668 received, 668 listed, 3 sources ・ Page 2 of 7
One place for news and notices from 2 countries/regions: Japan, 574 items from 2 sources; Taiwan, 94 items from 1 source.
One edition every 180 minutes: every item from every source received in the period, with the original link.
A survey of 500 Japanese consumers conducted by NEXER and SOLOW revealed that only 13.8% prioritize handmade interior items, citing warmth and uniqueness as key values. Despite a low purchase rate (7%), wooden goods are the most popular category among buyers, chosen for their design, warmth, and rarity. The primary perception of handmade goods is that they are expensive, which is a major barrier for the general consumer.
The 4th episode of ABEMA's reality show 'Tokei Jikake no Marriage' featured significant drama as friends intervened in the contestants' relationships. Announcer Yuka Nishizawa was prompted by comedian Rainbow Ikeda to confront her fiancé, leading to her first 'engagement annulment'. Meanwhile, creator Emi-nee criticized CEO Ayaka's fiancé for his pride, and model Natsue deepened her bond with her partner by revealing her difficult past.
Aeon announces its 5th annual environmental fair, 'Let's Choose. The Present that Connects to the Future,' running from May 29 to June 30, 2026, across 5,700 stores. The event, involving 49 partner companies, promotes eco-friendly products under themes like 'Future Food' and 'Deliciously Reducing Waste,' and expands resource recycling initiatives, including a new group-wide clothing circulation model and used cooking oil collection.
Two new sponsored songs and additional nighttime performances have been added to “Tokyo Aqua Symphony,” a fountain show in the Tokyo waterfront subcenter operated by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government. The changes begin on May 24, 令和8年, with the aim of creating more vibrancy in the area.
Companies mentioned：三菱地所株式会社、アクアシティお台場、東急不動産株式会社、デックス東京ビーチ
Panasonic's F-PX70C slim air purifier has been awarded the 'Best of the best' at the Red Dot Design Award 2026. This completes a triple crown of prestigious design accolades, following wins at the iF DESIGN AWARD 2026 and the Good Design Award 2025, recognizing its successful combination of a compact, layout-free design with high-performance air purification technology.
FLO <FLO Prestige> will sell a limited-edition sweets collection for Father’s Day 2026 for 3 days only from June 19. The collection features playful decorations.
ライフワーカー＆アソシエイツ has published AI Branding II, a book that systematizes AI search optimization (LLMO) for individual entrepreneurs. It explains methods for designing products recommended by AI.
Companies mentioned：株式会社ライフワーカー＆アソシエイツ
大和書房 will release The Manga and Illustrated Guide to Everyday Chemistry: Fun and Easy to Understand on May 20, 2026. The book for children teaches everyday chemistry through manga and illustrated guides.
Companies mentioned：株式会社大和書房、資生堂、誠文堂新光社、技術評論社、偕成社、PHP、ダイヤモンド社、SB新書、ちくま新書、平凡社
CKD Corporation will completely redesign its uniforms to reflect employee feedback and introduce office casual attire. The changes will take effect in May 2026.
本をつなぐ株式会社 has launched the first round of voting for the “SNS Readers’ Choice Book Award 2026,” with winners selected based on readers’ favorite-book comments on social media.
一般社団法人SKINLABO surveyed 300 people considering wart treatment and others. Of those surveyed, 53.7% had tried self-treatment; about 40% of them said their condition did not improve, while about 10% said it worsened. Dermatologists recommend seeking care early.
TAC株式会社 will hold an online trial lecture for civil service exam preparation. It will teach ways to overcome numerical reasoning challenges and offer individual consultations on exam preparation.
The jazz-themed “Morning Concert vol.158” will be held at Yokohama City Iwama Civic Plaza on July 18. The event aims to promote local culture through performances by musicians.
Companies mentioned：株式会社tvkコミュニケーションズ、公益財団法人横浜市芸術文化振興財団、株式会社清光社、株式会社横浜メディアアド
Bostree Music Academy and Asahi Culture Center will hold a special lecture on May 29, exploring the appeal of folk classics from the 1970s through music theory and live performances.
Companies mentioned：Glocal Consulting株式会社、株式会社朝日カルチャーセンター、朝日新聞社
Chacott and familiar have teamed up for the first time, releasing 7 items, including denim bags inspired by the world of ballet, from June 26, 2026. An experiential event will also be held in Daikanyama.
