27.6% as membership revenue declined.
Submissions of design illustrations open today, May 15 (entry deadline: July 14)
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
東京都 is accepting design submissions for 兩 major fashion design competitions starting today. Winners will receive funding and an opportunity to exhibit in Paris.
The &TEAM Kanagawa performance newspaper edition is now on sale through Sports Hochi convenience-store printing
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Hochi Shimbun is selling a special newspaper edition commemorating global group &TEAM's Kanagawa performance at K-Arena Yokohama through convenience-store printing services.
K-1 has announced it will hold K-1 REVENGE 2026, its first event themed around revenge, at Korakuen Hall on May 31, 2026. All 8 bouts will be streamed free on ABEMA.
Notice Regarding Change in Representative Director
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
WOWOW announced that it will change its representative director as the current term expires, reducing the number from 兩 to 一 as it adjusts its management structure.
[First-ever event] Limited sale of fluffy, chewy treats. The first installment of the 30th-anniversary event Tsubara Tsubara on a Journey begins May 21 (Thu.) at the Kyoto main store!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
Tsuruyayoshinobu will hold an event marking the 30th anniversary of Tsubara Tsubara at its Kyoto main store from May 21, featuring the limited-edition Fuwamochi Tsubara.
Seo In-guk named official model for WAK's new skincare brand!
Published ・ Source Japan | PR TIMES
WAK's new skincare brand FOUNDUE has named popular South Korean actor Seo In-guk as its official model and will hold a major launch event on July 9, 2026.
[Good news] More popular routes added to Peach's summer 2026 flight-and-hotel packages! First come, first served. Free cancellation up to 21 days before departure.