# AI News 180m Report｜2026-05-28 18:00–21:00 JST One place for news and notices from 1 countries/regions: Japan, 32 items from 1 source.One edition every 180 minutes: every item from every source received in the period, with the original link. ## KATAN appoints 曽野舜太 (M!LK) as new brand ambassador - Published: 2026-05-28T20:36:57+09:00 - Source: Japan | PR TIMES - Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000010.000096848.html - anchor: #n536171 A strategy to expand the men's/unisex skincare market by appointing a young idol ## GR Parts for the “New Hilux” to go on sale - Published: 2026-05-28T20:33:12+09:00 - Source: Japan | PR TIMES - Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000029.000156291.html - anchor: #n536172 Announcement of GR-branded custom parts for the new Hilux. The lineup will span 2 categories: exterior parts and parts to improve driving performance. ## “Customization items” for the new Hilux to go on sale - Published: 2026-05-28T20:22:45+09:00 - Source: Japan | PR TIMES - Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000028.000156291.html - anchor: #n536168 Toyota's customization brand Modellista is launching new products that propose an urban off-road style made exclusively for the new Hilux. ## Kabuki Talk & Lunch Gathering (Nagoya Okuda Group) - Published: 2026-05-28T20:19:02+09:00 - Source: Japan | PR TIMES - Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000004.000178241.html - anchor: #n536169 A talk and lunch event with a Kabuki sommelier from Nagoya, held at a local high-end Japanese restaurant. ## [June 8] Former United Arrows president 竹田光広 to speak at webinar on apparel companies' growth strategies through external advisers - Published: 2026-05-28T20:10:21+09:00 - Source: Japan | PR TIMES - Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000029.000054087.html - anchor: #n536165 Announcement of a new advisory service specializing in the apparel industry and a strategy webinar featuring an industry veteran. ## The Body Shop's popular musk line welcomes a long-awaited mini-size Eau de Toilette - Published: 2026-05-28T20:05:38+09:00 - Source: Japan | PR TIMES - Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000216.000019887.html - anchor: #n536166 A popular fragrance line expands into a mini size, highlighting the brand's ethical approach. ## Marshall to hold “Milton A.N.C. Launch Party” at Shibuya WWW X on Monday, June 1, 2026! - Published: 2026-05-28T20:03:25+09:00 - Source: Japan | PR TIMES - Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000029.000156717.html - anchor: #n536167 A launch party for the Japanese market for Marshall Group's new product, “Milton A.N.C.,” featuring active noise cancellation. ## Highlanders launches effort to mass-produce domestically made humanoid robots - Published: 2026-05-28T20:01:03+09:00 - Source: Japan | PR TIMES - Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000005.000156831.html - anchor: #n536170 Highlanders is building a mass-production system for domestically made humanoid robots and forming a strategic partnership with Mitsubishi Motors. ## [May 29 only] Perfect for early-summer yakiniku and BBQ! “Meat Day Special Sale” offers Miyazaki beef and popular products at special prices - Published: 2026-05-28T20:00:01+09:00 - Source: Japan | PR TIMES - Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000139.000148344.html - anchor: #n536164 A 1-day promotional campaign by Miyachiku, which promotes the Miyazaki beef brand, aimed at capturing seasonal demand. ## “Himatsubushi with domestic eel” and the summer kaiseki menu “Chuba Kaiseki” debut on June 1. Okinawa's Laguna Garden Hotel Japanese restaurant launches summer menu - Published: 2026-05-28T20:00:01+09:00 - Source: Japan | PR TIMES - Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000226.000165726.html - anchor: #n536163 Okinawa's Laguna Garden Hotel is launching a promotion combining limited-time summer dishes featuring domestic eel, wagyu beef and seasonal pike conger with cultural experiences such as sanshin performances. ## [Figma] Organize and streamline your “usual manual tasks” with Claude Cowork! Free seminar “Cathy's Figma Class” on Friday, June 12 - Published: 2026-05-28T20:00:01+09:00 - Source: Japan | PR TIMES - Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000004831.000003670.html - anchor: #n536162 Announcement of a workflow-efficiency workshop for designers combining Figma with AI (Claude Cowork). ## [Ballet at the cinema] The Royal Ballet's “Giselle” opens Friday, May 29! Akane