Companies mentioned：チャコット株式会社、株式会社ファミリア
Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Asset Management announced its participation in the PRI 20th-anniversary ceremony and symposium. Their president, Takahiro Kobayashi, rang the bell at the Tokyo Stock Exchange and spoke on a panel, with the company acting as the sole sponsor for the Tokyo event, reinforcing its commitment to responsible investment.
Sooon Corporation’s MEO support services have surpassed 1,000 cases, and its “Kuchikore” tool has surpassed 240 installations. The company uses AI to support Google Maps management that helps attract customers and recruit staff.
Valtec's HR system, MOT/HG, which is bundled with their MOT/TEL cloud PBX, has been updated. The new feature allows schedules entered in MOT/HG to be automatically registered in Google Calendar, eliminating the need for double data entry and preventing errors. This integration also enables the MOT/TEL phone system to manage calls based on the user's schedule.
Vector and Suzuki have confirmed that Vector’s MICROSAR Classic can meet Suzuki’s communication standard specifications. It will help improve ECU development efficiency and quality.
Companies mentioned：スズキ株式会社、Vector Informatik GmbH、ベクター・ジャパン株式会社
Atlassian will hold its annual conference “Team on Tour Tokyo 2026” on June 16. The event will focus on organizational transformation through collaboration between people and AI, featuring case studies from major companies and a CxO roundtable.
Companies mentioned：KDDIアジャイル開発センター株式会社、株式会社みずほフィナンシャルグループ、株式会社LIXIL、NTTドコモ、BIPROGY、フリー、マツダ
The Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks have announced the first artists set to perform at “Hawks Festival SUMMER BOOST 2026.” The event will offer an entertainment experience combining baseball and music.
Companies mentioned：福岡ソフトバンクホークス株式会社
At the 79th Cannes International Film Festival, Louis Vuitton provided several celebrities with its clothing, jewelry and beauty products, showcasing the brand’s presence.
株式会社フロジャポン will run a campaign for June’s “FLO Day,” offering 3 limited-edition tarts made with peaches, along with its regular sweets, at special prices.
Companies mentioned：株式会社フロジャポン
A Onebank survey found that “splitting expenses equally” is the most common way cohabiting couples divide living costs, and that relationship satisfaction is higher than when expenses are divided in proportion to income. Discussing the decision and making expenses “visible” have a positive effect on relationships.
Aston Martin has appointed Andrea Baldi as CCO to strengthen its global commercial strategy.
Companies mentioned：アストンマーティン・ラゴンダ、ランボルギーニ、ドゥカティ
Excite has launched “AI Support Desk,” a hands-on service for businesses. Experts will support AI adoption, rule-setting and use.
Companies mentioned：エキサイト株式会社
NEXT DELIVERY will unveil its latest domestically produced logistics drone, the “PD4B-M LogiAir,” at “Transport Safety and Logistics DX EXPO 2026.” It will also showcase a package supporting the real-world deployment of drone logistics.
Companies mentioned：株式会社エアロネクスト、セイノーホールディングス株式会社、株式会社リックテレコム、株式会社プロドローン
JR East will hold the drone event “Drone DX CHAMPIONSHIP 2026” on June 7. DRONE SPORTS will oversee event operations.
Companies mentioned：東日本旅客鉄道株式会社、株式会社Liberaware、CalTa株式会社、DRONE SPORTS株式会社
Original株式会社Finchは2026年3月29日より公立はこだて未来大学を拠点に、函館内の学生を対象としたスタートアップコミュニティ形成事業「Perch」を開始。北海道未来創造スタートアップ育成相互支援ネットワークのスタエコ基金・共創事業の一環として、隔週水曜12:00-13:00に「Perch Pitch」「PPT：ピーチクパーチクトーク」「Crowd Meets」の3コンテンツを展開。函館市が後援し、レッドブル・ジャパン・シブヤ印刷が協賛。協賛企業を引き続き募集中。
Yuko, representative director of Unleash Inc., has donated 500,000 yen in support of the child-rearing support programs of the Tokyo Metropolitan Social Welfare Corporation. The company operates UNLEASH, a professional training school specializing in tarot reading, and has trained more than 900 professional fortune-tellers. Since many of its students are women raising children, the company decided to donate to the corporation, which operates children’s homes and provides short-term child-rearing support.
のだ歯科クリニック in Takaishi, Osaka Prefecture, has adopted “Angel Aligner,” a clear aligner system designed for Asian patients. The move expands patients’ options and enables more precise treatment.
Companies mentioned：のだ歯科クリニック、エンジェルアラインテクノロジー社
O-Well Corporation announces that four of its subsidiary companies will participate in the “Automotive Engineering Exposition 2026 YOKOHAMA” at Pacifico Yokohama from May 27-29, 2026. The companies will showcase a diverse range of automotive products, including materials for lightweighting, EV components, and advanced coatings, at booth number 536.
Teru Nakajima, president of the Self-Esteem Association, spoke at 神戸常盤大学’s Faculty of Nursing. He discussed the importance of self-esteem in healthcare settings and self-care techniques.
Companies mentioned：神戸常盤大学、一般財団法人自己肯定感学会
Nikkei Inc. has adopted the no-code tool “Studio” to operate the “NIKKEI OFFICE PASS” website. The company successfully brought website operations in-house, increasing monthly unique browsers by 600%.
Companies mentioned：株式会社日本経済新聞社、Studio株式会社
The Osaka City Museum of Fine Arts will release netsuke figurines recreating works from its collection and LINE stickers featuring its character “Ujin-kun” to coincide with its special 90th-anniversary exhibition.
Companies mentioned：株式会社MONOプラン、デュプリケート3D、graf、日本経済新聞社
Jun Kurata of Daiko and Mariko Kuroyanagi of Sapporo Breweries will discuss Black Label’s growth strategy at the “Advertising Conference Summit” on June 17.
Companies mentioned：株式会社大広、サッポロビール株式会社、株式会社宣伝会議
Starbucks, Kirishima Shuzo, Miyakonojo City and more trees have joined forces to launch a forest-building initiative using local resources through sales of the “ODEN Stool.”
Companies mentioned：スターバックス コーヒー ジャパン 株式会社、霧島酒造株式会社、一般社団法人 more trees
AI Data Inc. has added the “7 Strategist AI Model” to its AI platform for fusion research. The platform provides integrated support for research, commercialization and intellectual property strategy, aiming to strengthen Japan’s international competitiveness.
Companies mentioned：Tokkyo.AI
FOX Inc.’s caseplay will release smartphone cases featuring the clubs advancing to the B.LEAGUE FINALS, 長崎ヴェルカ and 琉球ゴールデンキングス, on May 20. The cases are compatible with more than 160 device models and feature sustainable materials and impact resistance.
Companies mentioned：りそなグループ、長崎ヴェルカ、琉球ゴールデンキングス、B.LEAGUE、株式会社ミマキエンジニアリング、UL社
Hakone Retreat före & villa 1/f will launch summer-only gourmet courses starting June 1, 2026. Menus at 2 restaurants will feature seasonal local ingredients and distinctive cooking methods.
RX Japan will hold the “Japan Character Awards 2026” ceremony at Tokyo Big Sight on June 17. The event aims to invigorate the licensing industry.
Companies mentioned：RX Japan合同会社、一般社団法人キャラクターブランド・ライセンス協会、香港貿易発展局、ASIAN Licensing Association、株式会社キャラクター・データバンク
Chugoku Shimbun’s “Tarupo” has won the Japan Newspaper Publishers & Editors Association’s 2026 Technical Committee Award. The platform was recognized for its strong scalability as a foundation for regional collaboration.
Companies mentioned：広島トヨペット株式会社
GTF Inc. has released “GTF-CTPA,” a new test that measures the ability to detect hallucinations in generative AI. The test makes visible the “ability to question” required in the AI era and supports corporate risk management and employee development.
WAYS, a tutoring school specializing in combined junior and senior high schools and operated by 株式会社メイツ, will hold a free seminar for parents of students at such schools in Nagoya on May 24. The seminar will provide guidance on balancing regular tests with Eiken® as university entrance exams move earlier.
Companies mentioned：株式会社メイツ
Meiji Kinenkan will hold a weekday-only bridal fair that solo guests can attend. Participants will receive a meal voucher worth 5,000 yen.