Takada embodies “the greatest Giselle of our time” in a soul-stirring classic staged by master Peter Wright, a pinnacle of romantic ballet depicting love and forgiveness - Published: 2026-05-28T19:41:05+09:00 - Source: Japan | PR TIMES - Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000127.000016700.html - anchor: #n536160 Commercial use of performing arts content through a theatrical release of the Royal Ballet's popular “Giselle.” A localization strategy featuring a Japanese star dancer is particularly notable. ## OrcaRouter officially launches MCP Server functionality, providing unified access to 200+ AI models including Claude Code, Cursor and Windsurf - Published: 2026-05-28T19:40:01+09:00 - Source: Japan | PR TIMES - Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000036.000138449.html - anchor: #n536161 A developer gateway that centrally manages more than 200 LLMs via MCP, with adaptive routing and security features. ## 【全国326名調査】ジム選びで約8割が「近さ」を重視するのに、入会後のギャップ1位は「通えなかった」？失敗経験者から学ぶ“後悔しないジム選び”の鉄則 - Published: 2026-05-28T19:26:33+09:00 - Source: Japan | PR TIMES - Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000007.000018213.html - anchor: #n536157 A survey report quantifying the gap between expectations and reality in gym selection ## Pays courtesy visit to the mayor of Kitakyushu upon qualifying for FNCS Major 1 Summit - Published: 2026-05-28T19:19:32+09:00 - Source: Japan | PR TIMES - Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000006.000141326.html - anchor: #n536158 An esports team from Kitakyushu paid a courtesy visit to the mayor after qualifying for a world championship, strengthening local ties. ## Neakasa to exhibit at Interpets Osaka 2026, unveiling 2 innovative new products that will transform life with pets - Published: 2026-05-28T19:13:06+09:00 - Source: Japan | PR TIMES - Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000365.000033130.html - anchor: #n536155 A public relations announcement focused on Neakasa's participation in a major trade show and a preview of 2 previously unannounced products. ## [For printers and merchandise manufacturers] Turn fans' “I want this” into reality! 20 popular designs and motifs among fan enthusiasts - Published: 2026-05-28T19:05:00+09:00 - Source: Japan | PR TIMES - Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000187.000095735.html - anchor: #n536156 Release of a B2B report proposing ways to meet the distinctive design needs of the fan merchandise market and boost efficiency through digitization of manufacturing processes. ## Wins “2026 GMO Customer Satisfaction Ranking: No. 1 Overall in Rental Fire Insurance” - Published: 2026-05-28T19:02:50+09:00 - Source: Japan | PR TIMES - Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000055.000107664.html - anchor: #n536159 Nisshin Fire ranked No. 1 overall among 21 companies in GMO Research & AI's 2026 customer satisfaction survey of fire insurance for renters. Both its fully digital product and comprehensive product offerings were praised. ## “RED CELL,” a skin booster focused on the skin's natural regenerative ability, launches - Published: 2026-05-28T18:57:22+09:00 - Source: Japan | PR TIMES - Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000007.000162168.html - anchor: #n536153 A skin booster for medical institutions targeting acne scars and uneven skin, formulated with ingredients inspired by regenerative medicine. ## [May 31] A fire festival that bathes Nasu Onsen's Sessho-seki in the colors of flames! “The 38th Nasu Goshinka Festival,” offering prayers at the site of the nine-tailed fox legend - Published: 2026-05-28T18:49:16+09:00 - Source: Japan | PR TIMES - Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000001.000183818.html - anchor: #n536154 A traditional fire festival rooted in Nasu legends and volcano worship. The announcement is for the 2026 event and aims to attract visitors from a wide area. ## [June 5–June 16] “KURAND Sake Gacha POP UP STORE,” an event for the social-media sensation “Sake Gacha,” to be held at Canvas βase SHIBUYA - Published: 2026-05-28T18:41:49+09:00 - Source: Japan | PR TIMES - Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000704.000006894.html - anchor: #n536151 An in-person experiential pop-up store for online liquor retailer KURAND. ## Crowdfunding for the “Slay the Spire” board game expansion surpasses 100 million yen in 8 days - Published: 2026-05-28T18:41:18+09:00 - Source: Japan | PR TIMES - Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000005.000114780.html - anchor: #n536152 Kenbill's crowdfunding campaign for an expansion to a major IP board game is achieving one of the biggest successes in Japan's history. ## “Social Security Game” wins an Excellence Award at the “Consumer Education Teaching Materials Awards 2026” - Published: 2026-05-28T18:21:09+09:00 - Source: Japan | PR TIMES - Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000016.000015069.html - anchor: #n536148 A card game for social security education developed by an NPO has received an official award recognizing it as an outstanding consumer education resource. ## Kisaragi Counseling Room Sakuragicho Branch to hold “Individual Psychological Counseling Sessions” in June 2026 - Published: 2026-05-28T18:20:30+09:00 - Source: Japan | PR TIMES - Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000005.000173068.html - anchor: #n536149 A free individual counseling event held by a counseling center in Sakuragicho, Yokohama, specializing in trauma and moral harassment. ## [ANNA SUI] Genderless ear cuffs arrive - Published: 2026-05-28T18:20:01+09:00 - Source: Japan | PR TIMES - Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000585.000040747.html - anchor: #n536150 ANNA SUI launches new genderless silver ear cuffs. ## Actus has signed an agreement to become the exclusive general retailer in Japan for Finnish lighting brand Secto Design and has begun sales of the Octo4240/4241. - Published: 2026-05-28T18:14:47+09:00 - Source: Japan | PR TIMES - Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000147.000071744.html - anchor: #n536145 Actus signs an agreement to become Secto Design's exclusive general retailer in Japan and begins selling a signature product. ## A culmination! “Suite: The Buried Alive” by Hisashi Inoue, Yoshio Inoue and Tamiya Kuriyama set to be staged! Takiji Kobayashi returns in 2027 - Published: 2026-05-28T18:10:01+09:00 - Source: Japan | PR TIMES - Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000001300.000028143.html - anchor: #n536147 Hisashi Inoue's final work, “Suite: The Buried Alive,” is set to return to the stage in 2027. The production is billed as a culmination, with the original creative team, including the lead and director. ## Status of the “Choice 3” (3% commission rate) rollout and future initiatives in light of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' request - Published: 2026-05-28T18:10:01+09:00 - Source: Japan | PR TIMES - Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000001582.000026811.html - anchor: #n536146 Trustbank reports on the rollout of “Choice 3,” with its 3% commission rate, and states its commitment to aligning with the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications' policy. ## Preliminary consolidated results for fiscal year 2026 ending in March (3) - Published: 2026-05-28T17:59:32+09:00 - Source: Japan | PR TIMES - Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000553.000013913.html - anchor: #n536142 One of Japan’s largest pachinko hall operators. The company is restructuring its business portfolio, a process involving a temporary decline in earnings, as it reforms its existing businesses and invests in new ventures. ## Shonan Mazda Presents “Shonan Beach Clean” - Published: 2026-05-28T17:57:49+09:00 - Source: Japan | PR TIMES - Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000002.000184213.html - anchor: #n536143 A local media outlet and an auto dealership are teaming up to hold a cleanup and educational event on Enoshima on the same day during Environment Month, aiming to boost the local brand and foster environmental awareness. ## The difference between companies that “solve” labor shortages by hiring foreign drivers and those that “make them even worse”: An explanation of key points on systems, recruitment and helping workers thrive - Published: 2026-05-28T17:56:55+09:00 - Source: Japan | PR TIMES - Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000022.000170492.html - anchor: #n536144 Announcement of a practical seminar on using and retaining foreign workers with Specified Skilled Worker status to address the logistics industry’s severe driver shortage. ## Japan’s first trial of biodiesel fuel derived from rice bran oil in airport service vehicles begins at Yamagata Airport - Published: 2026-05-28T17:40:29+09:00 - Source: Japan | PR TIMES - Original: https://prtimes.jp/main/html/rd/p/000000011.000067698.html - anchor: #n536141 The world’s first airport biofuel demonstration project using rice bran oil byproducts, conducted through industry-academia collaboration.