Manga Drive will give a talk for managers at HR Conference Spring on retaining young employees through manga-based thinking.
Companies mentioned：株式会社HRビジョン
The Day Spa Co., Ltd. will launch “Conditioning Shampoo” from its aromatherapy brand “TO BE YOU.” on June 1, 2026, offering scalp and hair care for adults in one product.
Mikane Shoji’s fan seat “SPEEDER” surpassed its target by more than 21 times on Makuake, and sold-out rewards are now being urgently added.
Companies mentioned：Makuake
Iinuma Honke will hold a “Sake Label-Making Experience” on June 13. This hands-on event lets families work together to create an original label.
REC COFFEE and SAISON DES RÉCOLTES will open a combined shop at Daimaru Fukuoka Tenjin in July 2026. The new format will specialize in retail products and gifts.
Companies mentioned：株式会社大丸松坂屋百貨店（大丸福岡天神店）
NTT DATA Group has released its cybersecurity trends report for the second quarter of FY2025. It summarizes analysis and forecasts on SBOMs, authentication and vulnerability response.
Companies mentioned：株式会社ＮＴＴデータグループ
A research team from several Japanese universities has published a tutorial paper on Analog In-Memory Computing (AIMC), a technology for ultra-low-power AI hardware. The paper provides a new, memory-agnostic classification of AIMC's computation principles into six types, categorizes its non-idealities, and systematizes the hardware-aware training methods used to overcome them.
The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza hotel is relaunching its 14th-floor restaurant, 'Sophie at EDITION,' on June 3, 2026, with a new Italian trattoria concept. Led by Executive Chef Marco Violano, the restaurant will serve classic Italian dishes, including homemade pasta, using select ingredients from Japan and Italy, complemented by an extensive Italian wine list and classic cocktails.
Dai-ichi Gakushusha, a publisher of high school textbooks, will launch an e-learning course on June 1, 2026, for junior managers. The course, 'Human Skills Course for Managers Learned from Textbook Literature,' redefines classic literary works as case studies and applies Theory U to develop leadership qualities, costing 20,000 JPY per person for organizational subscriptions.
Plantec Inc. held a reception at the International House of Japan on May 13, 2026, to commemorate the publication of Bangladeshi architect Rafiq Azam's book. The event featured a presentation by Azam on his "Green Architecture" philosophy and a high-profile talk session with Japanese architects including Kengo Kuma, fostering international dialogue on the future of urban design.
Sanyo Bussan Co., Ltd. has announced the release of a special Old Pulteney Father's Day gift set, combining the 12 Year Old single malt Scotch whisky with an exclusive glass, highlighting its unique maritime character.
Ikeuchi Inc. announces its participation in the 4th Kyushu Agriculture WEEK at Grandmesse Kumamoto from May 27-29, 2026. The company will exhibit its 'CoolPescon®' fine mist system, a 3-in-1 solution for cooling, humidification, and chemical spraying, designed to mitigate heat stress in agricultural and livestock environments.
Tonkatsu Shinjuku Saboten is launching a new frozen 'Aged Loin Katsu-ni' on its official online store starting May 20, 2026. This product allows customers to enjoy the restaurant's popular katsudon flavor at home by simply heating it. Additionally, the online store will release renewed versions of its 'Pork Donburi' and 'Pork Kakuni' dishes.
Skeb, a major Japanese art commission platform, has announced a login integration with the social VR platform VRChat. This move formalizes an existing strong relationship, as VRChat avatar art commissions constitute 20% of Skeb's business. The partnership is being promoted with a fee-waiver campaign and a large-scale physical event, 'Chou Meta Fes 2026'.
Suntory Holdings announced it has been selected as a "Supplier Engagement Leader" by CDP for the 6th consecutive year, the highest rating for its efforts in engaging suppliers on climate change. The company also secured top 'A List' ratings for Water Security and Climate Change.
Louis Vuitton has released a new series of men's bags from the 2026 Pre-Fall collection designed by Pharrell Williams. The collection's highlight is the 'Damoflage' canvas, a modern, pixelated camouflage version of the traditional Damier pattern, applied to iconic bag styles including the Speedy, Keepall, Nile, and more.
Dog Diner Co., Ltd. has launched the fifth installment of its music video series, 'If You've Eaten, Dental Revolution.' This episode, titled 'Bad Breath is Immensely Destructive,' uses a monster movie metaphor where a giant dog's bad breath destroys Tokyo to highlight the severe social and health impacts of pet periodontal disease, promoting their 'Eating Dental Revolution' food additive as a simple solution.
Clé de Peau Beauté announces the launch of its new "Synactif Crème Corps" body cream, part of its premium Synactif line, scheduled for release on July 21, 2026. Priced at ¥47,300 (tax included), the cream features exclusive ingredients like Purifying B and HA.B.P Complex to deliver intense hydration and firmness. The product is also notable for its unique "Rose Synactif" fragrance and is recommended for use with a specific lymphatic massage technique for enhanced results.
The Fukuoka City Museum announces a special exhibition titled 'Ghost and Yōkai Paintings from the Fukuoka City Museum Collection,' running from July 19 to September 13, 2026. The exhibition will feature around 100 works, primarily from the Edo period, by notable artists such as Itō Jakuchū and Kawanabe Kyōsai. It aims to explore the human fascination with the supernatural, showcasing a diverse range of depictions from terrifying to comical, and will be accompanied by various events like lectures and rakugo.
Rakuten Eagles announced that TV personality Mieharu, who publicly shared his experience with stage 4 hypopharyngeal cancer, will throw the ceremonial first pitch at the "Rakuten Medical Head and Neck Cancer Overcoming Day" game on May 23rd. His participation aims to promote early detection and treatment of head and neck cancer.
株式会社ダイブ has won a contract to build an AI-use environment for NTT's “4D Digital Platform” research and development, drawing on its expertise in generative AI to help improve research efficiency.
Companies mentioned：株式会社ダイブ、NTT株式会社
AI Talent Force Co., Ltd. changed its corporate name to 株式会社アカツキ AI Technologies on Jan. 14, 2026. The change aims to shift its business model toward AX support and mark its full-scale entry as part of the Akatsuki Group.
Companies mentioned：株式会社アカツキ
Bellfine Co., Ltd. is accepting pre-orders for a 1/6 scale figure of Anna Yamada in a swimsuit from the TV anime 'The Dangers in My Heart'. The figure, priced at 24,200 JPY and scheduled for an August 2026 release, has generated significant buzz on social media. An exclusive 'water droplet sticker' is available as a bonus for orders placed on the official webshop before the deadline of May 28, 2026.
NPO Hito Connect Hyogo and 三田市 will jointly hold a free event in August 2026 to help young people design their careers and lifestyles. Using LEGO®, the event will provide a space for dialogue with a strong sense of psychological safety.
Companies mentioned：NPO法人 ひと・コネクト兵庫、三田市、北摂三田テクノパーク
Job More Co., Ltd. has made one of Japan's largest occupation-by-occupation salary databases, integrating about 3.16 million job listings with government statistics, freely available to news organizations. Updated automatically every week, it helps track the latest labor market trends.
REAL Style will hold new product exhibitions in Tokyo and Nagoya. Alongside a homecoming exhibition following Milan Design Week, the company will unveil environmentally conscious new furniture and rugs, proposing new value for living spaces.
Companies mentioned：株式会社エイブル＆パートナーズ、JT、ベネッセコーポレーション、ローソン、大林組、鹿島建設、清水建設、竹中工務店、森ビル、アジア経営研究機構、東京デザインウィーク、東レ株式会社、クラインダイサムアーキテクツ、GAN、KOMFORTA、NEW JARAPA、GUAXS
Luxury brand reseller YOCHIKA is holding the 'Hermès Engraving Season' campaign from May 18-30, 2026. The event promotes the idea of choosing Hermès items by their manufacturing year stamp, offering a curated selection of products with previous years' engravings during the annual market transition to the new stamp.
OriginalCSS Co., Ltd. will absorb its group companies, Relife Japan and I'm System Service, on July 1, 2026. This strategic integration, under the banner 'One CSS', aims to combine the respective strengths of the three companies—CSS's financial system development, Relife Japan's high-level consulting, and I'm System Service's operational stability—to accelerate its evolution from a traditional SIer to a proactive 'value-creating company' that leverages AI to deliver innovative user experiences and drive AI transformation (AX) for its clients.
TENGA Healthcare marks its 10th anniversary and launches its anniversary year. The company announced its track record in sexual function support, fertility support, and sex education.
Yamato Co., Ltd. announced that it will expand its popular “Glass Deco” series with the launch of a new clear-color paint kit, “Glass Deco Ornament Set,” “Dinosaurs 2,” on May 27, 2026. Featuring dinosaur-themed designs, the kit makes it easy and safe to create stained-glass-like ornaments.
OriginalThe 'Asian Pop Festival 2026' is announced to be held on May 30-31, 2026, at Paradise City, South Korea. The event will feature a wide array of artists from Japan (Taeko Onuki, Quruli) and Korea (KIMCHANGWAN BAND, Hi-Fi Un!corn), aiming to showcase diverse Asian music. Ticket prices are set at 110,000 KRW for a one-day pass and 176,000 KRW for a two-day pass.
OriginalTo commemorate reaching nearly 2 million members, business template site 'Template BANK' is launching a three-part campaign with a total prize value of 2 million yen. Concurrently, the service is adapting to modern work styles by introducing templates for Google Sheets and Google Docs, along with Google account integration, with plans for future AI-driven services.
The Kinokawa City Board of Education and Youth Development Council are organizing the "Kinokawa City Youth Message 2026" on May 31, 2026, where junior high school students will share their experiences and aspirations, aiming to promote youth development and community understanding.
Café Tanaka, a Nagoya-based café and patisserie founded in 1963, is opening a new permanent store in Isetan Shinjuku on June 17th. To celebrate, they are releasing two exclusive cookie tins: 'Bijou de Biscuit Petit MacMillan' in a can featuring Isetan's MacMillan tartan, and 'Biscuit Witch Ensemble' with two types of cookie sandwiches, all under the theme of 'Living Together'.
Fujita Kinzoku, an Osaka-based metalworking company, has introduced a high-end, fully custom-made iron frying pan service starting at 220,000 JPY. This bespoke service includes creating a unique mold for each order, allowing customers to define the pan's dimensions, thickness, and handle to create their perfect cooking tool.
Yamabiko Corporation has launched a rental service for its newly developed 'Multi-Hybrid System' through a partnership with Actio Corporation. This power system, designed for locations like construction sites, integrates solar power, batteries, and a generator to cut generator operating time and fuel consumption by up to 90%. This leads to significant cost savings and a near-zero level of on-site CO2 emissions when used with renewable diesel, while also improving the work environment.
Ibaraki Prefecture is holding the “Ibaraki Melon Cafe 2026” for 4 days only in Omotesando, Tokyo. The cafe offers a dessert experience featuring half a premium-quality “Meister Melon,” paired with toppings for adults, such as prosciutto.
Companies mentioned：NANATEA and Tsutsumi
Taisho Pharmaceutical announces that its new product, 'Lipovitan Jelly Performance', launched in April 2026, has been featured in Nikkei Trendy's June 2026 issue predicting hit products. The jelly drink contains glucose and caffeine for mental energy, B vitamins, and salt for heatstroke prevention, and comes in a ramune flavor.
OceanBridge Co., Ltd. will exhibit at Interop Tokyo 2026 from June 10-12 at Makuhari Messe. The company will showcase its new AI agent middleware "webfuse" along with other security, remote control, and automation solutions at booth 6A09.
Sanyo Sales exhibited at “Niconico Chokaigi 2026” and announced its new image girls, “SEA Girls.” It sought to expand its fan base through interactive events, including a competition against にじさんじ.
Companies mentioned：株式会社三洋販売、にじさんじ、RBC琉球放送
Ujiie Bussan Co., Ltd. has announced the launch of 'Zero Spring,' a new service that productizes the brand design process. The service emphasizes an 'Origin First' approach, starting with a company's core philosophy and providing an integrated solution for strategy, language, and visualization. Concurrently, they are launching 'Story Flow' for social media storytelling.
Kirishima Shuzo, in partnership with Starbucks, Miyakonojo City, and the non-profit 'more trees', has initiated a new phase of its 'Miyakonojo Resource Circulation Forest Project (ODEN)'. They have begun selling 'ODEN Stools', made from locally sourced Miyakonojo oak, on the 'more trees' website. This initiative allows consumers to support local reforestation, as a portion of the sales is donated to the project, which also involves creating compost from shochu and coffee waste to nurture seedlings.
Mitsui Ocean Cruises has unveiled 68 new itineraries for its two vessels, MITSUI OCEAN FUJI and MITSUI OCEAN SAKURA, for travel from January 2027 onwards. The offerings are diverse, including spring-themed tours, round-Japan voyages, short weekend trips designed for beginners, and premium experiences with overnight port stays, all provided under an all-inclusive service model.
The World Local Mascot Grand Prix Executive Committee announces the inaugural event will be held from July 7 to December 13, 2026. This new competition aims to revitalize local communities by evaluating mascots based on their real-world activities through a hybrid system of online and in-person voting at events across Japan. The contest is open to international participants and employs fraud-prevention measures like LINE ID and GPS verification for fair evaluation.
The World Local Mascot Grand Prix Executive Committee has announced the inaugural event will be held from July to December 2026. This new competition aims to fairly evaluate mascots from around the world based on their real-world community activities, using a hybrid online and in-person voting system with anti-fraud measures to promote regional revitalization.
KONA’S Co., Ltd. will open the 2nd KNOWS COFFEE store at イオンレイクタウン Outlet on May 30, 2026. It will serve 100% Hawaii Kona coffee and freshly made pancakes.
Companies mentioned：イオンレイクタウン
Osaka Electro-Communication University has initiated a "Space and Meteorology Program" led by eight faculty members from diverse scientific fields. This program emphasizes practical learning by utilizing authentic data from leading global observatories and is supported by the public release of a dedicated website and the "Sky_Sim_App" simulation application to foster interdisciplinary skills in data science and engineering.
PREDUCTS has released the 'Headphone Hanger for DASHBOARD,' a new module for its modular desk shelf system. This arm-type hanger features a machined aluminum head part to safely suspend headphones, saving desk space while keeping them accessible. The base component is also designed to be a customizable platform, allowing users to attach different heads for other devices like VR goggles.
NTT Marketing Act ProCX has been awarded a contract by the Kobe City Tax Department to implement a generative AI-powered voice agent. The solution, which combines NTT's VOC analysis with AI Shift's 'AI Worker VoiceAgent', aims to automate over 70% of the 400,000 annual routine tax inquiries, reducing staff burden and enhancing citizen services.
NPO Kids Future Passport announced that 'Taiyaki Sawada' will provide 200 free taiyaki to members of its 'Kodomo Gochimeshi' program. The distribution will occur at the 'Wrapping The Earth in Nezu Shrine' digital art festival on May 23-24, 2026, expanding the child food support initiative to a community event.
Pulsar Co., Ltd.'s 'Jidohanbaiki JP' service has installed a merchandise vending machine at Fujikyu Line's Shimoyoshida Station to address the increased workload on staff from rising tourist numbers. The machine, featuring a flexible layout and future cashless payment options, aims to improve operational efficiency, ease congestion, and provide a smoother purchasing experience for visitors.
Tama Electronics Industry Co., Ltd. has released the 'Shoulder Strap Cable,' a novel product that combines a smartphone shoulder strap with a USB-C charging and data transfer cable. This addresses the dual needs of convenient phone carrying and on-the-go charging, preventing forgotten cables and accidental drops.
Infinity Agent Inc. has launched "Infinity-Recruiting," a recruitment marketing support service. Drawing on its digital marketing expertise, the company supports a shift to recruitment that builds lasting assets rather than depending on job listing platforms.
Companies mentioned：帝国データバンク
Oishi & Associates Co., Ltd., the Japanese distributor for Russell Hobbs, has announced the upcoming launch of the 'Fully Automatic Cafe Drip' coffee maker (8200JP). The machine automates the entire coffee-making process and offers customization for grind and strength. It will be launched first on the Makuake crowdfunding platform before its general release, targeting the growing 'home cafe' market.
Chiyoda X-One Engineering has begun full-scale operation of 'Lightblue,' an AI agent with RAG technology, to transform its extensive internal documents into explicit, usable knowledge. The goal is to enhance operational efficiency, improve quality, and promote knowledge sharing across the company.